Embracing Gentleness: The Heart of Spiritual Fatherhood
Summary
### Summary
Good morning and Happy Father's Day to all the dads out there, whether you're a paternal or spiritual father. Today, we delve into the book of Galatians, focusing on the Apostle Paul, who exemplifies the role of a spiritual father. Paul’s relationship with Timothy and Titus, whom he calls his beloved and true children, respectively, showcases his fatherly love, guidance, and discipline. This fatherly love stems from his response to the perfect love of our Heavenly Father, demonstrated through Jesus Christ.
Paul's transformation from a blasphemer and persecutor to a recipient of Christ's mercy and grace is a testament to the power of God's love. This love, characterized by gentleness, is what Paul extends to others. As spiritual fathers, we are called to reflect this same gentleness, a fruit of the Spirit, in our lives. Gentleness, often overlooked in discussions about masculinity, is a core identity of a follower of Jesus. Jesus himself describes his heart as gentle and lowly, inviting us to find rest in Him.
Gentleness is not about passivity but about disarming and de-escalating situations with tenderness, even when correction is needed. While Jesus and Paul had moments of righteous rage in the face of injustice, their predominant characteristic was gentleness. This gentleness should be a consistent, noticeable trait in our lives, with rage being rare and only in response to significant injustices.
To grow in gentleness, we need guidance and gathering. Guidance involves being led by Jesus, spending time in His presence, and allowing His character to shape ours. Gathering refers to the importance of community with other believers, where we can practice the "one another" commands of Scripture. The church, as the body of believers, provides a unique context for this growth, offering opportunities to love, forgive, and carry each other's burdens.
In conclusion, let us strive to be more like Jesus, the gentle and lowly Savior, by allowing the Spirit to lead us and by committing to gather with our church family. This will enable us to grow in gentleness and reflect Christ's character in our lives.
### Key Takeaways
1. Paul's Fatherly Love: Paul exemplifies spiritual fatherhood by loving, guiding, and disciplining his spiritual children, Timothy and Titus, as well as others in the early church. This love is a response to the perfect love of our Heavenly Father, demonstrated through Jesus Christ. [01:51]
2. Transformation Through Christ: Paul's transformation from a blasphemer and persecutor to a recipient of Christ's mercy and grace highlights the power of God's love. This love, characterized by gentleness, is what Paul extends to others, showing that even the worst of sinners can be transformed by Christ. [03:28]
3. Gentleness as a Core Identity: Gentleness, often overlooked in discussions about masculinity, is a core identity of a follower of Jesus. Jesus himself describes his heart as gentle and lowly, inviting us to find rest in Him. This gentleness should be a consistent, noticeable trait in our lives. [07:20]
4. Righteous Rage vs. Gentleness: While Jesus and Paul had moments of righteous rage in the face of injustice, their predominant characteristic was gentleness. Rage should be rare and only in response to significant injustices, whereas gentleness should be the consistent trait that defines us as followers of Christ. [19:33]
5. Growing in Gentleness: To grow in gentleness, we need guidance and gathering. Guidance involves being led by Jesus, spending time in His presence, and allowing His character to shape ours. Gathering refers to the importance of community with other believers, where we can practice the "one another" commands of Scripture. [36:18]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[00:56] - Spiritual Fatherhood of Paul
[01:51] - Paul's Love for Timothy and Titus
[02:44] - Paul's Transformation Through Christ
[04:08] - Jesus' Gentle Love for Paul
[05:00] - Father's Day Message: Reflecting God's Love
[05:45] - The Fruit of the Spirit: Gentleness
[06:43] - Gentleness in Father's Day Sermons
[07:20] - Jesus' Self-Description as Gentle
[08:52] - The Call to Be Gentle Disciples
[10:32] - Assessing Our Gentleness
[12:11] - Routine Assessments of Christ-like Character
[15:03] - Misconceptions About Gentleness
[16:34] - Righteous Rage vs. Gentleness
[19:33] - The Role of Righteous Rage
[22:32] - Practical Steps to Grow in Gentleness
[24:06] - Guidance: Being Led by Jesus
[27:13] - The Struggle of Letting Jesus Lead
[30:34] - Peter's Journey Towards Gentleness
[33:20] - Peter's Epistles on Gentleness
[34:42] - Gathering: Growing Together in Gentleness
[36:18] - The Importance of Community
[39:29] - The One Another Commands
[41:09] - The Impact of Forsaking the Gathering
[42:36] - Mean Mobile Monks vs. Gentle Disciples
[44:03] - The Unique Context of the Church
[45:31] - The Call to Grow in Gentleness
[47:06] - Closing Prayer
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. 1 Timothy 1:12-16 - "I thank him who has given me strength, Christ Jesus our Lord, because he judged me faithful, appointing me to his service, though formerly I was a blasphemer, persecutor, and insolent opponent. But I received mercy because I had acted ignorantly in unbelief, and the grace of our Lord overflowed for me with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus. The saying is trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am the foremost. But I received mercy for this reason, that in me, as the foremost, Jesus Christ might display his perfect patience as an example to those who were to believe in him for eternal life."
