Yea, this one isn’t gonna just step on toes. It’s going to crush them.
Even my own—OUCH!
Most people know the fruit (singular) of the Spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control (in the original text, there is no “and self-control”, because these are united aspects of one essence—the divine nature of God Himself. More on that below). However, while many are quick to focus on the love and kindness aspects of the Spirit’s fruit, they allow other aspects, such as faithfulness and self-control, to fade into the background, or they fail to recognize them altogether—especially when it comes to self-control.
The original Greek word used in the New Testament for self-control is egkrateia, and it means “The virtue of one who masters his desires and passions, especially his sensual appetites…from kratos, ‘strength,’ occurs in Act 24:25; Gal 5:23; 2Pe 1:6 (twice), in all of which it is rendered ‘temperance;’ the RV marg., ‘self-control’ is the preferable rendering, as ‘temperance’ is now limited to one form of self-control; the various powers bestowed by God upon man are capable of abuse; the right use demands the controlling power of the will under the operation of the Spirit of God; in Act 24:25 the word follows “‘righteousness,’ which represents God’s claims, self-control being man’s response thereto; in 2Pe 1:6, it follows ‘knowledge,’ suggesting that what is learned requires to be put into practice” (Blue Letter Bible).
If we look at the context of Paul’s letter to the Galatians, we see that false teachers infiltrated the church, and Paul is writing to rebuke their false gospel and its influence on the church (Galatians 1:6). These teachers were sharing a false gospel which called for circumcision, obedience to the Old Covenant Mosaic law, perhaps trying “to win converts for their own prestige: they want to win approval from the Jewish authorities by showing how effective they are in converting Gentiles to a form of Judaism” (ESV Study). By the time we get to chapter five, we see Paul’s reminder that Christ has freed Christians from Jewish ceremonial laws (rituals, sacrifices, feast/festivals, clean vs. unclean, and circumcision—as He has fulfilled them), mainly circumcision here. However, obedience to God’s moral law (that which is found in the Law and the Prophets—such as the Ten Commandments summed up with Jesus’ commands, moral behavior reflecting God’s character, His standards of holiness) is to be upheld; it is not nullified. We see this when Paul states, “For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another. For the whole law is fulfilled in one word: “You shall love your neighbor as yourself” (Galatians 5:13-14). He the goes on to list what the works of the flesh are (and that they are evident/obvious): sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality, idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, rivalries, dissensions, divisions, envy, drunkenness, orgies, and things like these (Galatians 5:19-21).
He makes clear that the things of the Holy Spirit and the things of the flesh are contrary to one another. There’s enmity between them, which would explain the struggle we feel as Christians when we are convicted of sinfulness in our lives. Those who continue to practice these things with unrepentance, however, “will not inherit the kingdom of God” (Galatians 5:21). Those who continue to practice these raise the concern of genuine salvation, as we see clearly throughout 1 John.
Finally, we see the work of the Spirit (fruit). The Galatians—along with us today—are urged to walk by the Spirit, not the flesh, keeping in step with the Spirit, living by the Spirit. It is a choice. It’s also interesting to note that the works of the flesh are plural, while, again, the work of the Spirit is singular. These characteristics are of God, facets of His very nature. God doesn’t have love, He IS love. He doesn’t have goodness, He IS good. He is the source of these aspects, the very standard by which we measure them.
With all this in mind for context, we move back to understanding self-control.
What is self-control by the Spirit?
As we see in Scriptural examples, the Holy Spirit of God is order, not chaos. Purpose, not randomness or chance. Truth, not futility or obscurity. Control, not recklessness or impotence.
(Below are some of such examples of supporting Scripture)
1 Corinthians 14:33 (addressing proper order within the church)
For God is not a God of confusion but of peace.
Genesis 1:14-18 (there was specific purpose in creation: the seven-day week, seasons, day and night, etc.)
And God said, “Let there be lights in the expanse of the heavens to separate the day from the night. And let them be for signs and for seasons, and for days and years, and let them be lights in the expanse of the heavens to give light upon the earth.” And it was so. And God made the two great lights—the greater light to rule the day and the lesser light to rule the night—and the stars. And God set them in the expanse of the heavens to give light on the earth, to rule over the day and over the night, and to separate the light from the darkness. And God saw that it was good.
John 14:16-17 (God the Holy Spirit is the Spirit of truth, guiding into all truth, sanctifying in truth)
And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Helper, to be with you forever, even the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees him nor knows him. You know him, for he dwells with you and will be in you.
John 16:13
When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth, for he will not speak on his own authority, but whatever he hears he will speak, and he will declare to you the things that are to come.
John 17:16-19
They are not of the world, just as I am not of the world. Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth. As you sent me into the world, so I have sent them into the world. And for their sake I consecrate myself, that they also may be sanctified in truth.
