The Fruit of the Spirit is Gentleness-Meekness

1. Read: Galatians 5:22-23

2. About the Text:

1) The fruit of the Spirit are qualities that come from the Spirit.

2) This means that they are under God’s and our control.

3) Gentleness/Meekness was a common virtue in the Greek world.

4) It meant that someone was even tempered, not given to extremes.

5) They did not let their emotions get the better of them.

6) The quality is also associated with humility.

3. Ref. to S, T, P, O, and A.

1. We need to moderate our passions.

1) Unregulated passions lead to sin – James 1:14-15.

2) This becomes the lusts of the flesh – Galatians 5:19-21.

2. We need peace in our lives.

1) The lusts of the flesh create conflict, turmoil, unrest, and anxiety.

2) Practicing meekness give peace.

3) “These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world” (John 16:33).

3. God will bless us.

1) “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:6-7).

2) “Blessed are the meek, For they shall inherit the earth” (Matthew 5:5).

1. We want to have good relationships with other people.

1) “Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others” (Philippians 2:3-4).

2) Not necessarily having your way.

2. Aids in getting along with the government.

1) “Remind them to be subject to rulers and authorities, to obey, to be ready for every good work, to speak evil of no one, to be peaceable, gentle, showing all humility to all men” (Titus 2:1-2).

3. Aids in Forgiveness

1) “Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, put on tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, longsuffering; bearing with one another, and forgiving one another, if anyone has a complaint against another; even as Christ forgave you, so you also must do” (Colossians 3:12-13).

4. Keeps the Church together.

1) For Unity – “I, therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you to walk worthy of the calling with which you were called, with all lowliness and gentleness, with longsuffering, bearing with one another in love, endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace” (Ephesians 4:1-3).

2) Restoration – “Brethren, if a man is overtaken in any trespass, you who are spiritual restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness, considering yourself lest you also be tempted” (Galatians 6:1).

1. It makes for a good relationship with God.

2. Jesus was meek –

1) Zechariah 9:9 / Matthew 21:5 – “Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion! Shout, O daughter of Jerusalem! Behold, your King is coming to you; He is just and having salvation, Lowly and riding on a donkey, A colt, the foal of a donkey.”

2) Philippians 2:5-8

3. God wants this attitude for those in His kingdom.

1) Matthew 5:5 – “Blessed are the meek.”

2) “I will leave in your midst A meek and humble people, And they shall trust in the name of the LORD” (Zephaniah 3:12).

4. Prevents being judged by God – “Seek the LORD, all you meek of the earth, Who have upheld His justice. Seek righteousness, seek humility. It may be that you will be hidden In the day of the LORD’s anger” (Zephaniah 2:3).

5. Aids in Preaching the Gospel – “But you, O man of God, flee these things and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, gentleness” (1 Timothy 6:11).

1. The Fruit of the Spirit is Gentleness/Meekness because it helps us . . .

1) Personally

2) Socially

3) Spiritually

2. Invitation