2. Galatians 5:22-23 - "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law."
3. Matthew 11:28-29 - "Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls."
#### Observation Questions
1. How does Paul describe his past and the transformation he experienced through Christ in 1 Timothy 1:12-16? [02:44]
2. What are the characteristics listed as the fruit of the Spirit in Galatians 5:22-23? [05:45]
3. How does Jesus describe His own heart in Matthew 11:28-29? [07:20]
4. According to the sermon, what is the significance of gentleness in the life of a follower of Jesus? [06:43]
#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why does Paul emphasize his past as a blasphemer and persecutor when discussing his transformation in 1 Timothy 1:12-16? How does this highlight the power of God's mercy and grace? [02:44]
2. In what ways does the fruit of the Spirit, particularly gentleness, challenge common perceptions of masculinity? [06:43]
3. How does Jesus' self-description as "gentle and lowly in heart" in Matthew 11:28-29 provide a model for Christian behavior? [07:20]
4. What is the difference between righteous rage and gentleness as described in the sermon? How should these traits manifest in a believer's life? [19:33]
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you experienced or extended gentleness in a challenging situation. How did it impact the outcome? [06:43]
2. How can you incorporate more time in Jesus' presence to allow His character to shape yours, as suggested in the sermon? [24:06]
3. Identify a community or group where you can practice the "one another" commands of Scripture. How can you commit to gathering with them regularly? [36:18]
4. Think of a recent situation where you felt anger. Was it righteous rage or misplaced anger? How can you better manage your responses in the future? [19:33]
5. How can you assess and grow in gentleness in your daily interactions? What practical steps can you take to ensure gentleness becomes a consistent trait in your life? [12:11]
6. In what ways can you support and encourage others in your church community to grow in gentleness? How can you model this trait for them? [36:18]
7. Reflect on the importance of community in your spiritual growth. How can you prioritize gathering with other believers to foster a spirit of gentleness? [36:18]
Devotional
Day 1: Spiritual Fatherhood in Action
Paul's Fatherly Love: Paul exemplifies spiritual fatherhood by loving, guiding, and disciplining his spiritual children, Timothy and Titus, as well as others in the early church. This love is a response to the perfect love of our Heavenly Father, demonstrated through Jesus Christ. [01:51]
Paul's relationship with Timothy and Titus is a beautiful example of spiritual fatherhood. He refers to Timothy as his "beloved child" and to Titus as his "true child," showing a deep, personal connection. This fatherly love is not just about affection but also about guidance and discipline. Paul’s love for his spiritual children is a reflection of the perfect love he received from our Heavenly Father through Jesus Christ. This love is patient, kind, and always seeks the best for the other person.
As spiritual fathers, whether paternal or in a mentoring role, we are called to emulate this kind of love. It involves being present, offering guidance, and sometimes correcting with gentleness. This love is transformative, not just for those we mentor but also for ourselves, as it draws us closer to the heart of God.
1 Thessalonians 2:11-12 (ESV): "For you know how, like a father with his children, we exhorted each one of you and encouraged you and charged you to walk in a manner worthy of God, who calls you into his own kingdom and glory."
