Charles W. Holt
email: cholt@gt.rr.com
SELF-CONTROL
“But the fruit of the Spirit is . . . self-control” (Gal. 5:23 NKJV).
One can easily get the impression--based upon news describing social/cultural events--that self-control ranks low on the “must do” list of today’s society. One might ponder how popular it is among rank and file Christians.
It is relatively easy to talk about love, joy, and peace (the first three fruit of Paul’s list in Galatians). These are the “feel good” buttons we all love to press. They are the stuff of contemplation, meditation, and the subject of calls that, “we need more of it” (meaning love, joy, or peace).
It gets a little sticky, however, when one sounds a call to practice long-suffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, and gentleness (the other fruit on Paul’s list). These deal with the grim realities of relationships. They are the “hands on, dirt under the fingernails” daily realities of which the majority of the Christian life is composed. As tough as they may be to practice they are nevertheless important fruit and ideal witnesses to the new life of the Christian.
Love, joy, peace, YES! But, SELF-CONTROL? Well . . . maybe. Although last in Paul’s list it is not the least. Every Christian should have more than a little interest in the growth and development of all the Fruit of the Spirit--including self-control.
Paul purposely places these nine virtues in one setting to paint a picture of a fully furnished inner life of the complete Christian. In the process he makes clear a very important principle. It is a principle that applies to all fruit. The principle is this: the fruit of the Holy Spirit is, “the work which His presence within accomplishes” (Amplified Bible). Or, as the Living Bible puts it, “But when the Holy Spirit controls our lives He will produce this kind of fruit in us . . ." and lists “self-control” or “self-restraint, continence” (Amplified Bible) as a product or result of the Holy Spirit’s indwelling influence.
God’s will is clear on this subject. According to Jesus it is His will that we bear fruit--”much fruit” (John 15). His will is for us to manifest these traits that comprise the complete Christian life (Gal. 5:22-24). The potential is present within each believer. The possibility exists for every one who names Jesus as Savior and Lord. The ability is available because the raw material for making it happen lies within and flows out of one’s relationship with Him Who calls Himself “the Vine” (John 15).
All that’s left (seemingly) is to hear the command: ladies and gentlemen start your engines! (Or, have we heard that already?) But, if the engine is running and the power is flowing--why aren’t we moving, or better yet, growing? The answer may be as simple as saying, we aren’t moving because we are confused about who is responsible for doing what. Let’s talk about that.
For example, how many people do you suppose there are who think that because it is the “fruit of the Holy Spirit (i.e, HIS fruit)” which HE produces in the life of the Christian it means that, “HE is responsible for it . . . not ME.” Therefore if the Christian doesn’t have fruit it is because HE didn’t put it there. In other words, if I’m not acting in a loving or kind way or, if I’m not practicing self-control-- it’s because GOD hasn’t put love and kindness in me. God’s hasn’t given me the grip or grit that it takes to restrain my habits so it’s His fault--not mine.
“Oh,” we say, “it would be very good to have those things, I suppose . . . but I’m not responsible because that’s just the way I naturally am and if God intended for me to be any other way He would have made me that way!” “Why,” some might sincerely say, “I’ve even asked for it a couple of times and nothing changed . . . So, don’t blame me. It’s not my fault!” That’s a neat way for one to dodge personal responsibility by shifting blame. But, as the saying goes, “that ‘ole dog ain’t gonna hunt here!”
CLEARING UP SOME CONFUSION
“Self-control” or “SELF-restraint,” and “FRUIT of the Spirit” seem at first glimpse to be contradictory terms. SELF-control and SELF-restraint infers something I, myself, am in charge of doing or controlling. As if it is something I can personally handle or choose to do.
