A Woman's walk with God by Elizabeth George

A WOMAN`'S WALK WITH GOD

Growing in the Fruit of the Spirit

by Elizabeth George

I love Elizabeth George and her writing.  She mixes her studies with real life every day situations that really speak volumes, along with bible passages and examples of people who demonstrate a particular fruit of the Spirit, all of which put the point across very clearly.  The book is broken down into 3 sections - the first section deals with the attitudes of the fruit of the Spirit and deal with love, joy and peace, then the second section deals with actions of the Spirit and deal with patience, kindness and goodness then finally the third section deals with applications of the Spirit and deal with faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.  At the end of each chapter practical applications are given which help to reinforce the specific fruit of the Spirit.

SECTION 1 - ATTITUDES OF THE FRUIT OF THE SPIRIT

CHAPTER 2

"The fruit of the Spirit is love" Galatians 5 verse 22

5 basic principles from God`s Word that help us to understand Christian love

Love is an act of the will - "God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten son", "The Son of Man did not come to be served but to serve and to give His life.", Jesus "resolutely set His face to go to Jerusalem."  These acts of love are acts of the will.

Love is action - not just words - 1 John 3 verse 18 we are called to love not with word or with tongue only, but "in deed and truth."  To whom can you demonstrate love "in the day-by-day, mundane circumstances of life?"

Love reaches out to the unlovely - Jesus' Sermon on the Mount "You have heard that it was said, You shall love your neighbour and hate your enemy.  But I say to you, love your enemies, and pray for those who persecute you in order that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven; for He causes His sun to rise on the evil and good and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous." (Matthew 5 verses 43 - 45)  Through His Spirit, God provides the grace we need to extend His love to the needy people we encounter.  Through His Spirit, God enables us to love Him as He loves - everyone ... all the time ... and without conditions.

We need God to help us love.  Christ calls us to love our enemies by allowing God to love them through us when we can`t do it on our own.

Love expects nothing in return.  We need God`s Spirit to be at work in us if we are to truly love as Christ would have us love.  We are to love and serve as if the person before us were Jesus himself!  The love the Bible tells us to extend in our marriage, our home, our neighbourhood, our church and the world at large is not self-seeking.

Love is the sacrifice of self.  It involves effort not merely emotion, it demands action not just feelings.  It is something we do, not something we only feel or say.

Challenge of loving the people God places in our path - we may not necessarily feel like loving them but you allow God to fill you up with His life-giving love, we can then carry His love to others and pour it out into their lives.  The love is not ours - it's God.  But when we present our empty selves to the Source of love and are filled by Him, then we are able to share His love with thirsty people.  When we act on our will instead of our feelings, make the decision to love and put forth the effort to love, God is able to pass on His love to others through us.

The example from the bible given in this chapter is of Ruth.  She is an example of sacrificial love in the many ways she lived out God's love for a hard-to-love woman, her mother-in-law Naomi.  Ruth sacrificed and allowed God to provide for Naomi through her.

One way we walk in love - God's love - is to look to God to fill us with His love ... the kind of love that we've been learning is an act of will, that takes action rather than being content with mere words, that extends itself to the unlovely, that gives for the sake of loving and that involves the sacrifice of self.

At the end of each chapter an "assignment" is set which asks the reader to put into practice all that has been read.  In this chapter we are asked to pick a person who God has placed in our lives who is the most difficult to love and put the principles of love into action.  Then we are to watch what happens in our hearts and in the life of the person chosen.

Things to do today to walk in love:

Begin loving the people God puts in our path by first loving those people at home.

Go to God throughout the day for a fresh supply of His love to share.

Remember that your assignment is to serve (Galatians 5 verse 13)

Remember Jesus, who "did not come to be served but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many" (Matthew 20 verse 28)

CHAPTER 3

"The fruit of the Spirit is ... joy." Galatians 5 verse 22

Our lives are filled with disappointments, crises, tragedies, heartaches, affliction and struggles - just as Jesus said (John 16 verse 33).  But the good news is, that as you and I encounter disquieting rocks that impede our progress, disturb our tranquility, break the surface and redirect our path, God can give us the joy we need to produce sounds of praise to Him.

When we turn our gaze upon God in the midst of our suffering, we suddenly find the power we need to praise Him despite the pain and to give thanks for His goodness ... even when things are not so good.  Thanks to the working of His Spirit in us, you and I can experience joy that transcends circumstances and transforms something traumatic into something truly lovely.

There are more than 70 New Testament references to joy.

Joy is important to Jesus.  "These things I have spoken to you, that My joy may be in you, and that your joy may be made full." (John 15 verse 11)  Genuine joy is an expression of godliness.  Joy is a sure sign of the presence of God in our lives.  We have some great reasons to be joyful.

Our joy is permanent.  John 16 verse 22 Jesus says "no one takes your joy away from you."  However, one thing that can rob us of the joy God provides is our failure to walk by the Spirit (Galatians 5 verse 16).

Our joy is always available.  We have ready access to the Source of true anytime we turn to Him.

Our joy is also inexpressible (1 Peter 1 verse 8).  Described as "a foretaste of the joy of heaven" Christian joy cannot be fully expressed or articulated.

True spiritual joy is not happiness.  Happiness is a state of good fortune and prosperity related to and dependent on our circumstances.  God's joy is a gift of grace to us as we encounter the hardship and tribulation and persecution of life in this world, and this supernatural joy, given through God'Spirit, transcends all condition of life.

Our joy as Christians ...

Is not dependent on circumstances, but on the spiritual realities of God's goodness, His unconditional love for us, and His ultimate victory over sin and darkness.

Is not based on our efforts, accomplishments, or willpower but rather on the truth about our relationship with the Father through the Son.

Is not merely an emotion, but the result of choosing to look beyond what appears to be true in our life to what is true about our life in Christ.

For 5 reasons we can receive that joy inexpressible from Him.

God Himself is a primary source of our joy.

God`s salvation is a great reason for joy.

God`s promises are another cause for great joy.

Christ`s kingdom is a reason for us to have joy in our lives.

Our future in Christ should also bring us joy.  A future that holds not death, but everlasting life with God in heaven!

True joy - spiritual joy - is found only in the things of God.  True spiritual joy shines brightest against the darkness of trials, tragedy and testing!  And the blacker the background the greater the brilliance.  Similarly, life`s dark struggles make Christian joy more intense and our heartfelt praise more glorious.

The sacrifice of praise is helpful in cultivating the fruit of joy.

Example - Hannah.  Hannah quietly endured her pain.  Hannah never acted out of vengeance.  Hannah sought God through prayer.  Hannah rejoiced as she offered her son to God.  The source of Hannah's joy was God - not a human, not a child, not a son, not the long-prayed for gift God had given her.

Jesus Himself gives us the supreme model of joy in the midst of life`s dark pain.  Hebrews 12 verse 2 Jesus "for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame."  Knowing that His suffering would result in great joy, Jesus looked toward His future with the Father as He endured the excruciating pain of death on the cross.  That same wondrous joy that Jesus experienced in His darkest hours is yours and mine today.

What can you and I do to cultivate this fruit of joy in the Lord in our daily walk with God?

Offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually even when you don't feel like it.

"Consider it all joy ... when you encounter various trials" (James 1 verse 2).  Let the hindrances to joy become the soil out of which joy blossoms!  That happens when we let life's hard times drive us nearer to the Lord, the only Source of genuine joy and real hope.

Give thanks in everything (1 Thessalonians 5 verse 18).  Whatever is happening - good or bad - give thanks to God for His sovereignty, His perfect timing, His perfect plan and His unconditional love.

Bless the Lord at all times (Psalm 34 verse 1).  Offer unceasingly the sacrifice of praise (Hebrews 13 verse 15).  The Spirit can - and will - use your praise to touch you with God's joy.

Focus on the reality of God's promises.  Every time you open your Bible, read with a marker in hand and look for powerful promises that can change your outlook to one of joy.  Go a step further and memorize those verses you like best and meditate on them.

Look up.  Shift your eyes and your hopes away from your suffering and focus instead on the splendour of God (Psalm 121 verses 1 - 2).

Obey God's command to be joyful always (1 Thessalonians 5 verse 16).

Go to God to be filled with His joy whenever you need it.

CHAPTER 4

"The fruit of the Spirit is ... peace" (Galatians 5 verse 22)

Many people think of peace as the absence of problems, as the feeling that is experienced when all is well.  But the peace of the Lord is not related to circumstances at all.  In fact, God's peace comes to us and endures ... regardless of life's circumstances.

