Empowered by the Spirit: The True Self-Control
Summary
In today's gathering, we explored the profound role of the Holy Spirit in our lives, particularly focusing on the concept of self-control as a fruit of the Spirit. We began by revisiting the idea that when we surrender our lives to God, He sends the Holy Spirit to dwell within us, providing us with the "juice" we need to live a life that reflects His love and character. This "juice" is not something we can produce on our own; it is a divine empowerment that enables us to exhibit the fruits of the Spirit, such as love, joy, peace, and self-control.
We delved into the significance of self-control, emphasizing that it is not merely a self-produced effort but a Spirit-produced fruit. The world often misleads us into believing that self-control is something we muster up on our own, but true self-control is a result of the Holy Spirit's work within us. We acknowledged that without the Spirit's help, we are like a city without walls, vulnerable to the enemy's attacks. The wise words from Proverbs remind us that a lack of self-control leaves us exposed and defenseless.
The battle for control in our lives is between sin and the Spirit. Every day, we face the choice of allowing either sin or the Spirit to guide us. Sin control leads us to make decisions based on what feels natural to our flesh, often resulting in destructive habits and consequences. In contrast, Spirit control involves making decisions that go against our natural inclinations, choosing forgiveness over bitterness, generosity over selfishness, and faith over fear.
We are reminded that self-control is an opportunity to choose who we allow to control us. It's a daily decision to let the Holy Spirit lead us, transforming our desires and actions. This transformation begins with honesty and vulnerability, acknowledging our need for God's help and the support of others. As we cultivate discipline and accountability, our desires align more closely with God's will, leading to a life that reflects His kingdom on earth.
Key Takeaways:
- The Holy Spirit is our source of "juice," empowering us to live a life that reflects God's love and character. This divine empowerment is not self-produced but Spirit-produced, enabling us to exhibit the fruits of the Spirit. [38:25]
- True self-control is a result of the Holy Spirit's work within us, not something we can muster on our own. Without the Spirit's help, we are vulnerable to the enemy's attacks, like a city without walls. [41:43]
- The battle for control in our lives is between sin and the Spirit. Sin control leads to decisions based on fleshly desires, while Spirit control involves making choices that align with God's will, even when they go against our natural inclinations. [48:17]
- Self-control is an opportunity to choose who we allow to control us. It's a daily decision to let the Holy Spirit lead us, transforming our desires and actions. This transformation begins with honesty, vulnerability, and accountability. [56:41]
- Our choices have generational impacts. The decisions we make today affect not only our lives but also the lives of our children and future generations. Choosing to let the Holy Spirit control our lives leads to blessings and life, while choosing sin control leads to destruction. [01:05:10]
Youtube Chapters:
[0:00] - Welcome
[0:30] - Introduction to the Series
[2:15] - Understanding the "Juice"
[5:45] - The Role of the Holy Spirit
[10:20] - Love as the First Fruit
[15:00] - The Importance of Self-Control
[20:30] - Misconceptions About Self-Control
[25:00] - Vulnerability and Honesty
[30:45] - The Battle Between Sin and Spirit
[35:20] - Choosing Spirit Control
[40:00] - Generational Impact of Our Choices
[45:30] - Feeding the Right Nature
[50:00] - Invitation to Choose Life
[55:00] - Closing Prayer and Invitation
[01:00:00] - Final Thoughts and Encouragement
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
- Galatians 5:22-23
- Proverbs 25:28
- Galatians 5:17
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Observation Questions:
1. According to Galatians 5:22-23, what are the fruits of the Spirit, and why is self-control listed as the last one? [38:25]
2. How does Proverbs 25:28 describe a person who lacks self-control, and what historical context helps us understand this metaphor? [41:43]
3. In Galatians 5:17, what is the nature of the conflict described between the flesh and the Spirit? [48:17]
4. What examples from the sermon illustrate the difference between sin control and Spirit control? [54:15]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. Why might the sermon suggest that self-control is not self-produced but rather a fruit of the Spirit? How does this understanding change the way we approach self-discipline? [40:39]
2. How does the metaphor of a city without walls in Proverbs 25:28 relate to the spiritual vulnerability we face without self-control? [41:43]
3. What does the sermon imply about the daily choice between sin control and Spirit control, and how does this choice impact our spiritual growth? [51:26]
4. How does the concept of generational impact, as discussed in the sermon, influence the way we view our daily decisions and their consequences? [01:05:10]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on a specific area in your life where you struggle with self-control. How can you invite the Holy Spirit to help you in this area this week? [41:43]
2. Consider a decision you made recently that was based on a natural inclination rather than spiritual guidance. How might you approach a similar situation differently in the future? [54:15]
3. Identify a habit or behavior that you feel is controlling you. What steps can you take to surrender this to God and seek His guidance? [56:41]
4. Think about a time when you chose Spirit control over sin control. What was the outcome, and how did it affect your relationship with God and others? [55:03]
5. How can you cultivate honesty and vulnerability in your spiritual life to allow the Holy Spirit to work more effectively within you? [01:02:55]
6. Reflect on the generational impact of your choices. What is one decision you can make this week that will positively influence future generations? [01:05:10]
7. Choose one aspect of the fruit of the Spirit to focus on this month. What specific action could you take to cultivate it as part of your interactions with your family? [38:25]
Devotional
Day 1: Divine Empowerment Through the Holy Spirit
The Holy Spirit is the source of divine empowerment, often referred to as the "juice" that enables believers to live a life reflecting God's love and character. This empowerment is not self-generated but is a gift from God, allowing individuals to exhibit the fruits of the Spirit, such as love, joy, peace, and self-control. When one surrenders their life to God, the Holy Spirit dwells within them, providing the strength and guidance needed to navigate life's challenges. This divine presence transforms ordinary actions into reflections of God's kingdom on earth, making it possible to live a life that aligns with His will. [38:25]
Galatians 5:22-23 (ESV): "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law."
