The Fruit of the Spirit: "Meekness" (Galatians 5:22-23)
Introduction:
1. According to Galatians 6:8, we must sow to the Spirit to reap everlasting life. 2. Those who sow to the Spirit will bear the fruit of the Spirit that consists of the 9 special characteristics listed in Galatians 5:22-23. 3. In our lesson we are concentrating on the 8th characteristic: "meekness."
Discussion:
I. THE SCRIPTURES TEACH CHRISTIANS TO BE MEEK
A. Ephesians 4:1-3 B. Colossians 3:12-13 C. Titus 3:1-2
II. LET US DEFINE "MEEKNESS"
A. Meekness: a gentle, mild, and patient spirit. 1. Meekness does not imply "weakness." 2. Meekness has been described as "strength under control." 3. A person who is meek does not assert himself or his own selfish interests. 4. Some of the works of the flesh (Galatians 5:19-21) are opposite characteristics, including vengeance, malice, and wrath. B. We can learn more about meekness by examining Bible characters who were meek. 1. Moses was meek (Numbers 12:3). a. Later, a lack of meekness got him into trouble (Numbers 20:1-12). b. We learn from Moses that meekness must be demonstrated at all times, especially during stressful situations. 2. Jesus was meek (Matthew 11:29; 21:4-5). a. Later, Jesus cleansed the temple (Matthew 21:12-13). b. We learn from Jesus that meekness does not forbid opposing error. c. Meekness does not mean that the truth may be compromised.
III. OCCASIONS WHEN CHRISTIANS ARE TO DEMONSTRATE MEEKNESS
A. Christian men and women are to demonstrate meekness as we go about our daily activities (James 3:13; 1 Peter 3:3-4). B. To be more specific, we are to demonstrate meekness when: 1. we receive God's Word (James 1:21) 2. we answer questions (1 Peter 3:15) 3. we instruct those who oppose themselves (2 Timothy 2:23-26) 4. we restore those overtaken in a fault (Galatians 6:1).
IV. MANY BLESSINGS ARE PROMISED TO THE MEEK
A. Psalm 22:26; 25:9; 37:11; 147:6; 149:4 B. Matthew 5:5
Conclusion:
1. The world may consider meekness to be a sign of weakness. 2. However, in reality, meekness is a godly characteristic of one who: a. is walking and living in the Spirit (Galatians 5:25) b. is imitating the example set by Christ.
