Embracing Self-Control: Walking in the Spirit

Devotional

Day 1: Walking in Step with the Spirit

Walking in step with the Spirit means surrendering our own efforts and allowing the Holy Spirit to work through us. This alignment with the Spirit is not about striving harder but about yielding more fully to God's guidance. When we walk in step with the Spirit, the fruits of the Spirit—love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control—naturally manifest in our lives. This not only transforms our own lives but also positively impacts those around us. By trusting in the Spirit's leading, we can experience a life that reflects God's kingdom here on earth. [04:47]

Galatians 5:25 (ESV): "If we live by the Spirit, let us also keep in step with the Spirit."

Reflection: In what areas of your life are you relying on your own strength instead of the Holy Spirit's guidance? How can you begin to surrender these areas to God today?

Day 2: The Battle Between Flesh and Spirit

There is a constant internal battle between our fleshly desires and the Spirit's guidance. Our natural inclination is towards selfishness and immediate gratification, but the Spirit calls us to live like Jesus, embodying selflessness and love. Practicing self-control through the Holy Spirit helps us navigate this battle, enabling us to choose the Spirit's way over our own. This choice leads to a more fulfilling and spiritually enriched life, as we align our actions with God's will and purpose. [08:58]

Romans 8:5-6 (ESV): "For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit set their minds on the things of the Spirit. For to set the mind on the flesh is death, but to set the mind on the Spirit is life and peace."

Reflection: Identify a recent situation where you felt torn between your fleshly desires and the Spirit's guidance. How can you choose to follow the Spirit in similar situations moving forward?

Day 3: Sowing and Reaping

Paul’s analogy of sowing and reaping emphasizes the importance of our daily choices. Sowing to please the flesh leads to destruction, while sowing to please the Spirit leads to eternal life. This principle serves as a reminder to be mindful of our actions and their long-term consequences. By making choices that align with the Spirit, we invest in a life that bears eternal fruit and reflects God's kingdom. This daily intentionality in our actions helps us cultivate a life that is pleasing to God and beneficial to others. [22:43]

Galatians 6:7-8 (ESV): "Do not be deceived: God is not mocked, for whatever one sows, that will he also reap. For the one who sows to his own flesh will from the flesh reap corruption, but the one who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life."

Reflection: What are some "seeds" you have been sowing in your life recently? Are they leading you towards the flesh or the Spirit? How can you start sowing seeds that align with the Spirit today?

Day 4: Experiencing Heaven on Earth

Eternal life is not just a future promise but a present reality that we can experience here and now. By walking in step with the Spirit, we can experience the fruits of the Spirit—love, joy, peace, and more—in our daily lives. This transformation allows us to reflect heaven on earth, making our lives a testament to God's kingdom. Living in this way not only enriches our own lives but also serves as a powerful witness to those around us, showing them the tangible benefits of a life led by the Spirit. [25:54]

John 17:3 (ESV): "And this is eternal life, that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent."

Reflection: How have you experienced the fruits of the Spirit in your life recently? What steps can you take to cultivate these fruits more intentionally in your daily walk with God?

Day 5: Practical Steps for Self-Control

To cultivate self-control, we need to get out of the way and let God work in us. This involves producing a plan that aligns with God's will and doing the next right thing. Trusting in God's plan and allowing the Holy Spirit to lead us will help us live a life that reflects the fruit of the Spirit. This journey requires daily intentionality and a willingness to surrender our own desires for God's greater purpose. By taking practical steps towards self-control, we can experience a life that is more aligned with God's will and more fulfilling in every aspect. [33:13]

2 Timothy 1:7 (ESV): "For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control."

Reflection: What is one area of your life where you struggle with self-control? What practical steps can you take today to surrender this area to God and allow the Holy Spirit to lead you?

Sermon Summary

### Summary

Today, we conclude our series "Into Fruition," focusing on the fruit of the Spirit as described in Galatians 5:22-23. The goal is to see these fruits—love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control—manifest in our lives through the power of the Holy Spirit. We are not called to produce these fruits by our own strength but by walking in step with the Spirit. This final week, we delve into self-control, which binds all the other fruits together, much like a belt that holds everything in place.

