But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. - Galatians 5:22-23
This morning we will finish our study on the fruit of the Spirit. Over the past several weeks we have been exploring each of the 9 attributes contained in this fruit. This final sermon is on self-control, the final nutrient listed. At the end of this message, we will briefly review the meaning of each one last time.
I. SELF-CONTROL DEFINED
Self-control can be defined simply as “Behaving well”. Those who display self-control restrain their emotions, actions, and desires to be in harmony with the will of God. They make positive, constructive, and healthy decisions. They are disciplined so as to overcome temptation when it arises. They chose to obey God and follow His will, rather than living for themselves. The Greek word for self-control is egkrateia.
Self-control is translated as “temperance” in the King James Version of the Bible. The 2 words are synonyms. It is, as stated previously, the ability to control oneself. Self-control involves moderation, constraint, and the strength to say “no” to our fleshly desires and carnal lusts. Those who have self-control wield authority over their choices and circumstances, rather than being governed by them.
Self-control is demonstrated in a variety of ways, many of which we’ve already discussed. A patient person must have self-control to remain silent and still even when agitated or provoked. A gentle person must temper their strength in order to speak and behave in a mild and humble manner. A faithful person exercises self-control when choosing to submit to another’s will. Because we’ve already touched on these aspects of self-control, I will try to focus on those other applications in today’s message.
II. SELF-CONTROL EXEMPLIFIED IN CHRIST
After His baptism, Jesus was led into the wilderness by the Holy Spirit (Luke 4:1-13). He remained there for 40 days, during which time He didn’t eat anything. By the time these days had passed Jesus was very hungry. In this moment of weakness, the Devil approached Him and tempted Him to turn a stone into bread and eat it. Jesus exhibited self-control by denying His own physical appetite and refusing to submit to the Devil, knowing that to do so would be an act of disobedience to God the Father.
The Devil then took Jesus up to a lofty vantage point and showed Him all the kingdoms of the world. The Devil offered to give Jesus all of dominion over all of the earth, as well as the glory that would come with it, if Jesus would simply worship him. This was an opportunity to attain immediate and world-wide fame and fortune. Once again Jesus exemplified tremendous self-control by refusing Satan’s temptation, which would have undone His mission to seek and save the lost.
Lastly, the Devil brought Jesus to Jerusalem and had Him stand on the pinnacle of the temple. The Devil dared Jesus to prove that He was the Son of God by jumping off the temple and allowing the angels to catch Him. Again Jesus exercised self-control by resisting the Devil’s challenge. Jesus would reveal His identity to the world in God’s time and way, not according to the dictates of Satan.
Jesus demonstrated self-control by not succumbing to temptation. He never allowed His fleshly desires or ambitions to cause Him to sin. Instead, he exercised power over them and remained obedient to God.
III. SELF-CONTROL COMMANDED
The Bible teaches Christians to practice self-control by denying ungodliness and worldly desires while living sensibly, righteously, and in a godly manner (Titus 2:11-12). Believers are to be clear-minded, use sound judgment, and demonstrate self-control for the purpose of prayer (1 Peter 4:7). We are urged to discipline ourselves for the sake of godliness, so that we will be able to overcome temptations (1 Timothy 1:7-8).
One area in which self-control is often tested is that of sexual desires. Paul advised those who were single or widowed to marry or remarry if they had a lack of self-control (1 Corinthians 7:9), rather than be promiscuous. He counseled married couples not to deny each other regular physical intimacy so that they’d not be tempted into adultery due to a lack of self control (1 Corinthians 7:5). These are issues that have destroyed countless marriages and damaged many lives.
A person who has no self-control is defenseless against temptation and sin, like an ancient city without walls (Proverbs 25:28). They will constantly struggle and stumble. However, those who display self-control are able to persevere and overcome the lusts of the flesh (2 Peter 1:6). Self-control enables Christians to live in freedom and liberty as God intended, no longer enslaved to sin (Romans 6:6).
CONCLUSION
Before we conclude our study on the fruit of the Spirit, I would like to take a moment to discuss the final phrase of Galatians 5:23. It reads, “...against such things there is no law.” These words are meant to contrast the nutrients found in the fruit of the Spirit with the deeds of the flesh listed in verses 19-21. The deeds of the flesh clearly violate the Old Testament Law, but the attributes of the fruit of the Spirit do not. While we as born-again believers are no longer under the law, meaning that we will not be judged by it, we should still seek to honor the spirit of the law as Jesus perfectly did.
So… the Holy Spirit who indwells believers and conforms them into the image of Christ works supernaturally to produce His fruit within them. As the individual believer matures and grows, this fruit should become increasingly evident and abundant in their lives. The characteristics of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control will all be manifest to various degrees.
Love “seeks the highest good of others”. Joy is “gladness not based on circumstances”. Peace is “contentment, and unity between people”. Patience is “slow to speak and slow to anger”. Kindness is being “merciful, sweet, and tender”. Goodness shows “moral excellence”. Faithfulness means “dependable, loyal, and full of trust”. Gentleness is “humble, calm, and non-threatening”. Self-control means “behaving well”.
The presence and practice of these godly traits will make us better witnesses for Jesus. They will make us more attractive and effective Christians. After all, as the Lord Himself said, “A tree is known by its fruits.”
