Good Ground: Self Control

Scripture References: Galatians 5:16-26 (main text); 2 Peter 1:3-7; Romans 8:13; Philippians 2:12-13; Titus 2:11-14; Luke 9:23; Proverbs 25:28

Intro: Welcome! We continue our "Good Ground" series on the Fruit of the Spirit (Gal 5:22-23). Today we tackle Self-Control. While listed last, it's foundational for all other fruit. But how does it grow? Is it our effort or the Spirit's work? Galatians reveals it's a partnership: empowered by the Spirit, we actively participate in becoming more like Jesus.

Key Points:

1. The Spirit/Flesh Conflict (vv. 16-17): Paul highlights the internal battle between our old sinful nature (flesh) and the Holy Spirit. Their desires are opposed. This conflict is evidence the Spirit is at work!
2. Partnership in Growth: Scripture shows a divine/human partnership. God gives "everything we need" (2 Pet 1:3), yet we must "make every effort" (2 Pet 1:5). We put sin to death by the Spirit (Rom 8:13). God works in us as we work out our salvation (Phil 2:12-13). It's His power and our participation.
3. Self-Control is Foundational:
   • Discipleship Requires Discipline: Following Jesus inherently involves self-denial (Luke 9:23).
   • Lifelong Need: We never outgrow the need for self-control (Paul's instructions in Titus span age groups).
   • Discipline Creates Freedom: Like athletic or musical training, spiritual discipline (self-control) leads to greater freedom and flourishing, not bondage. Lack of it leaves us vulnerable (Prov 25:28).
4. Self-Control: Fruit, Not Law (vv. 18, 22-23): True self-control isn't generated by external rules (law) but grows internally from the Spirit's life within us.
5. The Third Way (Beyond Express/Suppress): Culture promotes expressing every desire (hedonism) or merely suppressing them (legalism/fear). Paul offers transformation: "Walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh" (v. 16).
6. How the Spirit Empowers Self-Control:
   • Provides a Superior Desire: He reveals Christ as more compelling and satisfying than sin ("Orpheus's song").
   • Renews the Heart: Gives us new affections aligned with God.
   • Gives Grace for Fresh Starts (Titus 2:11-14): God's grace trains us to say "no" to ungodliness and live self-controlled lives. His forgiveness empowers us to get back up after failure.
7. Biblical Self-Control = Aiming to Please Him: It's not grim self-effort but "the exercise of inner strength under the direction of sound judgment that enables us to... do things that are pleasing to God" (Jerry Bridges). Our motivation is love and gratitude for His grace.

Conclusion: Self-control, a vital fruit of the Spirit, is foundational to Christ-like living. It's cultivated through partnership with the Holy Spirit, who redirects our desires toward Christ, renews our hearts, and empowers us by grace to make choices that please God.

Call to Action: Recognize the Spirit/flesh battle. Rely on the Spirit's power, not just willpower. Ask Him to make Jesus more desirable than sin's allure. Receive His grace as a fresh start when you fail. Make it your aim to please Him today, trusting the Spirit to produce self-control in you.

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Good Ground: Self Control (Galatians 5:16-26)
with Travis Aicklen