Self-control is crucial because it helps us navigate the constant battle between our fleshly desires and the Spirit's guidance. Our natural inclination is towards selfishness, but the Spirit calls us to a higher standard, to live like Jesus. Practicing self-control through the Holy Spirit's power allows us to avoid the destructive consequences of living for the flesh and instead reap the benefits of living for the Spirit.

Paul's letter to the Galatians provides a clear analogy: sowing to please the flesh leads to destruction, while sowing to please the Spirit leads to eternal life. This eternal life is not just a future promise but a present reality we can experience here on earth. By walking in step with the Spirit, we can experience love, joy, peace, and all the other fruits in our daily lives.

To experience true self-control, we need to get out of the way and let God work in us, produce a plan that aligns with God's will, and do the next right thing. Trusting in God's plan and allowing the Holy Spirit to lead us will help us live a life that reflects heaven on earth. This journey requires daily intentionality, but the reward is a life filled with the fruit of the Spirit, making us better at life and improving the lives of those around us.

###

Key Takeaways

1. control through the Holy Spirit helps us navigate this battle and choose the Spirit's way, leading to a more fulfilling life. [08:58]
3. Sowing and Reaping: Paul’s analogy of sowing and reaping highlights the importance of our daily choices. Sowing to please the flesh leads to destruction, while sowing to please the Spirit leads to eternal life. This principle reminds us to be mindful of our actions and their long-term consequences.

4. Experiencing Heaven on Earth: Eternal life is not just a future promise but a present reality. By walking in step with the Spirit, we can experience the fruits of the Spirit—love, joy, peace, and more—here and now. This transforms our lives and allows us to reflect heaven on earth.

5. Practical Steps for Self-Control: To cultivate self-control, we need to get out of the way and let God work, produce a plan that aligns with His will, and do the next right thing. Trusting in God's plan and allowing the Holy Spirit to lead us will help us live a life that reflects the fruit of the Spirit.

### [08:58]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[02:03] - Introduction to the Series
[03:25] - The Fruit of the Spirit
[04:47] - Walking in Step with the Spirit
[07:34] - The Importance of Self-Control
[08:58] - The Battle Between Flesh and Spirit
[10:20] - Personal Story of Being Out of Control
[11:34] - Feeling Out of Control in Life
[14:12] - The Out of Control World
[15:35] - The Epicenter of Our Mistakes
[17:06] - Self-Control from the Holy Spirit
[18:31] - The Definition of Self-Control
[21:12] - Sowing and Reaping
[22:43] - Pleasing the Flesh vs. Pleasing the Spirit
[25:54] - Experiencing Heaven on Earth
[27:23] - Do Not Become Weary in Doing Good
[28:59] - Imagine a Life of Faithfulness
[30:28] - Daily Intentionality
[31:51] - Main Point: Walk in Step with the Spirit
[33:13] - Practical Takeaways: Get Out of the Way
[36:17] - Practical Takeaways: Produce a Plan
[40:31] - Practical Takeaways: Do the Next Right Thing
[43:33] - Invitation to Accept Jesus

Bible Study Guide

Observation Questions

What are the nine fruits of the Spirit listed in Galatians 5:22-23?
According to Galatians 6:8, what are the consequences of sowing to please the flesh versus sowing to please the Spirit?
In the sermon, what analogy does Paul use to explain the concept of sowing and reaping? ([22:43])
How does the pastor describe the role of self-control in relation to the other fruits of the Spirit? ([07:34])

Interpretation Questions

Why does Paul emphasize the importance of self-control in Galatians 5:22-23, and how does it relate to the other fruits of the Spirit? ([07:34])
How does the battle between flesh and Spirit manifest in our daily lives, according to the sermon? ([08:58])
What does it mean to "walk in step with the Spirit," and how does this practice help in producing the fruits of the Spirit? ([04:47])
How can the concept of sowing and reaping in Galatians 6:8-9 be applied to our spiritual growth and daily decisions? ([22:43])

Application Questions

Reflect on a recent situation where you struggled with self-control. How could walking in step with the Spirit have changed your response? ([08:58])
Identify one area in your life where you often sow to please the flesh. What practical steps can you take to start sowing to please the Spirit in that area? ([22:43])
The pastor mentioned the importance of getting out of the way and letting God work in us. What is one area of your life where you need to surrender control to God? ([33:13])
Think of a time when you felt out of control, whether emotionally, financially, or relationally. How can practicing self-control through the Holy Spirit help you regain balance in that area? ([11:34])
The sermon highlighted the importance of daily intentionality in walking with the Spirit. What is one daily habit you can adopt to ensure you are walking in step with the Spirit? ([30:28])
How can you create a plan to handle moments of temptation or stress in a way that aligns with God's will? Share a specific strategy you plan to implement. ([36:17])
Eternal life is described as a present reality we can experience now. What are some ways you can cultivate the fruits of the Spirit in your daily life to reflect heaven on earth? ([25:54])

