Fruit of the Spirit: Self-Control (Temperance)

Posted on June 1st, 2001 in Temperance, Self-Control, Fruit, Themes, Subject Index by Jacobs, Jarrod
This entry is part 10 of 10 in the series, Fruit.

In contrast to the works of the flesh described by Paul in Galatians 5:19-21, the fruit of the spirit in verses 22-23 stands out as character traits all Christians must have. It is these things that Paul said, “against such there is no law.” In other words, there is nothing to condemn such a one who practices the virtues mentioned in Galatians 5:22-23. Contrasted here, are the works of verses 19-21 which would and do condemn men, and which are characteristics that ought not be in anyone’s life. Paul’s style of writing often uses such means of teaching, i.e., the contrasting of two opposing lifestyles, and showing which one the Christian ought to possess. He often tells men what not to do, and then will follow that with what God expects of them. We find this in Colossians 3:5-14. It is also apparent in Paul’s letter to the Ephesians (4:22-32). It is fascinating to consider Paul’s style of teaching. As we consider what Paul (by the power of the Holy Spirit, 2 Peter 1:20-21; 1 Corinthians 7:40b, 14:37) had to say concerning the fruit of the spirit, let us consider the characteristic of temperance, or self-control.

Definition Of Temperance

Many times, people think of the word “temperance” only in connection with alcohol. One might remember the “temperance” movement of the 20th Century, where this nation succeeded in outlawing all alcohol from legal consumption for a time. (Note: I said “legal consumption.” It is clear there were many who illegally brewed and sold their alcohol.) In fact, in the town near where I grew up, the main street through town is named “Temperance Street.” It was called such because originally in that town, there were no establishments allowed on that street which sold alcohol. (This rule has since changed dramatically over the years.)

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Fruit of the Spirit: Gentleness (Meekness, Humility)

Posted on June 1st, 2001 in Humility, Meekness, Gentleness, Fruit, Themes, Subject Index by Zamora, Luis
This entry is part 9 of 10 in the series, Fruit.

Among the fruits of the spirit listed in Galatians 5:23 is gentleness. As a fruit, it is something to be cultivated and brought about in maturity, and it is what the God who planted us desires that we produce. The New Testament shows that the word describes temperament or character and a way of behaving towards others.

The word translated gentleness or meekness is the Greek praiotes¸ and the lexicon tells us it means: Mild, soft, gentle

  1. Of things, mild; of sounds, soft, gentle
  2. Of persons, mild, gentle, meek, especially after having been angry; of animals, gentle, tame
  3. Of actions, feelings, etc., mild

(Henry George Liddell. Robert Scott. A Greek-English Lexicon. Revised and augmented throughout by Sir Henry Stuart Jones with the assistance of Roderick McKenzie. Oxford. Clarendon Press. 1940.)

It describes a manner, an attitude, a person’s character, a way of responding. Too often we are inclined to mistake “meek” for “weak!” Our Lord was certainly not weak! Gentleness or meekness describes a calm disposition, particularly under fire–which actually requires a great deal of strength.

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Fruit of the Spirit: Faithfulness

Posted on June 1st, 2001 in Faithfulness, Fruit, Themes, Subject Index by Thetford, Richie
This entry is part 8 of 10 in the series, Fruit.

Faithfulness is one of nine fruits of the spirit listed in Galatians 5:22-23 of which it is said “against such there is no law.” The only way in which we will be able to possess this precious fruit in our life is through hearing and study (Romans 10:17; 2 Timothy 2:15). Knowledge is an essential element in all of faith, and is sometimes spoken of as an equivalent to faith (John 10:38; 1 John 2:3). Faithfulness is an essential element that each and every Christian must possess in order to go to heaven; “Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life” (Rev 2:10).

The Word “Faithfulness”

Faithfulness is the Greek “pistis.” There are 244 uses of the word “pistis” (faith) in the King James Version of the New Testament. It primarily means to have a “firm persuasion” which is usually gained from having a conviction based upon hearing. It is used in the New Testament to mean “faith in God or Christ, or things spiritual” (Vine’s Expository Dictionary of Biblical Words, New Testament, p. 222). Vine’s goes on to say:

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Fruit of the Spirit: Goodness

Posted on June 1st, 2001 in Goodness, Fruit, Themes, Subject Index by Gurtler, Joshua
This entry is part 7 of 10 in the series, Fruit.

