Empowered Self-Control: Living by the Spirit

Summary

In today's message, we explored the profound concept of self-control as the final fruit of the Spirit listed by Paul in Galatians. This virtue is not merely about personal restraint but is deeply tied to our spiritual walk and our ability to live a life that reflects Christ. We live in a society that is increasingly out of control, whether financially, physically, emotionally, or morally. The lack of self-control is evident in the way we handle our finances, our health, our emotions, and our moral decisions. Proverbs 25:28 likens a person without self-control to a city with broken walls, defenseless and vulnerable to attack. This imagery underscores the importance of self-control as a protective measure in our spiritual lives.

Self-control is not something we can achieve on our own; it requires the power of the Holy Spirit. As we yield to the Spirit, we are empowered to deny ourselves, take up our cross daily, and follow Christ. This daily act of surrender is not about losing our identity but about allowing the Holy Spirit to transform us into the likeness of Christ. The world tells us to exalt ourselves, but Jesus calls us to deny ourselves. This denial is not a one-time event but a daily discipline that requires us to die to our sinful desires and live by faith in the Son of God.

The Christian life is a journey of faith, where we are called to live by the Spirit and keep in step with the Spirit. This means allowing the Spirit to guide our actions and reactions, ensuring that they bring glory to God and edify others. Self-control is not about suppressing our desires but about aligning them with God's will. It is about being spirit-controlled rather than self-controlled. As we cultivate this fruit of the Spirit, we become more like Christ, who exemplified perfect self-control, even in the most trying circumstances.

Key Takeaways:

- Denying Self: The first step in cultivating self-control is denying ourselves. This means putting aside our desires and ambitions to follow Christ. It is a daily decision to yield to the Holy Spirit and let Him lead us. This act of denial is not about losing our identity but about finding our true identity in Christ. [45:14]

- Dying to Self: Self-control requires us to die to our old selves and sinful desires. This is a process that can only be accomplished through the power of the Holy Spirit. We cannot crucify ourselves; we need God to do it for us. By faith, we trust that God will transform us into the image of His Son. [55:05]

- Living by the Spirit: Walking in the Spirit is essential for self-control. It is not a work we do on our own but a walk we take with the Holy Spirit. As we surrender to the Spirit's control, we find the strength to overcome our sinful desires and live a life that pleases God. [49:52]

- The Role of Discipline: Discipline is crucial in developing self-control. It is the difference between ability and achievement. Just as athletes train rigorously to excel, we must discipline ourselves spiritually to grow in self-control. This involves regular prayer, study of the Word, and reliance on the Holy Spirit. [49:08]

- The Power of the Tongue: One of the greatest challenges in self-control is controlling our tongue. Our words have the power to build up or tear down. As Christians, we must exercise self-control in our communication, ensuring that our words glorify God and edify others. [01:07:08]

Youtube Chapters:

[00:00] - Welcome
[37:22] - Introduction to Self-Control
[39:14] - Society Out of Control
[40:00] - Physical and Emotional Excess
[45:14] - Denying Self
[46:07] - Daily Surrender
[48:31] - The Balance of Love and Self-Control
[49:08] - The Importance of Discipline
[49:52] - Living by the Spirit
[51:04] - The Example of Michael Phelps
[55:05] - Dying to Self
[01:01:15] - Controlling Our Desires
[01:07:08] - The Power of the Tongue
[01:10:40] - Prayer and Invitation
[01:12:08] - Closing Remarks

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide: Self-Control as a Fruit of the Spirit

Bible Reading:
- Galatians 5:22-25
- Luke 9:23-24
- Proverbs 25:28

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Observation Questions:

1. According to Galatians 5:22-25, what are the fruits of the Spirit, and how is self-control positioned among them?
2. In Luke 9:23-24, what does Jesus say is required of those who wish to follow Him, and how does this relate to the concept of self-control?
3. How does Proverbs 25:28 describe a person who lacks self-control, and what imagery is used to convey this message? [39:14]
4. What examples from the sermon illustrate the lack of self-control in society today? [40:00]

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Interpretation Questions:

1. How does the sermon explain the relationship between self-control and the Holy Spirit's power in a believer's life? [49:52]
2. What does it mean to "deny oneself" and "take up one's cross daily" in the context of self-control, as discussed in the sermon? [45:14]
3. How does the sermon illustrate the importance of discipline in developing self-control, and what examples are given to support this? [49:08]
4. In what ways does the sermon suggest that self-control is not about suppressing desires but aligning them with God's will? [51:04]

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Application Questions:

1. Reflect on an area of your life where you struggle with self-control. What steps can you take to invite the Holy Spirit's guidance in this area? [49:52]
2. The sermon mentions the importance of daily surrender to the Holy Spirit. What practical steps can you take each morning to start your day with this mindset? [46:07]
3. Consider the role of discipline in your spiritual life. What specific spiritual discipline (e.g., prayer, Bible study) can you commit to strengthening this week? [49:08]
4. How can you practice self-control in your communication, especially in challenging situations? Think of a recent interaction where you could have responded differently. [01:07:08]
5. Identify a desire or ambition that you need to align with God's will. How can you begin this process of alignment in your daily life? [51:04]
6. The sermon discusses the power of the tongue. What is one way you can ensure your words build up rather than tear down in your relationships? [01:07:08]
7. Reflect on the concept of "dying to self." How can you apply this principle in a specific relationship or situation this week? [55:05]

Devotional

Day 1: Denying Self to Discover True Identity
In a world that constantly encourages self-promotion and the pursuit of personal desires, the call to deny oneself stands in stark contrast. Denying oneself is not about losing one's identity but about finding one's true identity in Christ. This act of self-denial is a daily decision to yield to the Holy Spirit, allowing Him to lead and transform us. It involves setting aside personal ambitions and desires to follow Christ wholeheartedly. By doing so, we align ourselves with God's purpose and experience the fullness of life that He offers. This process requires humility and a willingness to trust that God's plans are greater than our own. [45:14]

Matthew 16:24-25 (ESV): "Then Jesus told his disciples, 'If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will find it.'"

Reflection: What is one personal ambition or desire you can set aside today to better align with God's purpose for your life?

Day 2: Dying to Self Through the Spirit's Power
The journey of self-control involves dying to our old selves and sinful desires, a transformation that can only be accomplished through the power of the Holy Spirit. This is not a task we can achieve on our own; it requires divine intervention. By faith, we trust that God will transform us into the image of His Son. This process of dying to self is ongoing and requires daily surrender to the Spirit's work in our lives. As we let go of our old ways, we make room for the new life that God offers, one that reflects His love and righteousness. [55:05]

Galatians 2:20 (ESV): "I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me."

Reflection: What is one area of your life where you need to die to self and allow the Holy Spirit to bring transformation?

Day 3: Walking in the Spirit for True Self-Control
Living by the Spirit is essential for cultivating self-control. It is not a work we do on our own but a walk we take with the Holy Spirit. As we surrender to the Spirit's control, we find the strength to overcome our sinful desires and live a life that pleases God. This involves allowing the Spirit to guide our actions and reactions, ensuring that they bring glory to God and edify others. Walking in the Spirit is a daily practice that requires attentiveness to His leading and a willingness to follow His guidance. [49:52]

Galatians 5:16-17 (ESV): "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."

Reflection: How can you be more attentive to the Holy Spirit's guidance in your daily actions and decisions today?

Day 4: The Discipline of Spiritual Growth
Discipline is crucial in developing self-control. Just as athletes train rigorously to excel, we must discipline ourselves spiritually to grow in self-control. This involves regular prayer, study of the Word, and reliance on the Holy Spirit. Discipline bridges the gap between ability and achievement, enabling us to live a life that reflects Christ. By cultivating spiritual disciplines, we strengthen our ability to resist temptation and align our desires with God's will. This disciplined approach to spiritual growth requires commitment and perseverance, but it yields the fruit of a transformed life. [49:08]

1 Corinthians 9:25-27 (ESV): "Every athlete exercises self-control in all things. They do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable. So I do not run aimlessly; I do not box as one beating the air. But I discipline my body and keep it under control, lest after preaching to others I myself should be disqualified."

Reflection: What specific spiritual discipline can you commit to this week to help you grow in self-control?

Day 5: Harnessing the Power of the Tongue
One of the greatest challenges in self-control is controlling our tongue. Our words have the power to build up or tear down. As Christians, we must exercise self-control in our communication, ensuring that our words glorify God and edify others. This requires mindfulness and intentionality in our speech, choosing words that reflect the love and grace of Christ. By harnessing the power of the tongue, we can positively impact those around us and contribute to a culture of encouragement and truth. [01:07:08]

James 3:5-6 (ESV): "So also the tongue is a small member, yet it boasts of great things. How great a forest is set ablaze by such a small fire! And the tongue is a fire, a world of unrighteousness. The tongue is set among our members, staining the whole body, setting on fire the entire course of life, and set on fire by hell."

Reflection: Think of a recent conversation where your words could have been more edifying. How can you approach similar situations differently in the future to reflect Christ's love?