On the other hand, FRUIT of the Spirit infers the natural result of a growth process that is not based upon a choice but upon a principle of life. For example, a peach tree will produce peach fruit because it is genetically programmed to produce peaches. Applying this argument to human nature can quickly land one in the middle of a hot debate of what determines human behavior. Is it nurture or is it nature? Or, is it a little of both? The jury is still out on this debate and it is not the scope of this little booklet to deal with the subject.
It is a fact that our genetic map determines many things about our physical and mental make-up. A growing body of scientific research has uncovered genetic links that seem to indicate in certain (but not all) cases a predisposition to alcoholism, homosexuality, and criminality. You can see why the issue is so divisive. Some want to use this fact as a justification for all kinds of wrong behavior.
Some of our most practiced human traits is to avoid responsibility for our actions. It dates back to the events in the Garden of Eden and the encounter by Eve with the Serpent that ultimately led to Adam’s hiding when God approached. When questioned, Adam said, in essence: “Who? ME!” Adam tried to pass the buck to Eve who in turn tried to pass the buck on to the Serpent. Thus the art of passing the buck was learned early and has been honed to a fine edge as we can all witness.
One may, with a little thought and practical insight, understand why the average non-believer would practice buck-passing. But the believer is pledged to a higher standard. This raises an important issue. From it a question naturally arises: Why would a born-again believer want to suppose--in order to spare themselves personal responsibility--that they have little or nothing to do with the appearance and development of the fruit of the Spirit? Why would any Christian want to believe that spiritual fruit is the result of a mysterious spiritual genetic mutation that predisposes one to love, kindness--all the fruit of the Spirit--including self-control? Is there any truth to this?
But there are more questions. Is it totally the Holy Spirit’s work? Is it totally MY work? How does the Scripture blend the idea of God’s sovereignty and man’s responsibility in the production of the Christian graces otherwise known as the Fruit of the Spirit? The purpose of this study is to answer these and other questions relating to this important subject.
BACK TO BASICS
Why does Paul use the word “fruit” when talking about these Christian character traits? He does not say “fruits (plural) of the Spirit.” He chooses the word fruit as a contrast to his earlier use of the word works. It conveys the idea that the Christian’s experience of fruit is the product of a new and divine life implanted within at the moment the regenerating work of the Holy Spirit occurs within the believing sinner’s heart.
In Galatians 5:25 he tells us that the Christian “lives in the Spirit.” That is, the Christian derives his spiritual life from the indwelling Holy Spirit. His life is the originating force that produces the fruit of the Spirit. In other words, the Christian has spiritual life through the agency and action of the Holy Spirit. This creates the opportunity for one to “walk in the Spirit” on a daily basis. The challenge of living the Christian life--and the production of its “fruit”--must be understood and practiced in one’s daily Christian walk.
The word fruit is singular to show that all the elements of character spoken of in these verses are a unity and is intended to make one’s Christian life well-rounded and complete.
In a study on this subject it is necessary to single out the individual fruit and scrutinize each one separately. However, if the impression is left that one fruit is more important than the other is then a mistake is made. You will find other places in the New Testament, including Paul’s own writings, where some of these character traits are regarded as superior to others, but not here.
Galatians gives us the whole enchilada. It’s the group photo. It’s the way we are to look when we’ve gotten it together. It’s the Christian’s inner life dressed in its Sunday Best. It’s the snapshot of what every Christian aspires to become. It is part of what Paul meant when he said, “Not that I have already attained, or am already perfected; but I press on that I may lay hold of that for which Christ Jesus has also laid hold of me” (Phil. 3:12 NKJV).
FURTHER BACK TO BASICS
When we finish with taking a close look at the fruit--perhaps even despairing of its lack in our life--Paul directs our attention to verse 24. He says,
And those who are Christ’s have crucified the
flesh with its passions and desires.
Sounds like a done deal doesn’t it?” Well, it both is and isn’t as we will soon see. In any case this is a key verse to our understanding of how fruit is possible and of our responsibilities for its cultivation and growth.