The word goodness (agathosune, in Galatians 5:22) implies any or all actions done for the good of another. The world’s definition and that of Jehovah’s for goodness, however, lie in stark contrast. To the world, goodness might be witnessed in a doctor helping a young woman rid herself of an unwanted pregnancy, a business providing marital benefits to same sex couples, or a legislator vying for the legalization of illicit drugs or physician-assisted suicides.

As those who love Christ, we understand that any act of goodness must be carefully confined to that which our Lord describes as such within the pages of His word. “Trying to learn what is pleasing to the Lord” (Ephesians 5:10). “That in us you might learn not to exceed what is written” (1 Corinthians 4:6). Seeing how the world is horribly misguided and mistaken, might our definition of what is good be skewed sometimes as well?

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Fruit of the Spirit: Kindness (Gentleness)

Posted on June 1st, 2001 in Gentleness, Fruit, Kindness, Themes, Subject Index by Smith, Marc
This entry is part 6 of 10 in the series, Fruit.

Don’t we all wish to experience kindness from others? It is one of the sweetest manifestations of the change that comes over the new convert. It should always be one of the most evident manifestations of the living word seen by others in the child of God. In fact, all Christians have already been the beneficiaries of the ultimate form of kindness in God’s love for us as we can read in Ephesians 2:7, “That in the ages to come he might shew the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus.” Because we recognize that this is so, we begin in our faith owing others that which we have already gained through Christ. God’s kindness should actually be prayed for just as David did in Psalms 119:76 where he said, “Let, I pray thee, thy merciful kindness be for my comfort, according to thy word unto thy servant.”

Kindness is a most beloved word of God’s faithful to be considered. Galatians 5:22-23, “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law.” The KJV uses the word “gentleness.” The Greek word is chrestotes and is defined by Vines as “goodness of heart, kindness.”

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Fruit of the Spirit: Longsuffering

Posted on June 1st, 2001 in Fruit, Themes, Longsuffering, Subject Index by Needham, James P.
This entry is part 5 of 10 in the series, Fruit.

“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance: against such there is no law” (Galatians 5:22-23).

“Longsuffering” is one of the fruits the Spirit creates in our lives as we live by His divine directions received through the written word.

Definition:

    Vine: “MAKROTHUMIA, “Forbearance, patience, longsuffering. MAKROS, ‘long,’ THUMOS, ‘temper,’ is usually rendered ‘longsuffering,’ Rom. 2:4; 9:22; 2 Cor. 6:6; Gal. 5:22; Eph. 4:2; Col. 1:1; 3:12; 1 Tim. 1:16; 2 Tim. 3:10; 4:2; 1 Pet. 3:20; 2 Pet. 3:15; ‘patience’ in Heb. 6;12, and Jas. 5:10.”

Vine’s notes: “Longsuffering is that quality of self-restraint in the face of provocation which does not hastily retaliate or promptly punish, it is the opposite of anger, and is associated with mercy 1 Pet. 3:20. Patience is the quality that does not surrender to circumstances or succumb under trial; it is the opposite of despondency, and is associated with hope, 1 Thes, 1:3…”

In defining “longsuffering,” the following words are used, “forbearance,” “patience,” “self-restraint,” “not hastily retaliate or promptly punish,” “opposite of anger,” “does not surrender to circumstances or succumb under pressure,” “opposite of despondency,” “long tempered.”

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Fruit of the Spirit: Peace

Posted on June 1st, 2001 in Peace, Fruit, Themes, Subject Index by Mayberry, Mark
This entry is part 4 of 10 in the series, Fruit.

 Introduction

In the New Testament, the word “peace” is found at the beginning or end of every epistle except for James and 1st John. The breadth of its meaning is apparent when it is linked with “grace” (Romans 1:7), “life” (Romans 8:6), and “righteousness” (Romans 14:17). What are the different shades of meaning of this wonderful word?

