unit 2 LESSON 11

May 12, 2024

STUDY TEXT:  Psalm 25:8-11; Mathew 5:3; 11:28-30; 21:18-22; Galatians 5:22-23; 1 Corinth. 9:24-27; Hebrews 11:1-2. 6; 2 Peter 1:3

CENTRAL TRUTH: The Holy Spirit produces. faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control on the believer

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KEY VERSE:  According as his [God's] divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that harh called us to glory and virtue (KJV).

By his divine power, God has given us everything we need for living a godly life. We have received all of this by coming to know him, the one who called us to himself by means of his marvelous glory and excellence (NLT).

LET'S GET STARTED

Confidence in God's love for us causes us to bear the fruit of love, joy, and peace. We become the conduit of God's love to others, showing patience, kindness, and goodness. And as the Spirit leads us to give and receive love in greater measure, we demonstrate faithfulness, gentleness., and self-control. In the or the objective basis for confidence (faithfulness). Old Testament, the concept of faith is generally centered on God, not humanity. Rathert than focusing on human intellectual assent (or belief), the text describes God's absolute trustworthiness and demands loyalty to Him. In the New Testament, however, faith can mean subjective confidence (believing faith) or objective basis for confidence (faithfulness).

Key Takeaways from This Lesson: (1). The word faith is used two different ways in the Bible. (2). Being meek is not the same as being weak. (3). By choosing the discipline of commitment, we can avoid the discipline of correction.

  PART1 ---Faithfulness by the Spirit

Faith that Moves Mountains                   Matthew 21:18-22

Entering into Jerusalem on the Monday morning before His crucifixion, Jesus was hungry and notice a fig tree beside the road. Seeing the tree covered in leaves, Jesus expected to enjoy a little breakfast. Finding no fruit, He cursed the tree for its barrenness, and immediately the tree withered up. The fig tree was recognized emblem of Israel, so His pronouncement was a sign of the judgment that would come on them for their lack of repentance. Throughout His ministry, Jesus exposed the fruitless religion of the Jewish temple, presenting himself as its replacement. As He entered Jerusalem that Monday morning, the mountain He would have been facing was Mount Zion where the temple stood. Far more monumental than the withering of the fig tree would be the destruction of the temple and the system it represented. Both the witnessed miracle of the withered fig tree and the predicted miracle of the temple mount being essentially removed (which happened in AD 70) were examples to the disciples of the power of unwavering faith. Prayer can move mountains; faith is the prerequisite.

REACT?  what is the most sudden or instantaneous miracles you have witnessed.

                           Faithfulness that Pleases God                      Galatians 5:22-23; Hebrews 11:1-2,6

The Greek word pistis can be translated as "Faith" or "faithfulness," depending on a Scripture's context. In Paul's list of the fruit of the Spirit in Galatians 5, most scholars conclude it is best translated "faithfulness." First in the nature of Gid and then as a requirement for His servants Jesus used the word in His parables of stewardship (Matthew 25:21,23). Paul encouraged Timothy to choose faithful people when passing on the gospel tradition (2 Timothy 2:2). To His followers who bear the fruit of faithfulness, the Master will one day say, "Well done, my good and faithful servant" (Matthew 25:21, 23). Our response of fidelity to Gid is reflected in both belief and behavior. Being convinced of God's absolute love and grace produces in the life of a Christ-follower the fruit of pistis: both faith and faithfulness. And without that it is impossible to please God (Hebrews 11:6).

REACT? Do you think it is possible to have believing faith in God without demonstrating faithfulness to God? Explain.

