Fruit of the Spirit

For the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness and righteousness and truth...Eph 5:9

Winter 2002                                                              Volume 3, Issue 1

The Fruits Of The Spirit - Meekness

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he nine ingredients of the "fruit of the Spirit" mentioned in Galatians 5:22-23, and examined in this continued investigation, make an intriguing study. This "fruit" is produced in the lives of Christians by their obedience to the Holy Spirit's revelation. It marks a separation from the world which can be observed in the life of a Christian. This is the result of putting off the old man of sin, by obedience to God's drawing power the Gospel ( Rom. 1:16), and putting on the new man “which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him” (Col 3:9-10).

This adorning is not to be an outward adorning, “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" (1 Pet. 3:3-4). The precious invitation of our Lord is extended to all! “Come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me, for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light” (Matt. 11:28-30).

It may be supposed by many that one who is considered to be meek is also one who is characterized by weakness! Nothing is further from the truth! Meek and weak are not compatible words! In the Old Testament, God refers to Moses as being "very meek" (Num. 12:3). Yet, he was a man of great courage, strength, and boldness in the face of danger.

Jesus used the term in the Sermon on the Mount, "Blessed are the meek" (Matt.5:5), but did not mean one who is puny and weak! Since the "meek" would be those who were to go into all of the world preaching the Gospel (Mk. 16:15-16), they would have to be strong to overcome the persecutions and difficulties Satan would put in their path. "Meekness" has to do with steadfastness in the service of the Lord. It is power under control, not out of control! It has to do with the one who is strong in the strength of the Lord, having put on the whole armour of God (Eph. 6:10-17). This one does not misuse the power given him of God in the Gospel, but unsheathes the "sword of the Spirit" and uses it with understanding (Eph. 5:15-17). He is rather seen to be patient, enduring difficulties and provocation, as he is taught to do by the Holy Spirit in the Gospel (1 Cor. 15:58).

Hence to be meek is to so govern ourselves in our passions and resentments, as not to be easily provoked in life. When we live under the inspired teaching of the New Testament, Christians develop this calm and steady spirit or humble and lovable disposition. "Meekness" produces peace upon the Truth (John 17:17, 20-21).

GaryColley
172 Lakeview Dr.
McMinnville, TN 37110
Web: WWW.EECC.ORG


Inside...
Page 1 - The Fruits Of The Spirit | Page 2 - Gossip
Page 3 - Prison Report | Page 4 - Old Testament Studies | Page 5 - Winning A Friend To Christ
Page 6 - Mission News | Page 7 - Christian Evidences | Page 8 - Hearing Of Their Faith
Page 9 - The Christian Home | Page 10 - Continuations | Page 11 - The Children's Page
Page 12 - Announcements

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