"THE FLESH AND THE SPIRIT" The Fruit Of The Spirit - Love by Mark Copeland

https://executableoutlines.com/topical_series/flesh-and-spirit/fs_09.html

"THE FLESH AND THE SPIRIT"

The Fruit Of The Spirit - Love

INTRODUCTION

1. Having considered the manifold works of the flesh, we now focus our attention to "the fruit of the Spirit"
2. Have you noticed that the word "fruit" is singular, while "works" is plural?
1. This suggests that the individual works of the flesh are varied and not necessarily related
2. But the fruit of the Spirit, though possessing various characteristics, is in reality ONE, made possible by the combination of all nine characteristics in these verses
3. A person may be guilty of the works of the flesh when only committing one of the works
4. But a person cannot be said to be producing the fruit of the Spirit unless all nine qualities are demonstrated together in his or her life
1. Similar to the graces as listed in 2Pe 1:5-8
2. Where the expression "add to your..." implies the graces are intricately connected to each other and are all necessary to growing in the knowledge of Jesus Christ
3. So while a person may possess one or more of these graces listed in Ga 5:22-23, that alone does not constitute the fruit of the Spirit; one who is led by the Spirit will produce them all!
4. As we begin our examination of the fruit of the Spirit, it is only natural that the virtue of "love" should head the list...
1. For God is love - 1Jn 4:8
2. Love is the greatest virtue of all - 1Co 13:13

[But what is love? What place does it have in the life of the Christian? How can we best demonstrate our love toward God and man?

These are some of the questions we shall seek to answer in this lesson as we begin with...]

1. THE DEFINITION OF "LOVE"
1. THE GREEKS HAD FOUR WORDS WHICH WE TRANSLATE "LOVE"...
1. EROS - carnal, sexual love
2. PHILIA - the love of close friendship
3. STORGE - the love of family relationships
4. AGAPE - that love which seeks only the highest good of others
1. It is this love that is Paul mentions in our text, and defines in 1Co 13:4-8a
2. Jesus uses the same word in Mt 5:43-48
2. TAKING A CLOSER LOOK AT "AGAPE"...
1. "Agape has to do with the mind: it is not simply an emotion which rise unbidden in our hearts; it is a principle by which we deliberately live. Agape has supremely to do with the will." (Barclay)
2. It is not an uncontrolled reaction of the heart, but a concentrated exercise of the will
3. It is a caring love one which becomes involved with the need of others
4. It is does not depend upon the one being loved having to earn such love
5. It is not an exclusive love...
1. Expressed only to select few
2. But an all-embracing benevolence, shown toward all
3. THE PERFECT ILLUSTRATION OF "AGAPE"...
1. It begins with the God of love - cf. 2Co 13:11
1. His love is a completely undeserved love - Ro 5:8
2. His love is an inseparable love - Ro 8:35-39
3. Indeed, His love is a great love willing to save sinners! - Ep 2:4-7
2. It finds its complete fulfillment in Christ
1. God's love reaches its peak in His Son Jesus Christ - cf. Ro 8:39
2. Jesus has fully demonstrated such love - Jn 15:13
3. Therefore we come to know what love really is when we look at Jesus Christ - cf. 1Jn 3:16
2. LOVE IN THE LIFE OF THE CHRISTIAN
1. THE PLACE OF LOVE...
1. It is to be the "atmosphere" in which the Christian walks - Ep 5:1-2
2. It is to be the "tie that binds" the "garment" the Christian is to put on - Col 3:12-14
3. It is to be the "universal motive" for all that we do - 1Co 16:14
4. It is to prevent our Christian liberty from turning into destructive selfishness - Ga 5:13
5. It is to characterize our preaching and teaching of the truth - Ep 4:15
2. THE DEMONSTRATION OF LOVE...
1. Demonstrating our love toward God
1. Improper demonstrations:
1. Some think we prove our love by shouting from the roof top
2. Others, by putting it on a bumper sticker and honking if they love Jesus
3. And others, think that whatever they do "in the name of the Lord" will be pleasing to Him
-- Yet consider Jesus' words in Mt 7:21-23
2. Proper demonstration of love toward God:
1. Keeping His commandments - Jn 14:15,21,23-24; 15:10,14
2. Loving our brethren - 1Jn 4:20-21
-- Do we really love God? What is our attitude toward keeping His commandments and loving the brethren?
2. Demonstrating our love toward man
1. Showing love toward those who are brethren in Christ
1. Love for one another is fundamental to the doctrine of Christ - 1Jn 3:11; Jn 13:34-35
2. We best demonstrate our love toward our brethren by...
1. Helping them when they are in physical need - 1Jn 3:16-18
2. Helping them when they are in spiritual need - 1 Pe 4:8; Jm 5:19-20
3. Loving God and keeping His commandments - 1Jn 5:2
2. Showing love toward those who are not Christians
1. Love for others must go beyond loving those who love us - cf. Lk 6:27-36
2. We demonstrate that we are truly the children of God (and led by the Spirit) when out of love we:
1. Do good to them that hate us
2. Bless those that curse us
3. Pray for those that spitefully misuse us
4. Don't resist them when they do evil to us
5. Do unto them as we would have them do unto us
6. Treat them as our Father in heaven treated us!

