Embracing the Power of Self-Control
As a beloved child of God, have you ever stopped to consider the incredible gift of self-control that He has given us? In Galatians 5:22-23,25, we are reminded that the fruit of the Spirit includes love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. But what does it really mean to live a life characterized by self-control?
The Model of Biblical Self-Control
We need look no further than Jesus Christ, the ultimate model of self-control. In Isaiah 53:7, we see that even in the face of oppression, affliction, and suffering, Jesus remained silent, uttering only words of forgiveness. He did not retaliate or speak bitter words, instead entrusting Himself to God, the righteous judge (1 Peter 2:23). This is the epitome of self-control.
Running the Race with Perseverance
In Hebrews 12:1-3, we are encouraged to throw off everything that hinders us and to run the race marked out for us with perseverance, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith. Jesus endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of God. He is our example, and we can learn from His determination and obedience.
The Source of Our Resistance
Jesus, fully God and fully man, learned obedience through suffering (Hebrews 5:8-9). He is the source of our resistance to every temptation to surrender to sinful words and actions. The presence of the Spirit of God in us is our greatest weapon, empowering us to do our Father’s will.
Blessed with Victory
As we yield to the Spirit’s control, we can experience victory over the flesh and the world. We can be blessed with correction and training in righteousness (2 Timothy 3:16), yielding peace for those who are conformed to it (Hebrews 12:11). We can apply the same determination as an athlete to spiritual disciplines, training in godliness (1 Timothy 4:8; 2 Timothy 2:5).
A Life of Freedom and Discipline
As we walk in the Spirit, we can be blessed with being in control of our flesh and mind, free from the control of the appetites of the world, the flesh, and the devil. We can be even-tempered, patient, and self-controlled, rising to be all God created us to be in Him. The fruit of the Spirit’s control produces a life of freedom and discipline, a life that honors God.
Rising to Be All God Created Us to Be
As we embrace the power of self-control, we can experience the blessings of Proverbs 16:32, “Better a patient man than a warrior, a man who controls his temper than one who takes a city.” We can rise to be all God created us to be, living a life that is characterized by the fruit of the Spirit.
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