Our peace has nothing to do with our circumstances and everything to do with knowing we have a right relationship with God.

Our peace has nothing to do with daily challenges or crises, and everything to do with knowing that our times are in God's hands.

Our peace has nothing to do with the condition of our life, and everything to do with knowing that God is all-sufficient.

Our peace is an inward repose and serenity of soul that indicates a heart at rest - regardless of our circumstances - as we place complete confidence in God minute by minute.

True spiritual peace comes with knowing that our heavenly Father is continually with us - and indeed He is!  God is omnipresent and therefore fully aware of every detail of our life - at every moment and in every place.  He knows our needs - at all times and in every situation.  Key to our peace, then, is not the absence of conflict but the presence of God no matter what the conflict.

Peace also comes with acknowledging that God will supply our every need as well as acknowledging His constant presence.  We will never have a real need that God is not able to meet.

To enjoy God's peace we have to actively trust Him.  When we walk by the Spirit our life is characterized not by fretting, panic and anxiety but by the quiet peace that comes with trusting God.

I think of peace as the sacrifice of trust.  We make the sacrifice of trust when we face the painful and distressing realities of our life and then choose to trust God instead of panicking or falling apart.

When we are filled with His Spirit and walking in His ways, we have instant access to "the peace of God which surpasses all comprehension" (Philippians 4 verse 7)  And that peace which comes from God - and from Him alone - comes to us through 4 gifts He has given to us.

God the Son - Jesus' death on Calvary gave us the gift of peace with God that comes only with the forgiveness of our sins - Romans 5 verse 1.  

God the Father - A second gift our loving God has given us is the gift of knowing Him.  Isaiah 26 verse 3.  We certainly cannot avoid strife as we walk in the world, but we can know perfect peace in the midst of turmoil as we turn to God Himself instead of focusing on our difficulties.

God's Word - when we know and love and follow God's word we experience God's peace to the point that nothing causes us to stumble (Psalm 119 verse 165).

God the Spirit - The Holy Spirit is our personal Helper, Teacher and Comforter (John 14 verse 26) and the instruction, guidance and comfort we receive from Him are indeed gifts of peace.

When Jesus went to the home of Mary and Martha, Martha welcomed Him (and probably His 12 hungry disciples) in for dinner but she "was distracted with all her preparations." (Luke 10 verse 40) and soon let the mounting pressure she felt to fix the meal rob her of any peace - a fact that became quite obvious.

Martha's manner - cumbered, distracted, worried and busy.  Finally she "burst in" (verse 40) with a few words for Jesus.

Martha's mouth - "Lord do you not care?".  Pointing the finger of blame at Mary, Martha next said, "She has left me to do all the serving alone."  The bossy big sister then dared to tell the Lord what to do "Tell her to help me,"

Martha's confusion about her mission also robbed her of her peace.  She mistakenly thought that serving was her primary mission.  Jesus saw the confused priorities of this well-intentioned woman and commented "Martha, Martha, you are worried and bothered about so many things."

Martha's mindset and the priorities which kept her from knowing God's peace: Martha was preoccupied with details and secondary issues.  Her service to Jesus had degenerated into mere busywork that was removed from any devotion to Him.  And this focus on service rather than on the One she was serving prompted Jesus to instruct her by pointing out that her sister Mary had chosen "the good part" by sitting at Jesus' feet, listening to His Word, and abiding in His presence.

Mary rested at the Lord's feet while Martha was restless.  She also worshiped the Lord while Martha worried about the meal.  She knew the peace of the presence of God while Martha panicked at a distance.  Mary's manner clearly revealed a soul at rest and "the imperishable quality of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is precious in the sight of God." (1 Peter 3 verse 4)  Mary's mouth rested too.  Sitting in the presence of God Himself, she had much to learn.  Jesus spoke the words of life ... and so Mary was quiet.

Like her sister, Mary's mission was also to serve but she also understood the more important priority of worship.  Wanting her relationship with Jesus to be the highest priority of her life, Mary made choices which reflected that desire.  She knew when to quit serving ... and start sitting.

Clearly, Mary's mindset was pleasing to the Lord.  Jesus said "Mary had chosen the good part, which shall not be taken away from her."  She had her mind set on things above, not on earthly things.  She as focused on the eternal, not the temporal.

What can we do to live in such a way that we can cultivate this gift of the Spirit?

We can pray - first and continually.

We can pause and turn to the Lord when a crisis or catastrophe presents itself.

We can peruse the Gospels and study Jesus' life to see the peace He experienced in stressful situations. 

CHAPTER 5  LOOKING AT JESUS' ATTITUDE

Take a close look at Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane where we see Him living out all 3 attitudes ... despite the events He faced.

The Plan

Throughout His 3 years of teaching, Jesus often referred to God's plan for His death, which always caused bewilderment in His disciples.  Jesus and His small band of followers were in Jerusalem to observe the Passover and together they supped one final time.  Judas the traitor had already been dismissed to do the evil deed of betraying his Master and it was nearing midnight on Thursday of the Passover week.  At this time Jesus offered His high priestly prayer for and with His disciples.  Then the group sang a hymn and Jesus "went forth with His disciples over the ravine of the Kidron, where there was a garden, into which He himself entered and His disciples."

The Purpose

It was Jesus' situation that drove him to the Garden of Gethsemane.  It was the crossroads in His life.  It was the challenge He faced during His final days.  His time had finally come - and what was ahead?  Betrayal by His disciples.  Misunderstanding from His family and followers.  Rejection from mankind.  Hostility and persecution.  An angry mob, angry leaders and angry people.  Verbal and physical assault.  An unjust sentence.  The excruciating pain of crucifixion.  Death.  And worst of all, momentary separation from His heavenly Father.  From the human perspective, Jesus was losing all He had; His life, His family, His ministry, His friends and His personal dignity.

Yet His heavenly Father had commanded that He die for these sinners and Jesus obeyed.  Doing so would benefit others - including you and me - because His death would be for sinners like us.  So acting in love Jesus gave Himself as a sacrifice, a ransom for others.

The Place

Facing the overwhelming challenge of the cross, Jesus went to Gethsemane.  This place was probably a secluded spot, walled in and containing some olive trees and perhaps a grotto used in the fall of the year for an olive oil-press.  Jesus had gone there often with His disciples because it was quiet, a good spot for teaching, prayer, rest and sleep.  So, on the eve of His death, Jesus retreated to this familiar place of prayer with His little band of followers.

The People

After He entered the place called Gethsemane, Jesus did 2 things.  First He asked 8 of the disciples to "sit here while I go over there and pray".  Jesus left these men outside the wall or gate of the garden as sentries.  Next, Jesus invited 3 of the disciples - Peter, James and John - to go along with Him to pray.

The Problems

Disappearing into the black darkness, Jesus began the battle.  The Father's plan caused Him deep distress and the bible gives us glimpses into His extensive emotional anguish.  Jesus cried out "My soul is deely grieved, to the point of death."  He "began to be very distressed and troubled" so much so that He fell upon the ground in prayer.  Luke tells us that he was 'in agony'.  Our Lord 'offered up both prayers and supplications with loud crying and tears".  

God's command to die also caused Jesus to suffer not only emotional turmoil but also terrible physical stress "Being in agony He was praying very fervently and His sweat became like drops of blood, falling down upon the ground."

Jesus was fighting another great battle in addition to these emotional and physical struggles and that was the spiritual war.  Knowing this, Jesus had instructed His companions, "keep watching and praying, that you may not enter into temptation."  Our Lord threw Himself upon the mercy of His Father and uttered, "My Father if it is possible let this cup pass from me."  On the physical level, Jesus wanted the cup to pass.  No one has ever desired to taste death, and neither did Jesus.  But, from the spiritual perspective, He wanted to do His Father's will and therefore added to his plea, "yet not as I will, but as Thou wilt."

The Process

Jesus emerged triumphant from His agonizing struggle in the Garden.  How did He gain the victory?  How did Jesus remain steadfast in the love, joy and peace that compelled Him to die willingly for sinners and not give in to physical and emotional desires? 

Love is the sacrifice of self.  For love, Jesus looked to God, the Father, who had commanded Jesus the Son to die for sinners.  And in love, Jesus looked to the Father, reached out to Him for His sustaining and strengthening love and then, offering the sacrifice of self, determined to do the Father's will.  Jesus' love looked to the Father - and looked at us - and the Spirit enabled Him to submit to death on a cross.  The flesh wanted the cup to pass, but love looked to the Father and said "not my will but thine be done."  That decision led to severe and intense suffering.

