Preview: An in-depth study of the fruits of the spirit. This is the sixth in a thirteen-part series of lessons on this subject.
Scripture Reading: II Samuel 9:1-13.
Memory Verse: Proverbs 11:30.
1. Discuss what the foregoing Scriptures tell us about David’s character.
2. Will a spirit of gentleness enable us to have compassion on our enemies? I Peter 3:8-11 & II Peter 1:5-9.
Note: Gentleness is translated from the Greek word “Chrestotes” which also means “kind”. Many people today have never known what gentleness and kindness mean. While they need to be confronted with their sin and their need for salvation, it should be done in the spirit of kindness and tenderness to help them understand the love that God has for sinners.
3. What are we, as fellow Christians, to do when a brother is overtaken in a fault? Galatians 6:1-2, Galatians 6:9-10 & Romans 15:1-4.
4. How will it affect God’s judgment toward us if we fail to show mercy and kindness in our judgment to others? James 2:13.
5. How will godly wisdom affect our relationship with others? James 3:13-18, Proverbs 31:10 & Proverbs 31:26.
Note: Please note how love, joy, peace, long-suffering, and gentleness blend together. It is sometimes difficult to discern where one ends and the other begins. This is because all of the fruit of the spirit grows on the tree of life. Each fruit depicts the very nature of God. This same nature is imparted to His born again children.
6. Did the prophet foretell that the ministry of Jesus would be administered with kindness? Isaiah 61:1-3 & Luke 4:14-21.
7. Must the spiritual leaders display this same spirit of gentleness? II Timothy 2:24-25 & Titus 1:7-9.
8. Should they fail to preach all of the truth because it might offend someone? Titus 1:10-16, Titus 2:1 & II Timothy 4:1-5.
Note: Ministers must preach and teach all of the truth, but it must be done in a spirit of love and kindness.
9. Will God-given gentleness make us successful in warfare? II Samuel 22:33-36 & II Corinthians 10:1-6.
10. Can we bear any spiritual fruit without godly love? I Corinthians 13:4-8, I Corinthians 13:13 & Colossians 3:10-14.
To Be Continued…
Other Lessons* in this series:
The Fruit of the Spirit - A Tree Planted By the Rivers of Water: Part 1 of 13
The Fruit of the Spirit is Love: Part 2 of 13
The Fruit of the Spirit is Joy: Part 3 of 13
The Fruit of the Spirit is Peace: Part 4 of 13
The Fruit of the Spirit is Long-suffering: Part 5 of 13
The Fruit of the Spirit is Gentleness: Part 6 of 13
The Fruit of the Spirit is Goodness: Part 7 of 13
The Fruit of the Spirit is Faith: Part 8 of 13
The Fruit of the Spirit is Faith: Part 9 of 13
The Fruit of the Spirit is Faith: Part 10 of 13
The Fruit of the Spirit is Meekness: Part 11 of 13
The Fruit of the Spirit is Temperance: Part 12 of 13
The Fruit of the Spirit in Review: Part 13 of 13
*Lessons in a series may not necessarily be in the same category.