The Fruit of the Spirit – 4 Faithfulness, Meekness.

60
The Fruit of the The Fruit of the Spirit – 4 Spirit – 4 Faithfulness, Faithfulness, Meekness Meekness

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

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

The Fruit of the Spirit – 4The Fruit of the Spirit – 4Faithfulness, MeeknessFaithfulness, Meekness

Page 2: The Fruit of the Spirit – 4 Faithfulness, Meekness.

Jesus said that we would be known Jesus said that we would be known by our fruits!by our fruits!

• What are the results coming from our What are the results coming from our hearts? hearts? (Mt 7:15-17)(Mt 7:15-17)

Page 3: The Fruit of the Spirit – 4 Faithfulness, Meekness.

Jesus said that we would be known Jesus said that we would be known by our fruits!by our fruits!

• Matthew 7:15-17 (NKJV) Matthew 7:15-17 (NKJV) - “Beware of - “Beware of false prophets, who come to you in false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are inwardly they are ravenous wolvesravenous wolves. 16 . 16 You will know them You will know them by their fruitsby their fruits. Do men gather grapes from . Do men gather grapes from thornbushes or figs from thistles? 17Even thornbushes or figs from thistles? 17Even so, every so, every good tree bears good fruitgood tree bears good fruit, but a , but a bad tree bears bad fruitbad tree bears bad fruit..

Page 4: The Fruit of the Spirit – 4 Faithfulness, Meekness.

Jesus said that we would be known Jesus said that we would be known by our fruits!by our fruits!

• Consider the blessedness of this fruit in Consider the blessedness of this fruit in our lives. our lives. (Gal 5:22-23)(Gal 5:22-23)

Page 5: The Fruit of the Spirit – 4 Faithfulness, Meekness.

Jesus said that we would be known Jesus said that we would be known by our fruits!by our fruits!

• Galatians 5:22-23 (NKJV) Galatians 5:22-23 (NKJV) - But the fruit - But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulnessfaithfulness, 23 , 23 gentlenessgentleness, self-control. , self-control. Against such there is no law.Against such there is no law.

Page 6: The Fruit of the Spirit – 4 Faithfulness, Meekness.

Jesus said that we would be known Jesus said that we would be known by our fruits!by our fruits!

• This passage says “fruit” and not “fruits!” This passage says “fruit” and not “fruits!” We must have all nine.We must have all nine.

Page 7: The Fruit of the Spirit – 4 Faithfulness, Meekness.

Jesus said that we would be known Jesus said that we would be known by our fruits!by our fruits!

• The acid test for this fruit is found in how The acid test for this fruit is found in how we think of and treat others.we think of and treat others.

Page 8: The Fruit of the Spirit – 4 Faithfulness, Meekness.

The fruit of the Spirit – FaithfulnessThe fruit of the Spirit – Faithfulness

• What is faithfulness? What is faithfulness?

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

Page 9: The Fruit of the Spirit – 4 Faithfulness, Meekness.

The fruit of the Spirit – FaithfulnessThe fruit of the Spirit – Faithfulness

• (b) as what inspires confidence (b) as what inspires confidence pledge, pledge, (means of) proof, guarantee (means of) proof, guarantee (AC 17.31); .. (AC 17.31); .. FriebergFrieberg

• ““The quality of reliability, trustworthiness, The quality of reliability, trustworthiness, which makes a man a person on whom we which makes a man a person on whom we can utterly rely and whose word we can can utterly rely and whose word we can utterly accept.” - utterly accept.” - BarclayBarclay

• When speaking of God in contrast to men When speaking of God in contrast to men we see a giant gap. we see a giant gap. (Rom 3:3)(Rom 3:3)

Page 10: The Fruit of the Spirit – 4 Faithfulness, Meekness.

The fruit of the Spirit – FaithfulnessThe fruit of the Spirit – Faithfulness

• Romans 3:3 (NKJV) Romans 3:3 (NKJV) - For what if some - For what if some did not believe? Will their unbelief make did not believe? Will their unbelief make the faithfulness of God without effectthe faithfulness of God without effect?,?,

Page 11: The Fruit of the Spirit – 4 Faithfulness, Meekness.

