The concept of receiving the Scriptures with meekness is deeply rooted in the biblical narrative and is essential for a proper understanding and application of God's Word. Meekness, in this context, refers to a humble and teachable spirit, open to the guidance and correction of the Holy Spirit through the Scriptures.

Biblical Foundation

The call to receive the Scriptures with meekness is explicitly stated in the Epistle of James. James 1:21 exhorts believers: "Therefore, get rid of all moral filth and every expression of evil, and humbly receive the word planted in you, which can save your souls." This passage highlights the necessity of a humble disposition to fully embrace the transformative power of God's Word.

The Role of Meekness in Understanding

Meekness is crucial for understanding the Scriptures because it acknowledges human limitations and the need for divine wisdom. Proverbs 3:5-6 advises, "Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight." A meek heart is one that trusts in God's wisdom over personal insight, allowing the Scriptures to illuminate the path of righteousness.

Examples of Meekness in Scripture

Several biblical figures exemplify the virtue of meekness in their reception of God's Word. Moses, described as "very humble, more than any man on the face of the earth" (Numbers 12:3), received God's commandments with a spirit of obedience and reverence. Similarly, Mary, the mother of Jesus, demonstrated meekness when she responded to the angel Gabriel's message with, "I am the Lord’s servant. May it happen to me according to your word" (Luke 1:38).

The Teachings of Jesus

Jesus Christ, the ultimate model of meekness, emphasized the importance of a humble heart in receiving divine truth. In the Beatitudes, He declared, "Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth" (Matthew 5:5). This beatitude underscores the value of meekness not only in interpersonal relationships but also in one's relationship with God's Word.

The Apostolic Example

The apostles, too, encouraged believers to approach the Scriptures with meekness. The Apostle Paul, in his letter to the Thessalonians, commended them for receiving the Word of God "not as the word of men, but as it truly is, the word of God, which is at work in you who believe" (1 Thessalonians 2:13). This reception required a humble acknowledgment of the divine authority of the Scriptures.

Practical Implications

Receiving the Scriptures with meekness involves a willingness to be corrected and transformed by God's Word. It requires setting aside personal biases and preconceived notions, allowing the Holy Spirit to guide one's understanding. This attitude fosters spiritual growth and maturity, as believers are conformed to the image of Christ through the renewing of their minds (Romans 12:2).

In summary, the Scriptures call for a reception marked by meekness, characterized by humility, teachability, and a readiness to submit to God's authority. This approach ensures that the transformative power of the Word is fully realized in the life of the believer.James 1:21
Why lay apart all filthiness and superfluity of naughtiness, and receive with meekness the engrafted word, which is able to save your souls.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

The Character of the Commonitory which the Legates Received ...
... of the Commonitory which the legates received against the ... of the times of religious
excitement, should by fear ... nor contrary to the holy Scriptures to ask for ...
/.../schaff/the seven ecumenical councils/canon xciii greek xcvi the.htm

Letter Li. (AD 399 or 400. )
... of yielding up, through fear of persecution, the Scriptures [1701] to ... they had forfeited
their episcopal office, they should have received ordination when ...
/.../augustine/the confessions and letters of st/letter li a d 399 or.htm

Marks of Having Received the Holy Ghost
... And without this love, though we should give all our ... marks are scattered up and down
the scriptures, whereby we ... know whether or not we have received the Holy ...
/.../selected sermons of george whitefield/marks of having received the.htm

Letter iv. On the Reading and Study of the Holy Scriptures
... The nourishment received from food depends less on the quantity ... (5.) In reading the
Scriptures, there are some subjects of inquiry which you should carry along ...
/.../a practical directory for young christian females/letter iv on the reading.htm

Whosoever Confesses that one God is the Author of Both Testaments ...
... false prophets, who, without having received the gift of ... in harmony with the Scriptures,
both without ... Him according to their ability, should suffer persecution ...
/.../irenaeus/against heresies/chapter xxxiii whosoever confesses that one.htm

Nor have I Undertaken that in the Present Discourse...
... then that some things in the Scriptures which are ... revealed, as though without them
whoso should be converted ... if, even after the Gospel received, without them ...
//christianbookshelf.org/augustine/against lying/section 25 nor have i.htm

Seventeenth Sunday after Trinity the Christian Calling and Unity.
... But Paul"in fact, the entire Scriptures"teaches no other ... who likewise serves in his
vocation received from God ... He should remember that he is not worthier in ...
/.../luther/epistle sermons vol iii/seventeenth sunday after trinity the.htm

The Seventh Season,
... with the authority of God in the Scriptures; and when ... the wrongs and injuries which
I have received?' If they ... from such troubles; that your temper should be so ...
//christianbookshelf.org/flavel/on keeping the heart/vii the seventh season.htm

John vii. 37, 38
... 9:55 ); and again, "For ye have not received the Spirit ... flesh should be done away,
that we should become friends ... tell us how it is that the Scriptures say that ...
/.../homilies on the gospel of st john and hebrews/homily li john vii 37.htm

Fourth Division.
... which we read of in the same Scriptures as appointed ... love for the things which are
seen, should condescend to ... the few who believed, the lame received power to ...
/.../augustine/the confessions and letters of st/fourth division.htm

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