Wednesday, November 15, 2017

The Fruit of the Spirit Series – Part 8 Meekness


Gtcotr/ws11/15/17

Galatians 5  KJV
22  But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,
23  Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.

Meekness is often understood as humility. Throughout the Bible, and especially in the New Testament, there are two understood streams of meekness.
1.   There is the humility we owe to God which is the opposite of pride.
a.   1 Peter 5:6  Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time.
b.   James 4:6  But He gives more grace. Therefore He says: “God resists the proud, But gives grace to the humble.”
c.   1 Peter 5:5  Likewise you younger people, submit yourselves to your elders. Yes, all of you be submissive to one another, and be clothed with humility, for “God resists the proud, But gives grace to the humble.”
d.   Such humility is a conviction of our dependence of God as we see ourselves in respect to how we see Him.
e.   It is our duty to take a lower position with respect to God.
2.   Then there is that humility we hold and display when interacting with others. This meekness spoken of throughout the New Testament is a fruit of the Holy Spirit grown in the life of a Believer intended to aid us in our dealings with others so that they can see and experience God’s grace in and through us.
a.   Meekness is not cowardice or intimidation.
b.   It’s not weakness or a lack of conviction or resolve.
c.   It is kindness and gentleness we afford others even when we don’t agree.
d.   Galatians 6:1  Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted.
e.   2 Timothy 2:25  In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth.
f.    This meekness is difficult to offend quickly or set off by challenge nor does it consider or exact vengeance upon another.
g.   One who does not trample down the rights of others to secure their own.
h.   It is our duty to be gentle and kind when dealing with others.

Barnes Notes on Matthew 5:5 says concerning this meekness:
It comes from a heart too great to be moved by little insults. It looks
upon those who offer them with pity. He that is constantly ruffled,
that suffers every little insult or injury to throw him off his
guard, and to raise a storm of passion within, is at the mercy of
every mortal that chooses to disturb him. He is like the troubled sea
that cannot rest, whose waters cast up mire and dirt.

Jesus displayed both types of humility in His life as an example to us:

Matthew 11:29  Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.
·        Meek and gentle when dealing with others and their needs.
·        Lowly and humble with respect to God and my submission to Him.

Matthew 5:5 Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth.

This meekness is a fruit of the Holy Spirit. Good News … we can grow as much fruit as we like in our lives. As we do we shield ourselves against those elements which make us want to rage or retaliate in exacting revenge. Rather we feel as though we can rest in the fact that vengeance belongs to the Lord and we can live at peace and be patient with others showing them the gentleness and goodness of our God while allowing God to deal with their shortcomings.


The fruit of meekness towards others belongs to those who will one day inherit the earth! God wants us to be kind to others and free from the passions which can cause us to react with malice or revenge. You can do this! Be fruitful and rejoice … God is not finished with you yet!