“The Fruit of the Spirit (Part 2 of 2)” - Galatians 5:16-25
Sermon series: Unstoppable Work of the Holy Spirit
Sermon Title: The Fruit of the Spirit (Part 2 of 2): Living gently in an aggressive world
Scripture: Galatians 5:16-25
Introduction:
Although God emphasizes the need for gentleness in the kingdom of God, this trait seems to help us go nowhere in a dog-eat-dog world. In a metropolitan city like ours especially – if you’re going to excel in life, you need to be aggressive at times.
Paul preaches the opposite in this chapter. Gentleness is how God achieves healing in this world. The fruit of the Spirit is how Jesus flows in and through us. This fruit is not just for our personal piety, but for the edification of the community of believers and how we can publicly bless the world.
Overview:
How do we view gentleness?
Someone who is soft, polite, or quiet
Meekness
The Greek word of gentleness is defined as: gentleness of conduct especially referring to someone who had it in their power or authority to act otherwise. Gentleness is power under control.
Similar to the Galatian church, the ways of our world now are filled with an aggressive, angry, and attacking way. Instead of exhibiting gentleness (power under control), we use power to control.
However, we are called instead to respond with the eyes and heart of Jesus – to see the wounds of the people and the world who need to be healed
We are empowered and motivated to do so by the work of the Spirit – who demonstrates and bears witness to the person and work of Jesus.
The religious leaders marginalized – Jesus offered mercy
The religious leaders competed – Jesus offered compassion
The religious leaders were judgmental – Jesus offered gentleness
The religious leaders controlled – Jesus offered liberation
Even in our own lives today, we can see how though we have disappointed, hurt, grieved, or betrayed God – He has been gentle throughout it all.
He patiently awaits our return with his arms wide open to cover, restore, and comfort us
Implications:
What does it look like to cultivate the fruit of gentleness in our lives?
Treating others gently
Treating ourselves gently
How do we cultivate gentleness in our lives?
We need the power of the Holy Spirit
We need a rhythm of prayer
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit. (5:22-25)
Sermon reflection questions:
Are you currently carrying any grievances, disappointments, heavy burdens, or bitterness with you? Do you have anyone who is stirring you to be aggressive towards them?
Do you treat yourself gently?
Who has demonstrated gentleness – power under control – in your life? How has this influenced the way you are gentle with others or yourself?
