Living by the Spirit: Embracing Self-Control in Faith

The presence of God is not confined to Sunday mornings or special moments—it is available to us every day, wherever we are and whatever we face. Reflecting on recent months, it’s clear how vital God’s presence is, especially in times of uncertainty or when life feels out of control. Human nature craves control, not just over our own lives but often over others, our communities, and even our nation. This desire for control has been evident throughout history, sometimes leading to oppression and even violence, as seen in religious and political movements that sought to force others into compliance.

Yet, Jesus calls us to something radically different. He commands us to make disciples, not to force people into submission or strip them of the free will God has given. Paul’s words in Romans 8:5-6 draw a sharp contrast between living according to the flesh and living according to the Spirit. The mind governed by the flesh leads to death—distance from God and our true purpose—while the mind governed by the Spirit brings life and peace. Both paths begin with a choice: what we set our minds on. While we cannot always control the thoughts that enter our minds, we do have the power to decide which thoughts we allow to take root and shape our lives.

This battle for the mind is ongoing and universal. Even Paul wrestled with it, acknowledging that while we can’t prevent every thought, we can choose not to let destructive ones settle in our hearts. The world often teaches us to use our minds and willpower to bend reality to our desires, but the Spirit’s power is not for controlling others or circumstances. Instead, the Spirit transforms us, enabling us to live faithfully, serve others, and exhibit self-control.

True self-control is the only control we are given, and it is the antidote to the urge to dominate or manipulate others. Jesus modeled this perfectly—meeting people where they were, loving them regardless of their response, and never forcing them into compliance. Our calling is to be servants, to shine the light of Christ in a dark world, and to love people as Jesus did. This means rooting out fleshly desires, letting go of teachings or attitudes that don’t align with Christ, and allowing the Spirit to guide us into deeper love, grace, and self-control. In a world obsessed with power and offense, we are called to be people of the Spirit—unoffendable, compassionate, and focused on reflecting Jesus to those around us.

Key Takeaways

• 1. The Presence of God Transcends Circumstances God’s presence is not limited to church gatherings or special occasions; it is available in every moment and situation. Whether in the chaos of daily life or in moments of crisis, we can rely on His nearness and strength. This awareness brings comfort and courage, reminding us that we are never alone, no matter what we face. [24:33]
• 2. The Illusion and Danger of Control The human desire for control often extends beyond our own lives to others, sometimes leading to harmful attempts to dominate or manipulate. History is filled with examples of religious and political movements that justified oppression in the name of control. True discipleship, however, respects the free will God has given each person and seeks to influence through love and service, not coercion. [29:26]
• 3. The Battle for the Mind and the Power of Choice While we cannot always prevent negative or distracting thoughts from entering our minds, we do have the authority to decide which thoughts we dwell on. Paul teaches that the difference between a mind set on the flesh and one set on the Spirit is a matter of daily, intentional choice. This ongoing battle is not a sign of failure but an invitation to exercise Spirit-empowered self-control, shaping our lives and witness. [35:05]
• 4. The Spirit’s Power is for Transformation, Not Manipulation Unlike worldly philosophies that teach us to use our willpower to get what we want or control others, the Holy Spirit’s power is given to transform us from within. The Spirit enables us to be faithful, loving, and self-controlled, equipping us to serve rather than dominate. Our calling is to be agents of light and grace, not enforcers of our own desires or agendas. [42:05]
• 5. Self-Control is the Only Control We’re Given Scripture teaches that the fruit of the Spirit includes self-control, not control over others or circumstances. Developing self-control frees us from the compulsion to dominate and allows us to love others as Jesus did—unconditionally and sacrificially. In a world quick to take offense and slow to show grace, Spirit-led self-control enables us to be unoffendable, compassionate, and truly Christlike in our relationships and witness. [45:32]

Youtube Chapters

• [00:00] - Welcome
• [24:33] - God’s Presence in Everyday Life
• [25:23] - Wrestling with Control
• [27:43] - Control in Religion and History
• [29:26] - Modern Struggles with Control
• [30:42] - Romans 8: Living by Flesh or Spirit
• [33:06] - The Meaning of “Flesh” and Its Consequences
• [34:44] - The Power to Choose Our Mindset
• [35:54] - The Ongoing Battle of the Mind
• [38:31] - Thoughts vs. Settling the Mind
• [40:01] - The World’s View: Manifesting and Control
• [41:38] - The Spirit’s True Purpose
• [43:08] - Self-Control vs. Controlling Others
• [45:32] - The Fruit of the Spirit: Self-Control
• [47:22] - Living as Light in a Dark World
• [50:51] - The Example of Jesus’ Forgiveness
• [52:29] - Psalm 1: The Blessed Life
• [54:54] - A Time for Reflection and Prayer
• [59:39] - Encouragement for the Journey
• [61:08] - Announcements and Closing

Bible Reading

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.

Galatians 5:22-24 (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. And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.

Psalm 1:1-2 (ESV) — > Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers; but his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law he meditates day and night.

Observation Questions

1. In Romans 8:5-6, what are the two different mindsets Paul describes, and what are the outcomes of each?
2. According to Galatians 5:22-24, what is the only kind of control the Spirit gives us, and how is it different from controlling others? ([45:32])
3. In Psalm 1:1-2, what does the blessed person avoid, and what do they focus on instead? How does this relate to the idea of setting our minds? ([52:29])
4. The sermon mentions that Jesus never forced people into compliance but met them where they were. What examples from Jesus’ life or ministry can you think of that show this? ([44:24])

Interpretation Questions

1. Why does Paul contrast the mind set on the flesh with the mind set on the Spirit? What does it mean for someone’s life and relationships? ([30:42])
2. The sermon says that the only control we are given is self-control, not control over others or circumstances. Why is this distinction important for Christians today? ([45:32])
3. How does the desire for control, whether over ourselves, others, or situations, lead to problems in our spiritual lives and in the church? ([29:26])
4. The pastor described the battle for the mind as ongoing and universal, even for Paul. Why do you think God allows this struggle to continue, and what does it teach us about dependence on the Spirit? ([36:33])

Application Questions

1. The sermon says God’s presence is available every day, not just on Sundays. When in your daily life do you most need to remember that God is with you? How can you remind yourself of His presence in those moments? ([24:33])
2. Think about a recent situation where you wanted to control someone else or a circumstance. What would it look like to let go of that urge and instead practice self-control? ([43:08])
3. The pastor shared that negative or distracting thoughts are like “weeds” that keep popping up. What is one thought or attitude you need to “uproot” this week? How will you do it? ([54:54])
4. Are there any teachings or attitudes you’ve held onto that don’t line up with the way Jesus loved and served others? What might it look like to let those go? ([55:29])
5. In a world that is quick to take offense, the sermon challenges us to be “unoffendable.” What is one practical way you can respond with compassion instead of offense the next time you feel wronged? ([49:15])
6. The fruit of the Spirit includes self-control. Choose one relationship or situation where you want to grow in self-control. What is a specific step you can take this week to practice it? ([45:32])
7. The pastor encouraged the group to pray, asking God to reveal any “fleshly ways” that keep us from being a light. Will you take two minutes now (or this week) to pray this prayer? What did God show you, and what is your next step? ([54:54])