Thy Gentleness Hath Made Me Great
The sermon emphasizes the importance of gentleness in our lives, as exemplified by God's dealings with sinners and the characteristics of the Holy Spirit.
A.B. Simpson emphasizes the gentle and patient nature of the Holy Spirit, illustrating how God's dealings with sinners and His own children are marked by tenderness and forbearance. He reflects on biblical figures like Jacob, Joseph, and David, who experienced God's gentleness, leading them to greatness. Simpson urges believers to embody gentleness, meekness, and quietness, contrasting these traits with the harshness of the flesh. He calls for a transformation of spirit, asking the Lord to refine his manner and reflect Christ's gentleness in all aspects of life.
Text
The blessed Comforter is gentle, tender and full of patience and love. How gentle are God's dealings even with sinners. How patient His forbearance. How tender His discipline with His own erring children. How He led Jacob, Joseph, Israel, David, Elijah and all His ancient servants until they could truly say, Thy gentleness hath made me great. The heart in which the Holy Spirit dwells will always be characterized by gentleness, lowliness, quietness, meekness and forbearance. The rude, sarcastic spirit, the brusque manner, the sharp retort, the unkind cut-all of these belong to the flesh and have nothing in common with the gentle teaching of the Comforter.
The Holy Dove shrinks from the noisy, tumultuous, excited and vindictive spirit and finds His home in the peaceful soul.
The fruit of the Spirit is . . . gentleness, . . . meekness. Lord, make me gentle. Hush my spirit. Refine my manner. Let me have Christ in my bearing and my very tones, as well as in my heart.
Sermon Outline
- The Gentleness of God
- The Character of the Holy Spirit
- The Fruit of the Spirit
- Gentleness and meekness
- Practical application
Key Quotes
“How gentle are God's dealings even with sinners.” — A.B. Simpson
“The heart in which the Holy Spirit dwells will always be characterized by gentleness, lowliness, quietness, meekness and forbearance.” — A.B. Simpson
“Lord, make me gentle.” — A.B. Simpson
Application Points
- We should seek to cultivate gentleness in our lives by having Christ in our bearing and manner.
- We should ask God to refine our spirit and make us gentle.
- We should strive to be characterized by gentleness, lowliness, quietness, meekness, and forbearance.