1. The Fruit of the Spirit – 4 Faithfulness, Meekness

2. Jesus said that we would be known by our fruits! What are the results coming from our hearts? (Mt 7:15-17)What are the results coming from our hearts? (Mt 7:15-17)

3. Jesus said that we would be known by our fruits! Matthew 7:15-17 (NKJV) - Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheeps clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves. 16 You will know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes from thornbushes or figs from thistles? 17Even so, every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit.Matthew 7:15-17 (NKJV) - Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheeps clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves. 16 You will know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes from thornbushes or figs from thistles? 17Even so, every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit.

4. Jesus said that we would be known by our fruits! Consider the blessedness of this fruit in our lives. (Gal 5:22-23)Consider the blessedness of this fruit in our lives. (Gal 5:22-23)

5. Jesus said that we would be known by our fruits! Galatians 5:22-23 (NKJV) - But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law.Galatians 5:22-23 (NKJV) - But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law.

6. Jesus said that we would be known by our fruits! This passage says fruit and not fruits! We must have all nine.This passage says fruit and not fruits! We must have all nine.

7. Jesus said that we would be known by our fruits! The acid test for this fruit is found in how we think of and treat others.The acid test for this fruit is found in how we think of and treat others.

8. The fruit of the Spirit – Faithfulness What is faithfulness? What is faithfulness? Pistis (1) active, as belief directed toward a person or thing confidence, faith, trust, reliance on (MT 9.2);…(c) as a decision to be faithful and loyal to the Christian religion promise, pledge, commitment (1T 5.12); …(3) passive; (a) of what brings trust and confidence from others faithfulness, fidelity, reliability (TI 2.10);Pistis (1) active, as belief directed toward a person or thing confidence, faith, trust, reliance on (MT 9.2);…(c) as a decision to be faithful and loyal to the Christian religion promise, pledge, commitment (1T 5.12); …(3) passive; (a) of what brings trust and confidence from others faithfulness, fidelity, reliability (TI 2.10);

9. The fruit of the Spirit – Faithfulness (b) as what inspires confidence pledge, (means of) proof, guarantee (AC 17.31);.. Frieberg(b) as what inspires confidence pledge, (means of) proof, guarantee (AC 17.31);.. Frieberg The quality of reliability, trustworthiness, which makes a man a person on whom we can utterly rely and whose word we can utterly accept. - BarclayThe quality of reliability, trustworthiness, which makes a man a person on whom we can utterly rely and whose word we can utterly accept. - Barclay When speaking of God in contrast to men we see a giant gap. (Rom 3:3)When speaking of God in contrast to men we see a giant gap. (Rom 3:3)

10. The fruit of the Spirit – Faithfulness Romans 3:3 (NKJV) - For what if some did not believe? Will their unbelief make the faithfulness of God without effect?,Romans 3:3 (NKJV) - For what if some did not believe? Will their unbelief make the faithfulness of God without effect?,

11. The fruit of the Spirit – Faithfulness Jesus wants us to know that He is faithful. (Rev 1:5; 19:11; Heb 2:17)Jesus wants us to know that He is faithful. (Rev 1:5; 19:11; Heb 2:17)

12. The fruit of the Spirit – Faithfulness Revelation 1:5 (NKJV) - and from Jesus Christ, the faithful witness, the firstborn from the dead, and the ruler over the kings of the earth. To Him who loved us and washed us from our sins in His own blood,Revelation 1:5 (NKJV) - and from Jesus Christ, the faithful witness, the firstborn from the dead, and the ruler over the kings of the earth. To Him who loved us and washed us from our sins in His own blood,

13. The fruit of the Spirit – Faithfulness Revelation 19:11 (NKJV) - Now I saw heaven opened, and behold, a white horse. And He who sat on him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness He judges and makes war.Revelation 19:11 (NKJV) - Now I saw heaven opened, and behold, a white horse. And He who sat on him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness He judges and makes war.

14. The fruit of the Spirit – Faithfulness Hebrews 2:17 (NKJV) - Therefore, in all things He had to be made like His brethren, that He might be a merciful and faithful High Priest in things pertaining to God, to make propitiation for the sins of the people.Hebrews 2:17 (NKJV) - Therefore, in all things He had to be made like His brethren, that He might be a merciful and faithful High Priest in things pertaining to God, to make propitiation for the sins of the people.

