Fruit Of The Spirit - Self Control

Fruit of the Spirit – Self - Control

Galatians 5:22-23

June 3, 2018

VIDEO - PLISKOVA (tennis player showing anger at end of match. Found on youtube.)

I’m not sure if it was more fun watching Pliskova give a fake handshake to the umpire, or hit the umpires chair, or watch her opponent jump back with each hit. What happens to us when we’ve hit our limit? How do we act and react? Do we jump up and down, stomp our feet, act like a baby until we get our way? Or do we show maturity or a better phrase, show self control?

The church in Corinth was struggling with lots of issues, one of them was idol worship. It was difficult for the people to leave that behind and only worship the One true God. So, Paul addressed that issue, and as part of it he said this about temptation ~

12 Therefore let anyone who thinks that he stands take heed lest he fall.

What Paul means is this - - if you think you are standing tall and you believe that nothing in this world can knock you down, think twice about it. Because just when you think you’ve got everything under control, you will fall. Then he adds these great words after his warning ~

13 No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man.

Here’s the great news from Paul. Everyone will be tempted. Nobody is exempt. I don’t care who you are or what you think or believe. Everyone will be tempted. Some of the best saints in this church have been and will be tempted. So, when you’re tempted don’t think, “OMG, this is unreal, nobody has ever gone through this before, I’m the only one.” Don’t believe that. You’re not the only one, temptation is common and what you’re going through may seem unique to you, but others have experienced what you are.

God is faithful, and He will not let you be tempted beyond your ability,

The second part of this is even more vital for us. Paul tells us just as the scripture reads - - God will not let you be tempted beyond what you can handle. So, when you’re tempted, God is making sure this is not over your head. So, if you’re going through a lot of tempation about whatever issue, please understand God is faithful to you, and He will not let you be tempted beyond what you can handle.

So, when we’re tempted, what’s the way out? Is there a way out? Paul tells us this about God ~

but with the temptation He will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.

So, the good news in the end is that when you’re tempted God will always give you a plan of escape. It’s like watching an Indiana Jones movie when they are stuck somewhere, and there seems no way out, but there is. God wants us to know that when you’re tempted, you don’t have to give in and say “Temptation won, I lost!” It doesn’t have to be that way, because God will always provide and escape route. That way, we can overcome the temptation.

Now, we may choose to ignore God’s plan, and embrace the temptation . . . but you can’t blame God for that one. Generally speaking, the way out is a simple one word, 2 letter answer, NO!

Just say NO! That’s what Paul says! Just say NO. His next statement doesn’t say that, but he could have easily started that phrase of “JUST SAY NO!” He said ~

14 Therefore, my beloved, flee from idolatry. 15 I speak as to sensible people; – 1 Corinthians 10:12-14

You see! Flee from idolatry. Run from it. Just say no. And I love this, I am speaking to sensible people. So, you get what I’m talking about . . . right?

Well, all of this is a lead in to our final Sunday in our study of the Fruit of the Spirit. As you remember, Paul told the church in Galatia, who was struggling with their own dysfunction, sin and temptation issues ~

22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,

23 gentleness, SELF-CONTROL; against such things there is no law.

– Galatians 5:22-23

Ah, self control when you’ve had that terrible no good day. . . and that chocolate cake is calling your name. Or when one more person needs your help - - - or when you think some self medication will numb you - - - or someone tells you something you don’t want to hear! Whatever it is, just say no, doesn’t always seem practical. We can say NO in our heads, but our hearts are screaming YES! You deserve it! You had a horrendous day! Indulge in whatever you want to.