FoTS - Self-Control

Well, here we are at the last Fruit of The Spirit listed in Galatians 5 - Self-Control. I hope you have enjoyed these brief Bible Studies as much I have enjoyed writing them. Self-Control is something we all could use more of, especially these days.

Here's a perfect example of self-control - blood sugar. When we eat too many carbs our blood sugar goes up. So does our weight. That's not good. But those carbs are SO good tasting! And there's the battle. Self-control is needed when we become tempted by those doughnuts and muffins.

But there is another kind of self control we need to keep in mind, beyond what tempts us in the bakery aisle at the local convenience store. Satan's temptations. He absolutely loves to tempt us away from following God.

Temptation is the cause of many a sin. We need spiritual self-control. Here's an example from our Lord, Jesus.

Jesus was tempted three times in the dessert by Satan. Each time Jesus refused and even rebuked Satan with scripture.

Adam and Eve are another example. A little more self-control on both of their parts and we wouldn't be in this mess we're in today.

We need spiritual self-control, and God's Holy Spirit provides it.

"No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it." - 1 Corinthians 10:13

That "way" is the Holy Spirit. And that's the real question regarding the fruits of Spirit. Is the Holy Spirit living in you?

Questions:

1. What is the biggest temptation facing you right now?
2. In what ways can you exhibit self-control?
3. The family is over and talking about Aunt Susan's drinking problem. What do YOU do?
4. James tells us that God will never tempt us (James 1:13) but He WILL test us (James 1:3). Is that test (temptation) something we can pass (self-control)?
5. When no one else was around, what is something you did that you wish you didn't?

Post-Op

God has blessed me with many friends in this life. I met with several of them this past week, two are recovering from recent surgeries. Both were more energetic than they were before their operations. Both were free from their previous ailments. Their smiles were bigger and their eyes were brighter.

Obviously, my friends were both glad they had made the decisions they did. Both were feeling far better than they had in the past. That got me thinking . . .

"And the scribes of the Pharisees, when they saw that he was eating with sinners and tax collectors, said to his disciples, “Why does he eat with tax collectors and sinners?” ¹⁷And when Jesus heard it, he said to them, “Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. I came not to call the righteous, but sinners.” - Mark 12:16-17

Jesus, the great physician, spent a lot of time ministering to those who needed to hear His healing words. There are numerous examples of His physical healings in the Bible too, but they were just a fortaste of what Jesus REALLY was interested in - their SPIRITUAL healing.

"All I know is, I was blind and now I see," said the man born blind. He was speaking of his physical healing. But he is also an example of spiritual healing saying, "Lord, I believe," and he worshipped Jesus (John 9). We are all "blind" . . . until we meet Jesus.

I love ALL of my friends. And what do friends do? Do you remember the paralytic man whose friends tore a hole in the roof and lowered him down to Jesus? What did Jesus do? He forgave the man's sins. That was his primary need. THEN Jesus healed the physical.

"And when he saw their faith, he said, “Man, your sins are forgiven." - Luke 5:20

Do you have someone in your life who is in need of spiritual healing? These days, it seems, there is an endless supply. Love someone enough today to tell them about the spiritual healing power of Jesus. He can absolutely change their lives. And their future eternity.