SS

SS. FRUIT. 08

{Series: The Sweet Taste of Spirit Fruit}

#8: “Walk Softly, but Carry a Big Stick!”

Galatians 5: 22

1 Peter 3: 15-16

Pastor Steve N. Wagers

1. As a young boy, growing up, I vividly recall several times sitting on my dad’s knee. My dad was a mammoth of a man. And, a person you definitely wouldn’t want to run into in a dark alley. Often times my dad would talk to me about areas of which needed improvement in my basketball game. More than anything, he wanted to dedicate myself to the game, and if possible, further it to achieve the dream of a college scholarship. I only wish my dad could have been around when that dream was fulfilled.

2. However, there were other times when my dad would sit me down and just talk to me about life. More than he wanted me to be a great basketball player he wanted me to be a Christian, and be used of God. He never said that he wanted me to follow in his footsteps of ministry, he only wanted me to serve the Lord in whatever direction my life took me. Time after time, my dad had coined a phrase that has remained in my mind down through the years. One of his favorite sayings was, “Son, walk softly, but carry a big stick!” In essence, he was saying, ‘be humble, and gentle, but don’t let anyone use you as a doormat!’ As always, it has been worthwhile advice.

3. That seems to be the teaching of the Bible when it comes to the area of humility and meekness. It seems to convey the same message; to ‘walk softly, but carry a big stick.’

4. The word “meekness” that Paul uses in Galatians 5: 22 is an interesting Greek word. It was a word with which the Greeks were familiar, particularly those who had a working knowledge of Aristotle. He had a theory that a virtue is the mean between two vices. Rage was a vice that reigned supreme at one end of the personality; and, indifference was found at the opposite extreme. Planted firmly in between, and therefore qualifying as a virtue in Aristotle’s book was meekness. ¹

5. We live in a day where our national motto has changed from “In God We Trust” to “I Want My Rights!” At the least insult or slightest remark we’re ready to sue for millions, and spout or fume. We can’t turn right without running into someone’s rights.

6. Several years ago, Robert Ringer wrote a book called ‘Looking Out For Number 1,’ which became a best seller. That is a surprise to me because most people I have met could probably have written it and hardly needed to read it. A couple of years later, Ringer produced the book, ‘Winning Through Intimidation.’ Then, in the late 80’s he wrote ‘Restoring the American Dream,’ where he propagated meekness as being practically un-American, impractical, naive, and just plain stupid. ²

7. However, the Bible teaches us that one of the attributes of being filled and controlled by the Spirit of God is that of gentleness or meekness. The world says that blessed are the men with money, blessed are the men with muscles, blessed are the men with might, or blessed are the men with missiles. However, Jesus says, ‘Blessed are the men with meekness!” For, “they shall inherit the earth.”

8. I want you to join me in examination of 1 Peter 3: 15-16. In these verses Peter seems to capture the idea of what Paul had in mind when he spoke of the attribute of Spirit fruit. If we could translate the text into modern terminology, I believe Peter was telling us to walk softly, but carry a big stick. Notice 3 wonderful truths about the fruit of the Spirit known as meekness or gentleness. First of all, I call your attention to:

1. How Gentleness Is Regarded!

1. I remember reading of a young, gifted minister who was indeed a good preacher. As his congregation began to grow, so did his head. After he had delivered his latest masterpiece, a church member shook his hand and said, “You are, without a doubt, one of the greatest preachers of our generation.” It was all the minister could do to squeeze his head into the car as he slid behind the steering wheel.

2. As he and his wife drove back home, he relayed what the church member had said to him. She did not respond. After fishing for affirmation to his latest compliment, he finally looked over to his wife, and said, “I wonder just how many great preachers are there in this generation?” Without cracking a smile, she replied, “I promise you, one less than you think, my dear!”

3. Gentleness is founded upon the Lord Jesus Christ Himself. And, it is regarded in the fact that He is our model example. And, we find that when it comes to our gentleness, it is regarded in two ways.

A. It Is A Sacred Matter!

1. Notice verse 15. Peter introduces his discussion of a gentle character by saying that is begins as a sacred matter. It is a matter of our sanctification. We are to:

^{15But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts}

2. The word “sanctify” is a word that many of us are familiar with, and one that even causes many Christians to cower. The word in 1 Peter 3: 15 is a word that was used to distinguish holy ground from that which was considered profane. It spoke of something that was held in high regard, or sacred.

3. The very moment you and I were saved God began a wonderful process within us. It is the process of sanctification. The process involves God setting us apart exclusively for His purpose. We are being sanctified, everyday, and we are now a distinct, different, and distinguished people.

4. The purpose of sanctification is to make us more like the Lord Jesus. We are being “conformed into the image of His Son.” God desires to make us a mirror image of His Son. We are to reflect the Son. One way we reflect Him is in the area of meekness and gentleness. The ultimate process will not be complete until we get to heaven, but it is ongoing until then.