CONCLUSION

1. It should not surprise us to learn that one who produces the fruit of the Spirit demonstrates the virtue of love in his or her life
1. The Father demonstrated love in offering His Son as a sacrifice for sin
2. The Son personified love in the way He lived and died for us
3. The Spirit of God revealed what love is through the Word
-- Shall not the one born of God and walking by the Spirit manifest love in both his attitude and actions?
2. Even if we already excel in the matter of love...
1. There is always room for growth - cf. 1Th 4:9-10
2. There is always the need for prayers such as this one:

   "And may the Lord make you increase and abound in love to one another and to all, just as we do to you" (1Th 3:12)

We have spoken of God's wonderful love for us; have you yet responded to that love? - cf. Ro 2:4-5

Executable Outlines, Copyright © Mark A. Copeland, 2022

"THE FLESH AND THE SPIRIT" The Fruit Of The Spirit - Joy INTRODUCTION by Mark Copeland

https://executableoutlines.com/topical_series/flesh-and-spirit/fs_10.html

"THE FLESH AND THE SPIRIT"

The Fruit Of The Spirit - Joy

INTRODUCTION

1. Those who are influenced and directed by the Holy Spirit will produce "the fruit of the Spirit" in their lives - cf. Ga 5:22-23
1. We noted in our previous study that there is not a plurality of fruits, but one fruit
2. Yes, only one fruit that is made up of several inter-related graces or virtues, all of which will be manifested if one is truly walking in the Spirit
2. Prominent, of course, will be the virtue of "love", which we observed...
1. Was defined as "active good will", that which seeks the highest good of others
2. Is best exemplified by Jesus Christ, who through His example has taught us what love really is - cf. Jn 15:13; 1Jn 3:16
3. Should be the "universal motive" for all that we do - 1Co 16:14
3. As noted in Ga 5:22, the fruit of the Spirit also involves "joy"
1. It is interesting to note the relationship between the Holy Spirit and joy in several passages:
1. The kingdom of God is "joy in the Holy Spirit" - cf. Ro 14:17
2. The Thessalonians had received the word "with joy of the Holy Spirit" - 1Th 1:6
3. And of course, our text in Ga 5:22
2. Therefore, one who is led by the Spirit, and walking by the Spirit, will be someone filled with much joy in his or her life!

[But what is joy? How can Christians be filled with joy? As we seek to produce the fruit of the Spirit in our lives, let's take a closer look at "joy"...]

1. THE DEFINITION OF "JOY"
1. THE GREEK WORD IS "CHARA"...
1. Which Thayer defines as "joy, gladness"
2. Vine adds "delight"
-- By one count the word is used 60 times in the NT
2. THE VERB FORM OF "CHARA" IS "CHAIREIN"...
1. Which is most often translated "to rejoice"
2. It is used 72 times in the NT
3. CLOSELY RELATED IS THE WORD "CHARIS"...
1. Which is the word most often translated as "grace"
2. Vine defines grace in the objective sense as "that which bestows or occasions pleasure, delight, or causes favorable regard"
3. Therefore grace is what produces joy!
4. THE CONNECTION BETWEEN "GRACE" AND "JOY"...
1. One's joy is directly proportional to the grace one has received, or at least to the perception of grace that one has received
1. Receive a small gift, and your joy might be minimal
2. Receive a large gift, and your joyous reaction is greater
2. When Christians' don't have much joy in their lives, something is wrong: "If you have no joy in your religion, there's a leak in your Christianity somewhere." (BILLY SUNDAY)
3. Here is one explanation why Christians may be joyless: "The reason why many poor souls have so little heat of joy in their hearts, is that they have so little light of Gospel knowledge in their mind. The further a soul stands from the light of truth, the further he must needs be from the heat of comfort." (WILLIAM GURNALL)
5. THE JOY OF THE LORD IS ABIDING....
1. The Lord certainly does not want Christians to be joyless - cf. Jn 15:11
2. The joy He gives is "inexpressible and full of glory", able to sustain us in the worst of circumstances - cf. 1Pe 1:6-8
1. Unlike the "passing pleasures of sin" (He 11:25) which are fleeting
2. Even the good things in life eventually prove to be "vanity" - Ec 2:10-11
3. Therefore He has made it possible for the Christian to say with Paul:

   "Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice!" - Php 4:4

[A failure to remember those things graciously given us which make for joy in our lives can explain why some Christians do not have the degree of "joy" (gladness, delight) they should have.

But Christians have every reason to be joyful. We just need to remember what it is that produces joy. Let's review just a few...]

