Walking in the Spirit: Faithfulness and Self-Control
Summary
Today’s focus is on the deep and often challenging fruits of the Spirit: faithfulness and self-control. These are not just virtues to admire from afar, but essential qualities that shape every aspect of our lives, from our families to our workplaces, and even in the quiet moments when no one is watching. The journey of following Jesus is not a one-time event but a daily walk—a constant tension between the desires of the flesh and the leading of the Spirit. From the very beginning, humanity has struggled with this tension, as seen in the story of Adam and Eve, whose decision to eat the forbidden fruit set in motion a battle within every human heart.
The call is to recognize that the flesh and the Spirit are in opposition. The world tells us to do what feels good, but God calls us to something higher: holiness over happiness. True freedom is not found in indulging every desire, but in surrendering control to the Holy Spirit, allowing Him to guide our steps. Self-control is not about willpower alone; it’s about giving up control and letting God lead, especially in the small, everyday choices that shape our character and witness.
Family life provides a vivid illustration of this struggle. Children, in their impulsivity, mirror our own spiritual immaturity. Just as a loving parent guides a child across a busy street, God desires to walk hand-in-hand with us, protecting us from dangers we cannot see. The fruit of the Spirit is not produced by our own effort, but by staying connected to the Spirit, allowing Him to transform us from the inside out.
The evidence of our lives—what others “taste” from our actions and attitudes—matters deeply. Are we feeding those around us with the fruit of the Spirit, or are we leaving behind evidence of the flesh? Our faithfulness and self-control impact not just ourselves, but everyone we encounter. Accountability and community are vital; we need others to sharpen us, challenge us, and help us stay on course. Small compromises can lead to significant consequences, so we must continually invite the Holy Spirit to examine our hearts, surrendering every area to His lordship. In doing so, we become living orchards of grace, offering life and hope to a world in need.
Key Takeaways
- The battle between flesh and Spirit is ongoing, rooted in humanity’s earliest story. Every day, we face choices that either align us with God’s Spirit or with our own desires. Recognizing this tension is the first step toward living a life marked by faithfulness and self-control. [34:51]
- True self-control is not about gritting our teeth and trying harder, but about surrendering control to the Holy Spirit. When we let God lead, He empowers us to make choices that honor Him, even when our feelings or impulses pull us in another direction. This surrender is the foundation of spiritual maturity. [42:07]
- The fruit of the Spirit is not for our own consumption, but for the benefit of others. Just as a tree doesn’t eat its own fruit, our lives are meant to nourish those around us. The way we respond to family, coworkers, and even strangers reveals what kind of fruit we are producing—and whether we are truly walking by the Spirit. [51:36]
- Accountability is essential for growth. We all need people who will ask us hard questions, challenge our blind spots, and help us stay faithful. Discipleship is not just about learning; it’s about being willing to be disciplined, corrected, and sharpened by others who love us enough to speak the truth. [59:16]
- Small compromises can have far-reaching consequences. What seems insignificant in the moment can lead to brokenness and pain if left unchecked. Inviting the Holy Spirit to examine our hearts and surrendering even the “little things” is crucial for living a life that honors God and brings life to others. [01:05:43]
Youtube Chapters
[00:00] - Welcome
[00:45] - Opening Prayer and Worship
[02:30] - Greeting and Announcements
[05:10] - Introduction to You Matter Week
[07:45] - Upcoming Sermon Series Preview
[10:30] - Honoring Pastors and Personal Introduction
[13:00] - Family and the Context of Faithfulness
[15:30] - Recap of Fruit of the Spirit Series
[18:00] - The Struggle Between Flesh and Spirit
[22:00] - Galatians 5: The War Within
[27:00] - Personal Stories: Self-Control in Daily Life
[32:00] - Walking by the Spirit, Not the Flesh
[36:00] - Parenting, Impulsivity, and Spiritual Maturity
[41:00] - What Fruit Are Others Eating From Your Life?
[46:00] - Evidence of the Flesh vs. Fruit of the Spirit
[50:00] - Accountability and Discipleship
[55:00] - The Power of Small Choices
[01:03:00] - Viral Story: The Cost of Compromise
[01:08:00] - Prayer and Invitation to Surrender
[01:10:20] - Salvation Prayer and Closing Celebration
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide: Faithfulness & Self-Control
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### Bible Reading
Galatians 5:13-25 (ESV)
> For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another. For the whole law is fulfilled in one word: “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” But if you bite and devour one another, watch out that you are not consumed by one another.
>
> 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. But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law. Now the works of the flesh are evident: sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality, idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, rivalries, dissensions, divisions, envy, drunkenness, orgies, and things like these. I warn you, as I warned you before, that those who do such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.
>
> 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. If we live by the Spirit, let us also keep in step with the Spirit.
1 Corinthians 9:24-27 (ESV)
> Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one receives the prize? So run that you may obtain it. 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.
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### Observation Questions
1. According to Galatians 5, what are some of the “works of the flesh” that Paul lists, and how do they contrast with the fruit of the Spirit?
2. In the sermon, what example did the pastor use from his own family to illustrate the struggle with self-control and spiritual maturity? [[45:28]]
3. What does Paul say is the result of “walking by the Spirit” instead of following the desires of the flesh?
4. In 1 Corinthians 9, what analogy does Paul use to describe the Christian life, and what does he say about self-control?
