Releasing God's Best: Self-Control
Galatians 5:22-25; Proverbs 25:16, 26-28
22But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,
23Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law. 24And they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts. 25If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.
16Hast thou found honey? eat so much as is sufficient for thee, lest thou be filled therewith, and vomit it.
26A righteous man falling down before the wicked is as a troubled fountain, and a corrupt spring. 27It is not good to eat much honey: so for men to search their own glory is not glory.
28He that hath no rule over his own spirit is like a city that is broken down, and without walls.
More from the Word:
- I Corinthians 9:24-27
- Titus 2:11-12
The Greek word used here, “egkrateia” means temperance: the virtue of one who masters their desires and passions, especially their sensual appetites. I tie a self-controlled life in the same vein as a disciplined life - and then stretch a bit to talk about a disciple’s life. A part of being a disciple of Jesus Christ is being one who uses the Holy Spirit to empower self-control or discipline in their thoughts and desires, in their language and speech, and in their actions and commitments.
synonyms self-discipline, restraint, self-possession, self-command, willpower, composure, coolness;
The “honey bear” - too much of a good thing can be bad.
The shooter at the Texas church last Sunday - anger un-checked - too much of an emotion, any emotion can be a bad thing.
What can Spirit led, Spirit filled, Spirit empowered self-control do for you?
What’s the blessing of God here?
- Maybe keep you from indulging in something too much?
- Maybe keep your foot out of your mouth - how many times?
Have you responded to someone out of human anger and realized that you’ve hurt someone deeply - when that was not your real intention?
- Maybe keep you from attacking someone - with thoughts or words or actions?
TODAY'S PREACHER
Randy Reese is Co-Directing Pastor of Calvary UMC