2. SOURCES OF JOY FOR THE CHRISTIAN
1. JOY IS A CONSEQUENCE OF FAITH...
1. Joy comes from having "a confident trust" (faith) in God - cf. Php 1:25
1. Without faith in God and Christ, we cannot experience abiding joy
2. Why is faith essential to joy?
1. It dispels the attitudes that prevent joy from occurring
2. Such as "worry" (cf. Mt 6:25-30), "doubt" and "fear" - cf. Mt 14:27-31
2. Since joy is based upon faith, this emphasizes the importance of the Word of God in producing joy...
1. For faith comes from the Word of God - Ro 10:17
1. The Word of God produces faith
2. In turn faith produces joy - cf. Ro 15:13
2. The very teachings of Jesus are designed to give us joy - Jn 15:11; 17:13
-- Thus the need to read and study the Bible daily!
2. JOY IS ALSO THE RESULT OF OBEDIENCE...
1. Obedience to the Word of God fosters joy in the hearts of the obedient
1. Notice the conversion of the Samaritans - Ac 8:5-8
2. Also the conversion of the Ethiopian eunuch - Ac 8:35-38
3. And the conversion of the Thessalonians - 1Th 1:6
2. Conversely, disobedience dispels joy and produces fear! - cf. He 10:26-27
-- Could lack of joy be an indication of lack of obedience on your part?
3. JOY IS BASED UPON FORGIVENESS...
1. The guilt of sin is a major reason why many people lack joy
1. Awareness of such guilt causes stress, unhappiness, and worry
2. Even as Paul illustrated in describing the condition of one struggling with the problem of sin - cf. Ro 7:22-24
2. But where there is forgiveness, there can be joy!
1. Consider the 32nd Psalm of David...
1. He introduces his theme by speaking of the "blessedness" (or joy) of one whose sins are forgiven - Ps 32:1-2
2. He describes how the guilt of his sin affected him inwardly - Ps 32:3-4
3. But at last he confessed his sin and was forgiven - Ps 32:5
4. He describes the joy that the righteous (i.e., the forgiven) can experience - Ps 32:10-11
2. The correlation between forgiveness and joy is also seen in Ps 51:7-12
3. Today, those in Christ can enjoy forgiveness of sins and the joy that follows - cf. Ro 5:1-2,10-11
-- If you have not yet received the forgiveness found only in Christ, there is no way to experience the abiding joy that comes only "in the Lord"
4. JOY ALSO COMES FROM CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP...
1. It is a joy just to "see" such fellowship
1. Paul experienced joy by witnessing love and fellowship in Philemon - Phm 7
2. He also found great joy in learning of the restoration of brethren - 2Co 7:7
2. How much more, the joy of "experiencing" such fellowship!
1. Paul rejoiced in the fellowship he had with the Philippians - Php 4:10
2. John spoke of the joy that comes of Christian fellowship reunited - 2Jn 12
-- Are you developing and nurturing the kind of Christian fellowship that adds to our joy?
5. JOY COMES FROM CHRISTIAN SERVICE...
1. There is the joy of spreading the gospel
1. Barnabas rejoiced in the conversions at Antioch - Ac 11:20-23
2. The Christian Jews delighted to hear of the conversion of the Gentiles - Ac 15:3
2. There is great joy in seeing the spiritual progress of others
1. This was a frequent source of joy to Paul - Ro 16:19; Col 2:5; 1Th 3:6-9
2. John wrote that this was the highest form of joy - 3Jn 4
3. One reason this is true is that those whom we have brought to Christ...
1. Will not only be a source of joy for us now
2. But especially in the day of Christ! - cf. 1Th 2:19-20
3. Jesus also spoke of the "blessedness" (i.e., joy) of giving to others - Ac 20:35
-- All those who are willing to become involved in serving the Lord, whether it be through teaching or the giving of one's time, energy or money, will experience joy from such service!

CONCLUSION

1. The wonderful joy of the Lord is open to all who would receive it through such things as:
1. Faith in Christ
2. Obedience to His Will
3. Forgiveness through His blood
4. Fellowship with His disciples
5. Service in His Kingdom
-- And it is the kind of joy that can sustain us through life, as Nehemiah told Israel:

"The joy of the Lord is your strength" - Neh 8:10

2. Certainly those who are...
1. Born of the Spirit
2. Walking in the Spirit
3. Being led by the Spirit ...will be involved in all these things, and as a consequence will bear the fruit of the Spirit which includes "joy"
3. Why not begin experiencing this joy today by...
1. Obeying the gospel of Christ
2. Receiving the forgiveness of sins through the blood of Christ
3. Participate in the fellowship of Christian love as you work toward bringing others to salvation in Christ - cf. Ac 2:38-42

Executable Outlines, Copyright © Mark A. Copeland, 2022

"THE FLESH AND THE SPIRIT" The Fruit Of The Spirit - Peace by Mark Copeland

https://executableoutlines.com/topical_series/flesh-and-spirit/fs_11.html

"THE FLESH AND THE SPIRIT"

The Fruit Of The Spirit - Peace

INTRODUCTION

1. Another grace experienced by those whose lives are in tune with the Spirit of God is that of "peace" - Ga 5:22
2. That the Spirit of God should induce peace in the children of God should be understandable in light of the fact that...
1. Their heavenly Father is "the God of peace" - 1Th 5:23
2. Their Lord Jesus Christ is called "Prince of peace" - Isa 9:6
3. But one might ask...
1. What is this "peace" enjoyed by those who walk in the Spirit?
2. How does one come to have this peace?
3. How we can be sure to preserve this peace, and enjoy it to its fullest extent?

[As we continue our study of "The Flesh And The Spirit", and especially as we focus on "the fruit of the Spirit" (Ga 5:22-23), we now turn our attention to the subject of peace...]

