The Fruit of the Spirit: Faithfulness, Gentleness, Self-Control

Scripture is clear in describing what our Father in Heaven wants from us in terms of character. We are meant to display his good nature to a broken world.

To this end, we’ve been looking at Galatians 5:23, taking time to understand how each aspect of spiritual fruit could be put to service in our individual and corporate lives.

Two weeks ago, with Pastor Todd, we looked at love, joy, and peace. Last week, with Pastor Roger, we considered patience, kindness, and goodness. If you have some extra time over the next couple of days, go back and reread the outlines or review the sermons if you missed them. The time you spend doing this will bless your understanding.

This message we’ll deal with the last three fruit mentioned—faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Developing these spiritual characteristics will dramatically affect your walk with Christ and with others. When you display this fruit, your life will inspire others to believe in Jesus by demonstrating his power at work in you.

Complete Livestream Service

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Sermon Notes

Not So Mysterious After All
The Fruit of the Spirit: Faithfulness, Gentleness, Self-Control
Dwayne Francois
Galatians 5:22–23

August 16, 2020

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When I’m walking with Christ, I’ll be producing…

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…FAITHFULNESS without irrationality (Gal5:22b; Gen22:8; Joh6:68; Act7:55-56)

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Faithfulness is the rational response to Jesus Christ

- Simon Peter answered him, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life, and we have believed, and have come to know, that you are the Holy One of God.” (John 6:68)

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10 ways we break faith

- Idolize things, gossip, commit fraud, give false testimony, slander, steal, abuse authority, break promises, default on debts, neglect a friend in need

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…GENTLENESS without weakness (Gal5:23; 6:1; Joh10:17; 2Ti2:25, 1Pe3:4,15)

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Jesus was meek, not weak

- For this reason the Father loves me, because I lay down my life that I may take it up again. No one takes it from me, but I lay it down of my own accord. I have authority to lay it down, and I have authority to take it up again. This charge I have received from my father.” (John 10:17)

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4 Situations for Gentleness

1. Restoring someone who has been dishonoured by sin (Galatians 6:1)

2. Correcting theological opponents within the same church (2 Timothy 2:25)

3. Developing a beautiful personality in the public eye

- (1 Peter 3:4)

4. Defending our confidence in Jesus to critics (1 Peter 3:15)
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…SELF-CONTROL without inflexibility (Gal5:1,18, 23; Jam4:7)

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Self-Control = Flexibility to move with the Holy Spirit

- For freedom Christ has set us free; stand firm therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery. (Galatians 5:1)

- But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law. (Galatians 5:18)

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3 tips to gain more self-control

1. Temptation has a time-limit (James 4:7, 1 Peter 1:6, 5:10)

2. Discipline your decisions (Ephesians 5:15-17)

3. Inspect your influences (Proverbs 4:23)