Fruit if the Spirit - Self-control (Rev. Dr. E. Wayne Hanks)
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. (Galatians 5:22, 23 NASB)
Anecdote - study having 600 4-yr olds wait 15 minutes to eat a marshmallow with the promise of more, if they wait. 30% succeeded, and tracking them later in life, this same group met with much greater success in teen and adult life.
3 Questions to Ask Oneself
Do I Have . . .
. . . Uncontrolled Appetites
Proverbs 23:1-2
When you sit down to dine with a ruler,
Consider carefully what is before you, And put a knife to your throat
If you are a man of great appetite. (Proverbs 23:1, 2 NASB)
. . . Uncontrolled Ambition
Gal. 5:20 - Gal. 5:19-21 lists the Works of the Flesh ("Weeds of the Devil").
When you follow the desires of your sinful nature, the results are very clear: sexual immorality, impurity, lustful pleasures, idolatry, sorcery, hostility, quarreling, jealousy, outbursts of anger, selfish ambition, dissension, division, envy, drunkenness, wild parties, and other sins like these. Let me tell you again, as I have before, that anyone living that sort of life will not inherit the Kingdom of God. (Galatians 5:19-21 NLT)
Example of Absalom - son of David (2 Samuel 18)
Phil 2:3,4
Don’t be selfish; don’t try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves. Don’t look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too. (Philippians 2:3, 4 NLT)
. . . Uncontrolled Anger
Eph 4:26,27
And “don’t sin by letting anger control you.” Don’t let the sun go down while you are still angry, for anger gives a foothold to the devil. (Ephesians 4:26, 27 NLT)
Woody Hayes anecdote - Clemson game where he attacked a player.
Prov 14:17
A quick-tempered man acts foolishly,
And a man of evil devices is hated. (Proverbs 14:17 NASB)
Anecdote - Cora Fay Wood (mother-in-law) death certificate, Cause of death mis-statement (smoking, for a non-smoker.
Lack of Self-control
Judges 16:20-21
She said, "The Philistines are upon you, Samson!" And he awoke from his sleep and said, "I will go out as at other times and shake myself free." But he did not know that the LORD had departed from him. Then the Philistines seized him and gouged out his eyes; and they brought him down to Gaza and bound him with bronze chains, and he was a grinder in the prison. (Judges 16:20, 21 NASB)
Prov 26:28
A lying tongue hates those it crushes,
And a flattering mouth works ruin. (Proverbs 26:28 NASB)
Who is in control of your life?
Luke 9:23
Then he said to the crowd, “If any of you wants to be my follower, you must turn from your selfish ways, take up your cross daily, and follow me. (Luke 9:23 NLT)
Jesus in me will help me say . ..
. . . "Yes" to the right things.
. . . "No" to the wrong things.
Titus 2:11,12
For the grace of God has been revealed, bringing salvation to all people. And we are instructed to turn from godless living and sinful pleasures. We should live in this evil world with wisdom, righteousness, and devotion to God, (Titus 2:11, 12 NLT)
Created 8 months ago
