My
scripture today comes from Galatians 5:22-25 (Read)
Today we are talking about Faithfulness, Gentleness,
Self-control
The Believer is to be a living example that there is a
better way. That there is God’s power, a power beyond ourselves to help us be
the people we were created to be. Writing about this very issue the apostle
Paul said, So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live
in him (Colossians 2:6-10).
FAITHFULNESS-We live
in a Diet Coke culture where more often than not, things just aren’t the real
thing. People let us down, go back on their word, break their promises etc But
God is different. God is faithful .....a.
In temptation - No temptation has seized you except what is common to man.
And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear.
But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand
up under it (1 Corinthians 10:13 NIV).
b. In
protecting us from evil - But the Lord is faithful, and he will
strengthen and protect you from the evil one (2 Thessalonians 3:3).
c. In
forgiving us - If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just
and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness (1 John 1:9) And
why is faithfulness such an attractive character trait for you to cultivate?
1. Because it singles us out as a Christian – it is a sign
that Christ lives in us and that we have an assured future with him in heaven.
2. Because we will be entrusted with greater influence and
responsibility by God and for God in the world.
Matthew 25:23 tells us:
"His master replied, `Well done, good and faithful servant! You
have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things.
Come and share your master’s happiness!’
Our second Fruit of the Spirit is GENTLENESS
Divine gentleness is not some mamby pamby, limp wristed
nauseating attitude. Divine gentleness is about being strong – it’s strength
under control.
For
example .... a.
Divine gentleness means being submitted to God’s will. Take my yoke upon you and
learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for
your souls (Matthew 11:29).
b. Divine gentleness means being teachable - He guides the
humble in what is right and teaches them his way (Psalm 25:9).
c. Divine gentleness means being considerate. - Be
completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love
(Ephesians 4:2; 1 Corinthians 4:21; 2 Corinthians 10:1)
So why
is divine gentleness such an attractive character trait for you to cultivate?
1. Because gentleness will keep you looking good without
plastic surgery! Your beauty should not
come from outward adornment, such as braided hair and the wearing of gold jewelry
and fine clothes. Instead, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading
beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God’s sight (1
Peter 3:3-4).
2. Because gentleness gives you greater influence. Always
be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for
the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect (1 Peter 3:15).
Divine
gentleness is available to everyone who clings to Jesus. So
then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live in him
....... For in Christ all the fullness of the Deity lives in bodily form, and
you have been given fullness in Christ, who is the head over every power and
authority (Colossians 2:6-10).
Our third Fruit of The Spirit for Today is SELF-CONTROL
Where do you need divine help to be more self-controlled?
Eating habits? Spending habits? Sexual habits? Work ethic? Parenting skills?
Language? Thought life? Exercise? Spiritual habits (prayer, bible reading,
service etc)? Temper? You will never
make progress in any of these areas on your own – only the power of God can
produce the character of God.
His divine power has given us everything we need for life
and godliness through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and
goodness. Through these he has given us his very great and precious promises,
so that through them you may participate in the divine nature and escape the
corruption in the world caused by evil desires. (2 Peter 1:3-8).
It is God’s purpose for us to produce the fruit of the
Spirit and so be just like his Son Jesus Christ. It was purpose for us before we were born -
Romans 8:29: "He . . . predestined [us] to be conformed to the likeness of
his Son." It is his purpose for us now
- 2 Corinthians 3:18: "And we ... are being transformed into his likeness
with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit."
And it is his purpose for us on that last day - 1 John 3:2: "What we will
be has not yet been made known. But we know that when he appears, we shall be
like him, for we shall see him as he is."
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