Open your scriptures to the epistle to the Galatians, chapter five. As we are studying the fruit of the Spirit, we have before us chapter five, verses 22 and 23, and I invite you to stand in honor of God's word as I read these two verses in your hearing. Galatians five, verses 22 and 23. This is God's very word, holy, infallible, and inerrant in all its parts. Let us hear with reverence and heed. But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, long-suffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such, there is no law. Thus ends the reading of God's Holy Word. Let us beseech His mercy in the preaching of it. Let us pray. Most Holy Father, we ask that we who have such a deep need for the nourishing word of our Savior may know that hunger which is filled by the Savior's provision. Give us ears to hear and eyes to see. build us up in our most holy faith. Bless this word as it is preached, that it may unfold by the power of the Spirit, the mind of the Savior, for the nurture of his people. We ask these things in full dependence upon the promises of our Savior. In his name we pray, amen. You may be seated. As we have considered this singular fruit of the Spirit, we have sought to unpack the virtues and graces that are manifestations of this fruit of the Spirit. Recall the three sets of three that overlap, that interrelate. The first sat love, joy, peace, highlighting particularly that transforming work of the Spirit that has to do with our relationship with God. That transformation by the Spirit with relation to the Godhead is wrought in a way that transforms our relationship with others. That is particularly emphasized in the second set of three, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. No, I'm sorry, that's the third set. The second set, love, joy, peace, is followed by long-suffering kindness and goodness. In these, Our relationship with others is particularly transformed as we recognize how we have been treated by God with this patience, this long-suffering, this kindness, this goodness. So that vertical relationship abounds in this horizontal relationship, and then this final set of three a transformation of our character. All these interweaving and interrelating continue on as we considered faithfulness last week. We move now to gentleness and then this list of these virtues will conclude with self-control. These describing the shape of the soul in the Spirit's fruitfulness in our lives, this transformation of the inward character of God's people. The faithfulness that we are to express, reflecting the faithfulness of our Savior, Now, the gentleness that is to be exhibited in our lives. We'll find again the riches of the Most High working in us, transforming us, bringing forth this virtue of grace. This word, gentleness, is a difficult word to capture in an English translation. It has a meaning that we easily miss, gentleness. It's also translated meekness. We think of this as something that rhymes with meekness, weakness. There's no hint of weakness in this word. And so, as we begin to try to understand what is meant by gentleness or meekness, we need to banish that thought. It is not a weakness. It's not a frailty. No, indeed, it is a firmness of character, a strength of grace that is humble. lacking selfishness, lacking in pride or conceit. So there's actually a strength, a firmness that's described by this word gentleness, but it is a strength that is entirely humble, absent any pride, self-centeredness or conceit. The ancients used this particular term that we find in the Greek to indicate a balance of soul that is not hot-tempered on the one hand or entirely incapable of being moved, dispassionate on the other. It is a strength of soul that is able to be invigorated to its proper calling It's not those two extremes, it's not hot-headed, and it's not disengaged. As we consider the concepts as we've begun to unpack them here, we should recognize an overlapping of the graces again. As we consider those virtues described before, here a humble strength of soul that is not hot-tempered. When would we see that? Well, we would see that when we're treated in a manner that is prideful, that is discourteous, that might cause us to be angry, to fight fire with fire. As we've seen before, the grace of long-suffering, of patience, causes us not to respond in that hot-tempered way. There's an overlap. We see the interworking of these virtues. Again, working our way back would not love be that root and foundation from which a spirit of gentleness would arise. We see the interworking of these graces So there is a strength of soul that is firm yet lacking in pride, full of humility. Another concept that's packed into this word gentleness or meekness is a lack of harshness. The one who is gentle is not disengaged, is not hot-headed, firm in, again, an earlier grace, goodness, resolute in duty, but without harshness. That's a key concept here in gentleness. This resoluteness, this strength of character that is entirely humble is without harshness. As we begin to grasp the idea of this particular grace and virtue, there are some poignant examples that the Scriptures provide that we need to have in mind. There are three I wish to draw to your attention. Of course, there are many others. But first, consider the example that we have in the Lord's servant, Moses. Moses, the critical leader of the old covenant, the central builder of the house of God, as it were. We're told in the book of Hebrews that Christ is the actual builder, that Moses was the servant. What kind of servant was Moses as the leader of God's people? We have a powerful example in