THE SPIRIT FRUIT SELF-CONTROL

A lack of self-control is tragic.

The original meaning for self-control is “strength within”.

“Who rules your life?”

Is the Holy Spirit in charge of you or the

spiritual forces of evil?

Gal. 5:17-21 lists the fruit of our fleshly

nature “The acts of the sinful nature are obvious: sexual

immorality, impurity and debauchery;

idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord,

jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition,

dissensions, factions and envy;

drunkenness,

orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did

before, that those who live like this will not

inherit the kingdom of God.”

Proverbs 25:28 “Like a city whose

walls are broken down is a man who lacks

self-control.”

habits

Our list of fruit began with love and ends with self-control.

Do you feel out of control in an area of

your life?

How to overcome a lack of self-control:

Take responsibility for your life.

Understand what you’re fighting.

the inner enemy-your physical nature.

outer evil forces that are in partnership with satan.

Ephesians 6:12 “For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers,

against the authorities,

against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.”

Come back close to your Father and repent

of your sin.

James 4:8 “Come near to God and

he will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify

your hearts, you double-minded.”

Submit yourself to God.

James 4:7 “Submit yourselves to God.

Then resist the devil, and he will flee from you.”

Replace bad habits with prayer and Bible

study.

Run from temptation.

Stay away from people, places,

activities and events that influence you

towards sinful activity.

Rehearse where you are going.

Trust God to do His part.

Titus 2:11-12 “For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all

men. It teaches us to say "No" to

ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age.”

Galatians 5:16 “Live by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the

desires of the sinful nature.”

Is there a part of your life that is controlling

you today?