KINGDOM CHARACTER: Gentleness
Notes
Transcript
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,
INTRO—
INTRO—
From “How to stay out of trouble with God” (just a couple of Sundays ago), to “How do we live our lives to please God?” [“Able to please God”]
Follow Jesus (enabled by his Kingdom Life (John 15.1-8), who said (& did)—
Matthew 11:29 “Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, because I am lowly and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.”
Our Goal = BE LIKE JESUS!
GENTLENESS— Meekness, Mildness, Humbleness (Humility)
Galatians 5:23 “gentleness, and self-control. The law is not against such things.”
Soooo…what’s the big deal about gentleness?
GENTLENESS:
GENTLENESS:
HOW WE RECEIVE GOD’S WORD
James 1:19–21 “My dear brothers and sisters, understand this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to anger, for human anger does not accomplish God’s righteousness. Therefore, ridding yourselves of all moral filth and the evil that is so prevalent, humbly receive the implanted word, which is able to save your souls.” [U = v. 21]
HOW WE SHOW (DEMONSTRATE) WISDOM & UNDERSTANDING
James 3:13 “Who among you is wise and understanding? By his good conduct he should show that his works are done in the gentleness that comes from wisdom.”
HOW WE DO ‘LIFE TOGETHER’ (AS A/THE CHURCH)
Ephesians 4:1–6 “Therefore I, the prisoner in the Lord, urge you to walk worthy of the calling you have received, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, making every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit—just as you were called to one hope at your calling—one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is above all and through all and in all.” [U = v. 2]
Colossians 3:12–17 “Therefore, as God’s chosen ones, holy and dearly loved, put on compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience, bearing with one another and forgiving one another if anyone has a grievance against another. Just as the Lord has forgiven you, so you are also to forgive. Above all, put on love, which is the perfect bond of unity. And let the peace of Christ, to which you were also called in one body, rule your hearts. And be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell richly among you, in all wisdom teaching and admonishing one another through psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts. And whatever you do, in word or in deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.” [u = v. 12]
HOW WE TEACH (INSTRUCT OUR OPPONENTS (CHALLENGERS)
2 Timothy 2.24-25 “The Lord’s servant must not quarrel, but must be gentle to everyone, able to teach, and patient, instructing his opponents with gentleness. Perhaps God will grant them repentance leading them to the knowledge of the truth.” [U = v. 25]
1 Peter 3:13–17 “Who then will harm you if you are devoted to what is good? But even if you should suffer for righteousness, you are blessed. Do not fear them or be intimidated, but in your hearts regard Christ the Lord as holy, ready at any time to give a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you. Yet do this with gentleness and reverence, keeping a clear conscience, so that when you are accused, those who disparage your good conduct in Christ will be put to shame. For it is better to suffer for doing good, if that should be God’s will, than for doing evil.” [U = v. 16]
HOW WE FIND REST
Matthew 11:29 “Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, because I am lowly and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.”
HOW WE LIVE OUR LIVES
Titus 3:1–5 “Remind them to submit to rulers and authorities, to obey, to be ready for every good work, to slander no one, to avoid fighting, and to be kind, always showing gentleness to all people. For we too were once foolish, disobedient, deceived, enslaved by various passions and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful, detesting one another. But when the kindness of God our Savior and his love for mankind appeared, he saved us—not by works of righteousness that we had done, but according to his mercy—through the washing of regeneration and renewal by the Holy Spirit.” [U = v. 2]
CONCL—
CONCL—
HOW WE ARE BLESSED [Blessed Are…]
Matthew 5:5 “Blessed are the humble, for they will inherit the earth.”
Psalm 37:11 “But the humble will inherit the land and will enjoy abundant prosperity.”
INVITATION
Salvation
SINFUL HABIT
Galatians 6:1–2 “Brothers and sisters, if someone is overtaken in any wrongdoing, you who are spiritual, restore such a person with a gentle spirit, watching out for yourselves so that you also won’t be tempted. Carry one another’s burdens; in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.” [U = v.1]
Gentleness
gentleness, and self-control. The law is not against such things.