Joy offers the sacrifice of praise.  In joy, Jesus lifted praise to God.  "For the joy that was set before Him He endured the cross, despising the shame" (Hebrews 12 verse 2).

Peace comes with the sacrifice of trust.  Jesus left his problems with God.  "The peace the passeth all understanding" rushed to guard Jesus' heart and mind and He got up off that holy, tear-stained, sweat-drenched ground to go on in peace, knowing His times were in the Father's hands, saying in all peace and with total trust, "let us be going" (Matthew 24 verse 46).

The Product

Nothing about Jesus' circumstances changed!  After agonising in prayer, he was still going to go to the cross, still going to be crucified, still going to die, but He went to the cross sustained by God's love, joy and peace.

This transformation, this acceptanec, this turning point was not accomplished with a snap of Jesus' finger, the wink of His eye or the wave of any want.  It came bceause Jesus went to the Father - in agony and with blood and sweat and tears.  Lying prostrate on the earth in literal darkness as He fought the deeper darkness that settled upon His soul, Jesus looked to His Father for the Father's love, the Father's joy and the Father's peace.  

One time in prayer was not enough (Matthew 26 verse 39).  Twice was not enough (verse 42).  Jesus turned to the Father 3 separate times (verse 44).  And these 3 times in prayer were not the flinging of trite thoughts toward heaven!  They were more than likely 3 hour long sessions (Matthew 26 verse 40) of agonizing, wrestling, struggling, and fighting so that He could do all that God required of Him.

When our Saviour finally rose to go forward and face the cross, He did so with love, with joy and with peace.  Filled with these graces, the Son was able to say "Let us be going" (Mark 14 verse 42).

The Performance

How is our performance when it comes to following God's direction for our life?  We need to follow Jesus' example and go to the Garden of Gethsemane, to turn to the Father and contend with our flesh until we realise His fruit of love, joy and peace.  We need to allow Him to fill us with Himself until we have all of Him and He has all of me. 

SECTION 2 - ACTIONS OF THE FRUIT OF THE SPIRIT

CHAPTER 6

"The fruit of the Spirit is ... patience." (Galatians 5 verse 22)

Love, joy and peace are godly attitudes that enable us to handle the difficult circumstances of life.  Patience, kindness and goodness help us in our relationships with difficult people.

Colossians 3 verse 12 "put on a heart of ... patience."  We are to adorn ourselves with a heart of patience.  We are to dress our spirit each morning with the godly quality of patience.

Ephesians 4 verses 1 and 2 "walk ... with patience." Paul writes that we can enhance our relationships with other believers and promote the unity of the church if we conduct our lives with patience.  In other words, when we see faults in other people or are annoyed by them in any way, when we want to be irritated or critical and lash out, we are to be patient instead.

The first and primary ingredient in patience is endurance.  KJV "longsuffering"  practiced primarily toward people and relates to our attitude toward others.

The second ingredient details the very special conditions for patience; when injured.  The idea of forebearance of wrong under ill-treatment.  When we suffer ill treatment inflicted by other people and when we are provoked or wronged that we most need patience.  Godly patience shines the brightest when pain is inflicted upon us.

Another ingredient describing patience is mercy.  Patience wishes well to others and is willing to endure with them ... hoping for their good.  2 Peter 3 verse 9 "The Lord is not slow about His promise (to come again) as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing for any to perish but for all to come to repentance."  The Lord is waiting to come again, desiring for more souls to believe and come to salvation.  He is giving mankind an extended opportunity to receive Christ!  Our motivation to practice patience should be the good of others.

"Contains no anger or vengeance!"  Patience is the grace of the man who could revenge himself but chooses not to.  "Never take your own revenge ... but leave room for the wrath of God, for it is written 'Vengeance is Mine, I will repay' says the Lord." (Romans 12 verse 29)  Patience withholds vengeance, revenge and retaliation and endures instead.  It endures ill treatment, it refuses to be angry and it desires the offender's good.

The Bible's examples.

1 Peter 3 verse 20 "The patience of God kept waiting in the days of Noah, during the construction of the ark."  120 years waiting for people to be saved before the rain and flood, yet only 8 people were in the ark after God waited for so long.

Jesus was patient.  Jesus tells us to love our enemies (Luke 6 verse 27) and then explains how to do just that "Pray ... for those who mistreat you." (verse 28)  Patience in action!  Jesus did that when he prayed for his killers while dying on the very cross they had nailed him to - "Father forgive them; for they do not know what they are doing." (Luke 23 verse 34)  Our response should be to pray, being filled with God's patience ... and then doing nothing.

Paul was patient.  Paul tells us we "must not be quarrelsome, but kind to all, able to teach, patient when wronged ..." (2 Timothy 2 verse 24)  Why would we need to be patient in these situations with people who are not Christians?  Verses 25 and 26 "with gentleness correcting those who are in opposition, if perhaps God may grant them repentance leading to the knowledge of the truth, and they may come to their senses and escape from the snare of the devil."  In other words - practice patience because we are hoping for their salvation.

Sarah was patient.  As she and Abraham followed God, they had the special privilege of hearing many of God's promises from God Himself.  One was for an heir ... but there was no child until Sarah was 90 years old and Abraham 99 years old.  Sarah did not handle that wait well at all.  She told Abraham to take Hagar her maid and conceive a child.  This mistake produced not only historical tragedy but fierce jealousy and contention between Sarah and Hagar.  Sarah treated Hagar so harshly that she fled from Sarah's presence.  Sarah lost her patience and persecuted her servant.  She is an example of a woman who lacked patience.

Hannah was patient.  She was on the receiving end of daily persecution and provocation.  Her adversary was Peninnah, her husband's other wife and a rival who provoked her bitterly year after year.  Yet Hannah was patient!  She went to the temple of the Lord and prayed to Him, speaking to Him about her persecution and her pain.

Wait for the judge!  James 5 verse 7 "be patient ... until the coming of the Lord."  He goes on "be patient ... for the coming of the Lord is at hand." (verse 8)  Then he says "behold the judge is standing right at the door" (verse 9)  3 times James speaks of the coming of the Lord and the fact that He is at hand, indeed standing right at the door.  How was this to encourage these saints and us?

The promise of our Lord's return brings great hope to our sore hearts, for when He does arrive, things will change - Revelation 21 verses 3 and 4.  Oppression will come to an end.  Suffering at the hands of others will be over.  We will also enjoy the continuing presence of Jesus.  Not only that, but the Lord will reward us for the obedience we've exhibited throughout our life - Revelation 22 verse 12.  He will take vengeance upon our enemies, judging appropriately and correcting abuses.  Everything will be made right as Christ, the Judge brings justice and vindicates the righteous.

Think of Samuel who annually traveled his circuit judging the affairs of the people - 1 Samuel 7 verse 16.  People had to wait until Samuel showed up in their town to settle matters among themselves.  In the meantime, possibly up to a year, they had to exist together with disputes and injustices.  They had to wait patiently and do nothing ... until the judge came and made everything right.

We are not to turn to self-pity or complaining (James 5 verses 7 - 9).  We are not to judge, quarrel, criticise, gossip or find fault.  We are responsible for only one thing while we wait - Christlike conduct.  The Judge is responsible for everything else!

What does the Bible suggest you and I can do?

Train yourself in long-suffering.  Proverbs 19 verse 11 "A man's discretion makes him slow to anger, and it is his glory to overlook a transgression."

Lengthen your fuse.

Remove opportunities to sin - "make no provision for the flesh" Romans 13 verse 14 and "keeping away from strife is an honour for a man but any fool will quarrel." Proverbs 20 verse 3

follow Jesus' example - "he committed no sin, nor was any deceit found in His mouth; and while being reviled, He did not revile in return; while suffering He uttered no threats." 1 Peter 2 verses 22 and 23 

Pray - 1 Peter 2 verse 23 "kept entrusting Himself to Him who judges righteously."  It was by Jesus' wounds that you and I were healed (verse 24).  It was for our good that He suffered.  And we are called to do the same - to be patient with others for their own good.

CHAPTER 7

"The fruit of the Spirit is ... kindness." Galatians 5 verse 22

As we face people each day and experience any pain they may inflict upon us, we are to be patient and be careful not to do anything sinful or harmful when provoked.  This godly response is achieved when we ask God to fill us with His patience.  Only He can help us to do nothing!  But having asked for patience, it is now time to make a move, to go into action, to get up and do something.  And that "something" is kindness.