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### Interpretation Questions
1. The pastor said, “Self-control is giving up control to the Holy Spirit guiding your way.” What does it mean for self-control to be more about surrender than willpower? [[42:07]]
2. Why do you think Paul emphasizes that the fruit of the Spirit is not just for our own benefit, but for others to “taste” from our lives? [[51:36]]
3. The sermon mentioned that small compromises can lead to significant consequences. Why are “little things” so important in shaping our character and witness? [[01:05:43]]
4. How does accountability and community help us grow in faithfulness and self-control, according to both Paul and the pastor? [[59:16]]
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### Application Questions
1. The pastor shared about his own struggles with self-control in daily routines, like mornings and going to the gym. What is one area of your life where you struggle with self-control? How does it affect those around you? [[39:38]]
2. Think about a recent situation where you had to choose between what felt good and what was right. How did you respond, and what would it look like to “walk by the Spirit” in a similar situation next time? [[37:24]]
3. The sermon used the image of a parent holding a child’s hand to cross a busy street. Is there an area in your life where you need to “hold God’s hand” and let Him lead, rather than going your own way? [[45:28]]
4. The pastor asked, “What is my life currently feeding those who experience me every day?” Think about your family, coworkers, or friends—what kind of “fruit” are they experiencing from you? [[51:36]]
5. Who in your life can ask you hard questions and help keep you accountable? If you don’t have someone like that, what steps could you take to invite accountability into your life? [[59:16]]
6. The sermon talked about small compromises leading to big consequences, using the viral story of a public mistake. Is there a “small” area in your life that you’ve been ignoring, but that could lead to bigger problems if left unchecked? What would it look like to surrender that area to God? [[01:05:43]]
7. The pastor encouraged everyone to invite the Holy Spirit to examine their hearts. Take a moment to pray and ask God to show you any area where you need to grow in faithfulness or self-control. What did you sense or notice as you prayed? [[01:08:33]]
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Closing Prayer Suggestion:
Invite the Holy Spirit to help you walk by the Spirit this week, to produce fruit that brings life to those around you, and to give you courage to surrender every area of your life to God’s leadership.
Devotional
Day 1: The War Between Flesh and Spirit
Every believer faces a daily battle between the desires of the flesh and the leading of the Spirit. This struggle is not a sign of failure but a reality that began with Adam and Eve’s choice in the garden, and it continues to affect every person today. The good news is that through Christ, we are called to freedom—not to indulge our flesh, but to serve one another in love and to walk by the Spirit. When we choose to walk by the Spirit, we resist the pull of our old nature and begin to bear fruit that brings life to ourselves and those around us. [34:51]
Galatians 5:13-25 (ESV)
For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another. For the whole law is fulfilled in one word: “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” But if you bite and devour one another, watch out that you are not consumed by one another. 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. But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law. Now the works of the flesh are evident: sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality, idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, rivalries, dissensions, divisions, envy, drunkenness, orgies, and things like these. I warn you, as I warned you before, that those who do such things will not inherit the kingdom of God. 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. If we live by the Spirit, let us also keep in step with the Spirit.
Reflection: What is one area where you feel the pull of your flesh most strongly, and how can you invite the Holy Spirit to help you walk differently today?
Day 2: Self-Control Is Surrender to the Spirit
True self-control is not about willpower or self-help strategies, but about surrendering control to the Holy Spirit and allowing Him to guide your steps. Our flesh is impulsive and never fully satisfied, but when we walk hand in hand with God, He protects us from dangers we may not even see. Just as a loving parent holds a child’s hand to keep them safe, God desires to lead us, but we must be willing to submit and trust His direction, even when it goes against our impulses. [42:07]
Romans 8:13 (ESV)
For if you live according to the flesh you will die, but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live.
Reflection: Where do you need to let go of control and ask the Holy Spirit to direct your path instead of relying on your own strength?
Day 3: Your Fruit Feeds Others
The fruit of the Spirit in your life is not just for you—it’s for those around you. Every day, your family, coworkers, and even strangers “taste” the fruit you produce through your words, actions, and attitudes. Just as Adam and Eve’s choice affected all of humanity, the way you live impacts those in your sphere of influence. Take inventory: are you feeding others with love, faithfulness, and self-control, or are you offering something less life-giving? [51:36]
Matthew 7:16-20 (ESV)
You will recognize them by their fruits. Are grapes gathered from thornbushes, or figs from thistles? So, every healthy tree bears good fruit, but the diseased tree bears bad fruit. A healthy tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a diseased tree bear good fruit. Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. Thus you will recognize them by their fruits.
Reflection: Think of one person who regularly “tastes” the fruit of your life—what are you feeding them, and how can you be more intentional to offer the fruit of the Spirit?
Day 4: Discipline and Accountability Lead to Growth
Spiritual growth requires discipline and the willingness to be held accountable by others. Like an athlete who trains and submits to coaching, we need people in our lives who will challenge, correct, and sharpen us—even when it’s uncomfortable. True discipleship is not just about learning but about being willing to be disciplined, confessing our struggles, and allowing others to help us walk in righteousness. [01:00:31]
1 Corinthians 9:24-27 (ESV)
Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one receives the prize? So run that you may obtain it. 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: Who in your life can lovingly hold you accountable, and what is one step you can take this week to invite their input or correction?
Day 5: Small Compromises Lead to Big Consequences
It’s often the little compromises—the thoughts we entertain, the small actions we excuse—that open the door to much bigger issues down the road. What seems insignificant in the moment can have far-reaching effects on our lives and the lives of those around us. God calls us to take self-inventory, to invite Him to examine our hearts, and to cut off anything that does not align with His Word, trusting that walking by the Spirit leads to life and wholeness. [01:05:43]
Psalm 139:23-24 (ESV)
Search me, O God, and know my heart! Try me and know my thoughts! And see if there be any grievous way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting!
Reflection: What is one “small” area of compromise in your life that you need to bring into the light and surrender to God today?
Quotes
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