Embracing Self-Control: The Path to Spiritual Freedom

Devotional

Day 1: Self-Control in Spiritual Warfare

Self-control is a crucial aspect of spiritual warfare. Deception and seduction are within our control when we align ourselves with God's truth. The Word of God uncovers all deception, and the light of God dispels the darkness. By embracing God's truth, we can overcome the lies of the enemy and live in freedom. [04:20]

Bible Passage:
"For though we walk in the flesh, we are not waging war according to the flesh. For the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh but have divine power to destroy strongholds. We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ." (2 Corinthians 10:3-5, ESV)

Reflection:
Think of a specific area in your life where you feel deceived or seduced by worldly desires. How can you use God's Word to uncover the truth and dispel the darkness in this area today?

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Day 2: Harmony with the Spirit

Self-control is not always a battle. There comes a point where our struggle harmonizes with the Spirit of God, bringing peace and the fruit of the Spirit into our lives. Romans 8:7-11 reminds us that the carnal mind is at enmity with God, but those who are in the Spirit can please God. We must allow the Spirit of God to dwell in us, leading to a life of righteousness and true peace. [07:56]

Bible Passage:
"But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. For the desires of the flesh are against the Spirit, and the desires of the Spirit are against the flesh, for these are opposed to each other, to keep you from doing the things you want to do." (Galatians 5:16-17, ESV)

Reflection:
Identify a moment in your day when you feel the most struggle between your flesh and the Spirit. How can you invite the Holy Spirit into that moment to bring peace and harmony?

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Day 3: Deeds of the Flesh vs. Fruit of the Spirit

Galatians 5:19-25 contrasts the deeds of the flesh with the fruit of the Spirit. The deeds of the flesh, such as sexual immorality, impurity, and sensuality, are dead works that lead to destruction. In contrast, the fruit of the Spirit—love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control—brings life and freedom. We are called to crucify the flesh with its passions and desires, walking in the Spirit and allowing God's will to be accomplished in us. [14:00]

Bible Passage:
"Now the works of the flesh are evident: sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality, idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, rivalries, dissensions, divisions, envy, drunkenness, orgies, and things like these. I warn you, as I warned you before, that those who do such things will not inherit the kingdom of God." (Galatians 5:19-21, ESV)

Reflection:
Reflect on which fruit of the Spirit you find most challenging to exhibit. What practical steps can you take today to cultivate this fruit in your life?

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Day 4: Practical Aspects of Self-Control

We must think before we act and consider how our actions affect us spiritually, financially, and physically. Seeking God first and allowing His Spirit to fill us and guide us is essential. By doing so, we can overcome the desires of the flesh and live in harmony with God's will. [32:29]

Bible Passage:
"Keep your heart with all vigilance, for from it flow the springs of life. Put away from you crooked speech, and put devious talk far from you. Let your eyes look directly forward, and your gaze be straight before you." (Proverbs 4:23-25, ESV)

Reflection:
Think of a recent decision you made impulsively. How might seeking God's guidance first have changed the outcome? What steps can you take to ensure you seek Him first in future decisions?

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Day 5: True Worship and Surrender

Our true act of worship is to do the will of God, surrendering our whole heart and mind to Him. The battle with our flesh is real, but the solution is found in the power of the Spirit of God. Let us hold each other accountable in gentleness and love, walking together in the truth and experiencing the abundance of true life in Christ. [43:23]

Bible Passage:
"I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect." (Romans 12:1-2, ESV)

Reflection:
What is one area of your life where you find yourself holding back from surrendering to Jesus? What would surrendering this area to Him actually look like in terms of daily habits?

Sermon Summary

### Summary

Today, we explored the profound concept of self-control and its significance in our spiritual lives. We began by acknowledging the various areas where we might feel out of control, such as finances, emotions, relationships, and moral conduct. These struggles are not who we are in Christ, and they should not dominate our lives as believers. We delved into the nature of spiritual warfare, emphasizing that deception and seduction are within our control when we align ourselves with God's truth. The Word of God uncovers all deception, and the light of God dispels the darkness.

We discussed the importance of self-control, noting that it is not always a battle. There comes a point where our struggle harmonizes with the Spirit of God, bringing peace and the fruit of the Spirit into our lives. Romans 8:7-11 reminds us that the carnal mind is at enmity with God, but those who are in the Spirit can please God. We must allow the Spirit of God to dwell in us, leading to a life of righteousness and true peace.

Galatians 5:19-25 contrasts the deeds of the flesh with the fruit of the Spirit. The deeds of the flesh, such as sexual immorality, impurity, and sensuality, are dead works that lead to destruction. In contrast, the fruit of the Spirit—love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control—brings life and freedom. We are called to crucify the flesh with its passions and desires, walking in the Spirit and allowing God's will to be accomplished in us.

