Fruit of the Spirit: Self-Control

I. Text: Galatians 5:16-23

II. Self-control defined

A. Webster’s Thesaurus synonyms: self-discipline, self-mastery, self-restraint

B. Webster’s Thesaurus antonym: self-abandonment

C. A person with self-control has rules by which he abides and disciplines himself to live according to those rules.

III. Self-control is an exercise of will

A. Resist prideful actions

B. Sometimes people will do or say things they should not for fear of being called a coward. When kids, we would dare other kids to do something to prove they were not “chicken.” (Might invoke the dreaded “double dog dare.”)

C. Satan tried to make Jesus prove His divinity.

D. Temptations of Matthew 4 Railings while He was on the cross Peter’s temptation – Luke 22:55-62

E. We face some temptations to prove ourselves

F. A person might be tempted to get drunk or to do drugs to prove that they are worthy to be part of a group.

G. A man might be tempted to do it to prove his manliness. A businessperson might be tempted to do it to prove he is a team player. Someone might be tempted to sexual immorality to prove their love to another or that they are not prudish.1 Peter 4:1-6 – The world thinks it is strange that we follow the Spirit (NCV, NLT, or ISV) Sometimes preachers or teachers feel they must act hostile toward someone in error in order to prove that they are not “soft on the issues,” though the scriptures urge us to correct with meekness and humility.

H. When we have confidence in what we practice and can stand by our beliefs, we can resist the temptation to do evil to save our pride.

I. Men do not need to do anything foolish to prove that they are men; it will only prove that he is a fool.

J. Always remember, pride comes before the fall

K. Proverbs 16:18 – Haughtiness precedes a fall2 Peter 3:17-18 – Do not fall from strong foundation

L. Restrain anger

M. Frustration

N. When we are tired, irritable and frustrated, it is easy to say and do things we will regret. When we are weak, we must exercise self-control to refrain from foolish talk. Moses’ failure at Kadesh reminds us of the importance of self-control, Num 20:1-13

O. Keep one’s temper in control

P. Proverbs 16:32 – Better than conquering a city James 1:19-20 – Anger of man does not produce righteousness

Q. Restrain the tongue

R. James 3:1-11 Gossip, cursing, lying all come from careless tongues.

S. Guard the heart

T. Matthew 15:16-20 - What goes into the body that pollutes

U. We must not watch or listen to things that will corrupt our hearts

V. No one will force us to stay and watch a movie or TV show that is offensive. When we are alone, watching TV or on the Internet, it is our self-control that will not allow us to seek entertainment from things that are immoral.

W. The things that I imagine, that I think, every secret thought is under my control and I must guide them towards what is right.

X. Some things will come out in my actions, speech, and attitude whether I realize it or not. Romans 2:16 – God will judge the secret things of our hearts

Y. Refrain from the easy course of action in the face of obligation or duty

Z. When things get difficult or we must perform some unpleasant but necessary task, we can procrastinate, avoid the task, or do it quickly. Matthew 26:36-46 – Jesus faced the most unpleasant task but endured Revelation 2:10 – Endure persecution even if it leads to death Hebrews 3:12-15 – Today is the day of encouragement James 4:13-17 – Tomorrow not promised; act today We must be diligent to finish what we have started

IV. View of the world on self-control

A. Self-control is foolish to the world.

B. Eat, drink, and be merry for tomorrow we die Those who exercise self-control are denying themselves the fun of life; they are missing the party.

C. Turn on the T.V. and see a general tendency to lack of self-restraint

D. People flashing their nakedness before the cameras and strangers Reality TV – no inhibitions, no shame Hollywood keeps trying to shock a nation that is hard to shock.

E. Questions the worldly often ask:

F. Not “is it right” but “will I get caught?” Not “is it shameful” but “can I spin my way out of it?” We ask, “Whatever happened to dignity and self-respect?”

V. Conclusion

A. Self-control, as a fruit of the Spirit, is the self-restraint and self-discipline that a Christian uses to pattern his mind and life after Jesus. Self-control is the attribute of a Christian that brings his will under the rule of God and guards his heart from rebellion.