Thursday, November 24, 2011

H - FRUIT OF THE SPIRIT-Goodness - 8

H – FRUIT OF THE SPIRIT – 8
GOODNESS

Again we come to the dilemma of differentiating between kindness and goodness.  It seems that in many cases kindness is a quality of the temperament.  Goodness defines and puts kindness in action.  The word, “goodness”, is used in various aspects.  Word Studies by Vine presents these in particular:  upright, righteous, expresses itself in deeds, morally honorable and pleasing to God, beneficial, and to do good to the benefit of another.  An attempt will be made to follow these through the Scriptures.

To begin we recognize that God is good.  Ps.86:5; Ps. 106:1   We experience the goodness of God as we praise Him and thank Him for His many blessings that He has bestowed upon us.  The Israelites realized this in 1 Kgs.8:66   All that God made in the beginning was “good”.  Gen.1:31  

As Paul stresses the fact that we all have sinned, he quotes from Ps.14:1 in Rom.3:12.  Intrinsically, none of us are good without the blood of Christ that covers us as we become Christians.  Rom.15:14   Now as followers of Christ, we bear the fruit of Light, which is Christ.  Eph.5:8-10  

As we refuse to be conformed to the world, we prove what the will of God is by following after that which is good.  Rom.12:2   In fact, we must cling or hold fast to that which is good.  Rom.12:9   Otherwise we may loose it.

As Jesus was explaining His healing on the Sabbath, He explained that those who did good deeds would see life everlasting.  Jhn.5:29   What we do shows our heart.  Eph.4:28   It is so easy to do good to our friends and those that return the good.  This is not our instruction as Christians.  Lk.6:33   Even if someone hates us, we still do good.  Lk.6:27

Our heart changes as we follow Christ.  The parable of the soil explains the condition of our heart.  As formally mentioned, we must cling to the Word and to what is good or the devil can take it out of our hearts.  Lk.8:12   Some are overjoyed when they become Christians.  Wait awhile and the desires of the world takes over their heart and soon they have gone back to the world.  Lk.8:13   Life brings so many worries and temptations that it may be difficult to focus on the promises of our Lord.  Phil.4:6,7   We attempt to take care of everything ourselves.  We cease to grow and the good we had once attained is choked.  Lk.8:14   When we hold fast with our focus on the Word, then our hearts will take root and grow and we can bear fruit and become profitable for our Lord.  Lk.8:15

As we do good, it is important to remember that we are doing it for the Lord and not for men.  It is for the Lord’s glory and not for ours.  1 Cor.10:31   Sometimes the good we do may not be appreciated.  Complaints may ensue.  Eph.6:8; Col.3:23   Even though people speak erroneously of us, by doing good, that may be stilled.  1 Pet.2:15   We must never retaliate but do good for one another and for ALL.  1 Thess.5:15   Most of the time if we are doing good with a good heart, we need not fear, but even if we are, don’t be troubled or fear intimidation.  We will be blessed.  1 Pet.3:13,14

As human beings, we are imitators.  Who do we imitate?  With media so prolific in our culture today, we see and hear too many of the world and then it becomes natural to imitate them.  This is unspiritual and unprofitable for us.  3 Jhn.11   If we catch ourselves imitating the world, focus on Scripture, put your heart into messages and classes at church, fellowship with Christians.  Pray.  1 Pet.3:11

If we busy ourselves with doing good in service for others, we won’t have time to delve into worldly distractions.  Gal.6:10; Col.4:5   Hebrews speaks of doing good and sharing as a sacrifice.  Heb.13:16   Service to others does require us to give up our time for self, leave our comfort zone, and even share materially and financially.  Paul instructs Timothy in this respect.  1 Tim.6:18

Do we have difficulty finding something “good” to do for someone else?  Any time we see someone performing a service for someone, are our eyes and minds open to see how we could help?  Can we see the needs of others?  Do we try?  We can be so blind and sometimes just sit and watch someone doing good and never offer to lift a hand to help them.

The above are not the only ways of doing good.  Does our compassion for others help us see their need of comfort or encouragement or maybe just noticing that they exist and are friendless.  A visit, a phone call, cards are all a part of doing good. 

Once we start thinking of others, many ways of service will come to mind  We know Jesus went about doing good.  Acts 10:38   Who would be better to imitate than our Lord?

