The Ministry of the Holy Spirit in the New
Course: The Fruit of the Spirit
Lesson 10 (Outline)
Lesson Title: Self-control (Temperance)
Text: Galatians 5:22-23 'But the
fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness,
faith, meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.'
Theme: Self-control is the power of the Holy
Spirit restraining us so that we are in control of our desires and passions.
Introduction: Self-control
is the Greek word 'Enkrateia' meaning 'in strength'.
·
It
is the strength to control desires, exercise restraint, and overcome evil
passions.
·
It
is the fruit of the Holy Spirit and has nothing to do with will power.
·
It
is used in three places in the New Testament, Galatians
5:25; Acts 24:25; 2 Peter 1:6.
Introductory Story: Paul spoke about self-control to the procurator Felix. Acts 24:25.
·
Antonius
Felix and Drusilla - Felix lured her away from her husband with the help of a
magician and she became Felix's third wife.
·
Felix
held power given by
·
When
Paul spoke to him he did not talk about his own situation but he spoke to Felix
about 'righteousness, self-control and judgement to come'.
·
It
was Felix the Roman governor who trembled before Paul the prisoner.
Exposition:
1. The fruit
of self-control is the restraining influence of the Holy Spirit.
·
It
is not will power; it is the Holy Spirit in control of the will.
·
We
can only present our bodies as a living sacrifice with self-control, Romans
12:1-2.
·
Self-control
must guard the thought life, 2 Corinthians 10:5.
2. Self-control is the fruit of the Spirit that
overcomes evil desires.
·
The
sins of the youth bear painful memories throughout life, Psalm
25:7.
·
Self-control
must always be on guard. David and Bethsheba, 2
Samuel 11:1-5.
3.
Self-control
is the fruit of the Spirit that enables the believer to live a disciplined
life.
·
It
is not works of self denial but it is a life under the control of the Holy
Spirit.
·
Self-control
prevents us from causing others to stumble, Romans
15:1-6.
Conclusion:
Self-control,
the fruit of the Spirit…
1.
…is
not will power but it is the Holy Spirit in control of the will.
2.
…is
the guard that keeps us from evil desires.
3.
…is
the power to live a disciplined life and keeps us from offending a believer in
Christ.
What should the student do?
1)
Let
self-control guard our thoughts, desires and actions.
2)
Let
self-control keep us from causing another person to stumble.