15. The fruit of the Spirit – Faithfulness Have you ever had someone to sell you out behind your back? Who can find a faithful man? Make that person your friend!Have you ever had someone to sell you out behind your back? Who can find a faithful man? Make that person your friend! Jesus knew this about men! (Jn 2:24-25)Jesus knew this about men! (Jn 2:24-25)

16. The fruit of the Spirit – Faithfulness John 2:24-25 (NKJV) - But Jesus did not commit Himself to them, because He knew all men, 25 and had no need that anyone should testify of man, for He knew what was in man.John 2:24-25 (NKJV) - But Jesus did not commit Himself to them, because He knew all men, 25 and had no need that anyone should testify of man, for He knew what was in man.

17. The fruit of the Spirit – Faithfulness Consider the value of faithfulnessConsider the value of faithfulness You can turn things over to another and know it will go well. (1 Cor 4:2)You can turn things over to another and know it will go well. (1 Cor 4:2)

18. The fruit of the Spirit – Faithfulness 1 Corinthians 4:2 (NKJV) - Moreover it is required in stewards that one be found faithful.1 Corinthians 4:2 (NKJV) - Moreover it is required in stewards that one be found faithful.

19. The fruit of the Spirit – Faithfulness With this quality the Lords work will be accomplished. (1 Tim 1:12; 2 Tim 2:2)With this quality the Lords work will be accomplished. (1 Tim 1:12; 2 Tim 2:2)

20. The fruit of the Spirit – Faithfulness 1 Timothy 1:12 (NKJV) - And I thank Christ Jesus our Lord who has enabled me, because He counted me faithful, putting me into the ministry,1 Timothy 1:12 (NKJV) - And I thank Christ Jesus our Lord who has enabled me, because He counted me faithful, putting me into the ministry,

21. The fruit of the Spirit – Faithfulness 2 Timothy 2:2 (NKJV) - And the things that you have heard from me among many witnesses, commit these to faithful men who will be able to teach others also.2 Timothy 2:2 (NKJV) - And the things that you have heard from me among many witnesses, commit these to faithful men who will be able to teach others also.

22. The fruit of the Spirit – Faithfulness Those who serve as Elders must have this quality. The self-serving Shepard quickly sacrifices the sheep for his own desires. (Jn 10:11-13)Those who serve as Elders must have this quality. The self-serving Shepard quickly sacrifices the sheep for his own desires. (Jn 10:11-13)

23. The fruit of the Spirit – Faithfulness John 10:11-13 (NKJV) - I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd gives His life for the sheep. 12 But a hireling, he who is not the shepherd, one who does not own the sheep, sees the wolf coming and leaves the sheep and flees; and the wolf catches the sheep and scatters them. 13 The hireling flees because he is a hireling and does not care about the sheep.John 10:11-13 (NKJV) - I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd gives His life for the sheep. 12 But a hireling, he who is not the shepherd, one who does not own the sheep, sees the wolf coming and leaves the sheep and flees; and the wolf catches the sheep and scatters them. 13 The hireling flees because he is a hireling and does not care about the sheep.

24. The fruit of the Spirit – Faithfulness Other terms used are loyalty, fidelity, and honesty.Other terms used are loyalty, fidelity, and honesty.

25. The fruit of the Spirit – Faithfulness Every aspect of our work together will succeed or fail on this.Every aspect of our work together will succeed or fail on this. Gods promises allow us to take great risks by faith because we know what God will do. He will not sell us out! (Heb 10:23-24; 11:11; 1 Pt 4:19)Gods promises allow us to take great risks by faith because we know what God will do. He will not sell us out! (Heb 10:23-24; 11:11; 1 Pt 4:19)

26. The fruit of the Spirit – Faithfulness Hebrews 10:23-24 (NKJV) - Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful. 24 And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works,Hebrews 10:23-24 (NKJV) - Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful. 24 And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works,

27. The fruit of the Spirit – Faithfulness Hebrews 11:11 (NKJV) - By faith Sarah herself also received strength to conceive seed, and she bore a child when she was past the age, because she judged Him faithful who had promised.Hebrews 11:11 (NKJV) - By faith Sarah herself also received strength to conceive seed, and she bore a child when she was past the age, because she judged Him faithful who had promised.

28. The fruit of the Spirit – Faithfulness 1 Peter 4:19 (NKJV) - Therefore let those who suffer according to the will of God commit their souls to Him in doing good, as to a faithful Creator.1 Peter 4:19 (NKJV) - Therefore let those who suffer according to the will of God commit their souls to Him in doing good, as to a faithful Creator.