Numbers chapter 12. The key verse is chapter 12, verse 3. But consider the context as Moses displays this grace of gentleness. Numbers 12, we begin at the first verse of that chapter. Then Miriam and Aaron spoke against Moses because of the Ethiopian woman whom he had married, for he had married an Ethiopian woman. So they said, has the Lord indeed spoken only through Moses? Has he not spoken through us also? And the Lord heard it. Verse three, now the man Moses was very humble. more than all men who are on the face of the earth." In our translation, it's given as a parenthetical statement, but it is a critical comment on the character of Moses at this juncture. Why is it inserted here? That word humble is translated In the Greek translation of the Old Testament, the Septuagint it's called, it's translated using the word that we have before us for gentleness. It has that concept of a humility, of a meekness, that's another word that's used to translate this. Why is it important to note at this point in this Old Testament narrative the meekness, the humility, the gentleness of Moses? Well, look what's happening to him here. There is grumbling going on constantly, and now it has arisen to the level of the leadership. Those who should be supportive of Moses have decided that they're just not too wild about Moses and his leadership. That's what they talk about. But look, it's actually surrounding something that was not misbehavior in any way on Moses' part. Had to do with the marriage of Moses to an Ethiopian. So there is a pettiness, an unfaithfulness, a discordant rebellion, a murmuring that is entirely targeting the servant of the Lord to dismantle His leadership, to tear Him down. And what is His response? Well, we're told in the parenthetical statement. Nothing about his behavior brought these things about. It wasn't that he was lording it over others and somehow diminishing what God was doing through other leadership. It was an entirely unjustified attack upon him and how did he respond? Well, we know that there was an occasion where Moses did not respond with appropriate gentleness. But here we're told something very important about him. His ordinary character was full of gentleness, this humility of spirit, this strength of character. He does not lash out. The Lord hears and acts. The Lord speaks. This is a clear display, in few words, of this virtue of gentleness. It waits upon the Lord. It's not full of itself. It doesn't look out for itself with an angry hostility when injustices are done. If anyone was in a position to lash out, in such an occasion. Would it not be Moses? Think of all the sacrifices. He didn't want this position. He feared it. But the Lord empowered him for it, provided for his weaknesses, used him for a people that repeatedly abused him. And yet, he grew in a grace that is on full display here, and we're told to note it. This is a beautiful display on the part of Moses. We need to glean those things from this that will help us deepen in our understanding. Consider. This set of graces packed into gentleness as Moses displays it, it makes its way into the teaching of Jesus in the Beatitudes. Jesus draws upon the Old Covenant revelation with regard to this grace. And so fills out what we see by way of example in Moses through some particular teaching. The Lord teaches this in Matthew 5 verse 5, blessed are the meek for they shall inherit the earth. As we unpack what Christ is teaching here, we have to look where he's actually citing a verse from the Psalms. and we begin to understand about this grace, gentleness. Psalm 37 is the place cited by our Savior. 37, verse 11. But the meek shall inherit the earth and shall delight themselves in the abundance of peace. I invite you to look at that psalm so that we have the context upon which our Lord is drawing when instructing with regard to this grace. This is no small thing. This spiritual virtue is of great importance. Think of the consequences of this great grace inheriting the earth. Not what we think of what becomes of those who are full of gentleness. It seems that they are easily manipulated by the wicked. They're trampled upon by the wicked. The Lord knows of these concerns. Consider in Psalm 37 in the larger context of what our Savior is citing from verse 11. Let's back up a bit and consider the instruction that is given to us here. We'll back up to verse seven of Psalm 37. Rest in the Lord and wait patiently for Him. Do not fret because of him who prospers in his way, because of the man who brings wicked schemes to pass. Cease from anger and forsake wrath. Do not fret, it only causes harm. For evildoers shall be cut off, but those who wait on the Lord, they shall inherit the earth. for yet a little while, and the wicked shall be no more. Indeed, you will look carefully for his place, but it shall be no more. But the meek shall inherit the earth and shall delight themselves in the abundance of peace. The wicked plots against the just and gnashes at him with his teeth. The Lord laughs at him for he sees that his day is coming. Do you see the larger context and do you recognize the unpacking of this meekness, this humility, this gentleness of spirit? The contrast is set here with the wicked. Indeed, they seek to overrun the righteous, to exploit them and destroy them. We are told, don't fret, gentleness with firmness of spirit waits upon the Lord, does not lash out in anger, trusts the promise of the Lord, so as to walk in faith in the face of evildoers, continuing steadfastly in righteousness. Such is the meek. Such have a promise. The wicked will not in the end prosper. The meek will