This morning we will finish our study on the fruit of the Spirit. Over the past several weeks we have been exploring each of the 9 attributes contained in this fruit. This final sermon is on self-control, the final nutrient listed. At the end of this message, we will briefly review the meaning of each one last time.
I. SELF-CONTROL DEFINED
Self-control can be defined simply as “Behaving well”. Those who display self-control restrain their emotions, actions, and desires to be in harmony with the will of God. They make positive, constructive, and healthy decisions. They are disciplined so as to overcome temptation when it arises. They chose to obey God and follow His will, rather than living for themselves. The Greek word for self-control is egkrateia.
Self-control is translated as “temperance” in the King James Version of the Bible. The 2 words are synonyms. It is, as stated previously, the ability to control oneself. Self-control involves moderation, constraint, and the strength to say “no” to our fleshly desires and carnal lusts. Those who have self-control wield authority over their choices and circumstances, rather than being governed by them.
Self-control is demonstrated in a variety of ways, many of which we’ve already discussed. A patient person must have self-control to remain silent and still even when agitated or provoked. A gentle person must temper their strength in order to speak and behave in a mild and humble manner. A faithful person exercises self-control when choosing to submit to another’s will. Because we’ve already touched on these aspects of self-control, I will try to focus on those other applications in today’s message.
II. SELF-CONTROL EXEMPLIFIED IN CHRIST
After His baptism, Jesus was led into the wilderness by the Holy Spirit (Luke 4:1-13). He remained there for 40 days, during which time He didn’t eat anything. By the time these days had passed Jesus was very hungry. In this moment of weakness, the Devil approached Him and tempted Him to turn a stone into bread and eat it. Jesus exhibited self-control by denying His own physical appetite and refusing to submit to the Devil, knowing that to do so would be an act of disobedience to God the Father.
The Devil then took Jesus up to a lofty vantage point and showed Him all the kingdoms of the world. The Devil offered to give Jesus all of dominion over all of the earth, as well as the glory that would come with it, if Jesus would simply worship him. This was an opportunity to attain immediate and world-wide fame and fortune. Once again Jesus exemplified tremendous self-control by refusing Satan’s temptation, which would have undone His mission to seek and save the lost.
Lastly, the Devil brought Jesus to Jerusalem and had Him stand on the pinnacle of the temple. The Devil dared Jesus to prove that He was the Son of God by jumping off the temple and allowing the angels to catch Him. Again Jesus exercised self-control by resisting the Devil’s challenge. Jesus would reveal His identity to the world in God’s time and way, not according to the dictates of Satan.
Jesus demonstrated self-control by not succumbing to temptation. He never allowed His fleshly desires or ambitions to cause Him to sin. Instead, he exercised power over them and remained obedient to God.
III. SELF-CONTROL COMMANDED
The Bible teaches Christians to practice self-control by denying ungodliness and worldly desires while living sensibly, righteously, and in a godly manner (Titus 2:11-12). Believers are to be clear-minded, use sound judgment, and demonstrate self-control for the purpose of prayer (1 Peter 4:7). We are urged to discipline ourselves for the sake of godliness, so that we will be able to overcome temptations (1 Timothy 1:7-8).
One area in which self-control is often tested is that of sexual desires. Paul advised those who were single or widowed to marry or remarry if they had a lack of self-control (1 Corinthians 7:9), rather than be promiscuous. He counseled married couples not to deny each other regular physical intimacy so that they’d not be tempted into adultery due to a lack of self control (1 Corinthians 7:5). These are issues that have destroyed countless marriages and damaged many lives.
A person who has no self-control is defenseless against temptation and sin, like an ancient city without walls (Proverbs 25:28). They will constantly struggle and stumble. However, those who display self-control are able to persevere and overcome the lusts of the flesh (2 Peter 1:6). Self-control enables Christians to live in freedom and liberty as God intended, no longer enslaved to sin (Romans 6:6).
CONCLUSION
Before we conclude our study on the fruit of the Spirit, I would like to take a moment to discuss the final phrase of Galatians 5:23. It reads, “...against such things there is no law.” These words are meant to contrast the nutrients found in the fruit of the Spirit with the deeds of the flesh listed in verses 19-21. The deeds of the flesh clearly violate the Old Testament Law, but the attributes of the fruit of the Spirit do not. While we as born-again believers are no longer under the law, meaning that we will not be judged by it, we should still seek to honor the spirit of the law as Jesus perfectly did.
So… the Holy Spirit who indwells believers and conforms them into the image of Christ works supernaturally to produce His fruit within them. As the individual believer matures and grows, this fruit should become increasingly evident and abundant in their lives. The characteristics of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control will all be manifest to various degrees.
Love “seeks the highest good of others”. Joy is “gladness not based on circumstances”. Peace is “contentment, and unity between people”. Patience is “slow to speak and slow to anger”. Kindness is being “merciful, sweet, and tender”. Goodness shows “moral excellence”. Faithfulness means “dependable, loyal, and full of trust”. Gentleness is “humble, calm, and non-threatening”. Self-control means “behaving well”.
The presence and practice of these godly traits will make us better witnesses for Jesus. They will make us more attractive and effective Christians. After all, as the Lord Himself said, “A tree is known by its fruits.”