Paul uses the word “crucified.” He uses it in relation to what the believer has done: “have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.” Although unstated this “crucifixion” points unerringly to the cross of Christ and His death at Calvary.
How does a Christian crucify the evil nature with its affections, appetites, passions and desires? It begins when one exercises faith in the Lord Jesus as Savior and in His finished work of redemption which He purchased by His shed blood. The trusting sinner, now cleansed and forgiven, is linked with Christ in His death on the cross. Identification with Christ’s death breaks the powerful hold the sinful nature exercises over one’s life.
SUMMARY
It is vital to our subject that one understands the twofold work of the Holy Spirit’s ministry within and without the Christian’s life.
1.The Holy Spirit makes actual, literal, real, and effectual in the life of the Christian the victory over sin that Christ’s death secured and guarantees at the Cross.
2. The Holy Spirit works to produce in the Christian’s experience--the daily walk--His fruit because Christ’s victory broke the controlling power of the sinful nature.
3. But all of this is conditional. It depends upon one’s response to His working. The Holy Spirit is able to accomplish His work of producing fruit in a full and rich measure as we put ourselves definitely under subjection to Him. In other words, as we
“. . . go forward walking in line, our conduct controlled by the Spirit” (Gal. 5:25, Amplified Bible).
4. The initial act of faith in the Lord Jesus results in the crucifixion (putting to death) the affections and lusts of our totally depraved nature.
5. Daily thereafter--by the free action of our liberated will--there follows the thinking, viewing and esteeming of oneself as having died to (having been separated from) the power, control and dominance of the evil nature.
6. The result is that one can now say NO to the sinful nature because its dominion is broken. Thus one is enabled by the Holy Spirit to stop yielding his/her evil affections, desires, and appetites to sinful acts.
Therefore, it IS a done deal because Christ’s work is finished and complete and our salvation is secured in Christ.
But it ISN’T a done deal--on a daily basis for producing fruit--unless we reckon, count, think, esteem, or otherwise believe and appropriate it as done and act accordingly. We will either choose victory and freedom or excuse our frailties by blame and irresponsibility.
Laying Some Foundation Stones
The lack of self-control is filling waiting rooms and therapy chambers of mental health workers, psychologists, psychiatrists and counselors. Lack of self-control is at the root of any number of mental, emotional and spiritual ills. For example, consider some ways we almost flippantly talk about our own lack of control.
My temper alienates me.
Problem: Lack of self-control
Answer: The fruit of the Spirit . . . self-control
I don’t pray enough.
Problem: Lack of self-control
Answer: The fruit of the Spirit . . . self-control
I don’t read the Bible enough.
Problem: Lack of self-control
Answer: The fruit of the Spirit . . . self-control
I don’t have time for . . . (wife), (family), etc.
Problem: Lack of self-control
Answer: The fruit of the Spirit . . . self-control
I eat too much.
Problem: Lack of self-control
Answer: The fruit of the Spirit . . . self-control
I’m too impulsive.
Problem: Lack of self-control
Answer: The fruit of the Spirit . . . self-control
I’m addicted to drugs (alcohol).
Problem: Lack of self-control
Answer: The fruit of the Spirit . . . self-control
I talk too much.
Problem: Lack of self-control
Answer: The fruit of the Spirit . . . self-control
I’m never on time.
Problem: Lack of self-control
Answer: The fruit of the Spirit . . . self-control
I smoke too much.
Problem: Lack of self-control
Answer: The fruit of the Spirit . . . self-control
I’m too critical.
Problem: Lack of self-control
Answer: The fruit of the Spirit . . . self-control
I eat too much.
Problem: Lack of self-control
Answer: The fruit of the Spirit . . . self-control
I can’t stay on a budget.
Problem: Lack of self-control
Answer: The fruit of the Spirit . . . self-control
I can’t forgive.
Problem: Lack of self-control
Answer: The fruit of the Spirit . . . self-control
I’m too busy.
