Training in Self-Control: A Spiritual Journey
Summary
### Summary
Good morning, beautiful people of Epworth. Today, we gathered to explore the fruit of the Spirit, focusing on self-control. We began by remembering our community member, Doris Walsh, and praying for her family. Our scripture today likened self-control to training for a marathon, emphasizing that it requires consistent practice and dedication. Just as a runner must train to build endurance, we must train ourselves spiritually to develop self-control.
Self-control is not merely about personal willpower but about allowing the Holy Spirit to guide us. This is a paradox because it involves both our effort and our surrender to God's power. We must be cautious not to judge others who struggle with self-control, recognizing that true self-control is a gift from God. Richard Rohr's summary of the first three steps of Alcoholics Anonymous—"I can't. God can. I'll let God"—beautifully encapsulates this idea.
Paul's analogy of running a race teaches us to focus on our spiritual goals, letting go of distractions. This focus helps us live out our mission to love God and others. We also discussed practical tools like prayer and mindfulness to help us stay connected to God's Spirit. By practicing these disciplines, we allow the Holy Spirit to guide our actions, making self-control a natural outcome of our spiritual life.
We concluded by reflecting on the example of Jackie Robinson, who demonstrated remarkable self-control through his faith and focus on his goal. As we face our own challenges, especially in a world that often pushes our buttons, we are invited to let the Holy Spirit work through us. This way, we can let the image of God shine through us, showing Jesus' love to the world.
### Key Takeaways
1. Self-Control as Spiritual Training: Just as a runner trains for a marathon, developing self-control requires consistent spiritual practice. This involves daily disciplines like prayer and mindfulness, which help us build spiritual endurance and focus on our ultimate goal of loving God and others. [16:40]
2. The Paradox of Self-Control: True self-control is a paradox because it involves both our effort and our surrender to God's power. We must recognize our powerlessness and allow the Holy Spirit to guide us, transforming our actions and decisions. This understanding prevents us from becoming judgmental towards others who struggle. [41:09]
3. Focusing on Spiritual Goals: Paul's analogy of running a race teaches us to focus on our spiritual goals, letting go of distractions. By keeping our eyes on the mission of loving God and others, we can navigate life's challenges with greater clarity and purpose. [48:05]
4. Practical Tools for Self-Control: Prayer and mindfulness are essential tools for developing self-control. These practices open us up to God's Spirit, helping us make choices that align with God's will. Regularly engaging in these disciplines strengthens our connection with God and enhances our spiritual resilience. [49:58]
5. The Example of Jackie Robinson: Jackie Robinson's remarkable self-control, rooted in his faith and focus on his goal, serves as an inspiring example. His ability to remain calm and composed in the face of extreme adversity reminds us of the power of prayer and the importance of letting the Holy Spirit guide our actions. [55:39]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[10:10] - Community Updates
[14:18] - Introduction to Self-Control
[15:46] - Training for a Marathon
[16:40] - Spiritual Training and Self-Control
[17:36] - Challenges of Self-Control
[19:16] - Focusing on Spiritual Goals
[20:04] - Prayer for the Community
[20:56] - Story of Monica and Self-Control
[39:08] - The Paradox of Self-Control
[42:00] - Judging Others and True Self-Control
[44:00] - Christian Self-Control and the Holy Spirit
[45:01] - Paul's Analogy of Running
[48:05] - Focusing on Spiritual Goals
[49:58] - Prayer and Mindfulness
[55:39] - Jackie Robinson's Example
[58:55] - Letting the Holy Spirit Shine Through
[01:02:45] - Community Fellowship and Closing Remarks
Study Guide
### Bible Reading
1. 1 Corinthians 9:24-27 (NIV): "Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last, but we do it to get a crown that will last forever. Therefore I do not run like someone running aimlessly; I do not fight like a boxer beating the air. No, I strike a blow to my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize."
2. Galatians 5:22-23 (NIV): "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law."
3. Philippians 4:13 (NIV): "I can do all this through him who gives me strength."
### Observation Questions
1. What analogy does Paul use in 1 Corinthians 9:24-27 to describe the Christian life, and what does he emphasize about the nature of this race?
2. According to Galatians 5:22-23, what are the components of the fruit of the Spirit, and how is self-control positioned among them?
