The Fruit of the Holy Spirit- self- control

The Fruit of the Holy Spirit. Galatians 5:22,23.

Self-control: Self-control is "love's mastery"

Read : Gal.3:23; Prov.23; Isa.5, 28; Dan.1; Prov.21:17; Tit.2:2; 2 Pet.1:6; Prov.16:32 Ja.3:2; 1Cor.9:27.

Characteristics:
* Life characterized by discipline.
* By the power of the Holy Spirit, being temperate in all things.
* The Greek word comes from a root word meaning 'to grip' or 'to take hold of'.
* Describes the strength of the person who takes hold of himself, stays in full control of himself.
e.g. Athletes are temperate in all things-Paul says in 2Tim.2:4-5.
Haman 'restrained' himself in respect to Mordecai (Esther 5:10).
* Among the list of qualifications for a bishop-most of them relate to self-control or of his family. (1Ti.3:27).
* Lack of self-control leads to destruction of leadership, diminishing our influence on others.
* Too much confidence in our strong points can sabotage our self-control in the very areas of our strength.(e.g. Peter). 1Cor.10:12.
* Self-control gives the courage to stand alone.
* An attitude of self-control develops strong character and strong character is the power to stand alone. Phil.4:13; 1Cor.9:27.
* John the Baptist, in solitude because of self-control, exerted special influence that motivated the crowds to fulfill their real needs.

How to develop and excercise self-control:-
1. Through dependence on God: The ultimate resource derives from the transformation of the inner spirit.
2. Through a life of discipline: In daily life prayer, meditation, study etc.
3. Through making decisions ahead of time: e.g.shadrack, Meshack etc., decided beforehand.
4. Through gratitude for adversity: Paul only uses the word 'adversity'. Cor.12:10. Also Job.Show gratitude to God for those experiences that will build your selfcontrol.
5. Through ruling your spirit:(e.g. while arguing with your wife, if door bell rings, do you continue shouting?)
- not retaliating to others' abuses, insults, etc. Prov.16:32.
- reflect on God's work in your own life.
3. Joy:comes from knowing you are being obedient to the will of God.
4. stability:Change will be purposeful and controlled leading to stability.
5. Leadership: self -control also insures the flowing of every other quality of love, joy, peace, etc.

These qualities catapult a person to a place of leadership. "And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible." 1Corinthians 9:25.