The fruit of the Spirit – FaithfulnessThe fruit of the Spirit – Faithfulness

• Jesus wants us to know that He is faithful. Jesus wants us to know that He is faithful. (Rev 1:5; 19:11; Heb 2:17)(Rev 1:5; 19:11; Heb 2:17)

Page 12: The Fruit of the Spirit – 4 Faithfulness, Meekness.

The fruit of the Spirit – FaithfulnessThe fruit of the Spirit – Faithfulness

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

Page 13: The Fruit of the Spirit – 4 Faithfulness, Meekness.

The fruit of the Spirit – FaithfulnessThe fruit of the Spirit – Faithfulness

• Revelation 19:11 (NKJV) Revelation 19:11 (NKJV) - Now I saw - Now I saw heaven opened, and behold, a white heaven opened, and behold, a white horse. And He who sat on him horse. And He who sat on him waswas called called Faithful and TrueFaithful and True, and in righteousness He , and in righteousness He judges and makes war. judges and makes war.

Page 14: The Fruit of the Spirit – 4 Faithfulness, Meekness.

The fruit of the Spirit – FaithfulnessThe fruit of the Spirit – Faithfulness

• Hebrews 2:17 (NKJV) Hebrews 2:17 (NKJV) - Therefore, in all - Therefore, in all things He had to be made like things He had to be made like HisHis brethren, that He might be brethren, that He might be a merciful and a merciful and faithful High Priestfaithful High Priest in things in things pertainingpertaining to to God, to make propitiation for the sins of God, to make propitiation for the sins of the people.the people.

Page 15: The Fruit of the Spirit – 4 Faithfulness, Meekness.

The fruit of the Spirit – FaithfulnessThe fruit of the Spirit – Faithfulness

• Have you ever had someone to sell you Have you ever had someone to sell you out behind your back? Who can find a out behind your back? Who can find a faithful man? Make that person your faithful man? Make that person your friend!friend!

• Jesus knew this about men! Jesus knew this about men! (Jn 2:24-25)(Jn 2:24-25)

Page 16: The Fruit of the Spirit – 4 Faithfulness, Meekness.

The fruit of the Spirit – FaithfulnessThe fruit of the Spirit – Faithfulness

• John 2:24-25 (NKJV) John 2:24-25 (NKJV) - But Jesus - But Jesus did not did not commit Himself to themcommit Himself to them, , because He knew because He knew all all menmen,, 25 and had no need that anyone 25 and had no need that anyone should testify of man, for He knew what should testify of man, for He knew what was in man.was in man.

Page 17: The Fruit of the Spirit – 4 Faithfulness, Meekness.

The fruit of the Spirit – FaithfulnessThe fruit of the Spirit – Faithfulness

• Consider the value of faithfulnessConsider the value of faithfulness

• You can turn things over to another and You can turn things over to another and know it will go well. know it will go well. (1 Cor 4:2)(1 Cor 4:2)

Page 18: The Fruit of the Spirit – 4 Faithfulness, Meekness.

The fruit of the Spirit – FaithfulnessThe fruit of the Spirit – Faithfulness

• 1 Corinthians 4:2 (NKJV) 1 Corinthians 4:2 (NKJV) - Moreover it is - Moreover it is required in stewards required in stewards that one be found that one be found faithfulfaithful..

Page 19: The Fruit of the Spirit – 4 Faithfulness, Meekness.

The fruit of the Spirit – FaithfulnessThe fruit of the Spirit – Faithfulness

• With this quality the Lord’s work will be With this quality the Lord’s work will be accomplished. accomplished. (1 Tim 1:12; 2 Tim 2:2)(1 Tim 1:12; 2 Tim 2:2)

Page 20: The Fruit of the Spirit – 4 Faithfulness, Meekness.

The fruit of the Spirit – FaithfulnessThe fruit of the Spirit – Faithfulness

• 1 Timothy 1:12 (NKJV) 1 Timothy 1:12 (NKJV) - And I thank - And I thank Christ Jesus our Lord who has enabled Christ Jesus our Lord who has enabled me, because me, because He counted me faithfulHe counted me faithful, , putting putting meme into the ministry, into the ministry,

Page 21: The Fruit of the Spirit – 4 Faithfulness, Meekness.