Even though the fruit of kindness is borne in our lives as we walk by the Spirit, that walk involves living out several commands given to us in God's word.  Ephesians 4 verses 25 - 32 in these verses, Paul warns Christians against conduct that grieves the Holy Spirit and hurts the heart of God.  This conduct includes various forms of meanness (bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor and evil speaking) all of which God calls us to banish from our lives.  Instead, we are to "be kind to one another".  Our kindness is an action that pleases God!

Colossians 3 verses 12 God tells us to "put on a heart of ... kindness."  We are to put on kindness in all our relationships.  

2 Timothy 2 verse 24 apostle Paul tells us how to act toward those who are not Christians "the Lord's bond-servant must not be quarrelsome, but be kind to all."

Kindness has been defined as tenderness and concern for other people.  Kindness plans to do something.  Kindness goes out looking, wondering and asking "who needs love? how can I ease someone's burden? how can I touch another person?"  What can we do to help channel kindness?

love others more than ourselves

care for the comfort and welfare of others more than our own

consider others more important than ourselves (Philippians 2 verse 3)   

Forego quarrelling

Kindness means making life easier for others - not harder - just as Jesus makes your life and mine easier.

The following aspects of kindness help to cultivate the fruit of kindness.

caring is a part of kindness.  The bond of prayer causes us to become vitally and spiritually involved in the lives of the individuals we pray for.  God changes our heart and mind by softening our harshness and melting our selfishness into concern for others - including our enemies.

thinking is a part of kindness.  Think of David "is there anyone left of the house of Saul that I may show him kindness?" (2 Samuel 9 verse 1)  David was thinking about showing kindness to the heirs of the former king.

noticing is a part of kindness.  We can always be watching and listening to those around us.  Examples from the bible - the Shunammite woman who noticed Elisha passing her home (2 Kings 4 verses 8 - 10)  Dorcas "abounding with deeds of kindness and charity which she continually did." (Acts 9 verse 36)  She sewed tunics and garments for the widows.  Jesus himself was "the kindness of God" in flesh (Titus 3 verse 4) - think of when he looked on the hungry multitude (Luke 9 verse 13).

touching is a part of kindness - the tender touch of concern and compassion.  We can be like the apostle Paul who wrote that he was gentle among the Thessalonians "as a nursing mother tenderly cares for her own children" (1 Thessalonians 2 verse 7)  Remember when Jesus held little children (Mark 10 verse 16).  Think of the day Jesus stopped and touched the coffin of a widow's only son (Luke 7 verses 12 - 15).  He touched the deformed, bent-over back of a suffering woman (Luke 13 verses 10 - 13).  He stretched out His hand and touched a man "full of leprosy" (Luke 15 verses 12 - 13).  He touched the 2 blind men's eyes (Matthew 20 verses 29 - 34)  In each case Jesus gave His touch and a miracle followed.

When the book of Galatians was written the common slave-name chrestos came from the same Greek root word for kindness.  The first century pagans who confused this familiar name with the unfamiliar Christos for Christ began calling Christians by a nickname that meant "goody-goody' the same as being "too nice!"

Kindness is the next step we are to take after we have practiced patience when wronged.   Kindness is the ability to love people more than they deserve.

Pray for your enemies, those people who mistreat and use you (Luke 6 verse 28).

Spend time with God owning up to any ill will you have toward an individual or group of people.

Ask God to help you become known more as a comforter and less as a confronter.

Study Jesus' life for more examples of kindness and then follow in His steps.

Begin making the effort at home to live out God's command to be kind to others (Ephesians 4 verse 32)

Pray for God to fill your heart with His compassion as you walk each day and every step along the way with Him. 

CHAPTER 8 

"The fruit of the Spirit is ... goodness." Galatians 5 verse 22

Patience is like a seed hidden beneath the surface, germinating there, quietly and slowly incubating life.  Patience silently waits in the dark earth, hidden from view, doing nothing.  This sweet fruit of patience makes it possible for kindness and goodness to develop.

Kindness grows from the seed of patience in the dark depths of private times with God.  Sprouting tiny root hairs that soon develop into a complete root system and the recognizable part of a stem, kindness pushes its head higher and higher toward heaven, stretching itself toward God, wanting to break forth and do something.  At last the desires of kindness are fully formed, and the energy of a heart filled with God's kindness enables the plant to crack through the soil.

Now we behold goodness pushing its head through the hard, crusted soil ... of our heart, of men's hearts, of the evil in the world ... and blossoming into works.

Just as a garden is laid out by a plan, God designs your life and mine according to a plan.  He uses the people, events and circumstances of our life to guide us along the path toward godliness and He leads us step by step.  Walking with Him - listening to His voice, humbling ourselves in prayer, following His ways, and imitating His dear Son - we show forth His glory as we bear His fruit.  One way to be like Him is to bear His fruit of goodness.

We need to understand 3 aspects of the biblical definition of spiritual goodness, aspects which relate to our conduct toward others.

True goodness is spiritual in its origin.  The bible tells the story of God's gracious goodness!  The bible also shows us that God's goodness is the opposite of man's badness.  And our badness is why we need spiritual help from God.  Our sin makes human goodness impossible.  "There is none righteous not even one ... there is none who does good, there is not even one." (Romans 3 verses 10 and 12)  Our flesh makes human goodness impossible - "For I know that nothing good dwells in me, that is in my flesh." (Romans 7 verse 18)

Goodness is active.  Kindness means planning to do something good for others.  And now goodness moves into total action.  God in us and His presence with us produces His goodness in us.  And His goodness in us then results in active benevolence, kindly activity on the behalf of others.

Goodness is a readiness to do good.  

Goodness will do everything it can to shower God's goodness upon others.  Goodness follows through on those wonderful thoughts of kindness, thoughts which came when we were praying, caring, noticing and planning to act.  Goodness takes the step from good intentions to actively serving others.

The presence of the Holy Spirit within us should make a difference in the way we live and how we treat others.  That's why God calls us to "walk in newness of life" (Romans 6 verse 4); "walk in a manner worthy of the calling with which you have been called" (Ephesians 4 verse 1); "walk in love" (Ephesians 5 verse 2); "walk as children of light" (Ephesians 5 verse 8); "walk in him" (Colossians 2 verse 6); "walk in a manner worthy of the God who calls you" (1 Thessalonians 2 verse 12); "walk in the same manner as Jesus walked" (1 John 2 verse 6) and "walk by the Spirit" (Galatians 5 verse 16).

Walking with God requires that you and I make serious choices.  And our relationships with others call for choices too.  One definite choice we can make when we're hurt by someone is to walk in patience and do nothing.  Then having made this choice we can move to the next choice - the choice of kindness - and plan to do something, plan to do deeds of kindness.

We are instructed many times in Scripture to practice good works.  It's an assignment from God.

Ephesians 2 verses 8 - 10 shows both my responsibility to grow in good works and God's grace in making that possible "we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them."  God has ordained that we live a life dedicated to good works.

This passage teaches us that only our salvation makes fulfilling this purpose possible.  This salvation was accomplished "not as a result of works".  Our works have nothing to do with our salvation.  "By grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of ourselves, it is the gift of God" (Ephesians 2 verse 8).  That grace is what empowers us for good works.  

Galatians 6 verse 10  "let us do good to all men, and especially to those who are of the household of the faith."

Luke 6 verses 27 and 28 reveal Jesus' rule for love in our difficult relationships.  "Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you."  we are to love those who cause us pain through the personal response of doing good, the public response of blessing and the private response of praying.

Jesus said there should never be a person whom we refuse to love.  In any and every case, we are to love friend and enemy alike by our acts of goodness.

As women we are to learn goodness - Titus 2 verse 5 Paul writes to Titus to make sure that the young women are taught by other women and encouraged by them to, "be good".

As women we are to teach goodness.  Once a younger woman learns goodness from older women, she is to take on the role of teacher herself and pass on to others what she's learned over the years.  Titus was to have the older women teach what is good and encourage the young women to be kind and good.

As women we are to be devoted to goodness.  1 Timothy 5 Paul describes which widows the church should care for monetarily; they were to be the widows who had "reputation for good works" (verses 9 and 10).  What were these good works? "If she ... has been the wife of one man ... if she has brought up children, if she has shown hospitality to strangers, if she has washed the saints feet, if she has assisted those in distress and if she has devoted herself to every good work."   

As women we are to adorn ourselves with goodness  1 Timothy 2 verses 9 and 10 Paul addresses the place of women in the church.  God's desire for women was that they adorn themselves "by means of good works, as befits women making a claim to godliness."  Good works as an adornment suggests a life of selfless devotion to others, an adornment that lies not in what she puts on, but in the loving service she gives out.  God wants our good works to be our chief ornaments.  They are what He wants others to notice - not our clothes and not our jewelry.  These good works, these selfless deeds and sacrifical actions, will refect our walk with God.