    Romans 1:7, “…to all who are beloved of God in Rome, called as saints: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.”

    Romans 8:6, “…For the mind set on the flesh is death, but the mind set on the Spirit is life and peace.”

    Romans 14:17, “…for the kingdom of God is not eating and drinking, but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.”

The Biblical word “peace” signifies far more than merely the absence of war. It carries the idea of completeness and wholeness. It conveys a sense of inner-satisfaction and fulfillment. It communicates the idea of contentment and serenity. In its fullest sense, it expresses our hope of reconciliation and redemption.

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Fruit of the Spirit: Joy

Posted on June 1st, 2001 in Fruit, Joy, Themes, Subject Index by Deaton, Steven
This entry is part 3 of 10 in the series, Fruit.

Each Christian should have a life filled with joy. However, it is not something that is automatic. Rather, effort must be put forth to bring about joy. The Holy Spirit revealed joy, part of the fruit of the Spirit, comes about as the result of a “walk in the Spirit” (Galatians 5:16, 22).

Vine’s Expository Dictionary of New Testament Words defines joy (chara) as “joy, delight.” Thayer’s Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament says it is “joy, gladness.” These are somewhat vague definitions. And, sadly, joy has been redefined by men. Many today believe that joy in the life of a disciple of Christ involves nothing more than a superficial feeling of giddiness. They believe it derives from a “church” baseball game, a “fellowship” dinner, or a “religious” retreat. That is, many have a shallow view of what joy in the Lord truly is. The Spirit said, “for the kingdom of God is not eating and drinking, but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit” (Romans 14:17). Joy is deeper than what men would lead you to believe. It is more concrete than the fleeting, fleshly things of this world. Joy in the Holy Spirit is, as He defined it, walking in the Spirit. To walk in the Spirit is to abide by the revelation of the Spirit (Romans 8:1, 2).

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Fruit of the Spirit: Love

Posted on June 1st, 2001 in Fruit, Themes, Love, Subject Index by Fite, Jerry
This entry is part 2 of 10 in the series, Fruit.

Love is a many faceted thing. The Greeks used specific words to communicate the various aspects of “love”. The Greek word eros conveyed merely sexual or “erotic love”. The word storge was limited to the “natural affection” in “family love”. Phileo focused one upon the intimate, warm, and tender relationship in “friendly love”. We see such tenderness in the love the Father has for the Son in showing Him all things that He does (John 5:20). This is also the tender love the younger women were taught to manifest towards their husbands and children (Titus 2:4). Then, there is agape, listed as one facet of the fruit of the Spirit in Galatians 5:22. This is the “love” we manifest by actively seeking the well being of others.

While eros and storge never occur in the New Testament, agape hardly ever occurs in secular Greek. William Barclay quotes Richard C. Trench as saying it was “born within the bosom of revealed religion”(Flesh and Spirit, page 64). The verb and noun forms of this Greek word are found more than 250 times in the New Testament. While phileo does occur in the New Testament, and was the highest form of love among the ancient Greeks, it cannot sufficiently describe the love God demands of those who follow the teachings of the Spirit. The glowing feeling of love (phileo) one has by his or her attachment to a friend is not the feeling one has in interacting with a persecuting enemy. But God demands that we love (agapao) our enemies (Matthew 5:44). This love transcends what we are naturally “attracted to” or what we emotionally “fall into”. This is love we determine to manifest because of our attachment to God and the Spirit’s revelation.

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Theme Editorial: Fruit of the Spirit

Posted on June 1st, 2001 in Fruit, Themes, Christian Living, Subject Index by Cox, Stan
This entry is part 1 of 10 in the series, Fruit.

With this June 2001 issue on the “Fruit of the Spirit” we finish our two part series on Paul’s lists of virtues and vices in Galatians 5:19-23. The May 2001 issue of Watchman contains articles discussing every “lust of the flesh”. It is our prayer and hope that these two issues will be helpful to Christians for years to come, as they seek to study God’s will in this area.

This issue constitutes an extensive word study of the list of “fruit of the Spirit” that is found in Galatians 5. I want to express my appreciation to all of the men who have contributed to the study. You will find the writing to be uniformly excellent.

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