GENTLE GIANTS IN A VIOLENT WORLD
GALATIANS 5:22
INTRODUCION: Throughout this series I think we can all see that what we really need is a “personality transplant.” We need God to transplant into us His very nature. Before He does that all we are stuck with is an old nature – the old Adam. Man doesn’t just need to be educated, polished or mad more religious. Any or all the above will only make him doubly dangerous, render him far more deceptive and leave him tenfold more the child of Hell.
What about the issue of gentleness? We live in a very violent world. One million people die in the U.S. every year from violence. The average TV watcher in the U.S. sees about 18,000 violent events on the screen. Nearly 2 million men will severely batter their wives this year. On every heart we need to read the words “Fragile: Handle with care.” Let’s study this issue of gentleness.
I. When Gentleness is Defined it is Power under Control
The Greek word here is “prahotace.” It means to have a proper balance. Another word that is used is “meekness” (KJV). When the Greeks developed a word, they not only gave it a clear definition but almost always illustrated it as well. The picture here is that of a wild horse that has been tamed. The animal is powerful, but it is under control. This same word is used in Matt. 5:5 and Titus 3:2. See the “humility in that verse.
Think of a strong father and a little baby. That father has great power but watch how a loving father treats that tender, innocent little baby. All of us have a certain degree of power. It can be difficult to handle correctly. It’s difficult not to abuse it. Always watch how people handle power. It will tell you something of their character.
II. When Gentleness is Demonstrated it is Passion on Display
Note two men who demonstrated gentleness (meekness).
A. Moses Numbers 12:3. The word humble there means meek or gentle. Moses wasn’t perfect. In this story mighty Moses with unbelievable power showed great restraint. He had a spirit of gentleness. He didn’t feel like he had to put people in their place or fix everything and everybody.
B. Jesus Jesus said, “All power has been given to me in Heaven and Earth.” But look at John 4 (woman at the well); John 8 (woman taken in adultery); and Lk. 19 (Zacchaeus). How did Jesus treat these people? He treated them all gently. How do you suppose they would be treated in many modern-day churches? He’s not only “the lion of the tribe of Judah”, He’s also “the Lamb of God.” Read carefully Matt. 21:5. He didn’t come displaying His awesome power. Read Ps. 103:10-11. Thank God He has not crushed us.
III. When Gentleness is Developed it is Promising in Results
Gentleness needs to be developed. Why? Because by nature we are greedy, grumpy and grabbing, not gentle. This can only happen by grace. Many of us are like James and John – we want to “call down fire” on people. See Phil. 4:5; Col. 3:12; I Tim. 6:11; I Pet. 3:15.
A. How? We need His tender touch. Isa. 40:11; 2 Tim. 2:25-26.
B. Why? Gal. 6:1 Gentleness will preserve others, protect us and promote Him.
CONCLUSION: Gentleness will produce unity in the church, harmony in the home and ministry in the world. It is central to the way God works in and through us. See Matt. 11:29. Let’s ask God to make us gentle giants in a violent world.