Many examples of goodness in the bible:

Dorcas was a woman "full of good works" for the widows (Acts 9 verse 36).  She noticed their need and then her goodness followed through with action and made clothes for them (verse 39).

Shunammite woman in her kindness noticed Elisha passing through her town.  Then her goodness went into action and followed through.  In addition to providing his meals she had a small room built on top of her home so Elisha could stay there every time he came her way (2 Kings 4 verses 8 - 10).

Rebekah, Isaac's future wife arrived at the town well to draw water, she saw a tired old man who had just completed a 500 mile journey.  In her kindness she realised how weary he was from his journey and noticed his needs.  But her goodness took him water and also watered his 10 camels.  Rebekah followed through on her observations with action.  (Genesis 24 verses 15 - 20).

Lydia on the same day she became a Christian after hearing the apostle Paul speak realised in her kindness that Paul and his companions had no place to say.  So she acted in her newborn goodness and insisted "Come into my house and stay" (Acts 16 verse 15).  Lydia provided for them and met their needs.

Martha offers a negative example.  She did all the deeds of goodness but she did them without patience or kindness or goodness.  Martha crossed over the line into the works of the flesh.  (Luke 10 verses 38 - 42)

Jesus supplies us with the ultimate example of every grace fruit and God's word shows patience, kindness and goodness all wrapped up together - Luke 9 verses 51 - 56.  Jesus sent his disciples ahead to make arrangements for their stay in a Samaritan village and they did not receive him.  The disciples reaction - "Lord do you want us to command fire to come down from heaven and consume them?" Jesus turned and rebuked them "You do not know what kind of spirit you are of; for the Son of Man did not come to destroy men's lives, but to save them."  Then Jesus led them to another village.  He was the  one who had been rebuffed not the disciples!  He was kindness personified.  He wanted the best for those Samaritans.

We must have our goodness stamped by the image and superscription of God.  

Confess any thoughts or deeds that are not kind or good.

Take the initiative in meeting the specific needs of others.

Forget your own comfort.

Advance the happiness of others

CHAPTER 9 - LOOKING AT JESUS' ACTIONS

Who was waiting for Jesus outside the Garden of Gethsemane?

The Traitor

"Behold the one who betrays Me is at hand!" (Matthew 26 verse 46)  The Saviour most definitely knew what was about to happen - and He also knew who was instrumental in the process: it was Judas.  One of the 12 chosen to be the focus of His ministry of teaching, leadership, provision and miracles; one who had been prayed for by the Saviour and fed by His miraculous multiplication of loaves and fishes; one whose dirty feet had been washed by the Saviour's holy hands; one who had heard the words of life and truths of God from the mouth of God himself. 

The Mob

Judas was not alone.  He was "accompanied by a great multitude with swords and clubs, from the chief priests and elders of the people." (Matthew 26 verse 47)  Included in this group of as many as 1000 were the officers of the temple (Luke 22 verse 52), a company of Roman soldiers, the chief priests and elders.  Still to come were the high priest Caiaphas, the scribes, the elders and the Council of the Sanhedrin (Matthew 26 verses 57 - 60).  The list of Jesus' enemies continues:

Pilate - who would call for Jesus' death (Matthew 27 verse 2)

The soldiers - who would strip Him, mock Him, spit on Him and beat Him (verses 28 - 30)

The 2 thieves crucified with Him - one of whom would insult Him (Luke 23 verses 39 - 41)

The crowd - which would hurl abuses and wag their heads in mockery (Matthew 28 verses 39 - 40)

The disciples - who would flee, leaving Jesus even more alone (Matthew 26 verse 56)

The Fleshly Response

As soon as Judas kissed Jesus, His enemies came and laid hands on Jesus and seized Him (Matthew 26 verse 50)  In the seconds that followed, the fleshly response of Jesus' disciples was evident in sharp contrast to His gracious response of patience, kindness and goodness.  "One of those who were with Jesus reached and drew out his sword, and struck the slave of the high priest, and cut off his ear." (verse 51)  Peter showed no patience.  Instead he went into action.  Peter's action caused someone to suffer.  He showed no goodness - Peter hurt someone in his efforts to protect his Master.  Peter most definitely responded in the fleshly way.  He chose the easy response.  He reacted.  He evidenced "the deeds of the flesh" (Galatians 5 verse 19).

The Godly Response

Jesus' response exhibited the fruit of the Spirit.

The Godly response of patience.  Patience is endurance when injured by others, it is interested in their good, it is without vengeance and it does nothing.  Jesus told Peter "put your sword back into its place." (Matthew 26 verse 52)  Then he said "do you think that I cannot appeal to My Father and He will at once put at My disposal more than 12 legions of angels?" (verse 53).  Instead of calling on 72,000 angels, Jesus acted in perfect patience.  He did nothing and consequently was led away (verse 57). 

The Godly response of kindness.  Jesus let Himself be led away because of His kindness.  God's kindness is concerned for the welfare of others (even one's enemies), it desires to better their lives and it consciously plans to do something for them.  In kindness he met the mob head on instead of fleeing.  In His divine kindness, Jesus planned to do something for His enemies: He planned to die for them.

The Godly response of goodness.  In goodness Jesus moved into action.  Goodness is active kindness and flows out of a heart that stands ready to do good.  And goodness does everything possible to help others live well.  He turned to the man whose ear Peter had cut off "touched his ear and healed him." (Luke 22 verse 51)  A miracle of goodness.

 SECTION 3 - APPLICATIONS OF THE FRUIT OF THE SPIRIT

CHAPTER 10

"The fruit of the Spirit is ... faithfulness."  Galatians 5 verse 22

Moving on to conquer the discipline of self.  Faithfulness, gentleness and self-control - these graces enable us to triumph over weakness, impulsiveness and laziness and win over procrastination, stubbornness, and unhealthy desires.

Faithfulness marks God's presence in our life.  When we are faithful it shows that we are born of God and belong to Him.  As we walk in faithfulness we show forth our faithful Saviour to others.  "The final criterion God will use to judge us will not be success but faithfulness."  Jesus showed the seriousness of being faithful in His parable of the talents (Matthew 25 verses 14 - 30).  Using this story to teach the value of faithful obedience, Jesus praised those who are reliable and called them "good and faithful".

The following insights can help us in our understanding of faithfulness and our desire to walk in greater faithfulness.

The God of Faithfulness.  Psalm 89 verse 1 "To all generations I will make known Thy faithfulness with my mouth".  Deuteronomy 32 verse 4 "the Rock! ... a God of faithfulness ... is He."  The New Testament shows us that Jesus is faithful too.  Indeed His name is "Faithful and True" (Revelation 19 verse 11).  How did Jesus exhibit His faithfulness?  He "emptied Himself, taking the form of a bond-servant and being made in the likeness of men.  And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross." (Philippians 2 verses 7 and 8)  God's word is also faithful .  The aged apostle John was instructed to write down his visions because "these words are faithful and true" (Revelation 21 verse 5)

The Core of Faithfulness.  Faithfulness is defined as loyalty, trustwothiness or steadfastness.  It is characteristic of the person who is reliable and it applies to the Christian's behaviour in respect to people as well as toward God.  Our faithfulness to God and His will, to God and His word does not exclude - but includes - loyalty to others.  

But this fruit of faithfulness becomes vital to us when we see that God calls us as women to be "faithful in all things" (1 Timothy 3 verse 11).  Faithfulness is a major distinction of Christian women and a quality uses to benefit the church, the body of Christ.

The Marks of Faithfulness.  What does faithfulness in action look like?

She follows through - on whatever she has to do

She comes through - no matter what

She delivers the goods - whether a message or a meal

She shows up - even early so others won't worry

She keeps her word - her yes means yes and her no means no (James 5 verse 12)

She keeps her commitments and appointments - you won't find her cancelling

She successfully transacts business - carrying out any instructions given to her

She discharges her official duties in the church - and doesn't neglect worship

She is devoted to duty - just as Jesus was when He came to do His Father's will (John 4 verse 34)

The Opposites of Faithfulness.  One of these is fickle - change minds, loyalties, standards.  Another is unreliable - doesn't come through, can't be depended upon and can't be trusted with responsibility.

The Essence of Faithfulness.  Faithfulness means doing it ... no matter what, doing it ... regardless of feelings, moods or desires - if the Lord wills (James 4 verse 15).