Reflection: Who in your life can you mentor or guide with the same fatherly love that Paul showed to Timothy and Titus? How can you start this week?
Day 2: Transformation Through Christ
Paul's Transformation Through Christ: Paul's transformation from a blasphemer and persecutor to a recipient of Christ's mercy and grace highlights the power of God's love. This love, characterized by gentleness, is what Paul extends to others, showing that even the worst of sinners can be transformed by Christ. [03:28]
Paul's life is a powerful testimony to the transformative power of Christ's love. Once a blasphemer and persecutor of Christians, Paul encountered Jesus on the road to Damascus and was forever changed. This transformation was not just a change in behavior but a complete renewal of his heart and mind. Paul became a recipient of Christ's mercy and grace, which he then extended to others.
This transformation is a reminder that no one is beyond the reach of God's love. It shows that even the most hardened hearts can be softened by the gentleness of Christ. As recipients of this same mercy and grace, we are called to extend it to others, believing in the transformative power of God's love.
1 Timothy 1:15-16 (ESV): "The saying is trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am the foremost. But I received mercy for this reason, that in me, as the foremost, Jesus Christ might display his perfect patience as an example to those who were to believe in him for eternal life."
Reflection: Reflect on your own transformation through Christ. How can you share your testimony of God's mercy and grace with someone who needs to hear it this week?
Day 3: Gentleness as a Core Identity
Gentleness as a Core Identity: Gentleness, often overlooked in discussions about masculinity, is a core identity of a follower of Jesus. Jesus himself describes his heart as gentle and lowly, inviting us to find rest in Him. This gentleness should be a consistent, noticeable trait in our lives. [07:20]
Gentleness is a fruit of the Spirit that is often undervalued, especially in discussions about masculinity. However, it is a core identity of a follower of Jesus. Jesus himself describes his heart as "gentle and lowly," inviting us to find rest in Him. This gentleness is not about weakness or passivity but about strength under control. It is the ability to disarm and de-escalate situations with tenderness, even when correction is needed.
As followers of Christ, gentleness should be a consistent and noticeable trait in our lives. It is a reflection of the character of Jesus, who, despite having moments of righteous rage in the face of injustice, was predominantly gentle. This gentleness is a powerful witness to the world, showing the love and grace of Christ in our interactions with others.
Colossians 3:12 (ESV): "Put on then, as God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience."
Reflection: In what areas of your life do you struggle to show gentleness? How can you intentionally practice gentleness in your interactions this week?
Day 4: Righteous Rage vs. Gentleness
Righteous Rage vs. Gentleness: While Jesus and Paul had moments of righteous rage in the face of injustice, their predominant characteristic was gentleness. Rage should be rare and only in response to significant injustices, whereas gentleness should be the consistent trait that defines us as followers of Christ. [19:33]
Both Jesus and Paul exhibited moments of righteous rage, particularly in the face of significant injustices. However, these moments were rare and not the defining characteristic of their lives. Their predominant trait was gentleness. This gentleness is not about being passive or avoiding confrontation but about responding to situations with a heart of love and compassion.
Righteous rage has its place, especially when confronting grave injustices. However, it should be the exception rather than the rule. As followers of Christ, we are called to be known for our gentleness. This gentleness is a powerful testimony to the love and grace of God, disarming hostility and bringing peace to turbulent situations.
James 1:19-20 (ESV): "Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger; for the anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God."
Reflection: Think of a recent situation where you felt anger. How could you have responded with gentleness instead? What steps can you take to ensure gentleness is your predominant response?
Day 5: Growing in Gentleness
Growing in Gentleness: To grow in gentleness, we need guidance and gathering. Guidance involves being led by Jesus, spending time in His presence, and allowing His character to shape ours. Gathering refers to the importance of community with other believers, where we can practice the "one another" commands of Scripture. [36:18]
Growing in gentleness requires intentional effort and the right environment. First, we need guidance. This involves being led by Jesus, spending time in His presence through prayer and reading Scripture, and allowing His character to shape ours. As we draw closer to Jesus, His gentleness becomes more evident in our lives.
