Gentleness and Self-Control
Fruit of the Spirit • Sermon • Submitted
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· 48 viewsLooking at how being led by the Holy Spirit will show in our gentleness and self-control
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We have come to the conclusion of this series on the fruit of the Spirit. I have found this series to be very rewarding as we examine what Paul teaches about the conflict between being led by the Spirit of God or following the desires of the flesh – .
But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. For the desires of the flesh are against the Spirit, and the desires of the Spirit are against the flesh, for these are opposed to each other, to keep you from doing the things you want to do. But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law.
I) Gentleness
Difficult to translate – meek suggests weakness, while gentle suggests action, yet this describes an inward attitude of willing submission – – it is closely related to humility and self-control
But I will come to you soon, if the Lord wills, and I will find out not the talk of these arrogant people but their power. For the kingdom of God does not consist in talk but in power. What do you wish? Shall I come to you with a rod, or with love in a spirit of gentleness?
It is necessary for true submission – ; – even within the family –
Therefore put away all filthiness and rampant wickedness and receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls.
Who is wise and understanding among you? By his good conduct let him show his works in the meekness of wisdom. But if you have bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast and be false to the truth.
but let your adorning be the hidden person of the heart with the imperishable beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which in God’s sight is very precious.
Paul teaches his apprentices, Timothy and Titus, to remind all Christians to demonstrate this quality in their dealings with others – ;
But as for you, O man of God, flee these things. Pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, steadfastness, gentleness.
Remind them to be submissive to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready for every good work, to speak evil of no one, to avoid quarreling, to be gentle, and to show perfect courtesy toward all people.
Most importantly, we must show this in defending truth – – while helping the fallen (those in sin) – – or correcting those who oppose the truth –
but in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect,
Brothers, if anyone is caught in any transgression, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness. Keep watch on yourself, lest you too be tempted.
And the Lord’s servant must not be quarrelsome but kind to everyone, able to teach, patiently enduring evil, correcting his opponents with gentleness. God may perhaps grant them repentance leading to a knowledge of the truth, and they may come to their senses and escape from the snare of the devil, after being captured by him to do his will.
Of course, as with all such things, Jesus is the great example – ; ; – which is why He teaches that the gentle will inherit the earth –
I, Paul, myself entreat you, by the meekness and gentleness of Christ—I who am humble when face to face with you, but bold toward you when I am away!—
Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”
“Say to the daughter of Zion,
‘Behold, your king is coming to you,
humble, and mounted on a donkey,
on a colt, the foal of a beast of burden.’ ”
“Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.
II) Self-control
This term is as easy to translate as the other is difficult; it literally means strength in; temperance was an appropriate term in Middle English, but that has developed into the narrow meaning of not being addicted to alcohol; self-control is an excellent translation today
It aptly describes the training regimen of elite athletes – – and also describes one who is celibate by choice –
Every athlete exercises self-control in all things. They do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable.
But if they cannot exercise self-control, they should marry. For it is better to marry than to burn with passion.
Peter calls it one of the qualities that make us useful in God’s service – – while Paul frightened Felix with this term as it relates to God’s judgment –
For this very reason, make every effort to supplement your faith with virtue, and virtue with knowledge, and knowledge with self-control, and self-control with steadfastness, and steadfastness with godliness, and godliness with brotherly affection, and brotherly affection with love. For if these qualities are yours and are increasing, they keep you from being ineffective or unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. For whoever lacks these qualities is so nearsighted that he is blind, having forgotten that he was cleansed from his former sins. Therefore, brothers, be all the more diligent to confirm your calling and election, for if you practice these qualities you will never fall. For in this way there will be richly provided for you an entrance into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
And as he reasoned about righteousness and self-control and the coming judgment, Felix was alarmed and said, “Go away for the present. When I get an opportunity I will summon you.”
Elders must have this quality to adequately serve –
but hospitable, a lover of good, self-controlled, upright, holy, and disciplined.
III) Gentleness and self-control
Each of these pairs has been seen in connection in other passages, except this one
Yet, it is easy to see the connection in the definition of the terms, as each contains the concept of strength under control – to others and self
Concl: Do not let the desire of the flesh keep you from the wisdom of the Spirit. If we allow the Holy Spirit to guide our lives, we will see evidence in the fruit of the Spirit in these traits.