Walking in God's faithfulness is a 3 step operation.  First you and I must desire to live a godly life that manifests the graces of the Holy Spirit.  Next we need to look to God: His power from on high is available to us and He gives it to us freely.  Finally we must follow God's word by moving out intentionally and confidently empowered and guided by God.  

Barriers to faithfulness - tiredness, laziness, hopelessness, procrastination, rationalization, apathy and rebellion.

Tiredness - "I can do all things through Him who strengthens me." Philippians 4 verse 13  It's my heart, but God's strength transforms it.  It's God's strength, but my will submitting to Him.  It's God's will filling and influencing my will, resulting in God's fruit appearing in my life.

Laziness - "Set your mind on the things above, not on the things that are on earth." Colossians 3 verse 2  "Look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen; for these things which are seen are temporal, but the things which are not seen are eternal." 2 Corinthians 4 verse 18)  Remember Jesus' words "to the extent that you did it to one of these ... you did it to me." Matthew 25 verse 40

"Whatever you do, do your work heartily as for the Lord rather than for men." Colossians 3 verse 23

Hopelessness - "have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; be not afraid; neither be thou dismayed." Joshua 1 verse 9  God's faithfulness is expressed to me through these words which are available to me not only every morning but all day long as well (Lamentations 3 verse 23)

Procrastination - "I'll do it later".  Ecclesiastes 9 verse 10 "Whatever your hand finds to do, verily, do it with all your might."

Rationalization - "someone else will do it"  The godly woman who is faithful is "faithful in all things" (1 Timothy 3 verse 11) all of the time no matter what.

Apathy - "I don't care if I do it."  Spiritual numbness that creeps in and corrupts the good that God intends for our life and the good that He wants us to accomplish for Him and His kingdom.  Remember Jesus' faithfulness accomplished your salvation.  His faithfulness to die on the cross achieved eternal life for you.  Ask Him to help you be more like Him and to help you cultivate His faithfulness.

Rebellion - "I won't do it".  Rebellion is a hardness we should fear - Proverbs 29 verse 1 "the man who hardens his neck ... will suddenly be broken beyond remedy."  

Think of the extraordinary faithfulness of the women at the tomb.  These dear women had faithfully ministered to the needs of the Saviour by serving Him and financially supporting His ministry (Luke 8 verse 3)  Their most heroic act of faithfulness began as they followed Jesus on His last journey from Galilee to Jerusalem - on His journey to the cross, a journey that finally found this loyal band of ladies with Jesus the entire day of His crucifixion and death.

In faithfulness this sorrowing group of holy women stood as near as they could to comfort Jesus by their presence in the closing agonies of the crucifixion (Luke 23 verse 49).  Their faithfulness did not end with Jesus' death.  They waited at the cross to see what was done with His body and then they followed and saw the tomb and how His body was laid (verse 55).  These women then returned home to perform 2 more acts of faithfulness.  First, they prepared spices and perfumes to properly anoint Jesus' body (verse 56).  And according to Jewish Sabbath law, these preparations had to be completed before sundown!  And then these women practiced their faithfulness in another way: "On the Sabbath they rested according to the commandment." (verse 56).  They were faithful to Jesus and they were faithful to God and His holy Law.

They then rose early (not sleeping in due to laziness, depression or exhaustion).  They went ahead to the tomb even though they knew a massive, immovable stone had been rolled in front of the entrance (no rationalizing or excuses).  Even as they went, they wondered how they were going to gain access to Jesus' body, but they didn't let the thought of an obstacle deter them.  They went to the tomb anyway.  They followed through.  They showed up.  And they went early.  On that morning after the Sabbath, these women went into action.  

How can we respond?  How can we become more faithful?  how can we walk in this grace too?  what can help us to cultivate God's faithfulness in our life?

Call upon God in prayer - Psalm 138 verse 3 "On the day I called Thou didst answer me: Thou didst make me bold with strength in my soul."

Be faithful in small things - Luke 16 verse 10 "He who is faithful in a very little thing is faithful also in much and he who is unrighteous in a very little thing is unrighteous also in much."

Rely on God's strength - Philippians 4 verse 13 "I can do all things through Him who strengthens me."

Fight self-indulgence - 1 Corinthians 9 verse 27 "I buffet my body and make it my slave."

Eliminate laziness and idleness - Proverbs 31 verse 27 "She does not eat the bread of idleness."

Begin at home - Proverbs 31 verse 27 "She looks well to the way of her household."

Be faithful in all things - 1 Timothy 3 verse 11 "Women must ... be ... faithful in all things."

Become a 'hero'

CHAPTER 11

"The fruit of the Spirit is ... gentleness" Galatians 5 verses 22 and 23

Gentleness means to be gentle or meek, to be lowly or humble.  It is a form of self-control which Christ alone can give and it manifests itself in a submissive spirit toward both God and man.  Gentleness is also the opposite of self-reliant arrogance.  Why is gentleness so costly?

Gentleness Means Trusting the Lord - Matthew 5 verse 5 "Blessed are the gentle, for they shall inherit the earth."  Gentleness bears no grudge, and it is not involved in mulling over injuries.  Gentleness finds refuge in the Lord and His ways.  It endures plundering, provocation and suffering in humble submission to an all-wise, caring Father, trusting totally in the love of God.  The invisible root system of gentleness goes deep into the rich soil of faith.  Faith believes that everything that happens in our life is allowed by God and that He is able to help us handle our situation.  Our faith in the God behind this truth keeps us from struggling and fighting because faith believes that God will fight for us (Psalm 60 verse 12).

Gentleness Means Submitting to the Master - the word tame which is the opposite of wild describes one accustomed to control by another.  The word tame suggests one whose will has been broken or who has allowed himself or herself to be dominated by the will of another.  The tame person therefore has been toned down and exhibits complete dependence on another; has yielded all will to another's control; unquestioningly and humbly obeys what is ordered and accepts what is given; is docile and obedient and pliable, as opposed to fierce and is easy to work with and to be with.

Gentleness Means following Christ's Example - Our Lord, the King of kings and Lord of lords, rode on a colt as He approached Jerusalem for the last time (Matthew 21 verse 7).  This was the fulfillment of a prophecy from Zechariah 9 verse 9 which said, "behold your King is coming to you, gentle, and mounted on a donkey, even on a colt, the foal of a beast of burden." (Matthew 21 verse 5)  Jesus describes himself in another passage - Matthew 11 verse 29 "Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart."

Gentleness Means Bowing the Soul - The Old Testament term for gentleness, anah, describes a mature, ripened shock of grain with its head bent low and bowed down.  As the wheat grows the young sprouts rise above the rest.  Their heads shoot up the highest because no grain has yet formed.  In their immaturity, little fruit if any has appeared.  But as time passes and maturity sets in fruit comes forth - so much of it that the burdened stalk bends and its head sinks lower and lower - and the lower the head, the greater the amount of fruit.

Gentleness Means Putting on a Gentle Spirit - wearing this gracious garment calls for a decision from us.  1 Peter 3 verses 1 - 6 speaks of certain elements:

verse 1 element of submission - "in the same way you wives be submissive to your own husbands."  All Christians are to submit themselves for the Lord's sake to every human institution in government (chapter 2 verse 13), servants are to be submissive to their masters with all respect (chapter 2 verse 18), Christ submitted without a word to His tormentors (chapter 2 verses 21 - 25) and wives are encouraged to be submissive to their own husbands (chapter 3 verse 1)

Verses 2 - 3 element of behaviour suggesting that husbands "may be won without a word by the behaviour of their wives as the observe chaste and respectful behaviour."  The behaviour of gentleness Peter says is God-fearing and blameless conduct.  It is behavior that refuses to fight, refuses to give in to anger, refuses all thoughts of violence and vengeance and refuses to assert itself.  

Verses 3 - 4 addresses the element of the heart "and let not your adornment be merely external - braiding the hair and wearing gold jewelry, or putting on dresses; but let it be the hidden person of the heart, with the imperishable quality of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is precious in the sight of God."  The "hidden person of the heart" refers to the personality of the Christian woman, which is made beautiful by the ministry of the Holy Spirit glorifying the Lord Jesus and manifesting Him in and through her life.  And such a heart should reflect a gentle and quiet spirit.  "Gentle" refers to docile and gentle cooperation and "quiet" refers to the acceptance of life in general.

Verse 5 instructs us in the element of trust "For in this way in former times the holy women also, who trusted in God, used to adorn themselves, being submissive to their own husbands."

