Sermon 9: Gentleness

Main Passages: Galatians 5:16-22, 6:7-8

 Main Idea: Of all the Fruits mentioned, gentleness is often the most overlooked and misunderstood of the entire list. So we will examine this term in detail and show how it’s application can bring healing and wholeness to our relationships.

Review of Paul’s Contrast

• Acts driven by our flesh lead to destruction

• Acts driven by the Holy Spirit lead to life

Pastoral Observation of Online Activity (P.O.O.O.A)

• I’ve seen “Christians” attack people because of their political affiliations

• I’ve seen “Christians” circulate, and reinforce rumors, conjecture and divisive conspiracies that were later proven false or extremely misleading

• I’ve seen “Christians” devalue people because of their social status or skin color

You can disagree greatly and still love sincerely.

Today’s Fruit of the Spirit = gentleness

• NIV, “gentleness”

• CEV, “gentle”

• The Message, “not needing to force our way into life”

Gentleness (πραΰτης )

 Strength under control, suggesting someone who voluntarily submits. It is power restrained for the sake of the relationship.

Gentleness is needed when you love the person, but you also love the truth.

1.  We should be gentle, because Jesus was gentle (Matt 11:29, see also Isa. 40:11)
2. Gentleness should not be a fringe characteristic, but a leading one
   1. Col. 3:12 – We personally take on this feature
   2. Phil 4:5 – We strive to show this feature to others
3. Leaders have a special responsibility to be gentle (2 Timothy 2:24-25, Titus 3:2)
4. Gentleness is appropriate when restoring someone caught in sin (Gal 6:1)
5. Gentleness is appropriate when defending your faith (1 Peter 3:15)

Application:

• Is your strength under control?