Second, we need gathering. Community with other believers is essential for our growth in gentleness. The church provides a unique context where we can practice the "one another" commands of Scripture, such as loving, forgiving, and carrying each other's burdens. In this community, we learn to reflect Christ's character and grow in gentleness together.
Hebrews 10:24-25 (ESV): "And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near."
Reflection: How can you prioritize spending time in Jesus' presence this week to grow in gentleness? What steps can you take to engage more deeply with your church community?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "So here's what Christ has done for Paul. He shows Paul mercy, he displays patience, he shows him grace, he shows him love, and he shows him gentleness. He does this to the worst of the sinners. And that's not my words, that's Paul's words of himself. He says the worst of sinners." (21 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "And to say that, to just really address, hey, men in this church, I just, I want to remind us of a great truth, a great truth for us this morning, that as spiritual dads or paternal dads, God has offered us the same opportunity, the same love through Christ Jesus. And he's given each one of us different spaces to exist in, to share that love, to give that love to those around us, right, out of this response to what our Heavenly Father has done for us." (35 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "Jesus makes this self-identifying claim in Matthew chapter 2, verse 1, 11 verses 28 through 29 and sometimes I think this is pretty overlooked as we we look to who Jesus is look what it says come to me all who labor and heavy laden I will give you rest take my yoke upon you learn from me don't miss this for I am gentle and lowly in heart and you will find rest for your souls." (25 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "So if Jesus is gentle right if that's what he's saying it's it's you know I'm be honest I'm not sure you know a tagline of like Jesus the gentle really would bring about a sell sell sell out crowd and like the a manference or man conference right maybe maybe if we did like Jesus the warrior Jesus the the road dog Jesus like the the grappler like those could bring people in right but but those descriptions of Jesus being some sort of like I don't know like fighter that that would be inaccurate to how Jesus describes himself as gentle gentle." (33 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "So practically, how do we go about just growing in gentleness? And I'm going to give us just two practical points to that. First one is, it's, it's, it's, it's, it's these two. It's growing in gentleness. It happens through guidance and gathering. Guidance and gathering." (18 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for Members
1. "And so basically what Paul is declaring is that in spite of all the kind of things he's done, the treacherous things that Paul has done and participated throughout his life, right, and he did some pretty bad stuff, Jesus gently, gently displaying the heart of the Father has offered Paul love, love." (35 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "And over the past few weeks, we've been really focused on these two verses that we see in Galatians, and I'll just review that with you guys real quick. Galatians 5, 22, 23, it says, So gentleness is our focus for this week. And as I was preparing, I was kind of thinking through, I could be wrong, but I don't think there's been many Father's Day sermons that have focused on gentleness." (37 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "So here's the thing for the Bible. Rage should be rare. I think rage should be rare. It should be expressed as something that should feel almost uncharacteristic of a person. Like, like, wow, did you, did you see, you see Bob? Like, he, he, he raged over hearing about, like, the, the sex trafficking ring that was taking place in his town. Like, that was very uncharacteristic of him. Man, that guy never gets angry at anything, but, but that must be a really important issue to him. That, that should be the model, right? We can, we can rage from a righteous space when appropriate. That should be the model." (40 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "So listen, here's my, here's my suggestion. Listen, throw a rager, throw a rager, right? But make it memorable. And, and only for the sake of righteousness, right? But if you find yourself always raging, it's, it's possible maybe that's a moment just, just reassess. And, and just maybe it's time for some, some rage rehab or something like that. But, but, but here's the thing about gentleness. It's, it's not void of moments of righteous rage. Those are just uncharacteristic. They're uncharacteristic of the disciple. But gentleness, right? Not, not rage. That's the character. That's the trait of Jesus. And it should be the trait of those who follow him." (18 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "So if we want to grow in gentleness, you know, I'll be, I'll be honest, I'll be straightforward. The only context to do so, is what Jesus creates, is the gathering of disciples, the Ecclesia, it's the church. And now again, I'm not saying the church, the church gathering will be perfectly, one another's be lived out and perfectly applied. That's not the reality. But here's what you will experience. It, it is a, a gathering where these one another's, they can be used as a guideline. They can be held up. They can serve as a foundation for, a gathering. And I, I don't know other gatherings that can provide that guarantee." (47 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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