Verse 6 closes with the element of faith "Thus Sarah obeyed Abraham, calling him lord, and you have become her children if you do what is right without being frightened by any fear".  You and I put our faith into pracice as we graciously accept the details of our life which contribute to a gentle and quiet spirit.

6.   Gentleness Means "take it" - she bears with tranquility the disturbances others create.  She endures ill treatment.  She withstands misunderstandings.  Carrying the image of Jesus and His suffering in her mind and heart, she takes it, thus cultivating the fruit of God's gentleness.

Proverbs 3 verse 5 "trust in the Lord with all your heart"  The Hebrew word for "trust" originally expressd the idea of helplessly lying face down.  But practicing this posture of trust calls for complete reliance on Jehovah.  It calls for an absolute confidence that God alone knows the right way to the right ends and what benefits us.  It also comes with the certainty that God is able to free us from that which does us harm.  This placing of our total confidence wholly in God - is the source of gentleness or meekeness.  We find ourselves able to helplessly lie face down only because we trust God's wisdom and His ability to protect and defend us.

Gentleness is the opposite of self-assertiveness and self-interest.  It is the opposite of violence and outbursts of anger, the evidence of God at work in our lives.

Gentleness is not only outward toward people.  Nor is it a natural disposition.  Gentleness has to do with our relationship with God and is basically a submissiveness to the will of God.

Gentleness is required when wrong is inflicted upon us and when we are suffering the heat of ill treatment.  Gentleness in those conditions lies helplessly facedown.  It bends, it bows, it lowers its head before the Father.  It submits, it accepts and it humbles itself under the mighty hand of God: Gentleness takes it.

Gentleness accomplishes all of this by not fighting.  And you and I take a giant step toward cultivting gentleness in our life when we decide that we will not fight or contend or resist what God is doing in our life.  We must give up disputing, complaining, murmuring and grumbling.

Think of examples from scripture.

Hannah - daily prey of her husband's other wife who provoked her year after year because she had no children (1 Samuel 1 verses 6 and 7.  In her great distress, she prayed to the Lord (verse 10).  What enabled Hannah to take it?  Her God in whom she put her faith.  She could leave her unjust mistreatment with Him - knowing that He would judge righteously (1 Peter 2 verse 23).

Mary, the mother of Jesus.  By a creative act of the Holy Spirit, Mary conceived and bore the baby Jesus. The Jews referred to Jesus as one born of fornication (John 8 verse 41).  She could have tried to explain, she could have told what happened, and she could have bragged.  But instead the gentle and meek Mary took it.  In fact, for 35 years she silently endured the name-calling and the misunderstanding (John 8 verse 41).

Mary of Bethany.  Mary anointed Jesus' feet with costly perfume and spikenard and the wiped His feet with her hair (John 12 verses 1 - 8).  As the house filled with the fragrance of the perfume, Judas criticised Mary in front of everyone assembled when he sneered, "Why was this perfume not sold for 300 denarii and given to poor people?"  Mary responded with godly silence.  Her good intentions were misinterpreted and she was criticized - yet she took it.  She quietly bowed her head and bore the pain of public ridicule and trusted in God instead.  God came to her rescue.  Jesus himself shielded her against the criticism and spoke in her defense.  Jesus knew her motives ... and He not only defended her, but He praised Her.

Moses.  God chose Moses to lead His people out of Egypt and into the Promised Land.  But as Moses led, the people constantly murmured and complained against him, blaming him for all of their difficult conditions.   

When there was no water, the people grumbled at Moses.  Moses responded "He cried out to the Lord." (Exodus 15 verses 22 - 25)

After God's people failed to trust Him the first time there wasn't any water, He tried His peoplee again in the same way.  How did they handle the test this time?  The people quarreled with Moses.  And how did Moses respond? "Moses cried out to the Lord." (Exodus 17 verses 1 - 4)

When giants were discovered in the new land, once again all the sons of Israel grumbled against Moses and Aaron.  And once again, true to their former practices, "Moses and Aaron fell on their faces" before the Lord" (Numbers 14 verses 3 and 4)

Numbers 12 family tension.  Aaron and Miriam confronted their brother Moses about his marriage to a Cushite woman (verse 1) and accused him of pride.  And Moses responded with gentleness.  Moses' innocence did become evident.  "God stepped into the scene immediately, no doubt before Moses even cried out for help.  He honoured Moses' response, his humility, his meekness, his willingness to bear this false accusation without a counter attack.  God dealt with Aaron and Miriam ... God made things right for Moses."  Hear God's evaluation of Moses' heart and character "Now the man Moses was very humble (meek), more than any man who was on the face of the earth." (Numbers 12 verse 3)  Moses lived out the grace of gentleness; he took it and did nothing, trusting everything to God's able care.

What can you and I do to walk in gentleness?  

Accept everything in your life as allowed by God

Pray - prayer develops the proper posture of gentleness in us - the habits of bowing, bending, kneeling, yielding and submitting to God.

Refuse to complain and grumble.  

Refuse to manipulate - Psalm 60 verse 12 "Through God we shall do valiantly and it is He who will tread down our adversaries."  Psalm 37 verses 6 and 7 "And God will bring forth your righteousness as the light and your judgment as the noonday.  rest in the Lord and wait patiently for Him; do not fret."  Psalm 57 verse 2 "I will cry to God Most High, to God who accomplishes all things for me."  Psalm 138 verse 8 "The Lord will accomplish what concerns me."

CHAPTER 12

"The fruit of the Spirit is ... self-control" Galatians 5 verses 22 - 23 

Peter described the grace of gentleness as an adornment we wear when we are walking by the Spirit.  However the spiritual clothing of self-control seems more like armour!  To practice self-control will require putting on battle gear and donning a warrior's mentality.

The Greek root of "self-discipline" implies self-restraint of one's desires and lusts.  Self-control is the controlling power of the will under the operation of the spirit of God, literally a holding in of one's self with a firm hand by means of the Spirit.  Self-control is the ability to keep one's self in check.

2 common denominators in these definitions - one is the control of the self - self-restraint, self-government and self-command.  The second common thread is the object of control - our passions, appetites, pleasures, desires and impulses, all that is physical, sensual, sexual.  This includes everything we see, hear, touch, think about and hunger for.  Paul took pains to list for us the works of the flesh in Galatians 5, among them immorality, impurity, sensuality, drunkenness, and carousing. 

Within every believer a tremendous struggle goes on between the flesh and the Spirit (Galatians 5 verse 17).  This "tug of war" between the flesh and the Holy Spirit is a spiritual duel: The flesh and the Spirit "are lined up in conflict, face to face."  So to win the battle of self-control, you and I have to recognise the conflict and rely totally upon God's help and grace (Ephesians 6 verses 10 - 13).

We need God's self-control every minute of every day in every area of life where we find ourselves facing temptation.  We need the Spirit's help in the battle to resist fleshly urges in the common areas of life ... like food and drink, purchasing and possessions, in all matters that are sensual and sexual in nature, and in self-indulgence of any kind.

Because self-control so often relates to the body (which is the temple of the Holy Spirit - 1 Corinthians 6 verse 19) we need to keep our bodies in subjection to the Lord.

Wen you and I are walking by the spirit, His self-control is evident in our lives.  That's when we'll reflect thse strengths:

self-control controls and checks the self

self-control restrains the self

self-control disciplines and masters the self

self-control holds in and commands the self

self-control says, "NO" to self

What does self-control not do?

Self-control does not yield to temptation

Self-control does not give in to desires

Self-control does not participate in sin

Self-control does not indulge itself

Self-control does not satisfy itself

Self-control means "Don't do it!"  In times of temptation we are to call on God for his strength and then don't do it!  Don't give in to emotions, to cravings and to urges.  Don't pamper yourself.  Don't make the easy choices.  Don't rationalize.  And a thousand other "don't do its!"

God's Word comes to our rescue with vivid examples related to self-control.  

David shows us self-control - 1 Samuel 24.  After being anointed by the prophet Samuel to be king (chapter 16 verse 13), David became the object of the jealousy and hatred of the reigning King Saul.  And twice, when David played his harp for Saul, he had thrown his spear at David, hoping to kill him (chapter 18 verse 11 and chapter 19 verse 10).  Then when David fled for his life, Saul and his soldiers ruthlessly pursued him.

Tired from the chase, Saul entered a cave, not knowing that David was hiding in the same cave (chapter 24 verse 3).  While David watched Saul from the shadows, David realized that he could kill the king.  Yet David won the battle for self-control.  He "persuaded his men ... and did not allow them to rise up against Saul" (verse 7) and take his life.  He told them 'don't do it!'

