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The Fruit of the Spirit (9/9) – Self-Control/Self-Discipline

Descipleship

22But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.

– Galatians 5:22-23

28Like a city that is broken into and without walls

So is a person who has no self-control over his spirit.

– Proverbs 25:28

25Everyone who competes in the games exercises self-control in all things. So they do it to obtain a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable.

– 1 Corinthians 9:25
(NASB® © 2020)
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The Lord Jesus once said that we are destined to bear fruit. Our goal in life should, therefore, be to bear lasting fruit that is so valuable to God.

Ultimately, fruit means reflecting the characteristics of the Lord Jesus. When He is seen in us, God is glorified.

In this series, we want to reflect on the individual fruit that the Holy Spirit wants to work in our lives. And since our Lord is always the perfect role model (cf. Mt. 11:29; Jn. 13:15; 1 Pet. 2:21), we will look directly at incidents from His life where these characteristics become visible.

“But the Fruit of the Spirit is … Self-Control.”

When we think of self-control, we may initially think of restraint in the use of alcohol. However, the term “self-control, self-discipline” means moderation and renunciation in every area of life.

This can refer to thoughts (2 Cor. 10:5), eating and drinking (1 Cor. 10:31), sex drive (1 Cor. 7:9), temperament, excessive sleep, and much more. The believer should avoid any form of addiction, whether it is alcohol, tobacco, tranquilizers, shopping, or vacations. The tongue must also be controlled (Jas. 3:1-12). A self-controlled believer knows how to be content (Phil. 4:11, 12).

Paul says that a someone who runs in a race must be self-controlled if he wants to win (1 Cor. 9:25). As soon as something dominates a believer, the red line is crossed (1 Cor. 6:12). A lack of self-control is the gateway to temptation (Prov. 25:28).

Examples of self-control in the life of the Lord that we can learn from:

  • The Lord Jesus had only words of grace (Lk. 4:22) ready for those around Him, never uncontrolled outbursts.
  • The Lord only wanted to eat when His Father told Him to (Jn. 4:31-34).
  • The Lord Jesus cultivated fellowship with His Father while others enjoyed their home, sleep, and comfort (Mt. 14:23; Lk. 6:12).

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Descipleship

The Fruit of the Spirit (8/9) – Gentleness

In this article, we explore the fruit of gentleness, showing how the Holy Spirit shapes believers to reflect Christ’s calm, forgiving, and patient character—even in the face of insults, disappointments, or personal attacks—using Jesus’ life as the ultimate example.
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Descipleship

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Descipleship

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Descipleship

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Descipleship

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Descipleship

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Descipleship

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