Gentleness & Self-Control
5/18/25
Main Scripture:
Galatians 5:22-23 (ESV):
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.”
Part 1: Understanding the Fruit
Paul refers to these as fruit of the spirit, not fruits. Each of these all make up the fruit of the spirit together.
Evidence of a life fully submitted to the Holy Spirit.
Part 2: What is Gentleness?
In the Greek, prautēs, meaning meekness.
- Jesus as the Model of Gentleness
Matthew 11:29 (ESV):
“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.”
- Gentleness in Relationships
Galatians 6:1 (ESV):
“Brothers, if anyone is caught in any transgression, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness.”
- Gentleness in Opposition
2 Timothy 2:24–25 (NIV):
“And the Lord’s servant must not be quarrelsome but must be kind to everyone, able to teach, not resentful. Opponents must be gently instructed, in the hope that God will grant them repentance leading them to knowledge of the truth.”
Part 3: What is Self-Control?
In Greek, egkrateia, meaning mastery over one’s desires and passions.
- A Sign of Maturity
Proverbs 25:28 (ESV):
“A man without self-control is like a city broken into and left without walls.”
Without self-control, you’re spiritually defenseless.
- Paul’s Example of Self-Control
1 Corinthians 9:24–27 (NIV):
“Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last but we do it to get a crown that will last forever. Therefore I do not run like someone running aimlessly; I do not fight like a boxer beating the air. No, I strike a blow to my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize.”
- Self-Control is Spirit-Control
Titus 2:11–12 (ESV):
“For the grace of God appeared, bringing salvation for all people, training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age.”
Part 4: Why These Two Go Together
Gentleness is about how we treat others, self-control is about how we deal with ourselves.
True wisdom is marked by gentleness and sustained by self-control.
Part 5: Applying the Fruit
- Daily Surrender to the Spirit
Galatians 5:16 (ESV):
“Walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh.”
It’s produced not performed.
- Practice, Not Perfection
Every situation is an opportunity to practice these traits.
- Be Accountable
Closing
2 Peter 1:5–6 (NIV):
“Make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, mutual affection; and from mutual affection, love. For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.”
*Highlighted means would like for slides
Discussion Questions:
Section 1: Understanding the Fruit
- Read Galatians 5:22–23.
Why do you think Paul refers to these traits as fruit of the Spirit rather than just good behaviors? - How does viewing the fruit of the Spirit as one unified fruit instead of separate virtues change your understanding of Christian maturity?
- When have you had to intentionally choose gentleness in a difficult situation? What helped you do that?
- Paul compares self-control to an athlete in training (1 Corinthians 9:24–27). What spiritual disciplines help you develop and maintain self-control?
- What area of your life currently requires more self-control? (e.g., anger, speech, spending, time management, etc.)
- What practical steps can you take this week to yield to the Holy Spirit in a situation that usually triggers impatience, harshness, or lack of discipline?