The fruit of the Spirit – FaithfulnessThe fruit of the Spirit – Faithfulness

• 2 Timothy 2:2 (NKJV) 2 Timothy 2:2 (NKJV) - And the things - And the things that you have heard from me among many that you have heard from me among many witnesses, witnesses, commit these to faithful mencommit these to faithful men who will be able to teach others also.who will be able to teach others also.

Page 22: The Fruit of the Spirit – 4 Faithfulness, Meekness.

The fruit of the Spirit – FaithfulnessThe fruit of the Spirit – Faithfulness

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

Page 23: The Fruit of the Spirit – 4 Faithfulness, Meekness.

The fruit of the Spirit – FaithfulnessThe fruit of the Spirit – Faithfulness

• John 10:11-13 (NKJV) John 10:11-13 (NKJV) - “I am the good - “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd shepherd. The good shepherd gives His gives His life for the sheeplife for the sheep. 12 But a hireling, . 12 But a hireling, he who he who isis not the shepherd, one who does not not the shepherd, one who does not own the sheep, own the sheep, sees the wolf coming and sees the wolf coming and leaves the sheep and fleesleaves the sheep and flees; and the wolf ; and the wolf catches the sheep and scatters them. 13 catches the sheep and scatters them. 13 The hireling flees because he is a hireling The hireling flees because he is a hireling and and does not care about the sheepdoes not care about the sheep..

Page 24: The Fruit of the Spirit – 4 Faithfulness, Meekness.

The fruit of the Spirit – FaithfulnessThe fruit of the Spirit – Faithfulness

• Other terms used are “loyalty, fidelity, and Other terms used are “loyalty, fidelity, and honesty.”honesty.”

Page 25: The Fruit of the Spirit – 4 Faithfulness, Meekness.

The fruit of the Spirit – FaithfulnessThe fruit of the Spirit – Faithfulness

• Every aspect of our work together will Every aspect of our work together will succeed or fail on this.succeed or fail on this.

• God’s promises allow us to take great God’s promises allow us to take great risks by faith because we know what God risks by faith because we know what God will do. He will not sell us out! will do. He will not sell us out! (Heb 10:23-24; 11:11; 1 Pt 4:19)(Heb 10:23-24; 11:11; 1 Pt 4:19)

Page 26: The Fruit of the Spirit – 4 Faithfulness, Meekness.

The fruit of the Spirit – FaithfulnessThe fruit of the Spirit – Faithfulness

• Hebrews 10:23-24 (NKJV) Hebrews 10:23-24 (NKJV) - Let us hold - Let us hold fast the confession of fast the confession of ourour hope without hope without wavering, for wavering, for He who promised He who promised isis faithful faithful. . 24 And let us consider one another in 24 And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, order to stir up love and good works,

Page 27: The Fruit of the Spirit – 4 Faithfulness, Meekness.

The fruit of the Spirit – FaithfulnessThe fruit of the Spirit – Faithfulness

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

Page 28: The Fruit of the Spirit – 4 Faithfulness, Meekness.

The fruit of the Spirit – FaithfulnessThe fruit of the Spirit – Faithfulness

• 1 Peter 4:19 (NKJV) 1 Peter 4:19 (NKJV) - Therefore let those - Therefore let those who suffer according to the will of God who suffer according to the will of God commit their souls commit their souls to Himto Him in doing good, in doing good, as to as to a faithful Creatora faithful Creator..

Page 29: The Fruit of the Spirit – 4 Faithfulness, Meekness.

The fruit of the Spirit – FaithfulnessThe fruit of the Spirit – Faithfulness

• Am I a “faithful” person?Am I a “faithful” person?

Page 30: The Fruit of the Spirit – 4 Faithfulness, Meekness.

The fruit of the Spirit – FaithfulnessThe fruit of the Spirit – Faithfulness

• Can I be depended on?Can I be depended on?

• Can others confide in me without being Can others confide in me without being “sold out” by gossip? Consider what “sold out” by gossip? Consider what happens to a church when you cannot happens to a church when you cannot trust others. trust others. (2 Cor 12:20)(2 Cor 12:20)

Page 31: The Fruit of the Spirit – 4 Faithfulness, Meekness.