David had the opportunity twice to kill Saul.  The second time, Saul still in hot pursuit of David, lay sleeping at night in his camp, when David and a choice warrior entered the camp and stood over the king (1 Samuel 26 verse 7).  Concluding that God had delivered his enemy to him, David's companion begged, "Please let me strike him with the spear to the ground" (verse 8).  In this case, David wouldn't even have to do the deed.  Someone else would kill his enemy for him!  Yet David restrained his friend, "Do not destroy him" verse 9.  Again 'don't do it!'

David also shows us a lack of self-control.  After Saul's death in battle, David finally reigned as king.  But then a fateful chapter of his life begins with these words "It happened in the spring, at the time when kings go out to battle, that David sent Joab and his servants with him and all Israel ... but David stayed at Jerusalem." (2 Samuel 11 verse 1)  For whatever reason, David sent others in his place and remained at home in Jerusalem instead of going to war.  This marked the beginning of his great fall.

One evening David took a stroll on his roof and across the way he saw a woman bathing by lamplight in the interior courtyard of her home - David saw.  Giving in to his desires, David next sent to find out who she was - David considered.  As lust filled his thoughts and his heart, David gave in again and again and acted upon his fleshly desires until he sent messengers and took her and lay with her (verse 4) - David acted.

David gave in to his desires instead of exercising self-control and stopping the forward momentum of sin.  He yielded to the sensual instead of choosing the spiritual.  David could have chosen to stop and turn from evil at any stage along the way.  At any point, David could have said 'don't do it' but his failure to do this ensured his fall.

Achan failed in self-control too.  When Joshua was the leader of God's people, the goods in the doomed city of Jericho were under a ban: everything was to be burned and destroyed.  But Achan acted unfaithfully in regard to the things under the ban (Joshua 7 verse 1) and took some of the contraband.  After a disastrous failure in a military raid, Joshua learned from God that someone had sinned against Him.  With God's direction, Joshua confronted Achan.  "when I saw among the spoil, a beautiful mantle from Shinar and 200 shekels and a bar of gold 50 shekels in weight, I coveted them and took them." (verse 21)

Joseph and Potiphar's wife show us, respectively, self-control and the lack of self-control.  The wife of Potiphar, an Egyptian officer of Pharoah and captain of the bodyguard (Genesis 39 verse 1) appears to have been living an empty life without purpose ... until her husband purchased Joseph, the son of Jacob, to be his household slave.  And ... evidently Joseph was extremely handsome (verse 6).  Potiphar's wife looked with desire at Joseph and said "lie with me" (verse 7).  Suddenly Joseph had a choice to make.  Choosing self-control, he successfully resisted her advance.  Despite his refusal, Potiphar's wife spoke to Joseph day after day (verse 10), always extending the same invitation.  And day after day Joseph had to again choose self-control.  The day came, when no one was in the house but Potiphar's wife and Joseph.  Filled with lust, desire and passion, she grabbed Joseph.  Again Joseph had to make a choice - and he chose to flee, leaving his outer garment behind in the woman's hand.  Later she used Joseph's cloak as evidence to imprison him for an act he did not commit.

Potiphar's wife had no self-control.  She allowed her thoughts and actions to be dictated by physical sensuality.  Looking upon Joseph with lust ... led to thoughts ... that led to actions which were deeds of the flesh.  Joseph shines as a positive example as he exercised self-control.  He successfully resisted every opportunity to yield to temptation.

Joseph explained the secret of his strength to Potiphar's wife "How then could I do this great evil and sin against God?" (verse 9)  Joseph's focus was also in the right place - not on himself, not on his desire, not on his flesh, but on God.  What God wanted mattered more to Joseph than what he himself wanted.

"The secret of discipline is motivation"

The bible teaches much about nurturing self-control.

Begin with Christ.  Is He your Lord and Master?

Monitor your input.  David's problem and Achan's too - began with looking too long at the wrong things.  Perhaps it was after his fall with Bathsheba that David wrote this advice "I will set no wicked thing before mine eyes" (Psalm 101 verse 3).

Stay busy - David and Potiphar's wives failed because they had nothing to do.

Say "no!".  Solomon wrote "like a city that is broken into and without walls is a man who has no control over his spirit." (Proverbs 25 verse 28)  "The word No forms the armament and protective walls of the spiritual city ... Sometimes No can be a hard word to say, but it is the key to self-control, the word that the Lord blesses."

Pray - David "was a man committed to the reality of prayer.  David prayed over nearly everything ... except never once in the bible do you find David praying about his love life.  Not once ... it was perhaps the one area of his life he never yielded, and it almost crushed him."

CHAPTER 13 - LOOKING AT JESUS' APPLICATIONS

How did Jesus handle the series of events as he was led away for His trial and crucifixion.  What was his mindset as He faced the cross?  Peter continued to follow his Master at a distance (verse 58).  1 Peter 2 verses 22 and 23 "Christ ... committed no sin, nor was any deceit found in his mouth; and while being reviled, He did not revile in return; while suffering, He uttered no threats." 

Jesus Committed No Sin

Why was Jesus suffering so?  Why was He being so harshly mistreated?  All His life He had ... done well, done the right thing, done all that God asked and required of Him and successfully carried out the Father's will for His life.  Jesus had ... taught God's truth, healed God's creation, fed God's people and taken light into darkness.  Jesus had also ... preached the gospel to the poor, healed the brokenhearted, proclaimed release to the captives, restored the sight of the blind and set free those who were downtrodden.  (Luke 4 verse 18)

Even those who condemned Jesus knew He had committed no sin!  Pilate told the chief priests and the multitudes "I find no guilt in this man" (Luke 23 verse 4).  After Jesus returned from Herod's court, Pilate repeated to the chief priests and the rulers of the people, "having examined Jesus before you, I have found no guilt in this man." (verse 14)  Pilate explained further, "Nor has Herod, for he sent Him back to us; and behold, nothing deserving death has been done by Him." (verse 15)  One final time Pilate asked the Jewish leaders, "Why, what evil has this man done?  I have found in Him no guilt demanding death." (verse 22)

Jesus Spoke No Sin

"Nor was any deceit found in His mouth." (1 Peter 2 verse 22)  Even after careful scrutiny, Jesus' accusers failed to uncover any craftiness or trickery.  He had always spoken the truth.  He had always spoken and acted with pure motives.  Nothing of deceit or guile coud be uncovered.

Furthermore Jesus did not talk back, but refused to answer at His trial.  When falsely accused by the chief priests and elders "He made no answer" (Matthew 27 verse 12).  When Pilate questioned Him, Jesus "did not answer him with regard to even a single charge." (verse 14)  Caiaphas and the Sanhedrin challenged Him too "Do You make no answer? What is it that these men are testifying against You?" (Mark 14 verse 60).  Jesus' response?  "He kept silent and made no answer" (verse 61)  Instead of pressing His case verbally to people who did not have ears to hear, Jesus silently submitted to harsh treatment and a cruel death which He did not deserve.

Jesus Did Not Resist

Jesus did not resist His accusers and enemies.  he refused to fight verbally or physically.  While being reviled He did not revile again (1 Peter 2 verse 23).  To be reviled means to be sharply bitten by words, to be subjected to harsh railing, to be cursed with a string of abusive words.  Such was the treatment our Jesus, the sinless Lamb of God, suffered!

He did not fight back when he was assaulted physically.  Instead "while suffering He uttered no threats" (1 Peter 2 verse 23).  Here "suffering" means being buffeted, struck with fists (Matthew 26 verse 67).  Peter is remembering the blows of the servants, the scorn of the high priest, the silent submission of Jesus, the stripes, the cross.  The Greek language emphasises that, "under sustained and repeated provocation, never once did Jesus break the silence.  All the time during which He suffered he was not resorting to threats.  

Isaiah 53 verse 7 "He was oppressed and He was afflicted, yet He did not open His mouth; like a lamb that is led to slaughter and like a sheep that is silent before its shearers so He did not open His mouth."

EPILOGUE - PLANNING FOR GREATER GROWTH

God's Fruit Fleshed Out

Jesus in you and me.  Jesus visible to others as we walk by the Spirit; Jesus visible to others as we walk by the Spirit; Jesus loving and serving others through us; Jesus on display in us.  When we walk by the Spirit, we behave as Jesus did.  Jesus modeled each fruit of the Spirit.  

John wrote about this kind of Christlikeness in 1 John 3 verse 2 "When He appears, we shall be like Him."  Then in the next verse, he tells us how we can become like Him now "Everyone who has this hope fixed on him purifies himself, just as He is pure" (verse 3)