3. How does Philippians 4:13 relate to the concept of self-control as discussed in the sermon? [44:00]
4. What practical tools were mentioned in the sermon to help develop self-control? [49:58]
### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the analogy of running a race in 1 Corinthians 9:24-27 help us understand the importance of self-control in our spiritual lives?
2. In what ways does the paradox of self-control, as described in the sermon, challenge our understanding of personal effort and divine assistance? [41:09]
3. How can the example of Jackie Robinson's self-control, rooted in his faith, inspire us in our daily challenges? [55:39]
4. What role do prayer and mindfulness play in allowing the Holy Spirit to guide our actions, according to the sermon? [49:58]
### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you struggled with self-control. How might viewing this struggle as spiritual training change your perspective? [16:40]
2. The sermon mentioned the importance of not judging others who struggle with self-control. How can you practice empathy and support for someone facing such challenges? [42:00]
3. Identify a specific distraction in your life that prevents you from focusing on your spiritual goals. What steps can you take this week to minimize that distraction? [19:16]
4. How can you incorporate prayer and mindfulness into your daily routine to strengthen your connection with God and enhance your self-control? [49:58]
5. Think of a situation where you need to exercise self-control. What practical steps can you take to prepare yourself spiritually for this challenge? [17:36]
6. Jackie Robinson's example shows the power of faith in maintaining self-control under pressure. How can you draw on your faith to remain calm and composed in difficult situations? [55:39]
7. The sermon emphasized the importance of letting the Holy Spirit guide our actions. How can you be more open to the Holy Spirit's guidance in your daily decisions? [44:00]
Devotional
Day 1: Spiritual Training for Self-Control
Developing self-control is akin to training for a marathon. It requires consistent spiritual practice and dedication. Just as a runner builds endurance through daily training, we must engage in daily spiritual disciplines like prayer and mindfulness to build our spiritual endurance. These practices help us focus on our ultimate goal of loving God and others, allowing us to navigate life's challenges with greater clarity and purpose. By committing to these disciplines, we open ourselves up to the guidance of the Holy Spirit, making self-control a natural outcome of our spiritual life. [16:40]
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 daily spiritual practice can you commit to this week to help build your spiritual endurance and self-control?
Day 2: The Paradox of Self-Control
True self-control is a paradox because it involves both our effort and our surrender to God's power. While we must put in the effort to practice self-control, we must also recognize our powerlessness and allow the Holy Spirit to guide us. This understanding helps us avoid becoming judgmental towards others who struggle with self-control. By acknowledging that true self-control is a gift from God, we can approach our own struggles and those of others with humility and compassion. [41:09]
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: In what areas of your life do you need to surrender more to God's power to experience true self-control?
Day 3: Focusing on Spiritual Goals
Paul's analogy of running a race teaches us to focus on our spiritual goals, letting go of distractions. By keeping our eyes on the mission of loving God and others, we can navigate life's challenges with greater clarity and purpose. This focus helps us stay aligned with God's will and prevents us from being swayed by the distractions and temptations of the world. By prioritizing our spiritual goals, we can live a more purposeful and fulfilling life. [48:05]
Hebrews 12:1-2 (ESV): "Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God."
Reflection: What distractions do you need to let go of to better focus on your spiritual goals and mission to love God and others?
Day 4: Practical Tools for Self-Control
Prayer and mindfulness are essential tools for developing self-control. These practices open us up to God's Spirit, helping us make choices that align with God's will. Regularly engaging in these disciplines strengthens our connection with God and enhances our spiritual resilience. By incorporating prayer and mindfulness into our daily routine, we can better navigate the challenges of life and make decisions that reflect our commitment to following Christ. [49:58]
Philippians 4:6-7 (ESV): "Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."
Reflection: How can you incorporate prayer and mindfulness into your daily routine to strengthen your self-control and connection with God?
Day 5: The Example of Jackie Robinson
Jackie Robinson's remarkable self-control, rooted in his faith and focus on his goal, serves as an inspiring example. His ability to remain calm and composed in the face of extreme adversity reminds us of the power of prayer and the importance of letting the Holy Spirit guide our actions. By looking to examples like Robinson, we can find inspiration and encouragement to face our own challenges with grace and self-control, allowing the image of God to shine through us. [55:39]
James 1:2-4 (ESV): "Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing."