The fruit of the Spirit – FaithfulnessThe fruit of the Spirit – Faithfulness

• 2 Corinthians 12:20 (NKJV) 2 Corinthians 12:20 (NKJV) - For I fear - For I fear lest, when I come, I shall not find you such lest, when I come, I shall not find you such as I wish, and as I wish, and thatthat I shall be found by you I shall be found by you such as you do not wish; lest such as you do not wish; lest there bethere be contentions, jealousies, outbursts of wrath, contentions, jealousies, outbursts of wrath, selfish ambitions, selfish ambitions, backbitingsbackbitings, , whisperingswhisperings, , conceitsconceits, tumults;, tumults;

Page 32: The Fruit of the Spirit – 4 Faithfulness, Meekness.

The fruit of the Spirit – FaithfulnessThe fruit of the Spirit – Faithfulness

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

Page 33: The Fruit of the Spirit – 4 Faithfulness, Meekness.

The fruit of the Spirit – FaithfulnessThe fruit of the Spirit – Faithfulness

• Proverbs 18:17 (NKJV) Proverbs 18:17 (NKJV) - The - The first first oneone to to plead his cause plead his cause seemsseems right right, Until his , Until his neighbor neighbor comes and examines himcomes and examines him..

Page 34: The Fruit of the Spirit – 4 Faithfulness, Meekness.

The fruit of the Spirit – FaithfulnessThe fruit of the Spirit – Faithfulness

• Proverbs 18:19 (NKJV) Proverbs 18:19 (NKJV) - A brother - A brother offended offended is harder to winis harder to win than a strong than a strong citycity, And , And contentionscontentions areare like like the bars of a the bars of a castlecastle..

Page 35: The Fruit of the Spirit – 4 Faithfulness, Meekness.

The fruit of the Spirit – FaithfulnessThe fruit of the Spirit – Faithfulness

• John 7:24 (NKJV) John 7:24 (NKJV) - Do not - Do not judge judge according to appearanceaccording to appearance, but judge , but judge with with righteous judgmentrighteous judgment.”.”

Page 36: The Fruit of the Spirit – 4 Faithfulness, Meekness.

The fruit of the Spirit – FaithfulnessThe fruit of the Spirit – Faithfulness

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

Page 37: The Fruit of the Spirit – 4 Faithfulness, Meekness.

The sign of true Christian Character --- The sign of true Christian Character --- Meekness (gentleness)Meekness (gentleness)

• What is meekness? – What is meekness? – prautes- prautes- as a as a quality of gentle friendliness quality of gentle friendliness gentleness, gentleness, meekness meekness (as strength that (as strength that accommodates to another's weakness), accommodates to another's weakness), consideration – consideration – FriebergFrieberg

Page 38: The Fruit of the Spirit – 4 Faithfulness, Meekness.

The sign of true Christian Character --- The sign of true Christian Character --- Meekness (gentleness)Meekness (gentleness)

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

Page 39: The Fruit of the Spirit – 4 Faithfulness, Meekness.

The sign of true Christian Character --- The sign of true Christian Character --- Meekness (gentleness)Meekness (gentleness)

• Meekness is the very essence of Jesus’ Meekness is the very essence of Jesus’ character. character. (Mt 11:29; 2 Cor 10:1)(Mt 11:29; 2 Cor 10:1)

Page 40: The Fruit of the Spirit – 4 Faithfulness, Meekness.

The sign of true Christian Character --- The sign of true Christian Character --- Meekness (gentleness)Meekness (gentleness)

• Matthew 11:29 (NKJV) Matthew 11:29 (NKJV) - Take My yoke - Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for upon you and learn from Me, for I am I am gentle and lowly in heartgentle and lowly in heart, and you will find , and you will find rest for your souls. rest for your souls.

Page 41: The Fruit of the Spirit – 4 Faithfulness, Meekness.

The sign of true Christian Character --- The sign of true Christian Character --- Meekness (gentleness)Meekness (gentleness)

• 2 Corinthians 10:1 (NKJV) 2 Corinthians 10:1 (NKJV) - Now I, Paul, - Now I, Paul, myself am pleading with you myself am pleading with you by the by the meekness and gentleness of Christmeekness and gentleness of Christ—who —who in presence in presence amam lowly among you, but lowly among you, but being absent am bold toward you.being absent am bold toward you.

