Main Text: Galatians 5:16–26 (ESV)16 But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. 17 For the desires of the flesh are against the Spirit, and the desires of the Spirit are against the flesh, for these are opposed to each other, to keep you from doing the things you want to do. 18 But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law. 19 Now the works of the flesh are evident: sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality, 20 idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, rivalries, dissensions, divisions, 21 envy, drunkenness, orgies, and things like these. I warn you, as I warned you before, that those who do such things will not inherit the kingdom of God. 22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. 24 And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. 25 If we live by the Spirit, let us also keep in step with the Spirit. 26 Let us not become conceited, provoking one another, envying one another.

Preaching Point: Spirit-empowered gentleness should produce a lifestyle of strength under restraint in every arena of your life.

Teaching Points:

1. Consider God’s Gentleness Toward You
2. Exercise Strength Under Restraint
3. Toward Christians
4. Toward Non-Christians

Application Questions:

1. Write down one observation or application you found helpful from this week’s sermon.
2. Read Isaiah 40:10-11 and Matthew 11:28-30. How does God’s gentleness help you see the necessity of gentleness, especially when it comes to his dealings with you?
3. How does the world’s views of gentleness contrast the biblical understanding of gentleness?
4. How has the Bible helped correct or refine your understanding of gentleness?
5. Read 2 Timothy 1:7 and Galatians 6:1. How can a distorted view of gentleness excuse and promote fear, passivity, or inaction? According to these passages, what does exercising strength under restraint entail, i.e., gentleness?
6. Read Ephesians 4:2 and Colossians 3:12. How can you practically show gentleness in your interactions with your brothers and sisters in Christ?
7. Read Titus 3:2. What challenges do you face in responding with gentleness toward non-Christians who reject your beliefs, and how does Paul’s instruction to Titus shape the way you should practically engage unbelievers?