“…gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law”
self-control
“Self-control implies that Spirit-filled Christians can control their desires. “Self-control” is self-mastery over a person or thing. It is inherent power over the self. Unrestrained flesh indulges the self, but a person walking in the Spirit has the power to control inner urges than a person walking in the flesh.
Biblical self-control is the concentration of the power of the Spirit toward the end of doing God’s will. This goes beyond abstinence or unadulterated power in self. A purpose or end in view is always at the heart of biblical self-control. There is a reason beyond self to deny oneself of something, whether it is controlling our tongue or our anger. We watch where we let our eyes fall because we want to please the Lord.
Principle:
The Spirit-filled believer has the power of the Spirit to enable him to master his passions.
Application:
Do you have control over your temper? Spirit-filled believers have the power to overcome their anger because they operate in the power of the Spirit.
“He who is slow to anger is better than the mighty,
And he who rules his spirit than he who takes a city” (Proverbs 16:32)
Joseph exercised self-restraint in the presence of his brothers (Genesis 43:31). A self-controlled person can rule his anger, although he might have just cause for his anger.
The dynamic Christian always concerns himself with his character and his reputation because he does not want non-Christians to lose credibility in Christ.
“Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may obtain it. And everyone who competes for the prize is temperate [self-controlled] in all things. Now they do it to obtain a perishable crown, but we for an imperishable crown. Therefore I run thus: not with uncertainty. Thus I fight: not as one who beats the air. But I discipline my body and bring it into subjection, lest, when I have preached to others, I myself should become disqualified” (1 Corinthians 9:24-27).
Almost afraid to ask this !!
1) While SELF CONTROL is a Fruit of the Spirit, is it not something I control with God’s power?
2) Fruit of the Spirit is not Spirit control, but self control under the leadership of the Spirit.
Is my thinking wrong on this?
Marge, all fruits of the Spirit are product by both the Holy Spirit and the believer. However, self-control is not operation bootstraps whereby the Christian produces this power in himself.
Self control under the leadership of the spirit is right marge.
You can as well check the verse 16 in tpt version
“Let me emphasize this: As you yield to the dynamic life and power of the Holy Spirit, you will abandon the cravings of your self-life.”