We also addressed the practical aspects of self-control, encouraging us to think before we act and consider how our actions affect us spiritually, financially, and physically. We must seek God first, allowing His Spirit to fill us and guide us. By doing so, we can overcome the desires of the flesh and live in harmony with God's will.

In conclusion, we are reminded that our true act of worship is to do the will of God, surrendering our whole heart and mind to Him. The battle with our flesh is real, but the solution is found in the power of the Spirit of God. Let us hold each other accountable in gentleness and love, walking together in the truth and experiencing the abundance of true life in Christ.

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Key Takeaways

1. Control and Spiritual Warfare**: Self-control is a crucial aspect of spiritual warfare. Deception and seduction are within our control when we align ourselves with God's truth. The Word of God uncovers all deception, and the light of God dispels the darkness. By embracing God's truth, we can overcome the lies of the enemy and live in freedom. [04:20]
2. Harmony with the Spirit: Self-control is not always a battle. There comes a point where our struggle harmonizes with the Spirit of God, bringing peace and the fruit of the Spirit into our lives. Romans 8:7-11 reminds us that the carnal mind is at enmity with God, but those who are in the Spirit can please God. We must allow the Spirit of God to dwell in us, leading to a life of righteousness and true peace.

3. Deeds of the Flesh vs. Fruit of the Spirit: Galatians 5:19-25 contrasts the deeds of the flesh with the fruit of the Spirit. The deeds of the flesh, such as sexual immorality, impurity, and sensuality, are dead works that lead to destruction. In contrast, the fruit of the Spirit—love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control—brings life and freedom. We are called to crucify the flesh with its passions and desires, walking in the Spirit and allowing God's will to be accomplished in us.

4. Practical Aspects of Self-Control: We must think before we act and consider how our actions affect us spiritually, financially, and physically. Seeking God first and allowing His Spirit to fill us and guide us is essential. By doing so, we can overcome the desires of the flesh and live in harmony with God's will.

5. True Worship and Surrender: Our true act of worship is to do the will of God, surrendering our whole heart and mind to Him. The battle with our flesh is real, but the solution is found in the power of the Spirit of God. Let us hold each other accountable in gentleness and love, walking together in the truth and experiencing the abundance of true life in Christ.

### [04:20]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[01:00] - Opening Prayer
[02:01] - Is Your Life Out of Control?
[03:35] - Areas of Struggle
[04:20] - Deception and Truth
[05:34] - Seduction and Samson's Story
[06:50] - The Battle for Self-Control
[07:56] - Romans 8:7-11
[09:24] - The Spirit of God Dwelling in Us
[10:09] - The Way, the Truth, and the Life
[14:00] - Galatians 5:19-25
[19:05] - Fruit of the Spirit
[20:50] - Responsibility and Free Will
[32:29] - Practical Questions for Self-Control
[43:23] - True Worship and Surrender
[50:52] - Closing Prayer and Reflection
[52:00] - Mission Field Announcement
[55:27] - Final Blessing and Lord's Prayer

Bible Study Guide

Bible Reading

Romans 8:7-11 — 2. Galatians 5:19-25
3. Colossians 3:1-5

Observation Questions

According to Romans 8:7-11, what is the relationship between the carnal mind and God? How does this affect our ability to please God? [07:56]
In Galatians 5:19-25, what are the deeds of the flesh listed, and how do they contrast with the fruit of the Spirit? [14:00]
Colossians 3:1-5 speaks about setting our sights on heavenly things. What does it mean to "put to death" the earthly things within us? [44:51]
The sermon mentioned practical aspects of self-control. What are some of the practical questions we should ask ourselves before acting? [32:29]

Interpretation Questions

Romans 8:7-11 discusses the enmity between the carnal mind and God. How does this enmity manifest in our daily lives, and what steps can we take to overcome it? [07:56]
Galatians 5:19-25 contrasts the deeds of the flesh with the fruit of the Spirit. Why is it important for believers to recognize this contrast, and how can it guide our behavior? [14:00]
Colossians 3:1-5 encourages believers to focus on heavenly things. How can this focus help us in our struggle with self-control and earthly desires? [44:51]
The sermon emphasized the importance of thinking before acting. How can this practice help us align our actions with God's will and avoid the pitfalls of the flesh? [32:29]