1. DEFINING "PEACE"
1. PEACE IS SOMETIMES DEFINED IN NEGATIVE TERMS...
1. As though peace were simply the absence of conflict
2. For example...
1. "The only condition of peace in this world is to have no ideas, or, at least, not to express them." (OLIVER WENDELL HOLMES)
2. "He knows peace who has forgotten desire" (THE BHAGAVAD GITA)
2. A BIBLICAL DEFINITION OF PEACE INCLUDES POSITIVE ELEMENTS...
1. The Greek word is eirene, which is defined as:
1. "peace between individuals, i.e., harmony, concord" (THAYER)
2. "acc. to a conception distinctly peculiar to the N.T., the tranquil state of a soul assured of its salvation through Christ, and so fearing nothing from God and content with its earthly lot, of whatsoever sort that is" (THAYER)
2. So rather than simply an absence of conflict, the peace God provides is...
1. A condition positive in nature
2. In which there is active fellowship, harmony and concord between individuals

[Having defined peace as a blessing that ought to be desired and enjoyed by all, let's consider what the Bible has to say about...]

2. THE SOURCE OF THIS PEACE
1. IT COMES FROM JESUS, WHO CAME TO BRING PEACE...
1. It was prophesied He would be the "Prince of peace" - Isa 9:6-7
2. When He came, He came preaching peace - Ac 10:36
3. Indeed, He offers peace...
1. That the world is not able to give - Jn 14:27
2. That one can possess even in the midst of tribulation - Jn 16:33
2. THE PEACE JESUS BRINGS INVOLVES...
1. Peace with God - Ro 5:1-11
1. Which comes when we are "justified by faith" - Ro 5:1
2. Which is accompanied with rejoicing and love, even in tribulation - Ro 5:2-5
3. Which is made possible by the loving sacrifice of Jesus' blood - Ro 5:6-9
4. And continues by virtue of His resurrected life - Ro 5:10-11; e.g., He 7:25
2. Peace with man - Ep 2:11-22
1. Jew and Gentile, once alienated from one another, can be at peace in Jesus Christ - Ep 2:11-14
2. Made possible through the same act which makes peace with God: the death of Jesus Christ! - Ep 2:15-16
3. Thus Jesus has come preaching peace to all mankind - Ep 2:17
4. The wonders of this peace are described as Paul continues...
1. A peace that allows access by one Spirit to the Father - Ep 2:18
2. A peace where all can be fellow-citizens with the saints - Ep 2:19a
3. A peace where all can be members of the family of God - Ep 2:19b
4. A peace where all can be a temple in the Lord, a habitation of God in the Spirit - Ep 2:20-22
3. Peace with self
1. Peace within one's own self is mostly a by-product...
1. Of being at peace with God
2. Of being at peace with those around us
-- So when Jesus brings us peace with God and man (see above), peace within naturally follows!
2. But there is a peace, one that blesses the soul from within...
1. It comes from God
2. It surpasses all understanding
3. It serves as a fortress to guard our hearts and minds ...and it comes through Christ Jesus! - Php 4:7

[When one is in Christ Jesus, enjoying the blessings of justification, along with reconciliation with both God and man, peace is a natural by-product. But is there anything we can and should be doing to preserve the peace we have from God in Christ Jesus? Indeed there is...]

3. PRESERVING OUR PEACE
1. MAINTAINING PEACE WITH GOD AND SELF REQUIRES...
1. Keeping our minds set on God - cf. Isa 26:3
2. Loving God's word, and heeding His commandments - Ps 119:165; Isa 48:18; cf. Jn 14:23
3. Being diligent in prayer - Php 4:6-7
4. Filling our mind with spiritual thoughts - Php 4:8-9; cf. Ro 8:5-8
2. MAINTAINING PEACE WITH ONE ANOTHER REQUIRES...
1. Being at peace with God first - cf. Pr 16:7
1. How can we hope to make peace with others when we are not at peace within?
2. Making peace with God gives us the peace within whereby we are in a better position to make peace with others!
2. A concentrated effort to "pursue" peace - cf. 1Pe 3:8-12
1. Peace must be sought and pursued - 1Pe 3:11
2. Peter mentions some of the qualities necessary - 1Pe 3:8-9
1. Being of one mind
2. Having compassion for one another
3. Love as brothers, tenderhearted, and courteous
4. Not returning evil for evil or reviling for reviling, but responding with a blessing
-- Only then can we expect to "love life and see good days"! - 1Pe 3:10
3. Please note that the pursuit of peace does not require compromise of truth
1. For the wisdom that is from above is "first pure, then peaceable..." - Jm 3:17
2. But if we wish to bear the fruit of righteousness, it must be "sown in peace by those who make peace"! - Jm 3:18

CONCLUSION

1. Let us never forget that Jesus, as the Prince of peace...
1. Came preaching peace
2. Died on the cross to make peace possible with God, man, and self
3. Is the conduit through which God now grants peace to man, as pronounced the night He was born - cf. Lk 2:11-14
2. Indeed, the element of peace is a key feature of His kingdom - cf. Ro 14:17-19
1. We should therefore "let the peace of God rule in our hearts" - Col 3:15
2. And allow Jesus to give us His peace as expressed in this prayer:

   "Now may the Lord of peace Himself give you peace always in every way. The Lord be with you all." (2Th 3:16)

Do you wish to ensure that the Lord is always with you, that you might experience that "peace which surpasses all understanding"? Then heed what Jesus Himself said to His disciples shortly before ascending into heaven... - cf. Mt 28:18-20

Executable Outlines, Copyright © Mark A. Copeland, 2022

"THE FLESH AND THE SPIRIT" The Fruit Of The Spirit - Longsuffering by Mark Copeland

https://executableoutlines.com/topical_series/flesh-and-spirit/fs_12.html

"THE FLESH AND THE SPIRIT"

