Sunday, 11/23/2025

Finding True Self-Control Through God's Spirit

In a world full of distractions and temptations, self-control can feel impossible to achieve. We live in a society that constantly pulls us in different directions, making it challenging to stay focused on what truly matters. But there's hope - and it's found in walking with God's Spirit.

What Does the Bible Say About Self-Control?

Galatians 5:22-25 tells us that self-control is one of the fruits of the Spirit: "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, long suffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self control. Against such there is no law. And those who are Christ have crucified the flesh with its passions and the desires. If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit."

This passage reveals something crucial: self-control isn't something we muster up through willpower alone. It's a fruit that grows naturally when we're connected to God's Spirit.

Why Do We All Struggle With Self-Control?

Let's be honest - every single one of us struggles with self-control in some area of our lives. Whether it's our words, our thoughts, our habits, or our reactions, we all have areas where we feel out of control.

The reason is simple: we're fighting a battle between our flesh and God's Spirit. Galatians 5:17 explains this tension: "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."

Common Areas Where We Lose Control

The works of the flesh are clearly outlined in Scripture: "adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lewdness, idolatry, sorcery, hatred, contentions, jealousy, outbursts of wrath, self ambitions, dissensions, heresies, envy, murders, drunkenness, rivalries" (Galatians 5:19-21).

These aren't just ancient problems - they're modern struggles too. We might battle with anger in traffic, inappropriate thoughts, jealousy toward others, or harmful habits we can't seem to break.

How Did Jesus Handle Temptation?

When we look at Jesus' temptation in the wilderness (Luke 4:1-13), we see the perfect example of self-control. For 40 days, Jesus was tempted by the devil, yet He never gave in. How did He do it?

Jesus was "100% God and 100% man all the time." He experienced every temptation we face, yet without sin (Hebrews 4:15). The key wasn't that it was easy for Him because He was God - it was that He chose to yield His will to God's will and fought every temptation with the Word of God.

The Power of God's Word

Each time the devil tempted Jesus, He responded with Scripture: "It is written..." This shows us that God's Word is our weapon against temptation. Hebrews 4:12 tells us "the word is powerful and sharper than any two edged sword."

What Does It Mean to Walk in the Spirit?

Walking in the Spirit means being so connected to God that we're guided by His directions rather than our own desires. It's like being plugged into a power source - without that connection, we're just going through the motions.

Galatians 5:16 gives us the key: "Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh." When we're walking in step with God's Spirit, we have the power to overcome temptation.

Putting on the Armor of God

Ephesians 6:10-11 reminds us to "be strong in the Lord in the power of his might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil."

This includes:

• The belt of truth

• The breastplate of righteousness

• The right shoes (gospel of peace)

• The helmet of salvation

Most of our battles begin in our minds. That's why Romans 12:2 tells us to "be not conformed to this world, but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind."

What Hope Do We Have?

The good news is that if you're in Christ, your old self has been crucified. Second Corinthians 5:17 declares: "Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature. Old things have passed away, and behold, all things become new."

You don't have to put that "old raggedy coat back on" because it's been defeated by Jesus. Romans 8:1 reminds us: "There is now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus."

We Are More Than Conquerors

Romans 8:37 tells us we are "more than conquerors" through Christ. We're fighting a battle that Jesus has already won. John 8:36 promises: "If the Son has made you free, you are free indeed."

How Can We Develop Self-Control?

True self-control comes from yielding our will to God's will and choosing His way over our way. It's not about trying harder - it's about surrendering more completely to God's Spirit.

When warning signs appear in our minds, we need to check ourselves before we wreck ourselves. The Holy Spirit will convict us before we dive into sin, giving us a way out.

Daily Spiritual Preparation

We need to start each day by putting on the full armor of God. This isn't a one-time decision but a daily choice to walk in the Spirit rather than the flesh.

Life Application

This week, identify one area where you struggle with self-control. Instead of trying to overcome it through willpower alone, commit to walking in the Spirit in that specific area. Start each morning by putting on the armor of God and asking the Holy Spirit to guide your thoughts and actions.

Remember: your circumstances should never change your faith, but your faith in God can and will change your circumstances. Trust in the Lord with all your heart, lean not on your own understanding, and He will direct your path.

Questions for Reflection:

• What specific area of self-control do you struggle with most?

• How can you better prepare spiritually each morning to walk in the Spirit?

• What Scripture verses can you memorize to use as weapons against temptation?

• Are you trying to fight battles in your own strength instead of relying on God's power?