1. powerpoint presentation designed by claro ruiz vicente http://clarovicente.weebly.com Adult Bible Study Guide Jan Feb Mar 2010 Adult Bible Study Guide Jan Feb Mar 2010

2. Dear User … This PowerPoint Show is freely shared to all who may find it beneficial. While intended primarily for personal use, some find it useful for teaching the lesson in church. There are those, however, who add illustrations, change background, adjust font size, etc. While their intention may be good, this is not right. Slide #1 says “designed by claro ruiz vicente.” For honest Christians, it is not necessary for another’s creation to be copyrighted in order to be respected. PLEASE USE AS IS. The Fruit of the Spirit An Appeal

3. Contributor Richard O’Ffill Principal Contributor T HE F RUIT OF THE S PIRIT

4. The Fruit of the Spirit Contents 1. “By Their FRUIT…” 2. The Fruit of the Spirit Is LOVE 3. The Fruit of the Spirit Is JOY 4. The Fruit of the Spirit Is PEACE 5. The Fruit of the Spirit Is PATIENCE 6. The Fruit of the Spirit Is KINDNESS 7. The Fruit of the Spirit Is GOODNESS 8. The Fruit of the Spirit Is FAITHFULNESS 9. The Fruit of the Spirit Is MEEKNESS 10. The Fruit of the Spirit Is SELF-CONTROL 11. The Fruit of the Spirit Is RIGHTEOUSNESS 12. The Fruit of the Spirit Is TRUTH 13. The Fruit of the Spirit: The Essence of CHRISTIAN CHARACTER

5. The Fruit of the Spirit Our Goal {5} The purpose of this quarter’s lessons is not to focus on how we can become more patient or more loving or more gentle or more faithful but on how we can let the Holy Spirit make us more like Jesus, who is patience, love, gentleness, and faithfulness personified.

6. The Fruit of the Spirit Lesson 9, February 27 The Fruit of the Spirit Lesson 9, February 27 The Fruit of the Spirit Is Meekness

7. Key Text Matthew 5:5 NKJV “ ‘Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.’ ” “Happy are those who claim nothing, for the whole earth will belong to them!” Phillips.

8. The Fruit of the Spirit Is Meekness Initial Words {111} What is meekness? It’s an attitude of humility toward God and gentleness toward people—when we recognize that God is in control and that we can trust Him. Meekness is the result of a person’s conscious choice to trust in God, as opposed to pushing for one’s own ways. Thus, meekness arises out of strength, not weakness.

9. The Fruit of the Spirit Is Meekness Quick Look 1. The Meekness of God (Matthew 11:29) 2. Models of Meekness (Ephesians 4:1, 2) 3. Manifesting Meekness (Zechariah 2:3)

10. The Fruit of the Spirit Is Meekness 1. The Meekness of God Matthew 11:29 “ ‘Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.’ ”

11. 1.The Meekness of God Lowly in Heart {112} The meek person is not occupied with self— an attitude that’s key to the promise of finding rest for our souls. After all, aren’t our turmoil and agitation so often due to seeking only for ourselves and what we want? A meek person is one who has learned to die to self, and that takes faith, courage, and perseverance, not necessarily traits the world would associate with meekness.

12. 1.The Meekness of God Lowly in Heart {112} Why should any Christian be arrogant about anything? Are we not all utterly dependent upon God for every breath, every heartbeat? Does not every gift and talent we have come from God? What then do we have to be proud about? Nothing! Indeed, considering all that it cost to save us, Christians should be the meekest and humblest folks on earth

13. The Fruit of the Spirit Is Meekness 2. Models of Meekness Ephesians 4:1, 2 ESV “ I... urge you to walk in an manner worthy of the calling with which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness with patience, bearing with one another in love….”

14. 2. Models of Meekness Abraham, Joseph, David {114} Abraham allowed Lot to choose first, saying that he would take what was left over. How did Joseph’s meekness determine how he treated his brothers? Had he not been meek, what would he probably have done? David had two opportunities to kill Saul. If David had not been meek, what might have been his rationalization for killing Saul?

15. 2. Models of Meekness Moses and Jesus {114} Moses is described as the meekest man of his time. Yet, his decisive actions do not seem to fit the popular concept of meekness. We find examples of Jesus doing things that don’t appear to be meek, such as when He drove the money changers out of the temple. How do these examples help us understand that meekness can be manifested in some very bold ways?

16. Zephaniah 2:3 NKJV “Seek righteousness, seek humility. It may be that you will be hidden in the day of the Lord’s anger.” The Fruit of the Spirit Is Meekness 3. Manifesting Meekness

17. Importance of Meekness {116} Necessary for receiving God’s Word. A person who does not have a humble spirit cannot receive God’s Word because there is a conflict of interest. Necessary for effective witnessing. A consistent life, characterized by the meekness of Christ, is a power in the world. Gives glory to God. “In the sight of God is of great price.”

18. Meekness will be manifested in how we relate to others. That is, it’s something that is active, something that will reveal itself in our words, attitudes, and actions. You might think that you are meek, but that doesn’t necessarily mean that you are. To be meek is to manifest meekness. 3. Manifesting Meekness Practicing Meekness {118}

19. Psalm 25:9, Guided. Psalm 147:6, Lifted. Isaiah 29:19, Rejoice in the Lord. Matthew 5:5, Inherit the earth. The rewards can be experienced now and, most surely, in the new heaven and new earth of eternity. 3. Manifesting Meekness The Meek’s Reward {120}

20. Counsels on Health 403 Final Words {122} “The meekness and lowliness of Christ is the Christian’s power. It is indeed more precious than all things which genius can create or wealth can buy. Of all things that are sought, cherished, and cultivated, there is nothing so valuable in the sight of God as a pure heart, a disposition imbued with thankfulness and peace.”