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It's Week 9 of the Fruit of the Spirit 5Ws series and this week we're wrapping up with the last but not least ninth fruit self-control. My prayer is that we learn how God biblically defines His fruit, how to express His fruit in our lives, and how to practically walk by the Holy Spirit so we don't gratify the desires of our flesh (Galatians 5:16).
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law. ~Galatians 5:22-23 (NKJV)
Fruit of the Spirit– Self-control
Who
Who can show self-control?
The Holy Spirit is a gift from God (Acts 2:38, 10:45) to glorify Jesus Christ (John 16:14) and only indwells in those that have:
Chosen to make Jesus Christ their personal Lord and Savior (John 14:26)
Believe Jesus Christ died on the cross for our sins
Believe Jesus Christ resurrected three days later
Therefore, who can show self-control, as God defines it?
Answer:
True believers and followers of Jesus Christ because the Holy Spirit only indwells in them.
What
What is self-control?
Self-control or "temperance" (used in some Bible versions) is a noun and describes restraint exercised over one's own impulses, emotions, or desires. It's a deliberate choice, and about being able to flee or resist temptation to break God's laws.
One of the proofs of God’s working in our lives is the ability to control our own thoughts, words, and actions. It’s not that we are naturally weak-willed. But our fallen nature is under the influence of sin. ~Gotquestions.org
A visible difference between believers and the rest of the world should be consistent self-control, no matter the circumstances:
The mark of a Christian is self-discipline and self-control. ~Billy Graham (1973)
Five traits about self-control:
Not possible apart from God, as it's a gift from the Holy Spirit's indwelling.
The person who is allowing the Holy Spirit to conform them into the image of Jesus Christ will develop self-control in every area of their life.
Involves moderation, constraint, and the ability to say no to our fleshly lusts and sinful desires.
It's about learning how to respond Christlike versus react flesh-like.
It's about being fruitful in the knowledge of Jesus Christ (2 Peter 1:5-9).
Self-control for a Christian is really Spirit-control. That is what the Apostle Paul was talking about in Romans 8:8-10. Self-control is the characteristic which makes it possible for us to separate ourselves from the world and unto God. It is the process by which holiness is perfected in us. ~Journeyonline.org
When
When should we demonstrate self-control?
Like all the other fruits of the Holy Spirit— God desires self-control becomes who we are, matures in us, and demonstrated in all areas of our lives.
Self-control is achievable when we:
Allow the Holy Spirit to indwell. We don't gratify desires of the flesh by choosing to walk in the Holy Spirit daily (Galatians 5:16).
Make Jesus Christ our Lord and ultimate authority over our lives. We willfully and cheerfully give total control to God. We deny ourselves daily and totally surrender our lives to Him (Luke 9:23, Galatians 2:20).
Nurture a growing personal relationship with Jesus Christ. We make an active prayer life a top priority. Learn God's thoughts and perspectives on matters from studying scriptures (Psalm 23:1-6, John 15:4-5, Colossians 3:1-3, 2 Timothy 3:16-17).
All Scripture is given by God. And all Scripture is useful for teaching and for showing people what is wrong in their lives. It is useful for correcting faults and teaching the right way to live. Using the Scriptures, those who serve God will be prepared and will have everything they need to do every good work. ~2 Timothy 3:16-17 (ERV)
Where
Where is self-control applicable?
Everywhere! Self-control is applicable in all aspects of our lives!
Lifehopeandtruth.com provides a great explanation:
It takes self-control to show true godly love instead of lust and infatuation— to love others not as the world loves, but as Christ loves us. “And walk in love, as Christ also has loved us and given Himself for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet-smelling aroma” (Ephesians 5:2; emphasis added throughout).
It takes self-control to have godly joy when we are facing a difficult situation in life. “Though now you do not see Him, yet believing, you rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory” (1 Peter 1:8).
It takes self-control to get along with others and make peace instead of constantly getting into conflict. “Blessed are the peacemakers” (Matthew 5:9).
It takes self-control to patiently bear with others rather than quickly condemning them. It’s very hard to “be patient with all” (1 Thessalonians 5:14).
It takes self-control to not automatically look out only for yourself but kindly look out for other people (Philippians 2:4).
It takes self-control to do good, to go through the narrow gate toward life rather than the evil, wide gate toward destruction (Matthew 7:13-14).
It takes self-control to be faithful and not have our faith shattered by the mocking of scoffers (2 Peter 3:3-4).
It takes self-control to be a gentle servant of the Lord (2 Timothy 2:24), showing compassion and mercy with real love [agape love] as God does with us.
Greatest example— Jesus Christ!
For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. ~Hebrews 4:15 (ESV)
Jesus example from Luke 4, summarized by Journeyonline.org:
At the time Jesus was tempted, He was full of the Holy Spirit.
The devil looked for an area of weakness in Jesus. Knowing that He had fasted for forty days, Satan knew that Jesus was hungry. So, the temptation came with the suggestion of food.
Jesus did not allow His mind to dwell on His desire for food, but He drew upon His knowledge of Scripture to ward off the temptation of His enemy.
As the devil continued to tempt Him, Jesus responded by reminding the devil of what God’s Word instructed.
After the devil had finished all this tempting, Jesus returned to Galilee in the power of the Spirit.
Grace Life Church Pittsburgh describes,
The Bible teaches us that Jesus was tempted by the devil to respond using His emotions and to not trust God’s promises. Instead of giving in and making a bad choice, Jesus shows us how to have self-control by stopping and answering the devil with the Word of God every time!
Why
Why is self-control important?
The blessings and benefits from choosing self-control, powered by the Holy Spirit, are undeniable:
It brings peace to our everyday lives. It keeps us from habitually sinning and being able to flee from temptations (1 Corinthians 10:13) that could bring our lives pain, suffering, and/or bondage (Proverbs 25:28).
Self-control naturally leads to perseverance (2 Peter 1:6), as we value the long-term [eternal] good instead of instant gratifications of the world. Draws us near to the good plan (Jeremiah 29:11) and purposes God has for our lives.
It frees us from a guilty conscience. Self-control restricts the indulgence of our sinful desires, and we can enjoy the freedom to love, genuinely repent, and live as we are called to by God (Titus 1:8, 2:11-12).
Share your thoughts in the comments below.
Remember, it's all about progression, not perfection! God loves you! With Him, you got this! Until next post, may God give you His peace and blessings!
~Natasha
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