May we add goodness to our lives by doing good to all.  Eccl.3:12; Ps.34:14









Friday, November 18, 2011

G - FRUIT OF THE SPIRIT-KINDNESS-7

G– FRUIT OF THE SPIRIT – 7
KINDNESS

In looking at the next two qualities of the Spirit, some confusion exists, for at the first appearance, they seem much the same.  These two are kindness and goodness.  Because of being side by side in a list and having two different Greek words, a difference has to exist even though in the definition of both, the other is used.

God is a kind God.  Isa.54:8   David wanted to show the kindness of God to someone that was left in the house of Saul.  2 Sam.9:3   David took Jonathan’s crippled son to live and eat at the king’s table as long as he should live.  A quality of kindness is followed by action.  2 Sam.2:6   God showed kindness to Joseph even though he was in prison.  Gen.39:21   God revealed His kindness to those in slavery by allowing the Israelites to return from Babylon to rebuild the house of God.  Ezra 9:9   There is no doubt that we have a kind God.

God is kind to us but it is up to us to continue in His kindness.  Rom.11:22   God’s kindness is shown through Christ as He gives us the riches of His grace.  Eph.2:7   We are saved by the kindness of God through Christ.  Titus 3:4,5   The new clothes we put on as Christians include kindness.  Col.3:12

In turn, we as Christians must follow suit and show kindness to others.  A glance at various versions may help our understanding.  King James uses the word, “gentleness”.  Brotherly kindness is used in 2 Pet.1:7.  Kindhearted is another term often used.  Kindness is a quality that is shown outwardly.  Love was the first quality discussed and to be sincerely kind requires love; thus, lovingkindness is used.

A criteria by which we may judge ourselves:  How do we leave another person feeling after our encounter with them?  Friendliness is an important part of kindness.  A kind person leaves another with the feeling that they are wanted.  This does away with “cliques” within a group of people whether it is in a congregation, study group, or group of any kind.  Christians show kindness in a way that does not exclude any.  Jesus had His own special group but He went among those of the world to show kindness and win their souls.  We must be kind to all.  2 Tim.2:24

Gentleness was a word used for kindness.  What a difference this quality makes in a family or a congregation.  Gentleness is necessary for a spirit of unity.  Gal.5:15   How tragic when Christians show this attitude!  A gentle nature does not show weakness.  Jesus was gentle but not weak.  Matt.11:29   Paul enjoined the Christians in Ephesus to have a gentle spirit.  Eph.4:2  Paul uses himself and his companions as examples of gentleness.  1 Thess.2:7  A gentle and quiet spirit is of great value to God.  1 Pet.3:4

A part of kindness is being tender-hearted.  Eph.4:32   Can we feel with another person.  Compassion for others is important.  This means so much to us when another person can come beside us with understanding.  Rom.12:15  

Kindness or gentleness is an important temperament.  Just previous to our text (Gal.5:22,23) Paul lists many sins of the world or of the flesh.  These things are in opposition to the Spirit.  As Christians, we live with the Spirit inside us.  We want to walk by the Spirit.  Gal.5:25   If we are walking by the Spirit, our temperament will be kind and gentle. 

We can stand firm –not for self but for the Truth—and still be gentle.  Too often we want to stand firm for our own ideas and desires.  This only causes conflict within ourselves and with others.  In 2 Corinthians Paul explains that he and his companions are working together with the Lord in many situations and urges them to do likewise.  In our attitudes and temperaments we can discredit the church and our Lord.  2 Cor.6:3   Kindness is one area that Paul mentions in 2 Cor.6:6.

Kindness is not only shown to our brothers in Christ but also to those who oppose us as Christians.  Any  temperament other than kindness, gentleness, politeness will not cause those in conflict to listen to the Truth.  The commentator, Barnes, gives this description:  mildness of temper, calmness of spirit, unruffled disposition, a disposition to treat all with refinement and politeness.  This is the effect of the Spirit on our heart if we are truly walking in the Spirit.  Since we now belong to Christ, those sinful passions that erode our dispositions have been crucified.  Gal.5:24

Job realized the lovingkindness of God in spite of all the hardships brought upon him.  Job 10:12   David recognized the lovingkindness of God in Ps.18:50.  Solomon in his wisdom recognized that kindness not only benefits others but it benefits the giver of kindness.  Prov.11:17   Jeremiah describes God’s lovingkindness as he quotes God in Jer.9:24.  Take note that as we attempt to grow in godliness, God is pleased as we exercise lovingkindness. 