B. It is A Solemn Matter!

1. Gentleness is not only a sacred matter, but it is a solemn matter. It is solemn in the sense that it takes place deep within us. Peter explains it by saying,

^{15But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts}

2. The character of a gentle Christian is not based upon the outward man, but the inward man. It is not a piece of Christian clothing one can put on the outside; it is a Christian character one must develop on the inside. It is the result of something deep down within the heart of a man.

3. Andrew Murray described it by saying,

“Humility is perfect quietness of heart. It is to be at rest when nobody praises me and when I am blamed or despised. It is to have a blessed home in the Lord where I can go in and shut the door and kneel to my Father in secret and be at peace as in a deep sea of calmness when all around is trouble.”

4. The Lord Jesus aptly described the root of humility when He referred to Himself by saying,

^{28Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I
will give you rest. 29Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek
and lowly in heart:}

5. I think of something written by Tom Rees, in his book, The Spirit of Life,

“Humility is the only spiritual quality that the devil cannot imitate. The branches that bear the most fruit are usually weighed down nearest the ground.”³

6. So it is with a Christian who is characterized by gentleness, meekness, and humility. The fruit of this attribute flourishes because its roots are planted deep within the bosom of the soul. However, I not only call your attention to how gentleness is regarded; but,

1. HOW GENTLENESS IS REGARDED!

2. How Gentleness Is Revealed!

1. Someone has well said,

“Nothing is so strong as gentleness; nothing so gentle as real strength.

2. The interesting thing about gentleness, meekness, or humility is that we supposed to show it but not know it. If we try to be humble, we have fooled ourselves into thinking we have something to be humble about.

3. The gentle person that the scripture has in mind is one who not only has a gentle character, but one who has a gentle countenance. His behavior is observed as being gentle, meek and humble. Peter mentions two ways in which this gentleness is revealed. First, we see:

A. The Readiness It Provokes!

1. Notice verse 15.

and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you..

2. True gentleness is a matter that is revealed, and provoked with readiness. It seeks an opportunity to “give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you.”

3. The word “answer” that is used is an interesting word. It is a judicial term. It literally means, “defense, or rebuttal.” The word described a witness’ response while being cross-examined during a trial.

4. We are to be ready, willing and able to give a defense of our faith. We are to be ready to give a defense of what we say we believe. Yet, herein the great tragedy lies, that many do not know what they believe; and, thus, cannot give a defense of their belief when asked.

5. The Greeks believed that it was the mark of an intelligent man that he was able to give a defense of his actions and belief. A man was expected to,

“Intelligently and temperately to discuss matters of conduct, and belief!”⁴

6. In order to give a defense of what we believe, we must know what we believe; and, be firm in that belief. Again, the great tragedy of our day is that many fill our Church pews who, if the truth be known, have no idea what they believe, and why they believe what they believe.

7. Many would have to admit that their belief has been handed down to them; and, they believe it because their grandparents, and parents believed it. Many would have to admit that the church they attend, and what has been told have formed their belief to them.

8. Peter seems to suggest that, as believers, we are to discover our own behavior and belief. We are to be concerned, consumed, and convinced of what we believe. Our belief is to become our behavior. I love how William Barclay put it,

“Our faith must be a first-hand discovery; and, not a second hand story!”⁵

9. If you were placed on the witness stand, tonight, would you able to give a defense of what you believe and why you believe it. One is filled with, and controlled by the Spirit of God is a person who is filled with gentleness, and that gentleness provoke a readiness to give a defense of its faith. However, we not only see the readiness it provokes; but:

B. The Response It Produces!

1. I think of Jude described the defense of our faith, in Jude 3.

ye should earnestly contend for the faith, which was once delivered unto the saints.

2. We are to be contenders of our faith. We are to be defenders of our faith. We are to be extenders of our faith. We are to be ready to give a defense of our faith and belief. However, Peter describes what type of response is produced,

^{15But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready
always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that
is in you with meekness and fear:}

3. The word “meekness” is the same word used in Galatians 5: 22, by Paul, to describe an attribute of displaying Spirit fruit. It is a word that literally depicts “power under control, or strength under discipline.”

4. Many equate meekness with weakness. The picture is of a timid, shy, bashful person who acts as a doormat allowing people to walk over them. However, nothing could be farther from the truth. Meekness is not weakness, it is power that is harnessed and placed under control.

5. Meekness is a champion racehorse submitting to a bit. It is a mighty reservoir leaping through the spillway of a great dam in a measured flow. It is an Olympic weight lifter brushing a tear our of little daughter’s eye.

