The Fruit of the Spirit Part IV: Faithfulness, Meekness, Self-Control Galatians 5:22-24

The Division of the Fruit In the first division of fruit of the Spirit we discussed virtues of the mind, attitude: In the first division of fruit of the Spirit we discussed virtues of the mind, attitude: – Love, – Joy, – Peace. In the second division we discussed virtues that relate to our conduct toward others: In the second division we discussed virtues that relate to our conduct toward others: – Longsuffering, – Kindness, – Goodness. In this final section we will be discussing virtues that deal with our conduct toward all persons, but especially toward God and self: In this final section we will be discussing virtues that deal with our conduct toward all persons, but especially toward God and self: – Faithfulness, – Gentleness, – Self-control.

Faithfulness pisitis : primarily “firm persuasion,” a conviction based on hearing…faithfulness. pisitis : primarily “firm persuasion,” a conviction based on hearing…faithfulness. This is a moral conviction that one has who is devoted to God’s righteousness and to receiving His promises (Matt. 6:33). This is a moral conviction that one has who is devoted to God’s righteousness and to receiving His promises (Matt. 6:33). –Vine, “trust or holy fervor born of faith and conjoined with it.” –i.e. Faith that God exists, He is Supreme ruler of the universe, and our Creator and Savior results in one’s conviction of, “I must not sin.”

Faithfulness Joseph showed this kind of faithfulness. Joseph showed this kind of faithfulness. –Gen. 39:1-9 –Vs. 9: “ How can I do this great wickedness and sin against God ?” –He had great faith in God. –He saw the wickedness of the situation, he knew the righteousness of God. –Because of His faith in God and his knowledge of God’s righteousnessw, Joseph refused to take part in this wickedness. –His decision to uphold God’s righteous standard was the evidence or manifestation of His faithfulness.

Faithfulness Abraham showed this kind of faithfulness. Abraham showed this kind of faithfulness. –Rom. 4:19-22 –Not being weak in faith (faithfulness): He had great confidence in the promises of God. –Where most men would not think of having children at 100 years of age, Abraham’s confidence caused him to think otherwise. –Being strengthened in faith: Where most men would have given up trying to have children at his age, he was strengthened and continued on, even 25 years after he first received the promise (Gen. 12:2, 4). –Abraham’s faith in God caused Him to follow God, even in the face of great uncertainty (Heb. 11:8-10)

Gentleness, Meekness prautes : gentleness or meekness. “…an inwrought grace of the soul…the exercises of it are chiefly toward God” (Vine). prautes : gentleness or meekness. “…an inwrought grace of the soul…the exercises of it are chiefly toward God” (Vine). It is described as mildness or humility. It is described as mildness or humility. See how it is used by James in 1:21; 3:13. See how it is used by James in 1:21; 3:13. –Receive it with gentleness and humility. How? –1:22—hear it and do it. Requires submission. –3:13—The manner in which we must do our works is with meekness. The opposite of arrogance or haughtiness.

Gentleness, Meekness Not to be seen as weakness. Not to be seen as weakness. –The world likens meakness with weakness or having no backbone. –But was Jesus weak? Never! Matt. 26:50-53 Never! Matt. 26:50-53 Why did He allow Himself to be taken? Vs. 54 Why did He allow Himself to be taken? Vs. 54 He showed meekness by humbly submitting to the will of God (Luke 22:42), even though He had the power and strength to escape. He showed meekness by humbly submitting to the will of God (Luke 22:42), even though He had the power and strength to escape. –Therefore He said, “ 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 ” (Matt. 11:29). –This is the fruit that God’s Spirit ought to bear in us.

Self-Control enkrateia : “strength, the controlling power of the will” (Vine). enkrateia : “strength, the controlling power of the will” (Vine). –For one to be meek and gentle requires great inward strength, as Jesus showed. –This inward strength is called self-control. –It is the control that one exercises over their body by use of their mind or will.

Self-Control, Temperance In order to be truly filled with the Spirit, we must control our bodies by stifling our temptations thereby allowing God’s righteousness to rule (Rom. 8:13). In order to be truly filled with the Spirit, we must control our bodies by stifling our temptations thereby allowing God’s righteousness to rule (Rom. 8:13). It takes practice; strength comes with time. It takes practice; strength comes with time. –Every time we face a temptation we are practicing control. –Everytime we are longsuffering we are practicing control. –The world would argue that sin is freedom, but the practice of sin is in fact slavery to that sin. –Only when we are in control of our own minds and bodies can we truly become free. One of the greatest motivations for self-control is love for God and love for others. One of the greatest motivations for self-control is love for God and love for others.

Concluding Thoughts Vs. 23: Against such there is no law. Vs. 23: Against such there is no law. Vs. 24:Those who are in Christ. Vs. 24:Those who are in Christ. –Are you in Christ? –The evidence that we are in Christ is the fact that we have crucified the flesh; we have shut it down so that it is no longer a controlling force in our lives.

Concluding Thoughts In the world “In Christ” Gospel Obedience Gal. 3:26-27 FleshSpirit

Concluding Thoughts Vs. 25: If we live in the Spirit. Vs. 25: If we live in the Spirit. –God, through the blood of Christ gives us life. –Because the Spirit of God reveals this through the gospel we are made alive in the Spirit. –If we want to retain that life we must also walk in the Spirit (conforming our conduct to the word which is revealed by the Spirit). The place to begin is by first obeying the gospel. Will you come? The place to begin is by first obeying the gospel. Will you come?