The Fruit Of The Spirit - Longsuffering

INTRODUCTION

1. In discussing "the fruit of the Spirit", the nine graces listed in Ga 5:22-23 are often divided into three groups:
1. The first group contains those graces which turns one's thought toward God...
1. Love (for love is of God)
2. Joy (for we rejoice in the Lord)
3. Peace (for from God comes the peace that surpasses understanding)
2. The second group contains those graces that directs our attention to our fellow man...
3. Longsuffering
4. Kindness
5. Goodness
6. The third group of graces refer more directly to oneself...
7. Faithfulness
8. Gentleness (meekness)
9. Self-control
2. Having examined those graces in the first group (love, joy, peace), we now come to the first one in the second group...
1. The grace is "longsuffering" ("patience" in the NASV)
2. The Greek word is makrothumia
1. Literally, it means being "long-tempered" (the opposite of short-tempered)
2. It is defined as "patience, forbearance, longsuffering, slowness in avenging wrongs" (THAYER)
3. "Longsuffering is that quality of self-restraint in the face of provocation which does not hastily retaliate or promptly punish. It is the opposite of anger and is associated with mercy, and is used of God." (VINE)
3. If God is longsuffering, we should not be surprised that those who "walk in the Spirit" are also longsuffering!

[As we seek to work in conjunction with the Spirit of God to develop His fruit in our lives, it might be helpful to nurture longsuffering by recalling some...]

1. EXAMPLES OF LONGSUFFERING
1. THE LONGSUFFERING OF GOD...
1. God has been longsuffering toward man
1. He was in the days of Noah - 1Pe 3:20
2. He was in His dealings with the nation of Israel - Neh 9:16-21
3. And He is longsuffering today as well - 2Pe 3:7-9; e.g., 1Ti 1:15-16
2. The purpose of His longsuffering:
1. That we might have salvation! - 2Pe 3:15
2. That we might be led to repentance! - Ro 2:4
3. That those who fear Him and keep His commandments might delight in His lovingkindness, even though they have sinned - cf. Ps 103:8-18
2. THE LONGSUFFERING OF DAVID...
1. Is best seen in his dealings with King Saul
1. Saul had made several attempts to kill David
2. David had several opportunities to kill Saul
1. In the cave - 1Sa 24:1-22
2. In the camp - 1Sa 26:1-25
2. Out of respect for the Lord's anointed king (Saul), David demonstrated the true meaning of longsuffering: "slowness in avenging wrongs"

[So from both God Himself, and one who was "a man after God's own heart" (1Sa 13:14), we learn what the quality of longsuffering involves. Now let's consider its necessity in the life of the Christian...]

2. THE NECESSITY OF LONGSUFFERING
1. NECESSARY IF WE WISH GOD TO BE LONGSUFFERING TO US...
1. As Jesus illustrated in "The Parable Of The Unmerciful Servant" (note particularly Mt 18:32-35)
2. Compare also the following verses: Col 3:12-13
1. Christ has forgiven us
2. Therefore we must be longsuffering and willing to forgive one another!
2. NECESSARY TO MAINTAINING THE UNITY OF THE SPIRIT...
1. A task we face, in keeping with a walk that is worthy of our calling - Ep 4:1-3
2. Without longsuffering, the sins we commit against one another will quickly destroy the unity for which Christ died!
3. NECESSARY FOR PREACHERS AND TEACHERS OF THE GOSPEL...
1. As Paul charged Timothy - 2Ti 4:2
2. As Paul had demonstrated by example - 2Ti 3:10
3. No servant of the Lord can faithfully correct those in opposition, without the quality of longsuffering (patience in the NKJV) - 2Ti 2:24-26

[So to be "useful for the Master, prepared for every good work" (cf. 2Ti 2:21), and even to ensure God's longsuffering toward us (cf. Mt 18:35), we need to develop the virtue of longsuffering. Here are a couple of thoughts on how...]

3. DEVELOPING LONGSUFFERING
1. THROUGH LOVE...
1. It is love that "suffers long" - cf. 1Co 13:4-8a
1. Unless we love those who have wronged us, there will not be sufficient motivation to bear with them
2. Therefore love (active good will) is fundamental to being slow to avenge wrong
2. By growing in love (to remember how, cf. 1Th 4:9; 1Jn 3:16), we will grow in patience!
2. THROUGH PRAYER...
1. Paul evidently believed prayer would help the Colossians to have "all patience and longsuffering with joy" - Col 1:9-11
2. Certainly the God who is longsuffering (cf. Ps 145:8) will strengthen those who desire to be like Him!

CONCLUSION

1. God has certainly revealed Himself to be longsuffering, as David wrote in his psalm:

   "But You, O Lord, are a God full of compassion, and gracious, Longsuffering and abundant in mercy and truth." - Ps 86:15

2. For those who desire to be truly His children, and led by His Spirit, they will want to become like Him, as David wrote just a few verses before:

   "Teach me Your way, O Lord; I will walk in Your truth;" - Ps 86:11a

3. The way of the Lord is truly one involving longsuffering, and it will be a quality evident in the lives of those who bear the fruit of the Spirit!

