Lesson 45 August 3, 2003

Intro Review:

#2 gentleness; prau<thj also translated meekness; what this word is not is referring to a casper milk toast type, or some wimpish individual;

- the idea of the word is that of strength under submission especially in one's conduct while dealing with others.

Summary Observations

1. Who is the greatest example of gentleness, meekness? Christ!

Own words - Mt 11:29;

Paul makes an appeal based on the meekness and gentleness of Christ in 2 Cor 10:1.

2. Just as here, it is used of virtues that all believers lives should reflect; they are not innate must be put on! Col 3:12

3. It is an attitude that we are to have as we approach the study of the word. Jas 1:21 a readiness to be taught.

4. The believer who is wise and understanding demonstrates this virtue in his conduct, does so in the sphere of the gentleness of wisdom. Jas 3:13

5. It is a virtue, an attitude required of the P/T. Titus 3:2;

2 Tim 2:25 as he seeks to correct wrong thinking; objective is repentance.

6. It is a mark of spiritual advance, a manifestation of the fruit of the Spirit. Gal 5:23

7. It is an attitude in the believer that is of great worth in God's view. 1 Pet 3:4

#3 with patience; meta, makroqumi,a; patience in dealing with people;

- it speaks of the ability to endure discomfort without fighting back, often being mistreated and yet not retaliate; a reluctance to avenge wrongs; long suffering.

#4 showing forbearance to one another; avne,cw avnecw

- It is an intensely practical in that it speaks of being realistic about the makeup of each of us in the areas of non-essentials.

 

Notice the last 2 words in vs:3.

The "in love" that follows is important, it is related to all four virtues, not just to showing forbearance with one another.

 

Since the overall subject is the "worthy walk," it is assumed for these virtues to be a reality that the H/S is not only indwelling but enabling the believer.

 

* 1 Cor 16:14 states the gen. prin. "Let all that you do be done in love."

4:3 This unity takes effort, constant effort on our part.

"being diligent to preserve the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace."

??? What is the unity in view that is to be preserved, guarded?

- Our individual responsibility related to this experiential aspect of the unity is seen in the first part of the verse; "being diligent to preserve the unity..."

Implication of spoudazw; honest effort, determination being expended in difficult tasks; also has the idea of speed to accomplish a task, often translated eagerness to express this.

"Being diligent to preserve" thre,w threw [pres inf] to guard, to keep, to preserve;

- preserve this unity through [instrumental of means] the bond which consists of peace."

Prov 6:16, 19b

* How are we able to fulfill this? 2 things we should note;

#1. In Phil 2:1-5 these and similar virtues, are found followed by a cmd to keep on having the same mind, the same thinking as Christ; therefore we must know and think dvpt, so that we are able to maintain unity in the professing/assembling body. [thinking]

#2. Ensuring that these virtues of humility, gentleness, patience, and showing forbearance towards one another are operational in our own lives.

* Is it important how believers get along with one another??