Self-control is the last in the fruit of the Spirit listed in Gal 5:23 and it’s one that we don’t hear too much about! One of the synonyms for self-control is self-discipline; it’s not a word that gives people warm fuzzies but it is one that is important.

When our spirits were recreated at the new birth our bodies and minds were not and so our bodies and minds therefore need self-control. As Paul said, “I discipline my body like an athlete, training it to do what it should” (1 Cor 9:27; NLT). Paul also told us that our bodies are “the temple of the Holy Spirit” (1 Cor 6:19; NKJV), and we were “bought with a price” (1 Cor 6:20; NKJV). For that reason, it is of utmost importance that we discipline them. We need self-control in every area of our lives: Spiritually, to establish and maintain prayer and Bible reading times. Physically, in our eating habits (1 Cor 10:31), exercise (Prov 31:17), our speech (Ps 141:3), and our tempers (Eph 4:26) to name a few areas. Mentally, in controlling our thoughts and emotions (2 Cor 10:5). We also need self-control with regard to spending, what we watch and listen to and much more.

A lack of self-control in any of these areas begins with thoughts in the mind, so it is important to find Bible verses to renew our minds (Rom 12:2) and replace these thoughts. We also need to remind ourselves that we are victorious because of Jesus (Rom 8:37) and we can do all things with His help (Phil 4:13). Don’t forget that the development of the fruit of the Spirit in our lives is a work of the Holy Spirit (Gal 5:22) so the more we walk sensitive to the Spirit (Gal 5:16) the easier it will be to develop self-control.

When Jesus came to the earth, He gave up the privilege of heaven, coming as a man and as a servant (Phil 2:7). To be empowered to minister in the supernatural wisdom and miracles that He did, He had to receive the power of the Holy Spirit (John 3:16-17; Acts 10:38). I sometimes wonder if we as Christians truly realize that the same Holy Spirit power lives in each one of us (2 Cor 1:22). “Do you not know that you are the temple of God and that the Spirit of God dwells in you?” (1 Cor 3:16; NKJV). Jesus said “Most assuredly, I say to you, he who believes in Me, the works that I do he will do also; and greater works than these he will do, because I go to My Father” (John 14:12; NKJV). The Father sent us the Holy Spirit (John 14:16) and a primary role of the Holy Spirit is to empower us to share Jesus with others (Acts 1:8).

The Holy Spirit also makes the word come alive to us (John 14:26) and with that revelation can enable us to walk in the life and godliness the Father has for us (2 Peter 1:3-4). In addition, in 2 Corinthians 3:18, the apostle Paul taught us that as the Holy Spirit unveils the word to us, we see the character and nature of Jesus more clearly and that growing understanding allows the Holy Spirit to change us to be more like Jesus. (2 Cor 3:18). “And all of us, with unveiled face, (because we) continued to behold (in the Word of God) as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are constantly being transfigured into His very own image in ever increasing splendor and from one degree of glory to another (for this comes) from the Lord (Who is) the Spirit” (2 Cor 3:18; NKJV). The net result “We can live like Jesus in the world” (1 John 4:17; NLT). Yes?

The book of Psalms is replete with praise for God and in Psalm 150:6 (NKJV) we read, “Let everything that has breath praise the Lord.” King David in Psalm 9:1 (NKJV) wrote, “I will praise You o Lord with my whole heart.” We could fill a book with reasons to praise God and David summed up the reasons with the following verse, “Great is the Lord, and greatly to be praised; and His greatness is unsearchable (Psalm 145:3; NKJV). We should be constantly praising God (Ps 34:1); with musical instruments (Ps 150), singing (Ps 47:6), lifting our hands (Ps 63:4), clapping (Ps 41:1), dancing (2 Sam 6:13-16) and shouting (Ezra 3:11). In Psalm 150 and throughout the Psalms the Hebrew word most used for praise paints a picture of wild, loud celebration! We are called to praise God whether we feel like it or not; our praise is a sacrifice offered to God (Heb 13:15).

King Jehoshaphat in the Old Testament was faced with a massive enemy army but God promised a victory and as the people of Israel sang praises to God, He destroyed their foes (2 Chron 20;1-22). We are directed to “Enter into His gates with thanksgiving and into His courts with praise” (Ps 100:4; NKJV). This verse shows us that as we praise God, we can experience His very intimate presence (Ps 100:4) and in Psalm 22:3 (NKJV) David wrote, “But You are Holy, enthroned in the praises of Israel.” The word, “enthroned” carries the essence of God invading our presence, settling down with us in His glory and power as we praise Him. That presence can lift us from all depression, worry and concern (Isa 61:3). Wow! Let’s praise God all day long?

It was in Genesis 17:16 and 18:10 that God told Abraham that his wife, Sarah, would give birth to a son even though they were both very old. Genesis 21:5 tells us that Sarah was 90! About 25 years passed between the promise and the birth of Isaac. That was a long wait! However, “Abraham’s faith did not weaken, even though, at about 100 years of age, he figured his body was as good as dead -- and so was Sarah’s womb. Abraham never wavered in believing God’s promise. In fact, his faith grew stronger, and in this he brought glory to God. He was fully convinced that God is able to do whatever He promises” (Rom 4:19-21; NLT). What amazing faith!

Verse 18 of Romans chapter 4 tells us that even though it looked hopeless Abraham still believed God’s promise. Now that is faith. He could see nothing to give him hope with his natural eyes but He trusted the Lord anyway. This lines up with 2 Cor 5:7, “we walk by faith, not by sight” (NKJV). How could he do this? He didn’t have Bible teachers to teach him about faith. I believe the answer is found in Romans 4:17, “Abraham believed in the God who brings the dead back to life and who creates new things out of nothing” (NLT). That is how God created the world, He made something out of nothing.

I encourage you today to have the faith of Abraham, don’t doubt God’s promise for whatever it is you are believing for, but let your faith grow stronger by feeding on the word of God (Rom 10:17) and meditating on the faith giants of the Bible (Hebrews chapter 11). Nothing is impossible for God (Luke 1:37).