May the Lord help us to be longsuffering with those around us! May we also be careful to respond to the Lord's longsuffering toward us in the proper way... - cf. Ro 2:4-6

Executable Outlines, Copyright © Mark A. Copeland, 2022

"THE FLESH AND THE SPIRIT" The Fruit Of The Spirit - Kindness by Mark Copeland

 

https://executableoutlines.com/topical_series/flesh-and-spirit/fs_13.html

"THE FLESH AND THE SPIRIT"

The Fruit Of The Spirit - Kindness

INTRODUCTION

1. As we continue our look at those qualities to be present when one is producing the fruit of the Spirit in his or her life, we now come to "kindness" (gentleness, KJV)
2. The Greek word is chrestotes {khray-stot'-ace}...
1. This word describes "the sympathetic kindliness or sweetness of temper which puts others at their ease, and shrinks from giving pain" (PLUMMER)
1. It therefore describes a quality that makes other people feel at ease when with you
2. They know you will be kind, or gentle
2. "It is a beautiful word for the expression of a beautiful grace" (TRENCH)
3. To help us better understand what it means to have "kindness", let's take a look at how it is used in the Bible

[Beginning with...]

1. "KINDNESS" IN THE OLD TESTAMENT
1. IN THE SEPTUAGINT, IT USED MORE OF GOD THAN ANYONE ELSE...
1. For example, consider these two verses, where the word is translated "good":
1. "Praise the LORD! Oh, give thanks to the LORD, for He is good! For His mercy endures forever." - Ps 106:1
2. "The Lord is good to all, And His tender mercies are over all His works" - Ps 145:9
2. The reference in these verses is not to God's moral goodness, but rather to His kindness, especially as expressed in His mercy
3. It is the kindness of God that moves the Psalmist's heart, and which should also move us to worship the LORD - cf. Ps 100
1. In this psalm we find a call to come to the Lord with joy, thanksgiving and praise
2. Why? "For the LORD is good..." - Ps 100:4-5
2. WRITERS OF THE O.T. SAW GOD'S KINDNESS EXPRESSED...
1. In nature - Ps 65:9-13
2. In the events of history - Ps 145:1-7
3. In the instructions of His Word - Ps 119:65-68; 25:8
4. In special ways, to certain people...
1. To those afflicted, who trust in Him - Nah 1:7
2. To those poor, who follow Him - Ps 68:10
3. To all those who hope and trust in Him - Ps 34:8
4. To all those who fear Him - Ps 31:19

[From the kindness of God as revealed in the Old Testament, let's move on to consider...]

2. "KINDNESS" IN THE NEW TESTAMENT
1. ONCE AGAIN WE READ OF THE KINDNESS OF GOD...
1. In nature, even to ungrateful and evil men - Lk 6:35; cf. Mt 5:45
2. In the giving of His Son, in Whom we have salvation - Tit 3:4-7
3. Even in the ages to come - Ep 2:7
2. SINCE GOD IS KIND, SO HIS CHILDREN SHOULD BE KIND...
1. Kindness is part of the Christian "garment" we are to put on - cf. Col 3:12
2. Kindness is to characterize our treatment of one another - Ep 4:31-32

CONCLUSION

1. Do we act with kindness toward others?
1. So that others are "at ease" in our presence
2. So that others feel they can draw close to us?
-- Or do we with sharp words, cold shoulders, or arrogant condescension discourage others from feeling comfortable around us?
2. Remember that kindness is the "sympathetic kindliness or sweetness of temper which puts others at their ease..."
1. "This Christian kindness is a lovely thing, and its loveliness comes from the fact that Christian kindness means treating others in the way in which God has treated us." (BARCLAY)
2. If we truly desire to be "sons of the Highest", then we must imitate the kindness of God - cf. Lk 6:35-36
3. Speaking of the kindness of God...
1. What is in store for those who reject His kindness? - cf. Ro 2:4-11
2. What about those who do not continue in His kindness? - cf. Ro 11:22

Have you responded to the kindness of God in accordance to His Will...?

Executable Outlines, Copyright © Mark A. Copeland, 2022

"THE FLESH AND THE SPIRIT" The Fruit Of The Spirit - Goodness by Mark Copeland

https://executableoutlines.com/topical_series/flesh-and-spirit/fs_14.html

"THE FLESH AND THE SPIRIT"

The Fruit Of The Spirit - Goodness

INTRODUCTION

1. At this point in our study on "the fruit of the Spirit", we are examining those graces which relate especially to our dealings with our fellowman...
1. Longsuffering, defined as "that quality of self-restraint in the face of provocation which does not hastily retaliate or promptly punish." (VINE)
2. Kindness, defined as "the sympathetic kindliness or sweetness of temper which puts others at their ease, and shrinks from giving pain" (PLUMMER)
3. And now we come to goodness...
2. The Greek word is agathosune {ag-ath-o-soo'-nay}...
1. This word is perhaps the most difficult to define, for it is so general in nature
2. The difficulty is seen in that the word "goodness" takes it meaning from its context
1. E.g., we might say "that is a good animal", or "he is a good man"
2. But good in what way? The context defines the sense...
3. The problem with its use in Ga 5:22 is that there is little in the context to guide us
3. But there may be at least two ways we might be able to come to a proper understanding of this word...
1. Comparing it to the words "just" and "evil"
2. Considering two examples in the New Testament of "good" people

[Let's begin by...]