Reflection: How can you draw inspiration from Jackie Robinson's example to face your own challenges with faith and self-control?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "Self-control is not something that you just say, I can do this, right? That would be like me getting up and running that 13.1 miles without doing any training. So self-control, like all of the fruit of the Spirit that we've been talking about, requires that we train. We train ourselves. And so whenever we find ourselves in a time when, you know, something's really stressful, we have to think, okay, I'm just training. Right? Instead of thinking, argh, this is really stressful, you think, I'm just training. This is just a training exercise. I can make it fun, right?" (39 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "So sometimes what you have to do is you have to get rid of other distractions so you can focus on the goal, right? And that's what Paul's talking about in the scripture, is that we have to focus on our goal. And when we focus on our goal, we get rid of all the other distractions. And what's our goal as followers of Jesus? Is it to run half marathons? Could be, right? That could work into the goal. What do you think our goal is as followers of Jesus? Following his ways, yeah. So loving God and loving each other, right?" (33 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "Christian self-control is not just about us. Self-control is about recognizing that we are crucified in Christ, and therefore, we no longer live, but Jesus Christ now lives in us. And when we recognize Jesus' presence in our hearts and in our lives, then that makes that sense of self-control so much easier, because it's really about the Spirit controlling through us, right?" (26 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "So, you know, we use a mantra. My dad's mantra was, God is so good, God is so good. So you could do your own mantra, but, you know, as you start to practice this kind of meditation and mindfulness, you find that you're more open to God's spirit, whether we want to call that the sage part of us or not. And then we're able to recognize how God is inviting us to behave in a certain way, so that we can exercise that self-control or that spirit control." (33 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "So, for us, as followers of Jesus, we're invited to let that Holy Spirit come in. Into us. So that it's, you know, we don't control ourselves. We recognize I can't. God can. I'll let God. But we let God work through us. So that we can then allow others to see, not us, but Jesus in us, the very image of God." (25 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for Members
1. "And so, in fact, Christian self-control, I want to suggest, is actually very different than what we think of as self-control. I think, in some ways, Christian self-control is a lot more like, the first three steps of Alcoholics Anonymous. I was rereading Richard Rohr's Breathing Underwater this week, and I love the way that he sums up the first three steps. You know, we all know this sense of powerlessness, right? That we have to recognize that we are powerless over our addictions, and that only a power higher than ourselves can help us, right? And then we surrender to that higher power. But Richard Rohr puts it this way, I can't. God can. I'll let God. And I love that summary, because for me, that also is a perfect summary of self-control." (55 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "And so, Paul then uses this analogy of running, which I love this analogy. Although, we have to be careful, because Paul talks about it like punishing your body. Now, here's the way I look at it. How many of you would see running? As punishing your body? But see, for me, I love to run, and I see it as taking care of my body, right? It's a way of loving my body. People will say, do you love to run? And I say, not always, but I love how I feel after I run. You know, sometimes when I'm in the middle of a run, I'm like, oh my gosh, what am I thinking? Like yesterday, when I did speed work in the heat. What was I thinking?" (44 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "So, I don't want you to hear that we're supposed to beat up our bodies, because I think we all have too many negative self-body images anyway. And that's not what Paul was talking about. He was talking about caring for our bodies in a way that allows us to stay. We're supposed to be focused. So, when you run, you focus on the goal, and that helps all those other distractions fall away. So, when I know that, you know, next week, I've got to add a mile, it would be so easy to say, oh, it's so nice in this air conditioning, but, you know, I've got a goal. And if I don't get out there, I'm not going to reach my goal." (38 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "And so, you know, we, luckily, I think. For the most part. Don't have to go through those kinds of experiences every day. However, we know with an election coming up and with everything else, people are asserting their own rights. And they're, you know, feeling entitled. And so, you know, people are going to start pushing those buttons for us. And so, for us, as followers of Jesus, we're invited to let that Holy Spirit come in. Into us. So that it's, you know, we don't control ourselves. We recognize I can't. God can. I'll let God. But we let God work through us." (25 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "And so, I hope and pray that you will let that Spirit in. So that you can let the image of God shine through you. Not just in here, but when we go out into the world and there are people ready to push our buttons. I pray you will let that Holy Spirit in so that you can let Jesus' love shine. Amen." (96 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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