29. The fruit of the Spirit – Faithfulness Am I a faithful person?Am I a faithful person?

30. The fruit of the Spirit – Faithfulness Can I be depended on?Can I be depended on? Can others confide in me without being sold out by gossip? Consider what happens to a church when you cannot trust others. (2 Cor 12:20)Can others confide in me without being sold out by gossip? Consider what happens to a church when you cannot trust others. (2 Cor 12:20)

31. The fruit of the Spirit – Faithfulness 2 Corinthians 12:20 (NKJV) - For I fear lest, when I come, I shall not find you such as I wish, and that I shall be found by you such as you do not wish; lest there be contentions, jealousies, outbursts of wrath, selfish ambitions, backbitings, whisperings, conceits, tumults;2 Corinthians 12:20 (NKJV) - For I fear lest, when I come, I shall not find you such as I wish, and that I shall be found by you such as you do not wish; lest there be contentions, jealousies, outbursts of wrath, selfish ambitions, backbitings, whisperings, conceits, tumults;

32. The fruit of the Spirit – Faithfulness We must always put the best interpretation on the actions of others and be very careful not to accept harmful testimony in an unjust way. (Prov 18:17, 19; Jn 7:24)We must always put the best interpretation on the actions of others and be very careful not to accept harmful testimony in an unjust way. (Prov 18:17, 19; Jn 7:24)

33. The fruit of the Spirit – Faithfulness Proverbs 18:17 (NKJV) - The first one to plead his cause seems right, Until his neighbor comes and examines him.Proverbs 18:17 (NKJV) - The first one to plead his cause seems right, Until his neighbor comes and examines him.

34. The fruit of the Spirit – Faithfulness Proverbs 18:19 (NKJV) - A brother offended is harder to win than a strong city, And contentions are like the bars of a castle.Proverbs 18:19 (NKJV) - A brother offended is harder to win than a strong city, And contentions are like the bars of a castle.

35. The fruit of the Spirit – Faithfulness John 7:24 (NKJV) - Do not judge according to appearance, but judge with righteous judgment.John 7:24 (NKJV) - Do not judge according to appearance, but judge with righteous judgment.

36. The fruit of the Spirit – Faithfulness Consider how this is combined with the other fruit of the Spirit to make one a powerful tool in building up others for the Lord!Consider how this is combined with the other fruit of the Spirit to make one a powerful tool in building up others for the Lord!

37. The sign of true Christian Character --- Meekness (gentleness) What is meekness? – prautes- as a quality of gentle friendliness gentleness, meekness (as strength that accommodates to another's weakness), consideration – FriebergWhat is meekness? – prautes- as a quality of gentle friendliness gentleness, meekness (as strength that accommodates to another's weakness), consideration – Frieberg

38. The sign of true Christian Character --- Meekness (gentleness) The word "parus is seen in that it lies between excessive anger (Gr. origates) and exessive angerlessness (Gr. aorgisia). It is true composure, i.e., the ability to be angry at the right times and never angry at the wrong time. Rightly so, the Greeks used praus (meek) for a tamed beast (a horse once wild, but now obedient to bit and saddle).The word "parus is seen in that it lies between excessive anger (Gr. origates) and exessive angerlessness (Gr. aorgisia). It is true composure, i.e., the ability to be angry at the right times and never angry at the wrong time. Rightly so, the Greeks used praus (meek) for a tamed beast (a horse once wild, but now obedient to bit and saddle).

39. The sign of true Christian Character --- Meekness (gentleness) Meekness is the very essence of Jesus character. (Mt 11:29; 2 Cor 10:1)Meekness is the very essence of Jesus character. (Mt 11:29; 2 Cor 10:1)

40. The sign of true Christian Character --- Meekness (gentleness) Matthew 11:29 (NKJV) - 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.Matthew 11:29 (NKJV) - 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.

41. The sign of true Christian Character --- Meekness (gentleness) 2 Corinthians 10:1 (NKJV) - Now I, Paul, myself am pleading with you by the meekness and gentleness of Christwho in presence am lowly among you, but being absent am bold toward you.2 Corinthians 10:1 (NKJV) - Now I, Paul, myself am pleading with you by the meekness and gentleness of Christwho in presence am lowly among you, but being absent am bold toward you.

42. The sign of true Christian Character --- Meekness (gentleness) Do you want to open your heart to a hot- head?Do you want to open your heart to a hot- head?

43. The sign of true Christian Character --- Meekness (gentleness) What happens in the home when our children are afraid to talk to us? (Eph 6:4)What happens in the home when our children are afraid to talk to us? (Eph 6:4)

44. The sign of true Christian Character --- Meekness (gentleness) Ephesians 6:4 (NKJV) - And you, fathers, do not provoke your children to wrath, but bring them up in the training and admonition of the Lord.Ephesians 6:4 (NKJV) - And you, fathers, do not provoke your children to wrath, but bring them up in the training and admonition of the Lord.

