Fruit of the Spirit - Meekness & Temperance

Introduction

Titus 3:2 KJV 1900

2 To speak evil of no man, to be no brawlers, but gentle, shewing all meekness unto all men.

Acts 24:25 KJV 1900

25 And as he reasoned of righteousness, temperance, and judgment to come, Felix trembled, and answered, Go thy way for this time; when I have a convenient season, I will call for thee.

Body

Meekness

Prautes - {Prow-’OO-tays): Gentleness; humility; courtesy; an incapacity for anger. In control of your emotions.

Most translations translate this Greek word “gentleness”

Colossians 3:12 KJV 1900

12 Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering;

This describes aptly the character of Christ, particularly how he faced persecution and trial

When responding to the people

When responding to the rulers

During His trial

While on the cross

This describes how we ought to respond to persecution and trial, because we are the elect of God

Does our relationship with Jesus Christ give us the strength to overcome our fleshly nature, or no?

Is our new nature stronger or weaker than our old nature?

What happens then, when our old natures get the best of us?

2 Timothy 2:25 KJV 1900

25 In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth;

It takes great meekness to continue to work with someone who just doesn’t care as much as you do

Remember how that God humbled Himself and became a man so that all this was even possible

He doesn’t become angry with us when we don’t get it the first time

He may be disappointed in our actions or our choices, but He is never angry with us

He’s angry at sin

He’s angry at unrighteousness

He’s never angry with people

The Prodigal Son’s father - how did he respond to his son’s decision?

We also need to take this in reverse

We need to humbly and patiently receive instruction given to us, especially that of divine revelation.

This stands in contrast to a haughty, impatient self-reliance when it comes to the things of God.

James 1:21 KJV 1900

21 Wherefore lay apart all filthiness and superfluity of naughtiness, and receive with meekness the engrafted word, which is able to save your souls.

Again, with humility and meekness we must receive the Word of God

This verse would also suggest to us that we need to lay aside our own opinions and our own ideas of right and wrong and submit ourselves to God’s Word

We can very easily become frustrated or even angry when our ideas are challenged.

It’s okay to allow for the possibility that we might be wrong. God’s Word will always be right!

James 3:13 KJV 1900

13 Who is a wise man and endued with knowledge among you? let him shew out of a good conversation his works with meekness of wisdom.

After that we have received the wisdom and the revealed Truth of God’s Word, we must with meekness and humility demonstrate obedience to it in the presence of all.

We must not be lifted up with pride that we are now “more spiritual” than someone else.

We must not begin to look down on our “weaker brethren” because they don’t have the revelation we have.

Jesus possessed the knowledge of God, yet he consistently and perfectly demonstrated meekness and humility in His teachings and in His lifestyle

He didn’t become frustrated or upset with those who weren’t there yet.

He did rebuke those who should have known better but didn’t

Temperance

Enkrateia - (En-’KRAT-a-ah): Self control; mastery over; to control oneself; chastity. The trait of resolutely controlling one’s own desires (which would produce actions); especially sensual desires.

1 Corinthians 9:24–27 KJV 1900

24 Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain. 25 And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible. 26 I therefore so run, not as uncertainly; so fight I, not as one that beateth the air: 27 But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway.

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You cannot become pro by simply taking a few classes and training alone. You need to find the best possible MMA gym in your area that can teach you how to join the MMA. The gym needs to be staffed with instructors that have fought professionally so that you can benefit from their expertise and experience. Find a gym that offers classes in multiple fighting styles, as well. Leaning on just one main fighting technique won’t get you to a pro level.

You will need to be proficient in multiple styles of fighting; otherwise you will be unsuccessful in even lower level pro bouts. The best fighters excel in a range of skills, including boxing, jiu-jitsu, Muay Thai and wrestling. Not only do you need to work on each of these individual skills sets, you also need to be able to take those skills and combine them to create a strong game plan for your fights.

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To exercise discipline in every area of our lives.

Physical

Our eating habits

Our sleeping habits

Our work ethic

Spiritual

Basic Spiritual Disciplines

Our prayer lives

Our Bible Study

Church attendance

Tithes and Offerings

Think like an athlete, or like a soldier

Singleness of purpose and direction (this one thing I do…)

Willingness to commit and sacrifice to get there

Persuaded that the goal is worth the price

Conclusion

Galatians 5:16–25 KJV 1900

16 This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh. 17 For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would. 18 But if ye be led of the Spirit, ye are not under the law. 19 Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, 20 Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, 21 Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God. 22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, 23 Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law. 24 And they that are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts. 25 If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.