The Fruit of the Spirit Self-control

1. Christian Growth Seminar The Fruit of the Spirit Self-control

2. Fruit of the Spirit love joy peace patience kindness goodness faithfulness gentleness self-control Galatians 5:22-23 FEELINGS OF THE HEART RELATIONSHIP WITH OTHERS RELATIONSHIP TO GOD AND THE WORD

3. Self-control The Bible Definition of Self-control • Introduction • The last of the nine graces or virtues that characterize a • person who is walking in the Spirit, thereby producing • the fruit of the Spirit: "self-control" ("temperance", KJV).

4. Self-control The Bible Definition of Self-control • Introduction • The last of the nine graces or virtues that characterize a • person who is walking in the Spirit, thereby producing • the fruit of the Spirit: "self-control" ("temperance", KJV). • 2. In some ways, this virtue is the most important... • a. To overcome the “works of the flesh.”. • b. To make the other elements of the "fruit of the Spirit" evident.

5. Self-control The Bible Definition of Self-control I. Defining Self-Control A. The Greek word is “egkrateia.” 1. It comes from the word "kratos" (strength), and means "one holding himself in" (Robertson) 2. “The virtue of one who masters his desires and passions, especially his sensual appetites.“ (Thayer) 3. "Where this virtue exists, temptation can have little influence.“ (MacKnight)

6. Self-control The Bible Definition of Self-control I. Defining Self-Control B. “Egkrateia” is found only three times in the New Testament: 1. In Acts 24:25 a. It is included with "righteousness" and "judgment." b. “The word follows 'righteousness', which represents God’s claims; therefore, self-control is to be man’s response to such claims." (Vine)

7. Self-control The Bible Definition of Self-control I. Defining Self-Control B. “Egkrateia” is found only three times in the New Testament: 2. In Gal. 5:23, where we see it is evidence of walking in the Spirit, and being led by the Spirit 3. And in 2 Pet. 1:6 a. Here we learn that it is to be added to "knowledge." b. "it follows 'knowledge', suggesting that what is learned requires to be put into practice." (Vine)

8. Self-control The Bible Definition of Self-control II. Developing Self-Control A. The scriptures describe the difficulty of self-control… 1. Solomon declared it is easier to capture a city than to be in control of our spirit. Prov. 16:32; cf. 25:28 2. Just controlling the tongue is a difficult challenge... a. The tongue can make our religion useless. Jas. 1:26 b. It is easier to tame wild animals. Jas. 3:7-10

9. Self-control The Bible Definition of Self-control II. Developing Self-Control B. In Christ there is strength to self-control… 1. Consider the dilemma described by Paul in Ro 7:14-24. a. Trying to do the will of God outside of Christ, having only the Law. b. A dilemma that leads to... 1) The inability to perform as one wishes, despite the will to do. Ro 7:18 2) The state of captivity to the law of sin. Rom. 7:23 3) The condition of despair. Rom. 7:24

10. Self-control The Bible Definition of Self-control II. Developing Self-Control B. In Christ there is strength to self-control… 1. Consider the dilemma described by Paul in Rom. 7:14-24. c. However, in Rom. 7:25 we see a glimpse of hope, a hint of the answer to this dilemma (i.e., Jesus Christ).

11. Self-control The Bible Definition of Self-control • II. Developing Self-Control • B. In Christ there is strength to self-control… • 2. The answer is stated very clearly in our text Gal. 5:24 • a. "...those who are Christ's have crucified the flesh with • its passions and desires" • 1) The battle with the flesh continues. Gal. 5:17 • David (2 Sam. 11:1-4) • Paul (1 Cor. 9:27) • 2) Those in Christ have "crucified the flesh." Gal. 5:24

12. Self-control The Bible Definition of Self-control II. Developing Self-Control B. In Christ there is strength to self-control… 2. The answer is stated very clearly in our text Gal. 5:24 b. This change took place at baptism. 1) In baptism, our body of sin is put to death, crucified with Christ. Rom. 6:3-6 2) We rise to walk in newness of life, free to live for God. Rom. 6:7, 12-13

13. Self-control The Bible Definition of Self-control II. Developing Self-Control B. In Christ there is strength to self-control… 2. The answer is stated very clearly in our text Gal. 5:24 c. We may be tempted to sin, but we are free from the "dominion" (absolute rule) of sin. Rom. 6:14 3. In Christ, we "walk according to the Spirit." a. We are free from the "condemnation" of sin. Rom. 8:1 b. We are free from the "power" of sin. Rom. 8:2 c. Free from "the law of sin and death" Rom. 8:2

14. Self-control The Bible Definition of Self-control • Conclusion • To maintain Self-control: • 1. Make sure that our old man of sin was indeed crucified with Christ in our baptism. Rom. 6:6 • 2. With God’s help, continue the process begun in our baptism: • Walk in the Spirit. • Produce the Fruit of the Spirit.