45. The sign of true Christian Character --- Meekness (gentleness) Moses is a great example of meekness. (Num 12:3)Moses is a great example of meekness. (Num 12:3)

46. The sign of true Christian Character --- Meekness (gentleness) Numbers 12:3 (NKJV) - (Now the man Moses was very humble, more than all men who were on the face of the earth.)Numbers 12:3 (NKJV) - (Now the man Moses was very humble, more than all men who were on the face of the earth.)

47. The sign of true Christian Character --- Meekness (gentleness) How do you respond to men who complain and murmur behind your back and at you personally? (Prov 16:32)How do you respond to men who complain and murmur behind your back and at you personally? (Prov 16:32)

48. The sign of true Christian Character --- Meekness (gentleness) Proverbs 16:32 (NKJV) - He who is slow to anger is better than the mighty, And he who rules his spirit than he who takes a city.Proverbs 16:32 (NKJV) - He who is slow to anger is better than the mighty, And he who rules his spirit than he who takes a city.

49. The sign of true Christian Character --- Meekness (gentleness) A great test of meekness is your response to unfair and unreasonable people. Do you really trust God? (Rom 12:21)A great test of meekness is your response to unfair and unreasonable people. Do you really trust God? (Rom 12:21)

50. The sign of true Christian Character --- Meekness (gentleness) Romans 12:21 (NKJV) - Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.Romans 12:21 (NKJV) - Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.

51. The sign of true Christian Character --- Meekness (gentleness) The work of God is accomplished by the meek.The work of God is accomplished by the meek. We cannot learn without meekness. Often the strongly opinionated man will not listen! (Jas 1:21)We cannot learn without meekness. Often the strongly opinionated man will not listen! (Jas 1:21)

52. The sign of true Christian Character --- Meekness (gentleness) James 1:21 (NKJV) - Therefore lay aside all filthiness and overflow of wickedness, and receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls.James 1:21 (NKJV) - Therefore lay aside all filthiness and overflow of wickedness, and receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls.

53. The sign of true Christian Character --- Meekness (gentleness) There is no arguing with Johnson; for, when his pistol misses fire, he knocks you down with the butt end of it.There is no arguing with Johnson; for, when his pistol misses fire, he knocks you down with the butt end of it. We has a good talk. To which his friend replied: Yes, sir, you tossed and gored several persons! – illustrations by BarclayWe has a good talk. To which his friend replied: Yes, sir, you tossed and gored several persons! – illustrations by Barclay

54. The sign of true Christian Character --- Meekness (gentleness) We must teach with meekness. We cannot open hearts without it. (1 Pt 3:15)We must teach with meekness. We cannot open hearts without it. (1 Pt 3:15)

55. The sign of true Christian Character --- Meekness (gentleness) 1 Peter 3:15 (NKJV) - But sanctify £the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear;1 Peter 3:15 (NKJV) - But sanctify £the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear;

56. The sign of true Christian Character --- Meekness (gentleness) This is the spirit we must have in restoring others and meeting opposition. (Gal 6:1; 2 Tim 2:25)This is the spirit we must have in restoring others and meeting opposition. (Gal 6:1; 2 Tim 2:25)

57. The sign of true Christian Character --- Meekness (gentleness) Galatians 6:1 (NKJV) - 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 (NKJV) - 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.

58. The sign of true Christian Character --- Meekness (gentleness) 2 Timothy 2:25 (NKJV) - in humility correcting those who are in opposition, if God perhaps will grant them repentance, so that they may know the truth,2 Timothy 2:25 (NKJV) - in humility correcting those who are in opposition, if God perhaps will grant them repentance, so that they may know the truth,

59. The sign of true Christian Character --- Meekness (gentleness) Have you ever had to eat fire?Have you ever had to eat fire?

60. The sign of true Christian Character --- Meekness (gentleness) Learn to meet the unfair critic by looking for truth in the barrage of anger and emotion. This is important in marriage!Learn to meet the unfair critic by looking for truth in the barrage of anger and emotion. This is important in marriage! Can people approach us or are they afraid of us?Can people approach us or are they afraid of us? It is encouraging to see the path God has put before us even though we have much growing to do! Our God will provide if we will let Him!It is encouraging to see the path God has put before us even though we have much growing to do! Our God will provide if we will let Him!