Today’s Scripture Reading 1 Timothy 6:11-12

Real Christians Are GENTLE 1 Timothy 6:11-12

Indian Proverb “The way to overcome the angry man is with gentleness, the evil man with goodness, the miser with generosity and the liar with truth.” One of the most powerful of all Christian characteristics is gentleness Few things go farther to bring peace and tranquility into our lives than to grow in the fruit of the Spirit known as gentleness.

Our Angry World We live in an angry world We live in a very volatile world Through gentleness we can promote peace and harmony. REAL CHRISTIANS ARE GENTLE!

Definitions and Explanations Gentleness can easily be misunderstood and perverted –I–It is NOT softness –I–It is NOT permissiveness –I–It is NOT effeminacy Gentleness is better understood as “strength in control”

Isaiah40:10-11 – “See, the Sovereign LORD comes with power, and his arm rules for him. See, his reward is with him, and his recompense accompanies him. “See, the Sovereign LORD comes with power, and his arm rules for him. See, his reward is with him, and his recompense accompanies him. He tends his flock like a shepherd: He gathers the lambs in his arms and carries them close to his heart; he gently leads those that have young.” He tends his flock like a shepherd: He gathers the lambs in his arms and carries them close to his heart; he gently leads those that have young.” This does not describe a “weak” or “soft” person, but rather a powerful yet gentle one.This does not describe a “weak” or “soft” person, but rather a powerful yet gentle one.

Rugged and Gentle?

Two Major Words: PRAUS or PRAUTES – Gentle, humble, meek or considerate EPIEKES – suitable, fair, reasonable, gentle, mild or patient Both words are used in the New Testament to describe the godly attitude of gentleness Both words are used in the New Testament to describe the godly attitude of gentleness

Jesus: The Epitome of Gentleness His gentleness prophesied:His gentleness prophesied: “Rejoice greatly, O Daughter of Zion! Shout, Daughter of Jerusalem! See, your king comes to you, righteous and having salvation, gentle and riding on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey.” Zechariah 9:9 Jesus was to be the “gentle king”.Jesus was to be the “gentle king”.

Invitation To Take Up Christ’s Gentle YokeMatthew 11:28-30 "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light."

Christ’s Gentleness Enabled Him To Both… Feel compassion for the widow of Nain Pronounce dreadful woes against the Pharisees Heal the leper by touching him Drive the money-changers out of the temple with a scourge

Pursuit of Gentleness Gentleness is indeed powerful strength: A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger. The power of a gentle answer --(Proverbs 15:1) Through patience a ruler can be persuaded, and a gentle tongue can break a bone. The power of a gentle tongue --(Proverbs 25:15)

Gentleness Accompanies Other Virtues of Great Strength Ephesians 4:2 -- Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. 1 Timothy 3: Now the overseer must be above reproach, the husband of but one wife, temperate, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, not given to drunkenness, not violent but gentle, not quarrelsome, not a lover of money.

Gentleness Indicates Our Spirits Belong To God and Not The World 1 Timothy 6:11-12a -- But you, man of God, flee from all this, and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance and gentleness. Fight the good fight of the faith. Gentleness is part of the way we fight the good fight.

Gentleness and Rejoicing Lead to Peace ”Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:4-7

“Only the weak are cruel. Gentleness can only be expected from the strong.” Leo Buscaglia