1. COMPARING "GOODNESS" TO THE WORDS "JUST" AND "EVIL"
1. THE GREEKS OFTEN COMPARED "GOODNESS" WITH "JUSTICE"...
1. BARCLAY writes of how the Greeks compared these words:
1. "Justice, they say, is the quality which gives a man what is due him;"
2. "...goodness is the quality which is out to do far more than that, and which desires to give a man all that is to his benefit and help."
2. Again, BARCLAY writes: "The man who is just sticks to the letter of his bond; the man who is good goes far beyond it."
-- This suggests that the primary idea of goodness is "generosity"
2. IN THE NT, THE WORD FROM WHICH "GOODNESS" COMES IS OFTEN CONTRASTED WITH "EVIL"...
1. In a few places, the words "evil" and "good" have particular meanings
2. In the parable of The Laborers (Mt 20:15), "evil" means "envious", while "good" is used for "generous"
3. In Mt 6:19-23...
1. The context speaks of an "evil" (or "bad") eye which is begrudging and ungenerous - cf. Pr 28:22
2. In contrast to the eye that is "good" which lays up treasure in heaven (by being generous to others, cf. 1Ti 6:17-19)
3. NOW WE CAN BEGIN TO DEFINE "GOODNESS"...
1. The person who displays goodness is not like the person who is simply just...
1. The person who is simply just gives only to another what he has earned
2. Whereas the person who is good is generous to give what was not deserved
2. The person who displays goodness is not like the person who is evil...
1. The person who is evil begrudges everything he has to give
2. The person who is good is open-hearted and open-handed, i.e., generous

[It has been said that goodness "is easier to recognize than to define". With that in mind, consider...]

2. TWO EXAMPLES OF "GOOD" PEOPLE
1. BARNABAS WAS A "GOOD" MAN - Ac 11:24
1. He was generous with his possessions
1. Cf. Ac 4:32-37
2. This is consistent with our definition above, that one who is good is generous to give to others what is not deserved
2. He was happy to see the progress of others; i.e., he was not envious
1. Cf. Ac 11:23
2. Again this is consistent with our definition; he was not begrudging another's success
3. Barnabas was an encourager of others
1. Cf. Ac 11:23
2. He was liberal with his good words, which is how he got his name - cf. Ac 4:36
2. DORCAS WAS A "GOOD" WOMAN - Ac 9:36
1. She was "full of good works and charitable deeds"
2. Even in her death, her goodness was being felt
1. Cf. Ac 9:39, where the widows were showing tunics and garments she had made
2. I doubt they were praising her ability to sew, but rather her charity in making such clothes for others (such as the widows)

CONCLUSION

1. All those who are truly led by the Spirit of God will produce the quality of "goodness" - cf. Ep 5:8-9
2. That is, doing kind things beyond what is expected or required
1. Such was the case of Barnabas and Dorcas
2. Paul was confident such was true of the brethren in Rome - Ro 15:14
-- Would he have written the same of us?
3. That we should be "full of goodness" is only natural...
1. For God who is our Father demonstrated His own "goodness"
2. This He did by giving His Son to a sinful world undeserving of such grace - Tit 3:3-7 Have you submitted to His saving mercy, that "washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit"? - cf. Jn 3:5; Mk 16:16; Ac 2:38

If not, then why not do so today, and then heed Paul's call to "goodness"...

"This is a faithful saying, and these things I want you to affirm constantly, that those who have believed in God should be careful to maintain good works. These things are good and profitable to men." (Tit 3:8)

Executable Outlines, Copyright © Mark A. Copeland, 2022

"THE FLESH AND THE SPIRIT" The Fruit Of The Spirit - Faithfulness by Mark Copeland

https://executableoutlines.com/topical_series/flesh-and-spirit/fs_15.html

"THE FLESH AND THE SPIRIT"

The Fruit Of The Spirit - Faithfulness

INTRODUCTION

1. The seventh quality which Paul lists as the fruit of the Spirit is "faithfulness"...
1. The Greek word is pistis {pis'-tis}
2. In the NT, it is often used of a conviction or belief in respect to God and Christ
3. But it also is used to describe the quality of "fidelity, faithfulness"
1. "the character of one who can be relied on..." (THAYER)
2. "faithful, to be trusted, reliable..." (VINE)
4. William Barclay calls it "the virtue of reliability"
2. This virtue, unfortunately, is not too common...
1. While many may claim it, the wise man declared it hard to find - Pr 20:6
2. The Psalmist decried the lack of "faithfulness" in his day, describing a condition that sounds much like our situation today - Ps 12:1-2
-- Yet, faithfulness is essential for those who would receive the crown of life - Re 2:10
3. To encourage the development of this virtue in our lives, in this study we shall...
1. Look to Jesus and God as examples of faithfulness
2. Suggest a few areas in which we need greater faithfulness

[Anyone who is led by the Spirit of God, will certainly be motivated to produce the virtue of faithfulness in their own lives as they contemplate...]

