' But the fruit of the [Holy] Spirit [the work which His presence within accomplishes] is love, joy (gladness), peace, patience (an even temper, forbearance), kindness, goodness (benevolence), faithfulness, Gentleness (meekness, humility), self-control (self-restraint, continence). Against such things there is no law [that can bring a charge].'
Galatians 5:22-23 Amplified Bible Classic
Self-control, impulse control, discernment to understand which way one should choose, and the power to do it are great gifts from God. The verse in view here lists the treasures of heaven, and represents a short list of the riches that are part of our abundant life in and from God. In our former ignorance, when we were conformed to the pattern of this present darkness, our world today, the lusts of the flesh ruled us, and the sin nature that dominates much of the lives of all people in every place. This blessed gift, self-control, is hard to measure in terms of its value in our lives. Without it, we are like a ship without a rudder, as winds carry us away to places that we see but cannot avoid. We make a shipwreck of our lives, and we spoil many of the good things we receive because we lack self-control. Therefore, this gift of the spirit is more valuable than a crucible filled with the finest gold, purified and stainless of other ores. It is vibrant, and we do well to utilize it and harness its strength and power.
If the unregenerate person is a slave to sin, and believers are slaves to righteousness, then this gift is one of the central mechanisms at play. Slaves ot unrightousness do what they ought not to do, but have no power to change. The life-giving Spirit of God's presence in the life of a surrendered disciple of our Lord appropriates this gift, and self-control becomes the force for godly decision-making. Self-control manifests itself in this way. We are no longer slaves to do what is wrong, and begin to embark on the journey of making right decisions, and living out our faith by choosing the right ones.
' He who is slow to anger is better than the mighty, he who rules his [own] spirit than he who takes a city.'
Proverbs 16:32 Amplified Bible Classic
What we do says more about what we are than many words. How we live is a testimony in itself, and we dare not mistreat our convictions and neglect to live in obedience to our Master, our Lord, by carelessly disregarding his commandments and precepts. Self-control is relevant to all people everywhere. It keeps us safe, and it demonstrates spiritual maturity through a powerful voice that is spoken through demonstration and action. We show who we are by what we do, and far less by what we say. Therefore, take hold of this gift of the spirit as a shield, as a weapon of courage and strength.
Self-control is the mother of patience, sobriety, endurance, and Godly living, moreover. Self-control is the muzzle for the angry tongue, and it stops even the mouth of a fool who is thought wise when he keeps his thoughts to himself! Many a person has brought ruin upon themself by way of a lack of self-control, plunging into all sorts of dark practices and ungodly living. Anger is assaged and tempered by it, and recklessness is brought back within a sensible boundary when it is practiced by those who possess it.
' Cease from anger and forsake wrath; fret not yourself–it tends only to evildoing.'
Psalm 37:8 Amplified Bible Classic.
Self-control, a gift given to us by God Himself, is what makes this possible. Without it, we are stuck in the pattern that the world teaches, and are powerless to change anything for any significant length of time. We are blessed indeed by this wonderful gift, and it is genuinely part of the abundant life that Christ died to give us. Master its strength, and live in it continually, and it will yield a harvest that will be hard to deny. Praise God for His goodness, because He delights in the welfare of His servants!
Galatians 5:22-23 Amplified Bible Classic
Self-control, impulse control, discernment to understand which way one should choose, and the power to do it are great gifts from God. The verse in view here lists the treasures of heaven, and represents a short list of the riches that are part of our abundant life in and from God. In our former ignorance, when we were conformed to the pattern of this present darkness, our world today, the lusts of the flesh ruled us, and the sin nature that dominates much of the lives of all people in every place. This blessed gift, self-control, is hard to measure in terms of its value in our lives. Without it, we are like a ship without a rudder, as winds carry us away to places that we see but cannot avoid. We make a shipwreck of our lives, and we spoil many of the good things we receive because we lack self-control. Therefore, this gift of the spirit is more valuable than a crucible filled with the finest gold, purified and stainless of other ores. It is vibrant, and we do well to utilize it and harness its strength and power.
If the unregenerate person is a slave to sin, and believers are slaves to righteousness, then this gift is one of the central mechanisms at play. Slaves ot unrightousness do what they ought not to do, but have no power to change. The life-giving Spirit of God's presence in the life of a surrendered disciple of our Lord appropriates this gift, and self-control becomes the force for godly decision-making. Self-control manifests itself in this way. We are no longer slaves to do what is wrong, and begin to embark on the journey of making right decisions, and living out our faith by choosing the right ones.
' He who is slow to anger is better than the mighty, he who rules his [own] spirit than he who takes a city.'
Proverbs 16:32 Amplified Bible Classic
What we do says more about what we are than many words. How we live is a testimony in itself, and we dare not mistreat our convictions and neglect to live in obedience to our Master, our Lord, by carelessly disregarding his commandments and precepts. Self-control is relevant to all people everywhere. It keeps us safe, and it demonstrates spiritual maturity through a powerful voice that is spoken through demonstration and action. We show who we are by what we do, and far less by what we say. Therefore, take hold of this gift of the spirit as a shield, as a weapon of courage and strength.
Self-control is the mother of patience, sobriety, endurance, and Godly living, moreover. Self-control is the muzzle for the angry tongue, and it stops even the mouth of a fool who is thought wise when he keeps his thoughts to himself! Many a person has brought ruin upon themself by way of a lack of self-control, plunging into all sorts of dark practices and ungodly living. Anger is assaged and tempered by it, and recklessness is brought back within a sensible boundary when it is practiced by those who possess it.
' Cease from anger and forsake wrath; fret not yourself–it tends only to evildoing.'
Psalm 37:8 Amplified Bible Classic.
Self-control, a gift given to us by God Himself, is what makes this possible. Without it, we are stuck in the pattern that the world teaches, and are powerless to change anything for any significant length of time. We are blessed indeed by this wonderful gift, and it is genuinely part of the abundant life that Christ died to give us. Master its strength, and live in it continually, and it will yield a harvest that will be hard to deny. Praise God for His goodness, because He delights in the welfare of His servants!