Page 42: The Fruit of the Spirit – 4 Faithfulness, Meekness.

The sign of true Christian Character --- The sign of true Christian Character --- Meekness (gentleness)Meekness (gentleness)

• Do you want to open your heart to a hot-Do you want to open your heart to a hot-head?head?

Page 43: The Fruit of the Spirit – 4 Faithfulness, Meekness.

The sign of true Christian Character --- The sign of true Christian Character --- Meekness (gentleness)Meekness (gentleness)

• What happens in the home when our What happens in the home when our children are afraid to talk to us? children are afraid to talk to us? (Eph 6:4)(Eph 6:4)

Page 44: The Fruit of the Spirit – 4 Faithfulness, Meekness.

The sign of true Christian Character --- The sign of true Christian Character --- Meekness (gentleness)Meekness (gentleness)

• Ephesians 6:4 (NKJV) Ephesians 6:4 (NKJV) - And you, - And you, fathers, do not fathers, do not provoke your children to provoke your children to wrathwrath, but bring them up in the training , but bring them up in the training and admonition of the Lord.and admonition of the Lord.

Page 45: The Fruit of the Spirit – 4 Faithfulness, Meekness.

The sign of true Christian Character --- The sign of true Christian Character --- Meekness (gentleness)Meekness (gentleness)

• Moses is a great example of meekness. Moses is a great example of meekness. (Num 12:3)(Num 12:3)

Page 46: The Fruit of the Spirit – 4 Faithfulness, Meekness.

The sign of true Christian Character --- The sign of true Christian Character --- Meekness (gentleness)Meekness (gentleness)

• Numbers 12:3 (NKJV) Numbers 12:3 (NKJV) - (Now the man - (Now the man Moses Moses waswas very humble very humble, more than all , more than all men who men who werewere on the face of the earth.) on the face of the earth.)

Page 47: The Fruit of the Spirit – 4 Faithfulness, Meekness.

The sign of true Christian Character --- The sign of true Christian Character --- Meekness (gentleness)Meekness (gentleness)

• How do you respond to men who complain How do you respond to men who complain and murmur behind your back and at you and murmur behind your back and at you personally? personally? (Prov 16:32)(Prov 16:32)

Page 48: The Fruit of the Spirit – 4 Faithfulness, Meekness.

The sign of true Christian Character --- The sign of true Christian Character --- Meekness (gentleness)Meekness (gentleness)

• Proverbs 16:32 (NKJV) Proverbs 16:32 (NKJV) - - He who isHe who is slow slow to angerto anger isis better than the mighty, And he better than the mighty, And he who who rules his spiritrules his spirit than he who takes a than he who takes a city.city.

Page 49: The Fruit of the Spirit – 4 Faithfulness, Meekness.

The sign of true Christian Character --- The sign of true Christian Character --- Meekness (gentleness)Meekness (gentleness)

• A great test of meekness is your response A great test of meekness is your response to unfair and unreasonable people. Do you to unfair and unreasonable people. Do you really trust God? really trust God? (Rom 12:21)(Rom 12:21)

Page 50: The Fruit of the Spirit – 4 Faithfulness, Meekness.

The sign of true Christian Character --- The sign of true Christian Character --- Meekness (gentleness)Meekness (gentleness)

• Romans 12:21 (NKJV) Romans 12:21 (NKJV) - Do not be - Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.good.

Page 51: The Fruit of the Spirit – 4 Faithfulness, Meekness.

The sign of true Christian Character --- The sign of true Christian Character --- Meekness (gentleness)Meekness (gentleness)

• The work of God is accomplished by the The work of God is accomplished by the meek.meek.

• We cannot learn without meekness. Often We cannot learn without meekness. Often the strongly opinionated man will not the strongly opinionated man will not listen! listen! (Jas 1:21)(Jas 1:21)

Page 52: The Fruit of the Spirit – 4 Faithfulness, Meekness.

