15 | Gentleness and Self-Control

Taste & See | Fall Message Series on the Fruit of the Spirit

How would you describe the culture around us? Selfish, angry, prideful, jealous, explicit, divisive, mean-spirited, and sexual impurity? These are all words Paul uses in Galatians 5 to describe what it means to live driven by the desires of our flesh. But what if you and I chose to interact with our world as people of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control? Paul calls these words the "Fruit of the Spirit," characteristics produced when the Spirit of God is at work in a person's life. The Fruit of the Spirit is not just for us but that we would be people who produce love, joy, and peace so that others have a chance to "taste and see that the Lord is good."(Psalm 34)

Season 2 Episode 15 of Unschooled and Ordinary discusses the importance of the Fruit of the Spirit in the lives of believers.

Bible Reading Plan & Devos 

"Taste & See" Message Series

Find a House Church

Venture Church Original Podcasts

Venture Church Website

Scripture 

Primary Text: Matthew 5:5; Matthew 11:28-30 

Supplemental Text: Proverbs 15:1; Titus 2 

Observations & Applications 

Gentleness 

1. Proverbs 15:1 says, “A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.” How do you see gentleness as “strength under control” in this verse? 

2. In Matthew 11:29, Jesus says He is “gentle and humble in heart.” What does Jesus’ example of gentleness in His life and ministry teach us about how we should approach others? 

Self-Control 

3. Titus 2 repeatedly encourages believers to practice self-control. How would you define self-control? 

4. Galatians 5:22-26 speaks about the Fruit of the Spirit. How does self-control demonstrate a life led by the Spirit rather than by our desires? 

Prayer 

Father, help us to understand and practice gentleness and self-control. May the fruit be evident in our lives. Amen.  

S.O.A.P. METHOD

Use this tool to study God’s Word 

SCRIPTURE 

Write which passage of scripture you are reading. 

OBSERVATION

What is this text saying? What is the context? How does it fit with the verses before and after it? Are there any commands or instructions? 

APPLICATION 

How can you apply this verse to your life? What does this mean today? What is God saying to you? 

PRAYER

Respond to the passage in prayer. Ask God to help you apply this truth to your life and spend some time listening to what He may be telling you.