inherit the earth. Our Lord lifts this grace into the Beatitudes, putting it on display, reminding us of this kingdom virtue. The meek are trusting in the Lord, walking in righteousness, ceasing from anger, not fretting, being diligent in doing good, waiting on the Lord. Here is the virtue of gentleness. The wicked are the opposite, plotting, angry, gnashing their teeth. how much we need that grace, gentleness of soul. It is not a weakness. It isn't a flower petal easily crushed. No, it's the opposite. It is such a firm grip of faith upon the soul that it is unshaken by the wicked and all of their gnashing of teeth and anger and plotting. In the grip of that grace, the gentle, continue firmly in doing good, trusting in the Lord with the eye of faith, seeing the future as God has promised it. Of course, the perfect example of this virtue is not only in the words of the one who taught it, it is the one who taught it. Even our Savior, Jesus Christ, he used this word. in a pivotal passage to speak of himself for our comfort in the gospel. Hear what our Savior says of himself in Matthew 11, verses 28 through 30. Come to me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me For I am gentle, there's our word, and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light. This is your Savior. He is indeed the gentle Savior. That doesn't mean weakness, does it? He's strong to save. In the face of the plotting and the anger of the wicked, our Savior, gentle in the grip of what is right and good, did, unshaking in the face of that violence, what is good and right for you, so that He could extend His gospel grace to those who trust in Him. With this invitation, lay aside fretting that painful labor of heaviness. Find peace in your Savior. He offers Himself as the one who is altogether gentle, lowly in heart, He is the one who will give you rest by His grace in the gospel. Becoming those yoked to Him, we find His burden is light. His yoke is easy. This description that Christ uses of himself again is critical. It unpacks part of the meaning there. The one who is altogether the epitome of gentleness, our Savior, describes himself as lowly. He is the perfect exhibit of the humility that informs this virtue, this grace of gentleness. So how will we live this? How will we follow our Savior who is gentle in the grace of gentleness? Well, it requires of us the cultivation of a spirit of humility. The first thing that gentleness cannot be is full of selfishness, pride, conceit, anger, arrogance. All such things are the absolute opposite of gentleness. Gentleness is not the cultivation of weakness, but humility, the fear of the Lord, the grip of the goodness of God upon the soul, so that it is unshaken in the face of opposition. Pride is at war with gentleness. Pride fills us up with ourselves, our own concerns, our own confidence, and in turn makes demands, is quickly angered. Gentleness is not so. So, first for gentleness to be manifest in the soul, As this spiritual virtue, there must be a continued cultivation of humility. Indeed, in Psalm 103, verse 14, gospel grace is full of the realization that we are nothing and God is all, that Jesus is everything. Psalm 103, verse 14, he remembers that we are but dust. that we have nothing of what we need in ourselves. That's humility. And upon the humble, the Lord pours forth grace. Humility that displays and brings forth this spiritual virtue of gentleness is in the grip of the fear of the Lord. That's the death of pride. That's seeing ourselves for what we are before the Lord as He actually is. It is cultivated through a lowliness that follows Christ's example. Consider, the Apostle Paul sets Christ before us as that critical example in the grace of lowliness. Philippians chapter two, at verse five, let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus. Do you hear where Paul is starting here? You need to look like Jesus in this critical way. And then he goes on to describe our Savior in his work for you in redemption. Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus, who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, but made himself of no reputation. taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men, and being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross. Therefore, God also has highly exalted him and given him the name which is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth, and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord to the glory of God the Father. This mind that sacrifices in this way that is altogether humble, to the lowest degree, lowly. Here is the spirit of gentleness, this humility, this lowliness. This is your Savior, and you are to have this mind as your mind, this character as your character. is our Savior not altogether lovely in His gentleness? If this gentleness is being cultivated in these coordinate graces in our hearts, what will be the evidence of it? What is manifest by reason of gentleness in the heart? Well, one very clear demonstration of that gentleness of soul that is humble, lowly, empty of pride, in the grip of the good, trusting in God, such a soul will be easily corrected. Remember, we are told over and again that our Father who loves us will discipline us. The soul in the grip of goodness, manifesting gentleness, will receive correction well. Those who are gentle in following their Savior's gentleness will be in the grip of the gospel and know themselves, identify themselves in that gospel frame. I belong to the Lord. He does all things well. What is He teaching me in this discipline, in this hardship? Such is the spirit of gentleness. Yes, Lord, You'll