Reflection: In what areas of your life do you need to rely more on the Holy Spirit's empowerment rather than your own strength? How can you invite the Holy Spirit to guide you today?
Day 2: True Self-Control as a Spiritual Fruit
True self-control is not a product of human effort but a fruit of the Holy Spirit's work within us. The world often misleads us into believing that self-control is something we can achieve on our own, but without the Spirit's help, we are like a city without walls, vulnerable to the enemy's attacks. Proverbs reminds us that a lack of self-control leaves us exposed and defenseless. By allowing the Holy Spirit to cultivate self-control within us, we become fortified against temptations and can make choices that honor God. [41:43]
Proverbs 25:28 (ESV): "A man without self-control is like a city broken into and left without walls."
Reflection: Identify a situation where you struggle with self-control. How can you invite the Holy Spirit to strengthen you in this area today?
Day 3: The Battle Between Sin and Spirit
Every day, believers face a choice between allowing sin or the Spirit to guide their actions. Sin control leads to decisions based on fleshly desires, often resulting in destructive habits and consequences. In contrast, Spirit control involves making choices that align with God's will, even when they go against natural inclinations. This battle is ongoing, requiring daily commitment to choose the Spirit's guidance over the allure of sin. By choosing Spirit control, believers can experience a life marked by forgiveness, generosity, and faith. [48:17]
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: What is one decision you face today where you can choose Spirit control over sin control? How will this choice impact your walk with God?
Day 4: Choosing the Holy Spirit's Leadership
Self-control is an opportunity to choose who we allow to control us. It's a daily decision to let the Holy Spirit lead, transforming our desires and actions. This transformation begins with honesty and vulnerability, acknowledging our need for God's help and the support of others. As we cultivate discipline and accountability, our desires align more closely with God's will, leading to a life that reflects His kingdom on earth. By choosing the Holy Spirit's leadership, we open ourselves to a deeper relationship with God and a more fulfilling life. [56:41]
2 Timothy 1:7 (ESV): "For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control."
Reflection: In what ways can you practice honesty and vulnerability with God and others to allow the Holy Spirit to lead you more effectively?
Day 5: Generational Impact of Our Choices
The choices we make today have generational impacts, affecting not only our lives but also the lives of our children and future generations. Choosing to let the Holy Spirit control our lives leads to blessings and life, while choosing sin control leads to destruction. By making Spirit-led decisions, we can create a legacy of faith and obedience that influences those who come after us. This generational impact underscores the importance of daily choosing to follow the Spirit's guidance, ensuring that our lives reflect God's love and purpose. [01:05:10]
Deuteronomy 30:19-20 (ESV): "I call heaven and earth to witness against you today, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and curse. Therefore choose life, that you and your offspring may live, loving the Lord your God, obeying his voice and holding fast to him, for he is your life and length of days, that you may dwell in the land that the Lord swore to your fathers, to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob, to give them."
Reflection: Consider the legacy you are creating through your daily choices. What is one change you can make today to ensure your legacy reflects God's love and purpose for future generations?
Quotes
1) "We believe that when we give our lives to God, when all of us come to a place where we recognize that we are sinners in need of a savior, and we say, Jesus, we are asking you to become Lord of our lives, that God, in that moment, that moment that you surrender to him, he doesn't wait for you to get better. He doesn't wait for you to get all your ducks in a row. How many say thank you, Jesus, for that? He sends the Holy Spirit to live on the inside of each and every single one of us that give our lives to him." [01:00:44] (37 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2) "The fight for your life is between sin control and spirit control. Sin control. Sin control. Spirit control. That's it. Everything in your life comes down to those two things trying to take control of your life. Spirit control and sin control. Galatians 5 .17 says, For the flesh desires what is contrary to the spirit, and the spirit what is contrary to the flesh. Do you see the two fighting against each other? They are at conflict with each other so that you are not to do whatever, you want to do." [48:17] (41 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3) "Self -control is the opportunity for you to choose who you let control you. Self -control is the opportunity for you and for me to choose who we let control us. This takes me back to the beginning when I started to say that if you could put the bottle down on your own by now, you would have. How is that working for you, friend? How is trying to do life on your own? Outside of the juice that you need, how is it working for you?" [56:41] (35 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4) "What you feed will grow. What you feed will grow you guys didn't know that I read poems my wife laughed because it's not true but I found this one years ago and I love it two natures beat within my chest one is foul and one is blessed one I love golly it still hits me and one I hate the one I feed will dominate so here's a question for you as we close what do you feed you it's an okay question in I know it's a sobering one but it's an okay question for us what are you and what am I feeding what are you feeding and what am I feeding when I look when you look at it or when I look at it when you're scrolling through it when you're texting that person and you know you shouldn't be what are you feeding when you're with that person and you know you shouldn't be trying to live a godly life still hanging with fools and yes I said it when you're at that place what are you feeding when you're letting it I know some of you say I just listened to the beat I used to say make that same thing but I'm going to tell you something right for sure that happens what gets through your ears gets down deep into your soul so what are you feeding by what you're listening to what you're watching what you're talking about who you're talking about I would encourage you as scripture has challenged us oh choose life feed the spirit because what you feed grows you want to change your desires you want to get past some of these things that you struggle with for years as you hear myself and maybe even somebody else get on the stage and say that god has set you free from that when he when he died on the cross when he came to live inside of you he set you free none of that listen that is all 100 % true and 100 % theologically correct, but there is a major difference between him setting you free and you walking in that freedom and I walking in that freedom. And he has given us the juice to produce self -control, but we have to choose to feed the right thing. That's valid in our schools." [01:10:33] (60 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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