Let us return to our original question:  How do we cause others to feel?  Our attitude, our demeanor, and our speech should show kindness and gentleness with love.  Prov.12:25

Tuesday, November 1, 2011

F - FRUIT OF SPIRIT-Patience - 6

F – FRUIT OF THE SPIRIT – 6
PATIENCE

Who among us would suggest that we don’t need more of this fruit of the Spirit?  The lack of patience can destroy our joy and our peace as well.  Several words are related to patience in the Scripture so let us look at some of them.  Forbearance, endurance, longsuffering, perseverance —all of these are a part of patience.

Patience has been defined by Vine as “It is the quality of self-restraint in the face of provocation which does not hastily retaliate or promptly punish….Patience is the quality that does not surrender to circumstances or succumb under trial.”  At times we loose patience with ourselves, others, and things.  Unger, a commentator, adds: “Patience is that calm, unruffled temper with which the good man bears the evils of life, whether they proceed from persons or things.”  He also brings out the fact that this man will submit to the place God has put him and the duties and conflicts of life.  Phil.4:11   Contentment and patience go hand in hand.

God is a God of patience in many ways.  God puts off our punishment for sin in His patience and hope for our repentance.  Rom.2:4   We know that we could receive immediate punishment as Ananias and Saphira but God “holds off” or is patient with us for He does not want any of us to be lost.  2 Pet.3:9   We know that there are stipulations.  Jhn.3:15,16; Lk.13:3  Jesus went on to give other perogatives.  Mk.16:16   Our Lord has a strong desire that we obey Him and is patient and is giving time for more to come to Him.  As we become a Christian, God passes over or has patience with the sins that we previously committed.  Rom.3:25

God’s patience was evident in the case of the Israelites as time and time again they left God to return to idols and slavery.  Neh.9:17   God was patient with them.  God sees far into the future and holds our future in His hands.  Therefore, we wait patiently for Him.  Ps.40:1; Ps.37:7

The Scriptures contain many examples of patience in dire circumstances being shown by faithful men.  Heb.6:12   Abraham is one of them.  Heb.6:13-15   We are to be imitators of them.  Job was another who endured many trials with patience as well as many of the prophets.  Jam.5:10,11   Paul found mercy in the patience of God.  1 Tim.1:16   Paul was patient as his thorn in the flesh was not remover.  2 Cor.12:9   We cannot forget the patience of God in the days of Noah.  1 Pet.3:20

In view of the fact that God has patience with us and examples of men of faith had great patience, Christians are instructed to have patience added to our fruit of the Spirit, who helps us attain this patience.  With our new clothes in Christ, we put on patience.  Col.3:12   A Christian must be patient with everyone—not just those that are patient with us.  1 Thess.5:14   Even in tribulation, a Christian must be patient.  Rom.12:12 (NIV)

Patience exemplifies the good example a Christian is to show to the world.  In circumstances where the world would “blow up”, a Christian remains calm with patience.  1 Cor.13:4   Our example is so important in the world.  Eph.4:1,2   Those of the world do watch us.  Lack of patience causes anger and then we are caught in sin.  Paul was trying to be an example in his teaching which included patience.  2 Tim.3:10   Patient continuance replaces perseverance in some versions.  2 Pet.1:6   Patient continuance would become one of the building blocks of our Christian life.

Patient continuance is also used in Rom.2:7.  Well-doing and good deeds are important for us to develop.  Eph.2:10   At times it does require patience to continue.  God does not forget and pleasing men is not as important at all as pleasing God.  We receive help and power from God and the Holy Spirit to persevere or patiently continue in these things.  Col.1:11

James uses the example of the patience of a farmer in producing his crop compared to our patience in waiting for the coming of the Lord.  Jam.5:7,8   We need patience in hope.  Rom.8:25   As we look forward to seeing the Lord, we need patience.  Heb.10:36

When we have tribulation, our patience grows.  Rom.5:3   Patient endurance is also produced in the testing of our faith.  Jam.1:3   We endure, we persevere, we forbear, we are longsuffering, we are patient with antagonistic people, in trying circumstances, in adverse things, and in face of provocation.  This is an important fruit of the Spirit and we do have the help of the Spirit as we develop this temperament for the glory of the Lord.

In patience, we keep on keeping on to the salvation of our souls.  Rev.14:12   Our God of patience gives patience/perseverance to us as with one voice we glorify God.  Rom.15:5