LEARNING DAILY

Galatian 5:22-23, But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.

The last Fruit of the Spirit is self-control, from the Greek “enkartea” meaning the virtue of one who masters their desires and passions, especially sensual desires. “The Fruit of the Spirit are a barometer to see if [Believers] are getting the Christian walk right. God wants all of this fruit to be evident in our lives; He wants [Believers] to have a great life – an abundant life –and not just get by or have their salvation be fire insurance (I wonder if this was an intended pun) against going to hell for eternity” (Pastor Jonathon Moore, Lead Pastor at NorthRock Church).

The Holy Spirit empowers the Believer to live a self-controlled life; it is not something that one can grit their teeth and power through on their own (JM).  Proverbs 25:28, “A man without self-control is like a city broken into and left without walls.” “The Bible is full of examples of individuals who were out of control. It also shows that God pours out His grace every day for those who failed in this area. You have seen those who lack self-control, and most likely can remember your own difficulty in this area. Emotions get out of hand, one’s mouth speaking louder and sharper than necessary as words were spoken in anger, lust not being controlled, addictions, financial disaster, and gorging oneself as he/she overate – did I cover enough to get you to shake your head in understanding? God does not want Believers to be out of control!” (JM).

Every Believer has said, “not again” to one or more than one of these problems on the list above. But each of us does. Pastor Moore went to Romans 7:13-24 where Paul writes about doing what he does not want to do while not doing what he knows he should. Paul had the same difficulties every Believer has. The difficulty lies with there being two natures in us – the Spiritual Man which is opposed to the carnal nature (verse 23).  The winner of this battle is the one the individual feeds the most. If you have waled the narrow way for very long, you know Jesus was right when He said it would be difficult. The carnal nature, the world, and what we allow is a constant distraction to our walk with the Lord. “We can agree that we are going to do what is wrong according to God and His Word. When we do, we repent and move on. The problem comes when the wrong is committed and the one doing it tries to justify what was done. Stop trying to live by feelings! Feed the Spirit Man the Word of God daily.” (JM). Romans 8:3-4 follows this up with, “For God has done what the law, weakened by the flesh, could not do. By sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh and for sin, he condemned sin in the flesh, in order that the righteous requirement of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not according to the flesh but according to the Spirit.”

Pastor Moore spoke right to the point. “If self-control is going to be evident in the Believer’s life, he/she needs to get away from ‘it’. You know what “it” is for you. Severe the relationship! Do not go where “it” tempts you. Don’t let your eyes go where “it” causes you to have problems!” (JM). 1Corinthians 6:18 tells us to flee immorality. “You cannot manage sin! Flee!” (JM)

Quickly, Pastor Moore said “Guard your mind.” What you see matters. What you listen to matters. Stop justifying it. There is little doubt the battles you are losing are due to what you are watching. This is not just about sexual stuff. Are you fearful? “Connect the dots!” (JM).

The last point Pastor made was, “Go all in with God.” He shows/teaches us what will harm us and what is good. “When we invest our time in God’s Word, He shows us what is better than sin, a better alternative.” (JM). Remember what nature you feed the most – wins.