PART 2- Gentleness by the Spirit

The Lord Leads the Meek                     Psalm 25:8-11

The Greek word for the Spirits of "gentleness" (Galatians 5:23) refers to an attitude that accepts God's dealings with us as good without disputing or resisting. So, what can gentle, humble people expect from the Lord as they pray? "The meek will he guides in judgment: and the meek will he teaches his way. All the paths of the Lord are mercy and truth" (Psalm 25:9-10). Three key concepts emerge in these verses 1. Judgment. The Lord assures His people that in the end there will be justice for the meek and guides them to execute righteous judgments on behalf of others. 2. Mercy. The psalmist also appeals to the Lord's goodness and uprightness. The goodness of our upright God is seen in Mercy toward His people--even those who go astray. 3. Truth. Because of Gid's rock-solid faithfulness," there is consistency between what He says and does. Convinced of God's loving character, the meek can accept God's decisions on their behalf.

REACT? Which of these three characteristics of God gives you the greatest encouragement to be meek in your present circumstances?

The Meek Are Not Weak                          Matthew 5:5; 11:28-30

Jesus said, "Blessed are the meek" (Matthew 5:5) and He also said, "I am meek" (11:29). What better example could we follow than Jesus? In Matthew 11:28-30, Jesus extended the invitation to come to Him, learn from Him, and be like Him--the One who is meek and lowly. He promises to give rest as we follow Him and walk in the Spirit. When we follow Jesus' example of humble, sacrificial love and "delight [ourselves] in the abundance of peace " (Psalm 37:11), we are able to bear the fruit of gentleness in our dealings with the people around us.

REACT? What are some examples of the mightiness and meekness of Jesus?

Part 3--Self-Control by the Spirit

Three Kinds of Discipline                            1 Corinthians 9:24-27

The New Testament includes three words that represent different levels of discipline: the discipline of correction, the discipline in the New Testament could be called the "discipline of correction." This is the kind pf instruction and correction adults give to children. As the author of Hebrews explained, God's discipline is not pleasant, but it is profitable (12:11). The second level of discipline could be called the "discipline of commitment." Carrying the idea of exercising the body toward fitness or the spirit toward godliness. The highest level or discipline is the "discipline of self-control," Paul urged the believers in Corinth to exercise this highest kind of discipline in their spiritual lives. (1 Corinthians 9:24-27). It is an attitude produced by the Spirit that results in God-honoring actions.

REACT? Name one area where the Holy Spirit is asking you to exercise more of the disciple commitment.

                                Partakers of the Divine Nature                        2 Peter 1:3-8

As we abide with Christ and walk closely with the Spirit, an amazing transformation takes place: We share God's divine nature. Our Savior calls us 'to glory and virtue" (2 Peter 1:3) --to mirror the radiant splendor and character of Jesus. Our aim is not autonomous self-control; rather, it is to live under Christ's control. This is the Spirit's way of making us "Partakers of the divine mature." He has given us everything we need in the present along with His promises for the future!

REACT? It is possible to have self-control without the Holy Spirit. What are the pros and cons of autonomous self-control?

WHAT IS GOD SAYING TO US?

The Spirit's fruit is visible in us when our attitudes match our Master's. Living out Jesus' love with integrity will look like faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. We will be faithful on the outside to the faith we claim on the inside. We will show the kind of humility and gentleness that accepts God's will disputing or resisting. And we will control ourselves guided by the Holy Spiri.

LIVING IT OUT. 

                                    (1). This week, intentionally practice both faith and faithfulness.

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                                                     (2). Connect with a person you consider to be humble or gentle. Ask how they have learned to accept God's decisions as good without disputing or resisting.

                                                        (3). Submit to the Spirit's leading this week to live out Jesus' character and extend His love to someone who is not yet following Him.   

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DAILY BIBLE READING

      Monday: Faith Tested. Genesis 22:6-14

                      Tuesday: Justified by Faith. Romans 4:1-5,18-25

                    Wednesday: Learn in Meekness.  psalm 25:8-15

                         Thursday: Witness with Meekness. 1 peter 3:13-18

                          Friday: Integrity and Self Control. Genesis 39: 5-12

                          Saturday: Self-Controlled and Holy. 1 Peter 1:13-16

Gospel Publishing House. 1445 N. Boonville Ave. Springfield, Missouri 65802 Volume 105 Number 3. Mar. Apr.  May. 2024