The Meek
Matthew 5: 5
Meekness is the disposition of spirit in the believer toward God which affects the believer's disposition toward men and the believer's disposition toward his lot in life.
Blessed are the Meek
First, a spirit of meekness is not of man, but of the Spirit of God (Gal 5: 22, 23.) The carnal man can not help but strive by his power and his might because he is under the dominion of sin. The meek man can not help but trust God and be bold to declare the truth because he is under the dominion of the Spirit of Christ Jesus, the Meek.
Secondly, since the believer has been brought to submit to God, a spirit of meekness endeavors to never compromise the plain truth of God no matter to whom we speak (1 Pe 3:15; I Cor 2: 3.) There is a fake meekness which is regarded highly by man. It is the disposition of spirit which compromises the gospel in order to get along with men. God the Holy Spirit calls it "using wisdom of words", "making the cross of Christ of no effect." In reality, while it is a show of meekness toward men it is really a bold, defiant, stiff-necked, hardhearted spirit toward God. It is anything but meekness. For examples of meekness to God see: Daniel 3: 16-18; Acts 4: 18-20.
Next, a spirit of meekness is needed to teach sinners. The carnal man whose apparent meekness is simply the acting of his own flesh shows his true heart because he will not have anyone rebuke him, he will not bow to instruction. He insists on continuing in his rebellion, dividing the brethen, while imagining his outward show is true meekness. Still, those who are truly meek continue to deal gently toward one such as this by uncompromisingly continuing to set before them the truth of God come what may, because we know that such a one only opposes himself (2 Timothy 2: 24, 25.)
Fourthly, because the believer submits to God this spirit of meekness accepts God's dealing with us in providence as good, even when it causes us sorrow. If evil is inflicted upon the meek man, he knows that the evil inflicted upon him from others is permitted by God. It will serve to separate our affections from this world and cause us to rely more upon our God. So the meek man trusts God to provide for him (Is 41: 17; Ps 147: 6; 149: 4; Is 11: 4; Numbers 12: 1-4--Confidence toward God in the face of such opposition, enough to cast your care on God without a word to men, is the fruit God created and why Moses is called the meekest man.)
Lastly, the blessing which creates this fruit of meekness comes through faith in Christ alone. The meek man knows he is the righteousness of God in Christ; the meek man knows he is sanctified in Christ; the meek man knows he is complete in Christ; the meek man knows that as Christ is in heaven right now, so the meek man is even now in this world. Therefore, having Christ our All, why would the meek man strive with the potsherds of this earth? Why would he turn from God when the clouds grow dark? Being born of the Spirit of Christ, and kept through the Spirit, is what makes a man continue in meekness. (Is 50:4-9; Luke 22:63; I Pet 2:23-25; Mt 5:38-42.)
For They Shall Inherit the Earth
Just as he has done throughout the beatitudes the Lord gives us another paradox. These words, "Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven" is strange to the carnal man who can not conceive of how those who are bankrupt sinners could be given the kingdom of God; "Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted" is backwards to the man of this world who regards blessing as getting his way. Now the Lord says, "Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth."
The meek man appears to the world as one who will gain nothing, a push-over, etc…though the meek man is anything but that. The man who uses a heavy hand to insist on having his way appears to the world to be a blessed man with much gain. Herein is the paradox. That man, who appears to have gained much by the strength of his own hand, shall have nothing. Yet, the man who rests in the promise of God trusting Christ alone is the one Christ says shall be given everything freely by God in the new heavens and the new earth. Inheritance is a gift from the Father. It can not be earned. (For a good contrast read the book of Esther. Notice the difference of spirit and the end of both, Mordecai the Meek and Haman the Haughty.)