The sign of true Christian Character --- The sign of true Christian Character --- Meekness (gentleness)Meekness (gentleness)

• James 1:21 (NKJV) James 1:21 (NKJV) - Therefore lay aside - Therefore lay aside all filthiness and overflow of wickedness, all filthiness and overflow of wickedness, and and receive with meekness the implanted receive with meekness the implanted wordword, which is able to save your souls., which is able to save your souls.

Page 53: The Fruit of the Spirit – 4 Faithfulness, Meekness.

The sign of true Christian Character --- The sign of true Christian Character --- Meekness (gentleness)Meekness (gentleness)

• ““There is no arguing with Johnson; for, There is no arguing with Johnson; for, when his pistol misses fire, he knocks you when his pistol misses fire, he knocks you down with the butt end of it.”down with the butt end of it.”

• ““We has a good talk.” To which his friend We has a good talk.” To which his friend replied: “Yes, sir, you tossed and gored replied: “Yes, sir, you tossed and gored several persons!” – several persons!” – illustrations by illustrations by BarclayBarclay

Page 54: The Fruit of the Spirit – 4 Faithfulness, Meekness.

The sign of true Christian Character --- The sign of true Christian Character --- Meekness (gentleness)Meekness (gentleness)

• We must teach with meekness. We cannot We must teach with meekness. We cannot open hearts without it. open hearts without it. (1 Pt 3:15)(1 Pt 3:15)

Page 55: The Fruit of the Spirit – 4 Faithfulness, Meekness.

The sign of true Christian Character --- The sign of true Christian Character --- Meekness (gentleness)Meekness (gentleness)

• 1 Peter 3:15 (NKJV) 1 Peter 3:15 (NKJV) - But sanctify £the - But sanctify £the Lord God in your hearts, and always Lord God in your hearts, and always bebe ready to ready to givegive a defense to everyone who a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, you, with meekness and fearwith meekness and fear;;

Page 56: The Fruit of the Spirit – 4 Faithfulness, Meekness.

The sign of true Christian Character --- The sign of true Christian Character --- Meekness (gentleness)Meekness (gentleness)

• This is the spirit we must have in restoring This is the spirit we must have in restoring others and meeting opposition. others and meeting opposition. (Gal 6:1; 2 Tim 2:25)(Gal 6:1; 2 Tim 2:25)

Page 57: The Fruit of the Spirit – 4 Faithfulness, Meekness.

The sign of true Christian Character --- The sign of true Christian Character --- Meekness (gentleness)Meekness (gentleness)

• Galatians 6:1 (NKJV) Galatians 6:1 (NKJV) - Brethren, if a man - Brethren, if a man is overtaken in any trespass, you who is overtaken in any trespass, you who areare spiritual restore such a one in spiritual restore such a one in a spirit of a spirit of gentlenessgentleness, considering yourself lest you , considering yourself lest you also be tempted. also be tempted.

Page 58: The Fruit of the Spirit – 4 Faithfulness, Meekness.

The sign of true Christian Character --- The sign of true Christian Character --- Meekness (gentleness)Meekness (gentleness)

• 2 Timothy 2:25 (NKJV) 2 Timothy 2:25 (NKJV) - in - in humilityhumility correcting those who are in opposition, if correcting those who are in opposition, if God perhaps will grant them repentance, God perhaps will grant them repentance, so that they may know the truth,so that they may know the truth,

Page 59: The Fruit of the Spirit – 4 Faithfulness, Meekness.

The sign of true Christian Character --- The sign of true Christian Character --- Meekness (gentleness)Meekness (gentleness)

• Have you ever had to “eat fire?”Have you ever had to “eat fire?”

Page 60: The Fruit of the Spirit – 4 Faithfulness, Meekness.

The sign of true Christian Character --- The sign of true Christian Character --- Meekness (gentleness)Meekness (gentleness)

• Learn to meet the unfair critic by looking Learn to meet the unfair critic by looking for truth in the barrage of anger and for truth in the barrage of anger and emotion. This is important in marriage!emotion. This is important in marriage!

• Can people approach us or are they afraid Can people approach us or are they afraid of us?of us?

• It is encouraging to see the path God has It is encouraging to see the path God has put before us even though we have much put before us even though we have much growing to do! Our God will provide if we growing to do! Our God will provide if we will let Him!will let Him!