Problem: Lack of Self-control
Answer: The fruit of the Spirit . . . self-control
Overindulgence characterizes a lack of self-control. At the root of all kinds of abuse--mental, physical, emotional --is a lack of self-control. This is not a new problem. It is as old as the human race. It’s not what somebody else does: it is what I do; what you do; what we do.
PRACTICAL THINGS
Beginning my preparation for this study I was struck by two things. First, my attention was drawn to how the Bible calls upon us to practice self-control but it never tells us exactly how to do it. It just says BE self-controlled.
The second thing I noticed was the relatively few passages assigned to the subject. Love, joy, and peace are found everywhere in the Bible. Close your eyes . . . open your Bible . . . put your finger on the open page . . . chances are very good you will read something about love, joy, or peace. You have to want to find self-control. This does not mean it is a second-rate subject or that it is a kind of afterthought in the mind of God for our lives. In fact, its rarity actually increases its value.
One of the first jewels I found (and it is a jewel) is in the Book of Proverbs. The Wise Man said,
He that is slow to anger is better than the mighty, and he who rules his spirit than he who takes a city (Proverbs 16:32).
I especially love the way the Living Bible paraphrases it."It is better to be slow-tempered than famous;it is better to have self-control than to control an army."
In simple, straightforward terms this verse from Proverbs establishes the priority for the exercise of self-control.
Let’s consider a definition or two before we look at the Scriptures that deal directly with the subject. We will then study some examples of how it has been practiced in the lives of a few great men of God.
"Human reflection on self-control has a very long history. The Greeks wrote about methods of self-
control 4,000 years ago, and Paul encouraged temperance (a limited form of self-control) when
writing the early Christians (1 Cor. 9:24-27). In
contrast to such early encouragements of self-
control, a systematic exploration of how peo-
ple can regulate their own behavior has a very short
history." (Encyclopedia of Psychology, Baker Book
House, Grand Rapids, MI. 1985, p. 1042)
If asked to define self-control we would most likely say something like, “it’s the ability to restrain my impulses, emotions or desires through exercise or my will.” That would be a good definition and it applies to all people regardless of their relationship with Jesus Christ. By New Testament standards, however, it falls short of expressing an especially Christian view. It is the Christian view that we want to focus on in this study.
You see, our English word temperance found in the King James Version of Galatians 5:23 is a translation of the Greek word egkrateia (eng-krat’-i-ah), meaning “self-control” or “continence.” Because of the evolving of word-meanings it is preferable today to use the word “self-control” because “temperance” is now mostly limited to one form of self-control. Self-control consists of the right use of the will--anyone’s right use of the will. In the case of the Christian, however, it means the right use of the will under the controlling power and performance of the Holy Spirit who indwells the believer.
This is clearly a defining distinction of utmost importance from a narrowly Christian viewpoint.
The Greek word egkrateia is derived from another Greek word, kratos. Kratos means “strength.” Kratos is translated power in Eph. 1:19.
“...according to the working of his mighty power, which he wrought in Christ, when he raised him from the dead . . .” (Eph. 1:19,20).
In other words, the same strength and power that raised Jesus from the dead and exalted Him in heaven is available today for the growth and development of the fruit of the Spirit in our lives. But an available resource (resurrection power) does not guarantee an applied resource. An available but unused resource can spell the difference between success and failure in the Christian life. This is especially true regarding an area (or areas) in life where things are out of control.
THE APOSTLE PETER ON SELF-CONTROL
One of the rare references to self-control is found in the Apostle Peter’s second letter. In the first chapter he writes of the source of our spiritual life. Peter writes: “His (God’s) divine power hath given unto us all things” (vs. 3). He continues by pointing to the, “exceeding great and precious promises” of God that are intended as a resource for escaping, “the corruption that is in the world through lust.” He writes of these things as though they are an accomplished fact.
"And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge;and to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness;and to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity. For if these things be in you, and abound, they make you that ye shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ" (2 Peter 1:5-8).
