Meekness
(prautes: meekness, mildness.)
The true meaning of this word has a deeper meaning than outward behaviour only, or in describing our relationship with other persons. In the Greek it is describing an inwrought grace of the Holy Spirit. For the exercise of meekness is first in the spiritual attitudes. It describes that relationship with the Lord, in which we accept His dealings with us as good, without disputing or resisting. It is closely linked with humility. (being humble.)
Described negatively, meekness is the opposite to self-assertiveness and self-interest; it is equanimity of the spirit that is neither elated nor cast down, simply because it is not occupied with self at all.
It is not to be confused with weakness. Meekness is part of being strong in the Lord and provides a quality that enables a foe to be converted into a friend.
We need meekness in receiving the Word, for the condition of the heart determines the result of sowing, far more than the skill of the sower. True wisdom is meek.
(James 3:13 NIV) Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show it by his good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom.
Temperance
(enkrateia: self control.)
Self-control is a preferable rendering, The various powers given by God to man are capable of abuse. Right usage requires the controlling power of the will under the operation of the Holy Spirit.
The thought is to temper our behaviour (as with steel) with a balanced response of our different or contrary qualities. There is the implication of moderation in the exercise of our appetites and passions. Imbalance in this fruit can produce grossness.
Peter taught us the progression and warned of the dangers.
(2 Pet 1:6-8 NIV) and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; [7] and to godliness, brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness, love. [8] For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.
(1 Pet 2:11 NIV) Dear friends, I urge you, as aliens and strangers in the world, to abstain from sinful desires, which war against your soul.
In things lawful temperance is needed.
(1 Cor 6:12 NIV) “Everything is permissible for me”—but not everything is beneficial. “Everything is permissible for me”—but I will not be mastered by anything.
In brotherly love.
Read Romans 14. This Chapter begins Accept him whose faith is weak, without passing judgment (i.e. exercise self control ) on disputable matters.
In mental self-control.
(Prov 16:32 NIV) Better a patient man than a warrior, a man who controls his temper than one who takes a city.
(Eph 4:31 NIV) Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice.
(Col 3:8 NIV) But now you must rid yourselves of all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your lips.
Giving way to sulkiness day after day is as intemperate as a violent exhibition of unjustifiable rage. What we say needs to be controlled.
(James 1:26 NIV) If anyone considers himself religious and yet does not keep a tight rein on his tongue, he deceives himself and his religion is worthless.
(James 3:2 NIV) We all stumble in many ways. If anyone is never at fault in what he says, he is a perfect man, able to keep his whole body in check.
Inordinate love of praise is intemperance. Spiritual self-control is also needed.
(1 Cor 14:32 NIV) The spirits of prophets are subject to the control of prophets.
Shows that you are to be in control of your own spirit. When exercising the gifts and callings of God we are to exercise temperance. There is a difference between the emotional and the devotional. This is NOT quenching the Spirit – it is true love and consideration for your neighbour – loud expression of your personal worship is fine, but it should never overpower some other person’s offering to the Lord.
Christ within can accomplish what we in our own strength can never hope to accomplish. The inward strength is not ours it is HIS.
REMEMBER … Spiritual fruit is of the Holy Spirit We have been talking about HIS fruit not our attempts to produce our fruit.
The lesson is … BE BEING FILLED WITH THE HOLY SPIRIT CONTINUALLY.