6. Meekness is realizing that one has the power, and ability to retaliate, and crush someone; yet, places that power under control, and refuses to do so. I love how Aristotle described it,

“A meek person is neither too hasty tempered, nor too slow tempered. Meekness does not get angry with people it ought not to get angry with, nor does it fail to get angry with people it ought to get angry with. The man who is meek is the man who feels anger on the right grounds against the right persons in the right manner at the right moment for the right length of time. At all times, he will err on the side of forgiveness.”⁶

7. We are to be ready to give a defense of our faith, belief, and the hope that lies within us. Yet, that readiness responds with gentleness and meekness. We do not seek to prove that we are right, and they are wrong. We seek to prove that Jesus is right and leave the rest with Him.

8. Think with me of the greatest example of gentleness and meekness: the Lord Jesus. He had the greatest possible strength under the greatest possible control. While He was on the Cross, He could have called ten legions of angels to come to His aid. He could have spoken the word and killed everyone that opposed Him in an instant. But, He stayed on the Cross, and held His vast power in check for you and me.

9. The same is true in our lives, and witness as believers. We do seek to bully men into becoming a Christian, we seek rather to persuade them into becoming a Christian. We do not seek to shove something down their throat, we seek to place something in their heart. It is accomplished by gentleness and meekness. Notice, finally with me, not only how gentleness is regarded, and revealed; but,

1. HOW GENTLENESS IS REGARDED!

2. HOW GENTLENESS IS REVEALED!

3. How Gentleness Is Rewarded!

1. Someone once asked Leonard Bernstein, the late New York Symphony conductor, what the most difficult position is the orchestra was. Without hesitation, the great maestro replied,

“The hardest position to fill is second fiddle, because everybody wants to sit in the first chair, not the second.”

2. God is looking for men and women who are willing to sit in the second chair and play second fiddle. The truth of the matter is, as the old saying goes, ‘we have too many chiefs and not enough Indians.” God is looking for some meek, gentle Indians who are willing to serve. They will be rewarded in two ways. First, is by:

A. An Inward Tranquility that is Given by God!

1. Notice verse 16. The result of a gentle, meek response and defense of our faith is an inward tranquility. Peter describes it by,

^{1”6Having a good conscience”}

2. J. B. Phillips renders the phrase,

“Maintaining a good conscience.”

3. The idea is of maintaining an unimpaired conscience. Maintaining a conscience that is clear and peaceful. Paul Rees aptly described it by saying,

“This is the charm for Christians to wear: a good conscience. Then to wrongful treatment of maligning men you can say, “Strike, you cannot harm.” “Strike, you cannot embarrass my circumstances, undermine my health, maim my limbs, rob me of reputation, take away my life; but strike! you cannot harm me!”⁷

4. Do you have a good conscience before God? Is your conscience clear, and unimpaired? One benefit of a gentle, meek life is that we maintain a clear conscience, and are given an inward tranquility by God. I call your attention also to:

B. An Outward Testimony that is Glorifying to God!

1. Notice verse 16. The benefit of living a life controlled, consumed, and conducted by the Spirit of God is that we reflect a testimony that glorifies God.

^{16Having a good conscience; that, whereas they speak evil of
you, as of evildoers, they may be ashamed that falsely accuse your good
conversation in Christ.}

2. The heretic, the rebel, or the scoffer has no argument for a life that resembles, reflects, and reveals the Lord Jesus Christ. It is an argument for which they have no answer.

3. When we live lives of gentleness, and meekness we silence the critics. We take away their ammunition. We disarm their attacks. They have no answer for that type of lifestyle, because we point them toward the Lord Jesus.

4. The truth of the matter is that, as Christians, we will be ridiculed, criticized, and maligned. We will be talked about, and made fun of. However, when we allow the Spirit of God to control our lives, and our lips, we will carry a testimony that will glorify God.

5. I have always admired the life and ministry of J. Hudson Taylor, the founder of the China Inland Mission. I don’t know of anyone whose life has affected me through the printed page like that of Hudson Taylor. Hudson Taylor was scheduled to speak at a Large Presbyterian Church in Melbourne, Australia. The moderator of the service introduced the missionary in eloquent and glowing terms. He told the large congregation all that Taylor had accomplished in China, and then presented him as "our illustrious guest." Taylor stood quietly for a moment, and then opened his message by saying,

"Dear friends, I encourage you not to believe a word that the beloved pastor has said of me. Be not deceived, I am only the little servant of an illustrious Master."

6. In a day when everyone demands their rights, and looks out for number 1, the idea of gentleness and meekness is foreign to many. But, ladies and gentlemen, the truth of the matter is that we are nothing more than little servants of a big, illustrious master.

7. Meekness is not weakness; yet, neither is it easy. It is something that I greatly desire God to produce and perform in my heart everyday. And, like every aspect of Spirit life, it is required, and possible through obedience, and dependence on the Spirit of Him who was “meek and lowly of heart!”