Galatians 5:22-23

Concerning faith and meekness…  Can we tell if we have the proper type of faith?  Can we tell if others have faith or not?  Can we determine if someone else has a true sense of meekness about them?

Faith…  Hebrews 11:1 Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.  Romans 10:17 So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.

Faith…  James 2:19 You believe that there is one God. You do well. Even the demons believe--and tremble! 20 But do you want to know, O foolish man, that faith without works is dead?  Philippians 2:12 Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling; 13 for it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure.  Numbers 14:41-45

Faith…  Hebrews 11:6 But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.  Luke 17:5 And the apostles said to the Lord, "Increase our faith.”  James 2:24 You see then that a man is justified by works, and not by faith only.

Faith…  James 2:17 Thus also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead.  2Timothy 2:16 But shun profane and idle babblings, for they will increase to more ungodliness. 17 And their message will spread like cancer. Hymenaeus and Philetus are of this sort, 18 who have strayed concerning the truth, saying that the resurrection is already past; and they overthrow the faith of some.  Matthew 15:10-14…

Faith…  1John 4:1 Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits, whether they are of God; because many false prophets have gone out into the world.  2Corinthians 5:7 For we walk by faith, not by sight.

Meekness… G4236 πρα ͅ ότης praote ̄ s prah-ot'-ace From G4235; gentleness; by implication humility: - meekness. -Strong’s

Meekness…  Matthew 11:29 Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.  1Peter 2:22 "Who committed no sin, Nor was deceit found in His mouth"; 23 who, when He was reviled, did not revile in return; when He suffered, He did not threaten, but committed Himself to Him who judges righteously; 24 who Himself bore our sins in His own body on the tree, that we, having died to sins, might live for righteousness--by whose stripes you were healed.

Meekness…  Numbers 12:3 (Now the man Moses was very humble, more than all men who were on the face of the earth.)  Ephesians 4:1 I, therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you to walk worthy of the calling with which you were called, 2 with all lowliness and gentleness, with longsuffering, bearing with one another in love, 3 endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.

Meekness…  1Peter 3:15 But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear  2Timothy 2:24 And a servant of the Lord must not quarrel but be gentle to all, able to teach, patient, 25 in humility correcting those who are in opposition, if God perhaps will grant them repentance, so that they may know the truth,  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. (KJV)

Meekness…  1Peter 3:3 Whose adorning let it not be that outward adorning of plaiting the hair, and of wearing of gold, or of putting on of apparel; 4 But let it be the hidden man of the heart, in that which is not corruptible, even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price. (KJV)  Titus 3:1 Put them in mind to be subject to principalities and powers, to obey magistrates, to be ready to every good work, 2 To speak evil of no man, to be no brawlers, but gentle, shewing all meekness unto all men. (KJV)  Psalm 149:4 For the L ORD takes pleasure in His people; He will beautify the humble with salvation. (NKJV)

In Conclusion…  Can we tell if we or others have faith or not?  We can tell if others have faith (to a certain extent) by whether or not they are obedient to the truths revealed in God’s Word! We can observe that in trait (or lack thereof) in others by how they conduct themselves We can observe that in trait (or lack thereof) in others by how they conduct themselves

In Conclusion…  With regard to meekness, we can see clearly whether one is meek or just cowardly by their actions.  If one is truly seeking to be Christ like with regard to meekness then they will humbly give a ready defense for the faith they possess, they will correct those who are in opposition, and seek to restore their fallen brethren.