In verse five he changes his tone and emphasis. By linking what God has already done by “his divine power” and giving “exceeding great and precious promises...to escape” the world’s corruption, he exhorts us to, “give all diligence” to add certain Christian virtues to our faith. The word “diligence" means, “do one’s best, to take care, to exert one’s self”(Wuest). Two things are obvious from these verses.
HUMAN RESPONSIBILITY
We are to personally see to it that these virtues
--including self-control--are included in our Christian lifestyle. Earlier in this study it was pointed out what God has done through Christ to break the power of our sinful nature. We saw that through the indwelling of the Holy Spirit Christian character traits were possible. By now it should be clear that the divine nature (2 Pet.1:3) is not a spiritual cookie-cutter turning out prefab Christian virtues in our life regardless of what we do or the attitude we take to the salvation God has provided. True enough, the new birth (Jn. 3) and regeneration by the Holy Spirit imparts a new nature which produces a change in a sinner’s life (2 Cor. 5:17). But this change will prove to be most effective when one not only determines to live a life pleasing to God, but also will definitely step out in faith to live that life in dependence upon the new life that God has implanted. The use of the word “diligence” emphasizes that this effort is to be an intense one and not a half-hearted or merely listless attempt at doing “the best I can to do God’s will.”
THE ROLE SELF-CONTROL PLAYS
Peter makes it clear that if this virtue--and the others--is . . . in you, and abound, they make you that ye shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. The emphasis here is upon knowing the Lord Jesus Christ. It is not merely an intellectual perception. He says if self-control “abounds” (Gr., pleonazo), in the sense of one experiencing an overflowing Spirit-filled life then one will be freed up to pursue and press toward and finally reach the knowledge of Jesus Christ( see Eph. 1:15ff and Col. 1:9-12). Remember:
I don’t know the Lord as I should.
Problem: Lack of self-control
Answer: The fruit of the Spirit . . . self-control
Self-control also plays an important role in the evangelistic message. I was surprised, and at first puzzled, to find it included in the Apostle Paul’s evangelism effort with the governor Felix.
"Now as he reasoned about righteousness, self-control, and the judgment to come, Felix was afraid and answered, “Go away for now; when I have a convenient time I will call for you” (Acts 24:25 NKJV).
Paul’s evangelistic method with Felix reveals the heart of today’s evangelistic appeal. It is a message of (1) righteousness, which represents God’s claims, (2) self-control, which represents man’s response to those claims, and (3) judgment, which represents the day when all must appear before God. It was probably the self-control element that stopped Felix cold in his tracks. Remember:
I can’t live a Christian life
Problem: Lack of self-control
Answer: The fruit of the Spirit . . . self-control
MORE PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS
Paul tells the young pastor Timothy: “keep thyself pure” (1 Tim. 5:22). Although the word “temperance” is not used in this verse the underlying idea is here. I should point out that the word “temperance” as used by Paul and Peter was understood by the Greeks of that day to mean holding the passions and desires in hand. The word was used of the purity of one who masters his desires and passions, especially his sensual appetites. Sensual appetites include (but is not limited to) sexual desires. It applies equally to overindulgence in food and drink.
In 1 Cor. 9:24-27 Paul makes clear that failure to bring “my body” (vs. 27), i.e., “myself" into subjection is to risk being “unapproved--and rejected [as a counterfeit] (Amplified Bible). It’s the risk of not obtaining the prize for which one runs the race.
Church leaders (in this case a Bishop) are to be “just, holy, temperate” (Titus 1:8), that is, self-controlled, mastering, restraining, and controlling one’s self.
Older men are to be, “sober, grave, temperate” (Titus 2:2), that is, of a sound mind, sane; curbing one’s desires and impulses; self-controlled.
