The Fruit of the Spirit KINDNESS July 22, 2012

Transcription

1 The Fruit of the Spirit KINDNESS July 22, 2012 Today s Inspiration = Our Heavenly Father, through the work of the Holy Spirit, can and will produce all the kindness we appreciate in Jesus in our lives. Introduction Open your Bibles to Galatians 5 New Summer Series Fruit of the Spirit June 2/3 = Fruit of the Spirit what is it and how is it produced? June 9/10 = Deeds of the Flesh comparison with the Fruit of the Spirit June 16-August 19 = Love, Joy, Peace, Patience, Kindness, Goodness, Faithfulness, Gentleness and Self-control August 25/26 = Against Such Things There is No Law what can hinder us from experiencing the fruit in our lives Today s Inspiration = Our Heavenly Father, through the work of the Holy Spirit, can and will produce all the kindness we appreciate in Jesus in our lives. Opening Illustrations Video (9:00): Ray Doblin writing a book on Kindness in America shot on June 9 but confessed on June 15 Video (10:30): Liberty Mutual commercial o Galatians 5:22 Exegesis 22 But the fruit of the Spirit is kindness What is Kindness? Kindness (NASB, NIV) or Gentleness (KJV) Noun occurs 10 times, verb 1 time and adjective 4 times in the Greek NT 1

2 As translated by the KJV, the noun is translated1x as good, 4x as goodness, 4x as kindness and 1x (only in Galatians 5:22) as gentleness; the verb is translated 1x as kind; the adjective is used 7x and never translated gentle As translated by the NASB/NIV, the noun is translated1x as good and 9x as kindness; the verb is translated 1x as kind; the adjective is most often translated as kind/kindness Kindness = consistency in translation and in meaning to original word The World s Definition the state or quality of having, showing or proceeding from benevolence; considerate; helpful God s Truth Meaning = Kindness is an event or activity which is useful or benevolent; the quality of being helpful or beneficial Greek chrestotes = from the adjective chrestos (useful, profitable) which is from the verb chraomai (to furnish what is needed) which is from the verb chrao (to lend, furnish as a loan) Barnes, It is opposed to a harsh, crabbed, crooked temper. It is a disposition to be pleased; it is mildness in temper, calmness of spirit, an unruffled disposition, and a disposition to treat all with urbanity and politeness. Source = Kindness is from the Lord Galatians 5:22, But the fruit of the Spirit is kindness = Holy Spirit Kindness is the fruit (work and results) of the Holy Spirit Kindness is the character of the Father Romans 2:4, Or do you think lightly of the riches of His kindness and tolerance and patience, not knowing that the kindness of God leads you to repentance? (Romans 11:22) Kindness is the example of the Son (though His incarnation and sacrifice) Titus 3:4, But when the kindness of God our Savior and His love for mankind appeared, (Ephesians 2:7) 2

3 Kindness is NOT naturally in mankind Romans 3:12, All have turned aside, together they have become useless; there is none who does good, there is not even one. (Psalm 14:1, 3) Example = Kindness in the story of David and Mephibosheth 2 Samuel 9:1 Then David said, Is there yet anyone left of the house of Saul, that I may show kindness for Jonathan s sake? Restoration of family lands and a place at the king s table Application Kindness is an event or activity which is useful or benevolent, the quality of being helpful or beneficial Kindness is from the Lord = the fruit of the Spirit, the character of the Father, the example of the Son and NOT naturally in mankind Kindness is demonstrated in the story of David and Mephibosheth How do I prepare the soil of my life for Kindness? Adopt an attitude of humility o I Corinthians 13:4 4 Love is patient, love is kind and is not jealous; love does not brag and is not arrogant, o Philippians 2:5-8 5 Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus, 6 who, although He existed in the form of God, did not regard equality with God a thing to be grasped, 7 but emptied Himself, taking the form of a bond-servant, and being made in the likeness of men. 8 Being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. Kindness requires humility otherwise there is little genuine use, benevolence or benefit that you are offering another. Choose to put others before yourself in your thoughts Adopt actions of service o Matthew 11:

4 29 Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and YOU WILL FIND REST FOR YOUR SOULS. 30 For My yoke is easy and My burden is light." o Matthew 25: For I was hungry, and you gave Me something to eat; I was thirsty, and you gave Me something to drink; I was a stranger, and you invited Me in; 36 naked, and you clothed Me; I was sick, and you visited Me; I was in prison, and you came to Me. Kindness requires service (actions) otherwise there is little genuine use, benevolence or benefit that you are offering another. Look for things to do for others every day set a goal (x acts of kindness every day) Adopt a schedule for kindness o Matthew 5: If anyone wants to sue you and take your shirt, let him have your coat also. 41 Whoever forces you to go one mile, go with him two. 42 Give to him who asks of you, and do not turn away from him who wants to borrow from you. o Joshua 2 = Rahab and spies o 2 Samuel 23 = David and Bethlehem well o Mark 2 = Paralytic and friends Kindness requires time otherwise there is little genuine use, benevolence or benefit that you are offering another. Redo your schedule unpack it for time to be available for kindness Application Adopt an attitude of humility Adopt actions of service Adopt a schedule for kindness 4

5 Response My Response = This week I will work to open up my schedule for kindness, because I am a disciple of Jesus Christ and I want to be a better example of Him. Invitation = Admired Jesus and would like to get to know Him better or Ready to believe on Him for your salvation and accept His kindness Invitation = Confess a lack of kindness and submit to the work of the Spirit in producing kindness through your life My Response = This week I will, because I am a disciple of Jesus Christ and I want. 5