Isaiah 14:24 (God has had a plan from the beginning, and works according to His purpose. He is sovereign)
The LORD of hosts has sworn: “As I have planned, so shall it be, and as I have purposed, so shall it stand
Isaiah 46:10
‘My counsel shall stand, and I will accomplish all my purpose,’
Romans 8:28
And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.
Ephesians 3:20
Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us
Exodus (the entire account of constructing the tabernacle, the ark, the priestly garments, etc.. God is so meticulous, down to the threads and colors—always purpose and order.)
The basics definitions and synonyms from Merriam Webster for control is: the ability to direct the course of something (like parts of your body)—grasp, direction, hold, etc. the act or activity of looking after and making decisions about something—stewardship, management, governance, direction, etc. to keep from exceeding a desirable degree or level (as of expression)—regulate, contain, restrain, etc. to gain emotional or mental control of—calm, compose, etc. the right or means to command or control others; to exercise authority or power over—power, dominion, reign, etc.
With this, we not only see the type of control the Holy Spirit empowers us to have over ourselves, but how the Holy Spirit is in control of us when we submit ourselves fully to Him, choosing to walk by Him and not gratify the flesh.
We make choices in wisdom and discernment which reflect His self-control in us—a test of our genuine conversion and growth in sanctification. We practice temperance. We practice mastery of our desires, overindulgent behaviors, sensual passions, and stewardship of God’s provisions (like money) by God’s Spirit in us.
“Self-control naturally leads to perseverance (2 Peter 1:6) as we value the long-term good instead of the instant gratification of the world. Self-control is a gift that frees us. It frees us to enjoy the benefits of a healthy body. It frees us to rest in the security of good stewardship. It frees us from a guilty conscience. Self-control restricts the indulgence of our foolish desires, and we find the liberty to love and live as we were meant to” (Got Questions).
Knowing now what self-control encompasses, we can see there are many examples of how we are to exercise self-control in our lives by the Spirit. If we are walking by the Spirit, we won’t become careless with the things we govern—our bodies, finances, lives. We take care of what’s been given to us. Besides, we are not our own. We were bought with a price. If we are genuinely saved, we have died in baptism and were raised to new life in Christ (Romans 6/ Galatians 3:27/ 1 Peter 3:21). To live is Christ (Philippians 1:21). “It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me” (Galatians 2:20). Christ is my life, my identity. So how I treat myself and the things I govern matters.
THE BODY
How are we governing our bodies, His temple (spiritually and physically)? Are we treating our bodies with respect? We have to keep in mind God does refer to our bodies as His temple. In Scripture, the passages address sexual sin and being unequally yoked to unbelievers, yet, it doesn’t cease being the temple of God in every area. How are we allowing His Spirit to govern our bodies?
1 Corinthians 6:19-20
Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body.
2 Corinthians 6:16-18
What agreement has the temple of God with idols? For we are the temple of the living God; as God said, “I will make my dwelling among them and walk among them, and I will be their God, and they shall be my people. Therefore go out from their midst, and be separate from them, says the Lord, and touch no unclean thing; then I will welcome you, and I will be a father to you, and you shall be sons and daughters to me, says the Lord Almighty.”
Are we remaining sexually pure? Are we remaining spiritually pure? Are we fleeing from sin? What are we eating? Are we fueling our bodies with provisions God has made for us to consume in order to thrive? Or are we choosing man-made, lab-fabricated “foods” which contain so many synthetic chemicals and unnatural ingredients which actually damage our health? Are we active? God made our bodies to move. Are we lazy? Are we defiling our bodies in any way? Are we mutilating our bodies with marks, holes, ink, and cuts? Who are we to intentionally, permanently alter and/or destroy it (for the sake of vanity and non-medically-necessitated motives)? Are we hyper-focused on vanity, donning excessive makeup and ostentatious jewelry? Are we dressing modestly, or are we sending a message of enticement to the opposite sex? Are we acting modestly?
How about our minds? How do we treat our minds? There are many things which not only have a harmful effect on our bodies but may negatively affect our ability to use our minds properly—things which impair judgment, muddle our brain/thinking, hinder inhibitions, and even kill brain cells. These things would include alcohol, drugs, smoking, pornography, and other sensual behaviors. Furthermore, things we consider entertainment—the movies we watch, the music we listen to, and the books we read—sear images and ideologies into our minds which can damage.
I like this quote recently posted:
Romans 6:12-13
Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, to make you obey its passions. Do not present your members (literally, parts of the body) to sin as instruments for unrighteousness, but present yourselves to God as those who have been brought from death to life, and your members to God as instruments for righteousness.