Sermon Clips

### Quotes for Outreach

1. "We believe here that Jesus makes life better and makes us better at life. Let's be honest. Our families, our relationships, our workplaces, wherever we go will be better if we have Jesus. And our lives will be better with Jesus. That doesn't mean life will be simple. That doesn't mean we're going to be better. We're going to be better. We're going to be better. We're going to be better. We're going to be better. Life won't have its problems, but it means we have Jesus with us and that instantly makes life better." [06:11] (24 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

2. "If you're not a Christ follower, how can you walk in step with the Spirit? Well, the first step is to give your life to Jesus. To say, yes, I want to follow you. I give my heart and my life to you. So if that is you today, if you're in that category of I'm someone with no faith, I want nothing to do with church. I'm exploring. I've got questions. Give your life to Jesus. Why not? What have you got to lose?" [05:25] (25 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

3. "The gift of having Jesus in your life and saying yes to him and have a relationship with him, the gift of having him in your life, is eternal life. You will have life and life to the full in heaven. And it's going to be incredible. It's a gift to you that if you accept Jesus, you'll have eternal life in heaven. But another gift is we can experience this eternal life. We can experience heaven on earth." [25:54] (24 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

4. "Today might be your day that you've been sitting here and you've been coming and you've been putting it off. Today is the day that you can experience heaven on earth. And maybe you are a Christ follower and you're waiting for heaven. You don't need to wait. You can experience life and life to the full today. The Holy Spirit is with you. He can do exceedingly abundantly more than you can ever ask, think, or imagine." [27:23] (24 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

5. "Putting our faith in Christ is not about trying harder. It means transferring our trust away from ourselves and resting in him. That can summarize this series. We're not asking you to be kind and good and loving and joyful. We're not asking you to do that. We're asking you to trust him and rest in him, to walk in step with the spirit." [39:01] (25 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

### Quotes for Members

1. "The goal of this series is that we would produce the fruit of the Spirit. Simple as that. We want to see the fruit of the Spirit in fruition in our life. We want to see it into completion. And this language that we have for the fruit of the Spirit, we didn't come up with that. We are creative and we like to take credit for things, but we can't take credit for the fruit of the Spirit because this language comes from this book in the Bible called Galatians chapter 5, 22 to 23." [02:03] (29 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

2. "What we're not asking you to do is I'm not asking you to be more loving. I'm not asking you to be more joyful, more patient, more good, more faithful, have more self-control. I'm not asking you to do more. Our ask in this series is that you would walk in step with the Spirit. Not that you would do it in your own strength, but you would walk in step with the Spirit. And as you do that, these fruits, these characteristics will naturally produce in your life." [04:47] (29 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

3. "We walk in step with the Spirit to produce fruit. So we've seen that over the last few weeks. We walk in step with the Spirit to produce fruit. But we keep in step with the Spirit through self-reliance. As we control ourselves, as we have the power of the Holy Spirit wrapping around all this fruit, that helps us keep in step. To not become weary but to keep going because as we keep going we will produce a harvest." [31:51] (26 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

4. "Imagine what our lives would look like if we don't give up. Imagine if we keep pursuing God. Imagine if we keep growing in our faith. Imagine if we keep asking questions about faith. Imagine we have this encounter with Jesus. Imagine we don't give up. What would life look like? Would it look like heaven on earth? Would it look like you are completely different to how you are right now? That he can change you from the inside out?" [28:59] (31 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

5. "And reaping the things of God in all areas of our life is so satisfying and fulfilling. When we see God producing fruit in our life, when we see God working in us and through us, it's so satisfying and fulfilling. And we think if we give into our flesh and what we want, that's going to give us satisfaction. That's going to give us fulfillment. But no satisfaction and fulfillment last just a moment. But when we sow into the Spirit in all areas of our life, God satisfies us and fulfills each and every one of us." [30:28] (35 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

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