Writing to the Christians at Corinth, Paul uses ancient Israel as an example of the lack of self-control (1 Cor. 10:1-12). They were guilty of four areas of abuse:
Idolatry--Exodus 20:4,5. According to Colossians 3:4, covetousness is the same as idolatry. What are some things we “idolize” in our lives?
What are some things we just “can’t do without?” What are the things that have a higher priority than developing our knowledge of and walk with the Lord Jesus Christ? Remember:
I don’t have time to study the Bible and pray.
Problem: Lack of self-control
Answer: The fruit of the Spirit . . . self-control
Fornication--James 4:4 says that friendship with the world amounts to spiritual fornication (see 1 John 2:15-17). Although we are in the world we are not of the world. Self-control will enable us to live in this world without being conformed to it (see Rom. 12:2).
Tempting Christ--An example of Israel tempting God is found in Numbers 21:5,6. They spoke against rightful authority. Paul lists “seditions” (Gal. 5:19-21) as one of the works of the flesh. Sedition is defined as “incitement of resistance to or insurrection against lawful authority.” Could a “seditious attitude” explain the unrest and acts of lawlessness that characterizes so much activity in the streets and homes of our communities today?
Murmuring--Put quite simply, to murmur means to grumble. The Israelites complained, and grumbled, about their leaders and their situation in life. No matter how unpleasant our circumstances there is no justification from Scripture for us to grumble or murmur. Consider what James 3:5,6 says about the potency of the tongue. This whole passage refers to the effect of negative speech. Remember:
I talk too much.
Problem: Lack of self-control
Answer: The fruit of the Spirit . . . self-control
“Whoso keepeth his mouth and his tongue keepeth his soul from troubles” (Prov. 21:23). According to this verse all our negative confessions of weakness, inability, and failure result in a host of troubles. Could this be a key to the many troubles experienced by some believers today?
We are told to,
“Keep your heart [sounds like something we are responsible for] with all diligence [there’s that word again]; for out of it spring the issues of life” (Prov. 4:23 NKJV).
HOW SOME HAVE DONE IT
SAUL. No sooner was Saul dried from the anointing oil that was poured over his head by the Prophet Samuel when he was chosen as Israel’s newest King but he tasted his first resistance and antagonism by a group of loudmouth rowdies. These rebels said, “How can this man save us?” They despised the new King and didn’t join in the celebration. Not only did they make their statement verbally but added injury to insult by refusing to bring a customary present worthy of honoring the man and the occasion. Now this was no small breach of protocol. It was an open and deliberate affront to the new King.
Sounds like the perfect time and place to show someone who’s boss! What would you do in this situation? Flex some muscle? Make an example of these no-goods before everyone to prove you have the ability and will to rule? Well, that is one approach that is often taken. But is it the best?
Perhaps some that were there that day urged Saul to take such action. But to his credit he didn’t listen to them Instead, the Bible says, “he held his peace” (1 Samuel 10:27). Now that’s self-control!
DAVID. King Saul got off to a good start but unfortunately he allowed things to go bad for himself. Some months later David was anointed to be King in his place. But Saul was determined to hold his throne. With bitter jealousy and anger (no self-control) he relentlessly pursued David across and through the rugged wilderness of Palestine to eliminate this threat.
On two separate occasions David was providentially given opportunities to rid himself of this threat to his life. You must read these stories. The first is found in 1 Samuel 24:1-15. The second is in 1 Samuel 26:1-20. When you read them consider carefully the example David gives of self-restraint and self-control even though he is urged by his top military adviser to act otherwise. In today’s lingo David had motive and opportunity and, as some might see it, justification but he acted with restraint and self-control.
JESUS. The incredible example set by our Lord Jesus Christ on the night of His infamous trial before his murder-minded accusers is an inspiration to everyone. After they had screamed several blatant lies against Him,
. . .the High priest arose and said to Him,‘Do You answer nothing? What is that these
men testify against You?’ But Jesus kept silent.” (Mt. 26:62-63).