1. THE FAITHFULNESS OF JESUS AND GOD
1. THE FAITHFULNESS OF JESUS...
1. Jesus was faithful in fulfilling His role as the Son of God
1. Just as Moses was faithful as a servant - He 3:1-2
2. Jesus was faithful in carrying out the work given Him - Jn 4:34; 5:30; 6:38; 8:29
2. He is also faithful in the role of being our high priest - He 2:17-18
1. Faithful, because He understands our weaknesses - cf. He 4:14-15
2. Faithful, because He richly supplies us with grace and mercy - cf. He 4:16
-- Isn't it wonderful to have a Savior upon Whom we can rely?
2. THE FAITHFULNESS OF GOD...
1. God has always been known as a God of faithfulness - Deut 7:9
2. And toward those who are His children, He is faithful (reliable, trustworthy)...
1. Not to allow us to be tempted beyond that we are able to bear - 1Co 10:13
2. To protect us from the evil one - 2Th 3:3
3. To complete His work of salvation in us - 1Th 5:23-24
-- Isn't it wonderful to know that God can be trusted in these and many other ways?

[But to fully benefit from the faithfulness of Jesus and God, we must be faithful as well! - cf. Re 2:10-11,25-26; 3:11-12. With that in mind, consider some...]

2. AREAS IN WHICH WE NEED GREATER FAITHFULNESS
1. WE NEED TO BE MORE FAITHFUL TO GOD AND CHRIST...
1. In the way we use our "talents" (abilities and opportunities) - cf. Mt 25:21
2. Too often, people are like the one talent man, burying their talent; this greatly displeases the Lord - cf. Mt 25:24-26
1. Like Moses at the burning bush, they make excuses
2. But for every excuse man can devise, God can provide a way for us to be faithful!
3. We begin by being faithful in small things...
1. As indicated in Jesus' comments in Lk 16:10
2. If we can't be counted upon for the small things, how can we be expected to be considered reliable when the going gets tough? - cf. Jer 12:5
2. WE NEED TO BE FAITHFUL TO THE CHURCH...
1. The family of God always has need of people who are truly faithful (i.e., reliable, trustworthy, loyal)
2. Lack of faithfulness to God's people can be seen in several ways:
1. Forsaking the assembling of ourselves together - He 10:24-25
2. Lack of participation in the family life of the church
1. Neglecting opportunities to learn and grow together in God's Word
2. Leaving it to others to carry out the work of the church
3. Not concerned about the welfare of your brothers and sisters in Christ
3. We cannot take such unfaithfulness lightly!
1. We will be of little value to those who need us - cf. Pr 25:19
2. We actually undermine the work of the Lord! - cf. Pr 18:9; Mt 12:30
3. Do you need to have more faithfulness to the church?
1. Ask yourself: "If everyone were as faithful as I am, what kind of church would this be?"
1. Would anyone be here, except for Sunday morning worship?
2. Would there be any teachers for our children's classes?
3. Would the church be growing, both numerically and spiritually?
4. Would the church even exist?
2. Consider this example of "faithfulness" to the church...

   Grandma Taw Bow, a resident of Thailand, does not impress strangers. She is small of stature, bent with age, her hands and fingers gnarled with arthritis. She often stands quietly to one side.

   Her name translated into English means "Always." Despite her unimpressive physical appearance, Grandma Always has inspired her missionary friends and Thai Christians by her faithfulness.

   A widow and over ninety years of age, she lives as a servant in a Thai home. Every Sunday she walks two miles to church. Out of her income of five cents a day, she regularly gives one day's wages to the Lord every week.

   When her missionary friends drive her home from church services, she gets out, and bows her head in an audible prayer for the missionaries and the work of Christ in Thailand.

   One missionary says, "The thought of Grandma Always' faithfulness humbles and deepens us." (A Dictionary Of Christian Illustrations, p. 121)

-- What the church needs are more "Grandma Always", both young and old!
3. WE NEED TO BE MORE FAITHFUL TO OUR FAMILIES...
1. Fathers need to be faithful in fulfilling their spiritual roles - cf. Ep 6:4
2. Mothers need to be faithful in fulfilling their family responsibilities - Tit 2:3-5
3. Of course, husbands and wives need to be faithful to one another in their respective duties - Ep 5:22-33
4. Children, you also have a need to be faithful - cf. Ep 6:1-3
-- Do not our families deserve faithful spouses, parents and children?
4. FINALLY, WE NEED TO BE MORE FAITHFUL TO OURSELVES...
1. Shakespeare once described a man: "He wears his faith as the fashion of his hat."
1. Too often, some Christians are like that
2. If it is fashionable to be a faithful Christian, then they are; if not, then they are not
2. Those who are this way are only committing spiritual suicide and manslaughter
1. That is, they are harming themselves
2. And they are harming those who cannot rely upon them
3. But for those who are faithful to themselves as well as to God...
1. Will be preserved by the Lord: "for the Lord preserves the faithful" - Ps 31:23
2. And blessed by the Lord: "A faithful man will abound with blessings..." - Pr 28:20
-- Do we not owe it to ourselves to be faithful?

CONCLUSION

1. William Barclay ended his examination of this word in this way:
1. "Pistos is indeed a great word. It describes the man on whose faithful service we may rely, on whose loyalty we may depend, whose word we can unreservedly accept."
2. "It describes the man in whom there is the unswerving and inflexible fidelity of Jesus Christ, and the utter dependability of God."
2. Yes, the one who is being led by the Spirit of God, to produce the fruit of the Spirit...
1. Will follow in the footsteps of the God and Savior he serves
2. Those footsteps include the virtue of faithfulness, the virtue of reliability!

Will you not strive to be faithful, in your service to God, the church, your family, even to yourself?

Executable Outlines, Copyright © Mark A. Copeland, 2022