Fruit of the Spirit: Gentleness and Self-Control | Resources
Sermon Text: Galatians 5:16–24
“I say, then, walk by the Spirit and you will certainly not carry out the desire of the flesh. For the flesh desires what is against the Spirit, and the Spirit desires what is against the flesh; these are opposed to each other, so that you don’t do what you want. But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law.
Now the works of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, moral impurity, promiscuity, idolatry, sorcery, hatreds, strife, jealousy, outbursts of anger, selfish ambitions, dissensions, factions, envy, drunkenness, carousing, and anything similar. I am warning you about these things—as I warned you before—that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. The law is not against such things. Now those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.”
Discussion Questions
1. Define gentleness as it is used in verse 23.
2. Define self-control as it is used in verse 23.
3. Why does God desire us to be gentle and self-controlled?
4. Share a time God gave you either supernatural gentleness or self-control.
5. Are you in need of Spirit-produced gentleness or self-control right now?
41week 6: Gentleness & self-control
Memory Verse
“For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but one of power, love, and sound judgment.” 2 Timothy 1:7 (CSB)
Devotional
Over the years, in meetings at work, I heard variations of the following statement: “If the only tool in your belt is a hammer, then everything becomes a nail.” There seemed to be a consistent need to remind my work environment that leadership has nothing to do with barking orders and forcing square pegs into round holes. It was their way of letting us know that more people listen and follow leadership with their heart when gentleness and self-control is practiced.
Isn’t it funny how the world figures out biblical truth and teaches it as if it was their own invention?
The Bible nails it (pun intended) in teaching us that gentleness and self-control in the believer is what opens the sinner’s heart to the Gospel. Look at 2 Timothy 2:24–26:
“The Lord’s servant must not quarrel, but must be gentle to everyone, able to teach, and patient, instructing his opponents with gentleness. Perhaps God will grant them repentance leading them to the knowledge of the truth. Then they may come to their senses and escape the trap of the devil, who has taken them captive to do his will.”
The hope of the Gospel is heard when gentle words are used and self-control is practiced.
How many times did my hard head and sharp tongue waste an opportunity to share the hope we have in Christ? I imagine that if this verse hit you like it did me, you are in a similar boat. If you are with me, let’s petition the Lord together and ask Him to grant us repentance and by His Holy Spirit and change our hearts to produce His fruit.