Later, before Pilate,
. . . he was being accused by the chief priests and elders, He answered nothing. Then Pilate said to Him, ‘Do You not hear how many things they testify against You?’ And He answered him not one
word, so that the governor marveled greatly” (Mt. 27:12-14 NKJV).
The Apostle Peter uses Christ’s example in his exhortation about the proper response a Christian is to make under the stress of mistreatment. He says
For to this you were called, because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that you should follow His steps: ‘Who committed no sin, nor was guile found in His mouth; [from Isa. 53:9] who, when He was reviled, did not revile in return; when He suffered, He did not threaten, but committed Himself to Him who judges righteously (1 Peter 2:21-23 NKJV).
There are times when we are tempted to “fight fire with fire.” In such a situation it is easy to forget the words of James who said: See how great a forest a little fire kindles! And the tongue is a fire. . .and sets on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire of hell (James 3:5,6).
HOW ANYONE CAN DO IT
The Living Bible captures in simple, easy to understand terms the way we feel:
"For we naturally love to do evil things that are just the opposite from the things that the Holy Spirit tells us to do; and the good things we want to do when the Spirit has His way with us are just the opposite of our natural desires. These two forces within us are constantly fighting each other to win control over us and our wishes are never free from their pressures" (Gal. 5:17).
No one says it is easy. In fact, it is difficult. Paul tells us in the Galatians passage how the struggle plays out:
"For the flesh lusts against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; and these are contrary to one another, so that you do not do the things that you wish" (Gal. 5:17).
But saying it is difficult does not provide one with an excuse, especially in the light of verse 16:
"I advise you to obey only the Holy Spirit’s instructions. He will tell you where to go and what to do, and then you won’t always be doing the wrong things you evil nature wants you to" (Living Bible).
Self-control means the exercise of one’s free will to make good or bad choices. Our creator has endowed every person with the ability to make good choices. Obeying the Holy Spirit’s instructions and receiving His strength is a bonus benefit to the believer.
It should be pointed out, however, that one does not need to have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ to make good choices and exercise self-control. Untold millions of non-Christians practice self-control to one degree or another every day. The Christian man or woman, however, has an advantage over others because they have learned to surrender their will to the controlling power and strength of the Holy Spirit Who indwells them.
The indwelling Holy Spirit is available to everyone. But there is one condition. First, one must, through repentance and faith toward God, receive the new life (new nature) that the Holy Spirit imparts to anyone who believes in and receives as personal Savior, Jesus Christ. The new life God gives to any believing sinner is a vital, animating, spiritual dynamic that transforms his inner being and as a result, his behavior. This is the source of the Fruit of the Spirit. This is the source of the fruit of self-control.
Second: the result of one’s acceptance of Jesus Christ as personal Savior opens a door of immeasurable opportunity that is filled with possibilities for rich blessing.
"Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ: by whom also we have access by faith into this grace where we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God" (Rom. 5:1,2).
The Greek word translated access means “admission.” The root word from which is taken means “to approach” or “to draw near.” Why is this important?
It is important because, according to a passage from the book of Hebrews, a special grace is available to every believer in the time of their darkest hour and greatest needs.
"Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need" (Hebrews 4:16).
There is grace to help--meaning appropriate, timely help--just when one needs it. One should never minimize the availability, strength, and power of the Holy Spirit to transform the life of a believer. His purpose is to develop the Christian’s ability to exercise control over the flesh (sinful nature) and bring it into submission.
The Apostle Paul prayed for the believers in Ephesus,"That He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with might through His Spirit in the inner man" (Eph. 3:16).
We are urged to strengthen our inner selves by the Spirit of God. A strong inner self will mean victory over the power of our natural desires and impulses. How does one strengthen his inner self? How does one cultivate the fruit of self-control? Here are a few suggestions.
BE FILLED WITH THE HOLY SPIRIT
"If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him!" (Luke 11:13).
