VITAL SIGNS                                                                      EAST BAY FELLOWSHIP

(Series, #8)                                                                                               October 30, 2005

GENTLENESS

TEXT: Phil. 4:5

INTRODUCTION

· “Faith comes with a packet of moral imperatives, that while they do not condition the attitude of believers, influence enough of them to make [Christians] morally superior to atheists like me.”   Roy Hattersley, Guardian columnist  

· “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.  Against such things there is no law.”   Gal 5:22-23 (NIV)

1) BUYING INTO GOD’S VALUE SYSTEM

· The Old Testament word has to do with the idea of stooping down to value someone who might otherwise see themselves as less valuable.

· The New Testament word has to do with the idea of clemency.

· “A gentle answer turns away wrath…”   Prov 15:1 (NIV)

2) MAKING GOD’S VALUE SYSTEM KNOWN

· Percentage of Americans who think:

a)  Incivility is a serious problem: 89

b) Mean-spirited political campaigns are to blame: 73

c) Rock music is to blame: 67

d) Talk radio is to blame: 52

e) Their own behavior is uncivil: 1

· The Holy Spirit is seeking to make His value system known to every person standing in front of us by communicating that value through our attitudes and actions.

3) USING NEARNESS TO RETAIN GOD’S VALUE SYSTEM

· The great point of accountability for all Christians down through the ages has always been the return of Jesus Christ.

· The other side of the nearness factor is present nearness.

CONCLUSION

· “But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have.  But do this with gentleness and respect.”    Pet 3:15 (NIV)