FINANCES
How do we steward money? Are we being wise with financial provisions? If we answer this truthfully, then we can see something like gambling/lottery and wasteful spending isn’t proper stewardship but is quite reckless. God has provided for our needs, so are we using His provisions to meet those needs appropriately? Then, if we have an abundance, are we sharing with generous, glad hearts, helping others who are in deficit to meet their needs (doing so generously is to do so without grumbling or expecting anything in return). Along with being active, are we working hard to earn those provisions? Are we being honest in regard to our finances? Are we living off the system unnecessarily? (2 Corinthians 9:6-8/ Matthew 6:19-24; 19:16-30/ 1 Timothy 6/ Colossians 3:23-24)
*When it comes to giving, please keep this in mind:
Matthew 6:1-4
Beware of practicing your righteousness before other people in order to be seen by them, for then you will have no reward from your Father who is in heaven. “Thus, when you give to the needy, sound no trumpet before you, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may be praised by others. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward. But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your giving may be in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you.
LIVES
How are we preserving our lives? How are we living? Are we thrill-seekers, risk-takers, or daredevils? Do we claim to “tempt fate”? However we may refer to it, living in this manner is not being a good steward, nor a self-controlled, Spirit-led disciple of Christ. Our very lives are miraculous gifts from God, the Author and Sustainer of life. Only He has the right to give and take life. How are we helping to preserve the lives of others? Are we reflecting the light of Christ in every aspect of our everyday lives, or are we leaving Him at the door of our church building on Sunday? (Philippians 1/ Colossians 1:9-14/ Ephesians 4–5/ 1 Timothy 2).
HOMES
How are we managing our homes? Are we following proper, biblical roles for husbands and wives? If we are single, are we anxious about (careful of/looking out for) things of the Lord and His Kingdom, or are we anxious about things of the world? Are we effectively disicipling our children/families? Are we setting godly, righteous examples? Are we glorifying God in our actions behind closed doors? Are we inviting Christ to be head of our homes, or is He a guest who we allow to pop in from time to time? (1 Corinthians 7/ Colossians 3/ Ephesians 6:7/ 1 Thessalonians 4)
There are many areas in which we could question self-control. Are we truly allowing the Spirit to work in us, walking by Him and not still living by the flesh? Many passages of Scripture (like 1, 2, 3 John) offer examples of fruitfulness in the Spirit (what being saved and sanctified looks like), and John 15 helps us understand how we cultivate the Spirit’s fruit: We abide in Christ. “When our Lord says: Abide in me he is talking about the will, about the choices, the decisions we make. We must decide to do things which expose ourselves to him and keep ourselves in contact with him. This is what it means to abide in him” (Boice). God’s work in our lives and our faithfulness and obedience to Him should be evident by our fruitfulness. If we are abiding in Christ, that is, if we have fully surrendered to Him as Lord, and He is our Master, our Owner, we are no longer our own, and we walk by His Spirit, making decisions which glorify and honor Him. We are no longer slaves to sin, but we acknowledge sin and live in ongoing repentance. We flee from sin. We aren’t perfect by any means, but we are continuously growing and maturing in holiness, and this will overflow into a beautiful display of fruit. In love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, yes, even self-control.
And let us keep in mind, God gives His Spirit with purpose: To equip for certain tasks. We see this displayed under the Old Covenant, like in Exodus 31 when Bezalel is filled with the Holy Spirit to equip him with ability, intelligence, knowledge, and craftsmanship for God’s specific task of constructing all that He commanded. This is reiterated under the New Covenant when Jesus says He will send His Advocate/Helper (the Holy Spirit) to teach, guide in truth, and remind all that was commanded and said by Him (John 14:26; 16:13), equipping for a specific task—to know Him (truth) and make Him known (the message throughout the whole of Scripture). The Spirit isn’t just given for our benefit (though we do benefit greatly, no doubt!) but for His glory. THERE IS PURPOSE. When we come to realize this truth, we can see living by the Spirit makes our entire lives ALL about Him, representing Him, making Him known, and glorifying Him in ALL we do.
If you are struggling in these areas, pray for wisdom and discernment, and pray God cultivate each aspect of His fruit. Surrender fully to Him, and choose to walk by His Spirit in you.
References
G1466 – egkrateia – Strong’s Greek Lexicon (esv). Retrieved from https://www.blueletterbible.org/lexicon/g1466/esv/mgnt/0-1/ESV Study Bible
Merriam-Webster. (n.d.). Control. In Merriam-Webster.com thesaurus. Retrieved November 26, 2023, from https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/control
Got Questions. The Fruit of the Holy Spirit – What is self-control? Retrieved November 27, 2023, from https://www.gotquestions.org/fruit-Holy-Spirit-self-control.html
Boice, James Montgomery “The Gospel of John: An Expositional Commentary” (Five Volumes in One) (Grand Rapids, Michigan: Zondervan, 1985)