Application Questions

Reflect on a specific area in your life where you feel out of control. How can you apply the principles from Romans 8:7-11 to bring this area into alignment with God's will? [07:56]
Identify one deed of the flesh from Galatians 5:19-25 that you struggle with. What practical steps can you take this week to replace it with the corresponding fruit of the Spirit? [14:00]
Colossians 3:1-5 talks about setting our sights on heavenly things. What is one practical way you can shift your focus from earthly desires to heavenly priorities this week? [44:51]
The sermon mentioned the importance of thinking before acting. Choose one decision you need to make this week and apply the practical questions discussed in the sermon to guide your choice. [32:29]
The sermon emphasized the need for accountability in our spiritual journey. Who can you ask to hold you accountable in your struggle with self-control, and how will you approach them? [43:23]
Reflect on a time when you acted impulsively and it led to negative consequences. How can you use this experience to remind yourself to seek God's guidance before acting in the future? [32:29]
The sermon highlighted the importance of surrendering our whole heart and mind to God. What is one specific area of your life that you need to surrender to God, and what steps will you take to do so? [43:23]

Sermon Clips

1. "Is your life out of control? He already knows the message. Is there any area of your life you would consider is out of control? What about your finances? Spending paycheck to paycheck? Perhaps your emotional state. They just feel like these emotions are outside of your control and they control you. Maybe the relationships you have. They just seem to get out of control. Maybe it's the moral life that you live that you believe to be outside of your control. I just do the things I don't want to do. It's not me." [02:01] (43 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

2. "None of these things are who we are in Christ. And none of these things should be outside of your control as a believer. We're going to talk about that today. As we continue to speak on spiritual warfare, we need to connect between that which is in our control and that which is outside of our control. We have talked about deception. Deception is within our control. Because it has no power if we do not give belief to it. And how do we know? What is deceptive in our life, but with the truth." [03:35] (31 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

3. "The word of God uncovers all deception, all lies. The light of God uncovers the darkness of this world and the darkness of his resource. All he has within the army and dominion of lies is shadow and silhouettes. Just like we talk about like a child who's walking around the corner with the light shining and his image looks ten times the size he is and then he walks around and he looks nothing more than a minion. You see, the enemy uses things. To exasperate, to exaggerate and to make you to believe that there is something different in you than what God has said you are." [04:20] (38 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

4. "As believers, there is no mastery that is outside of your decision for Christ. God gave us free will for a purpose and empowered by the Holy Spirit. There is nothing that masters you. There is nothing in the believer's life that he cannot give up. Think about that for a second. As I asked already the question, what controls you? What do you feel is controlling you? Your anger outbursts, your critical spirit, your inability to stop gossip. Perhaps it's depression that weighs heavy on you. And you believe, you believe the deception that you are not in control but it controls you." [05:34] (45 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

5. "Self-control is not always going to be a battle. Point number one. Self-control is not always going to be a battle. That is one thing that we need to actually understand in biblical truth. That there is a point that we can get to where our struggle becomes in harmony with the Spirit of God. Where we can be at peace with Him. And the fruit of the Spirit, which we'll talk about, can become evident in our life." [06:50] (25 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

6. "But the carnal mind is at enmity with God. Verse 9. But you are not in the flesh, but you are in the Spirit. If indeed the Spirit of God dwells in you, now if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he is not His. That's an awakening and sobering thought. If you do not have the Spirit of God within you, you are not even His. You need to allow for the Spirit of God and we will speak on the value of salvation." [09:24] (30 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

7. "It is a lie of the enemy that you first cannot be at peace and harmony with God. That His plan, by letting go of you, by letting go of these out-of-control habits and reasons in your life, they are within your free will and decision. So the choices that you make, that struggle, that enmity, it's like a holy tension. God is calling us forward in harmony to His relationship with His Spirit, and yet because our desires are for our wants, our will, our way, those desires, those passions, they are what are creating stress in you, anxiety within you, deceit within you." [11:07] (38 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

8. "You can't find who you are without Him. Two truths that we can just rest in. What do we do in this world? We're comparing ourselves. Oh, that I'd be like them. Have what they have. Do what they do. Be loved like they are. To be able to have the experiences that they do. And yet, it's a distraction from the truth. It's a good point. You will always only be you. You can't get outside of you. God made you just the way you are. Think about the distractions to become anyone outside of His will." [26:49] (38 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

9. "We must find Him. If we seek first the Kingdom of God, He'll add all things to us. Seek Him. Be filled with Him. Word by word. As it animates life between His rhema, what is said in here. Clothed in love. That we would receive and accept what the Spirit is offering to us. But eyes are on here. What I want. My desires. What I'm impatient for. What I desire more. And we just get so diluted in our desire. Because we're distracted. By other desires of this world. And that's where God says, I want all of you." [28:13] (46 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

10. "Quit exhausting your resources of what's left of your life and give it fully to him so you can experience the abundance of true life. That's what we have. No more excuses. But may we hold each other accountable to that and help each other in gentleness and in love. As I was reading, this scripture profoundly came to my heart in Colossians chapter 3. And I'll finish with this in conclusion. And I read it in the time of prayer today because it has endured in my heart to recognize that this is the truth that we stand upon." [44:04] (39 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

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