“Self-control as a Fruit of the Spirit” - Galatians 5:16-26

• Purpose, Secret, Rewards

1. Purpose: Self-control leads to freedom.

• “And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.” (v.24)

• “For which I am suffering, bound with chains as a criminal. But the word of God is not bound!” (2 Timothy 2:9)

a. Freedom through controlling.

• “Brothers, if anyone is caught in any transgression, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness. Keep watch on yourself, lest you too be tempted.” (Galatians 6:1)

b. Freedom through concentrating.

• “Less is more.”

c. Freedom through creating boundary

2. Secret: Spiritual discernment is the key for self-control.

• “For the one who sows to his own flesh will from the flesh reap corruption, but the one who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life. And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up.” (Galatians 6:8-9)

3. Rewards: Abundance awaits through self-control. 

• “For it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure.” (Philippians 2:13)

• “And knowledge with self-control, and self-control with steadfastness, and steadfastness with godliness, and godliness with brotherly affection, and brotherly affection with love. For if these qualities are yours and are increasing, they keep you from being ineffective or unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.” (2 Peter 1:6-8)