"But ye shall receive power [ability, efficiency, might], after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you" (Acts 1:8)
"And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost" (Acts 2:4)
"And ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call" (Acts 2:37-38).
". . . be strengthened with might my his Spirit in the inner man" (Ephesians 3:16).
"Strengthened with all might, according to his glorious power, unto all patience and longsuffering with joyfulness" (Colossians 1:11)
PRACTICE THE POWER OF PRAYER
"Call upon Me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you shall glorify me" (Psalm 50:15) (NKJV)
"Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication [with strong purpose, resolve, and persistence] for all saints" (Ephesians 6:18).
"The effectual [heartfelt] prayer of a righteous man availeth much" (James 5:16).
"But ye, beloved, building up yourselves on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Ghost" (Jude 1:20).
PRACTICE PUTTING ON THE WHOLE ARMOUR OF GOD
". . . let us therefore cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armour of light" (Romans 13:12).
"But in all things, approving ourselves . . . by the word of truth, by the power of God, by the armour of righteousness on the right hand and on the left"
(2 Corinthians 6:4,7).
"Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles [strategies, tricks, and deceits] of the devil"(Ephesians 6:11).
"But let us, who are of the day, be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love; and for an helmet, the hope of salvation" (Thessalonians 5:8).
(See Ephesians 6:10-18 for the full treatment on the armour the Christian may wear.)
STUDY, APPLY, and PRACTICE THE WORD of GOD
"Your words were found, and I ate them, and Your word was to me the joy and rejoicing of my heart; for I am called by Your name, O LORD God of hosts" (Jeremiah 15:16 NKJV)
"And take . . . the sword of the Spirit which is the word of God" (Ephesians 6:17).
"Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth" (2 Timothy 2:17).
"All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness; that the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works" (2 Timothy 3:16,17)
PRACTICE POSITIVE THINKING
"For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds; casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ" (2 Corinthians 10:4,5).
"And be renewed in the spirit of your mind"
(Ephesians 4:23).
"Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there by any virtue, and if there by any praise, think on these things" (Philippians 4:8).
"Set your minds and keep them set on what is above--the higher things--not the things that are on the earth" Colossians 3:2 Amplified Bible)
PRACTICE THE POWER OF POSITIVE PRAISE
"Why are you cast down, O my soul? And why are you disquieted within me? Hope in God; for I shall yet praise Him, the help of my countenance and my God" (Psalm 43:5 NKJV).
"Oh come, let us sing to the LORD! Let us shout joyfully to the Rock of our salvation. Let us come before His presence with thanksgiving; let us shout joyfully to Him with psalms. For the LORD is the great God, and the great King above all gods" (Psalm 95:1-3).
"Be careful [anxious] for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God" (Philippians 4:6).
"Continue in prayer, and watch [don’t get tired or discouraged] in the same with thanksgiving" (Colossians 4:2).
PRACTICE MAKING POSITIVE CONFESSIONS
"God is my strength and power, and He makes my way perfect. He makes my feet like the feet of deer, and sets me on my high places" (2 Samuel 22:33,34 NKJV).
"I will say of the LORD, ‘He is my refuge and my fortress; my God, in Him I will trust" (Psalm 91:2 NKJV).
"Therefore I will look to the LORD; I will wait for the God of my salvation; my God will hear me" (Micah 7:7 NKJV).
"So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me" (Hebrews 13:6).
In Conclusion
FIRST: “Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like a man who looks at his face in a mirror and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like. But the man who looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues to do this, not forgetting what he has heard, but doing it--he will be blessed in what he does” (James 1:22-25 NIV).
SECOND: Jesus says: “Behold I stand at the door of your intellect, emotions, and will (your heart). I knock to gain entrance. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door I will come in and we will enjoy life together” (see Revelation 3:20).
To as many as receive Him, to them He gives power . . . overcoming power . . . self-controlling power.