Quotes

1. "And so every nut, every bolt that went into this tree, every light that goes on it, every decoration, every voice, it all matters. Nobody has a small part in this ministry. It's all for the glory of God and for the good of others. And so be in prayer for this year's living Christmas tree. And as Chris stated earlier, find a place to serve. There are a lot of folks, thousands of people, are going to come to Oak Grove in those two weeks, thousands of people from the community. I've given out tickets to a lot of people, and I seek out people who don't know Jesus, and I get them tickets because I want them to hear the songs, the proclamation of the gospel, and then I want them to hear the spoken word, God's word, as it goes out to them." [00:35:50] (46 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

2. "Now, every one of us has a beast inside of us called self, all of us. It is the biggest enemy that we have preventing us from achieving God's purpose in our lives. And we have got to put ourself to death. And I'll explain what that means, because some of you may be saying, what are you saying, Jim? I'm saying that, as Jesus said, we have to crucify ourselves, because we live in a society that is completely out of control." [00:38:05] (31 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

3. "And the credit card debt alone that we have in this country is greater than the gross national product of many small nations. Bless you. We're a nation that is physically, physically out of control. Every day in America, we eat 75 acres of pizza. We don't think about pizza and acreage. But in this country, we do. 815 billion calories are consumed in America a day. That is an average of 3,600 calories per person, which is almost double the recommended 2,000 calories a day." [00:39:33] (39 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

4. "Self -control is when you are so filled and led by the Holy Spirit that the way you act or react in any situation brings glory to God and edifies other people. That's our goal. We want to glorify God in what we do. We want to edify others. Somebody once said, God mightily uses Christians who stay cool in a hot place, sweet in a sour place, and little in a big place." [01:09:24] (26 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

5. "The philosopher Aristotle called self -control the hardest victory, and I believe that to be true. There's nothing new under the sun, and Aristotle had it right a long time ago. Because if you control self, you win. But if self controls you, you are going to lose. So we see three lessons from the Scripture today. First, we must deny ourselves." [00:45:03] (25 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

6. "You are never going to be free of yourself, but you must be free from yourself if you are going to walk in the Spirit. And there's a danger, as I said, a beast that lurks inside of every one of us called self. There is no middle ground. Either you control self, or self will control you. And when we look at what Jesus said in verse 23 there, if anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me." [00:45:27] (27 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

7. "Every day you have to wake up with a determination that you are going to yield to the power of the Holy Spirit in your life and let Jesus lead you. Let the Spirit of God lead you. This is something we have to do every day. And you say, my goodness, this sounds grueling. It's not. It's not. All you have to do is get out of the way. Take yourself out of the equation. That doesn't mean you stop being you. It means that you stop trying to make yourself holy. You yield to the Holy Spirit and let him make you holier, make you more righteous. In other words, more like King Jesus. See, the world says, deify yourself. Jesus says, deny yourself." [00:46:09] (44 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

8. "And listen, what's the result of a society saturated with self that is completely out of control? Well, it throws us back to what the apostle, Paul, said in Galatians chapter 5 on verse 19, when he gives us that horrible list of the works of the Spirit. Now, the works of the Spirit of flesh are evident. Sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality, idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, rivalries, dissension, divisions, envy, drunkenness, orgies, and things like these, I warn you, as I warned you before, that those who do not such things, will not inherit the kingdom of God." [00:47:34] (43 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

9. "Self -control is the opposite of the works of the flesh self -control was on the fruit of the spirit it's the one fruit that doesn't have a matching quality of god think about that god doesn't need to exercise self -control you over anything God doesn't have any evil desires that tempt him and so he's not tempted by evil in any way see self -control is something that we need not something that God needs to exercise and so you ask the question why is it on the list of the fruit of the spirit surely because it's one of the things that the Holy Spirit does in us that empowers and enables us to control our sinful desires God wants us to be well balanced Jesus was the most balanced man who ever lived he spoke the truth but he did it in love Jesus was never hateful now the Pharisees might disagree but it's because they were bringing dishonor to his father and he had righteous anger but with everyone else Jesus was balanced he had self -control in every instance particularly on the cross when he says father forgive them for they know not what they do what great self -control what a great example of self -control when he could have called down a legion of angels to take him off of that cross thank God he didn't see our bodies are the temple of the Holy Spirit so we ask the resident Holy Spirit that lives within us to control us so that we can control ourselves amen so see when we come to Jesus again we have to have the Holy Spirit in our life and we receive that Holy Spirit, you can control yourself." [00:52:24] (103 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

10. "I don't care how angry you get politically. I don't care how angry you get going down the highway. If you're a child of God, you possess the fruit of the spirit of self -control. You see, it takes discipline to make that extra phone call. It takes extra discipline to do that extra rep when you're lifting weights. Do you know that that water that's at 211 degrees is just hot water? But at 212 degrees, it starts to boil. It starts to make steam. And with that steam, you can run a locomotive engine. And the only difference is one degree." [00:54:29] (38 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

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Transcript

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