make me holy in this hardship. Purge out and give me strength to put to death indwelling sin. Grow me in holiness. Do whatever it takes, Lord. You have humbled me. in gospel grace. I am but dust. Give me all that I need for what you call me to do." Gentleness will be easily corrected, receiving that correction from a loving father and receiving that correction appointed by the loving father even when it comes from unloving people. unkind, seemingly unjust circumstances. The overruling grace of the gospel gives us the right perspective if we have gentleness. Not only then will we be humble and lowly in the cultivation of gentleness, not only will we be readily corrected, chastened by our loving Father and receiving it well, we who are made gentle will be gentle with others. We have our Lord's warning about lacking that gentleness. We who know gospel grace will have the fruit of the Spirit as the transformation of the soul, and gentleness will be on display and we will be gentle with others. Remember his warning in the parable of the unmerciful servant. Matthew 18, verse 23 and following. You remember the servant cried out in his need to his master in that parable. Jesus taught as follows, therefore the kingdom of heaven is like a certain king who wanted to settle accounts with his servants and when he had begun to settle accounts, one was brought to him who owed him 10,000 talents but he was not able to pay. His master commanded that he be sold with his wife and children and all that he had and that payment be made. The servant therefore fell down before him, saying, Master, have patience with me, and I will pay you all. We need to pause and see the desperation to get the message. There's no way he would ever be able to pay that. He's pleading in desperation, don't liquidate me, my family, and all that I have and am. Somehow, if you'll just give me time, I'll pay you back. There was no way. Not 10,000 talents. then the master of that servant was moved with compassion, released him and forgave him the debt. But that servant went out and found one of his fellow servants who owed him a hundred denarii. And he laid hands on him and took him by the throat saying, pay me what you owe. So this fellow servant fell down at his feet and begged him saying, have patience with me and I will pay you all. And he would not, but went and threw him into prison till he should pay the debt. So when his fellow servants saw what had been done, they were very grieved and came and told the master all that had been done. Then his master, after he had called him, said to him, you wicked servant, I forgave you all that debt because you begged me. Should you not also have had compassion on your fellow servant? just as I had pity on you. And his master was angry and delivered him to the torturers until he should pay all that was due to him. So my heavenly father also will do to you if each of you from his heart does not forgive his brother his trespasses. Now the Lord is not saying here that you can lose your salvation. He's rather saying the one who has no grace in his heart will show no grace to others. This servant had no gentleness. He was not gentle as he had been treated with gentleness. The lesson is that those who know gospel grace will become like the gentle Savior and will be gentle with others in every way, not harsh. The graces we've experienced will come forth from us to others, so too with gentleness. And so now we need to ask ourselves, is this on display in our lives? These graces all woven together, yes, but here the virtue of grace held out as gentleness. How do we see the cultivation of that grace in our own lives? Are we indeed putting the sin of pride to death? Are we full of humility and lowliness, not full of ourselves? Do we have a genuine reverence for God that dreads to sin, that believes Him and in the grip of goodness is not shaken by the wickedness of others, but rather continues in obedience, trusting the Lord for the end and for the means? He is making me after the image of my Savior. Yes, Lord, give me grace." That's gentleness, firmness in the grace of humility and obedience in gospel goodness. And are we then gentle towards others? Or are we harsh? We should remember the Lord is not harsh with us. Our Savior in gospel grace has called us to himself and has said, I am gentle and lowly. Those who know him in gospel grace will be made gentle and lowly by him. Do you see that work of Christ? Is this virtue growing in your heart and in your life. Let us go to the Savior for such grace as he has assured us of it in himself. And let us beg of him that grace to be manifest in us. Let's pray. O Father, our Savior is indeed gentle and lowly. And this, the Spirit works in us, who know our Savior, who are clinging to Him by faith. We reflect His character in gentleness, in lowliness. So we pray that we should be meek. We think of your servant Moses in the face of such wicked treatment, disloyalty, injustice. We are told that there was no one as humble, as gentle, as meek as Moses. Oh, Father, do that work in us. How quick we are to lash out, to be full of pride. Forgive us for Christ's sake. Our trust is in Him, and we pray that we may follow in His teaching. As our Savior reminds us of Psalm 37 in His Beatitudes, Work that grace in us. Cause us to follow in the way that our Savior leads. Cause us to be like our Savior, who is gentle and lowly. In everything we need, our Savior. We acknowledge that with gladness, for He will not fail. Grant that which you require by the grace and glory of our good God and Savior, Jesus Christ. We pray this in his name. Amen.