Weapons for the Believer 4.8 – The Fruit of the Spirit – Self-Control

Weapons for the Believer 4.8 – The Fruit of the Spirit – Self-Control

According to Paul, there are weapons of warfare.

2 Corinthians 10:3-4 (ESV)

For though we walk in the flesh, we are not waging war according to the flesh. For the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh but have divine power to destroy strongholds.

We are considering ten weapons that the Believer has at their disposal. We looked earlier at The Fruit of the Spirit in the post “Weapons for the Believer 4.” If you haven’t read it I encourage you to do so.  Paul gives us the list in Galatians.

Galatians 5:22 (ESV)

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.

The original post on The Fruit of the Spirit (Weapons for the Believer 4) I mentioned a popular way of looking at this topic. Some teach that the Fruit of the Spirit is singular, Love, with each of the other fruit coming from the one. If you haven’t already done so, I encourage you to go back and read it.

Now I’m considering each Fruit of the Spirit in this manner. This time we are looking at Self-Control. Using Self-Control as the focus let’s see how it is reflected in our experience with the Lord.

            The Fruit of the Spirit is Self-Control.

Love is the ignition of Self-Control.

Joy is the outcome of Self-Control.

Peace is the wake of Self-Control.

Patience is the fuel of Self-Control.

Kindness is the focus of Self-Control.

Goodness is the currency of Self-Control.

Faithfulness is the benefit of Self-Control.

Gentleness is the rest of Self-Control.

 This last Fruit of the Spirit is somewhat of an oxymoron. The whole point of the Fruit of the Spirit is that they are produced by the Spirit and not through self-effort. However, even though “self” is part of the title it only identifies that which is being controlled. Because we have a soul and a body (flesh) that are not immediately born-again the way our spirit is at salvation, we need help controlling the propensity we have toward doing wrong. Paul described it like this.

Romans 7:13-20 (ESV)

Did that which is good, then, bring death to me? By no means! It was sin, producing death in me through what is good, in order that sin might be shown to be sin, and through the commandment might become sinful beyond measure. For we know that the law is spiritual, but I am of the flesh, sold under sin. For I do not understand my own actions. For I do not do what I want, but I do the very thing I hate. Now if I do what I do not want, I agree with the law, that it is good. So now it is no longer I who do it, but sin that dwells within me. For I know that nothing good dwells in me, that is, in my flesh. For I have the desire to do what is right, but not the ability to carry it out. For I do not do the good I want, but the evil I do not want is what I keep on doing. Now if I do what I do not want, it is no longer I who do it, but sin that dwells within me.

This is not the end of Paul’s explanation, but you get the point. Once our spirit becomes alive through Christ we want to see the image of Jesus manifested in us. Our soul and flesh have to be taught, and thus the need for the Holy Spirit to work Self-Control in us. I have seen more people side-tracked from seeking the Lord because they felt it was up to them to “get right.” Until you understand that you can NEVER get it all together on your own you will live a frustrated life.

Paul’s final conclusion is this: “I must die daily.” (1 Cor. 15:31) Jesus said, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.” (Luke 9:23 ESV) This doesn’t mean we have to be saved anew every day. It the admonition for us to realize all that has been provided for us through Christ and His sacrifice, so that we can live in the power of His resurrection by the Holy Spirit. This is not just religious jargon, but absolute truth by which we are saved completely, spirit, soul, and body, and have the Fruit of the Spirit being produced in us to be a witness of what Jesus has done in us.

Take time to review these posts regarding the Fruit of the Spirit. Allow God to make it part of our conscious thoughts throughout the day, and you will find yourself showing more love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.

Weapons for the Believer 4.7 – The Fruit of the Spirit - Gentleness

Weapons for the Believer 4.7 – The Fruit of the Spirit - Gentleness

According to Paul, there are weapons of warfare.

2 Corinthians 10:3-4 (ESV)

For though we walk in the flesh, we are not waging war according to the flesh. For the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh but have divine power to destroy strongholds.

We are considering ten weapons that the Believer has at their disposal. We looked earlier at The Fruit of the Spirit in the post “Weapons for the Believer 4.” If you haven’t read it I encourage you to do so.  Paul gives us the list in Galatians.

Galatians 5:22 (ESV)

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.

The original post on The Fruit of the Spirit (Weapons for the Believer 4) I mentioned a popular way of looking at this topic. Some teach that the Fruit of the Spirit is singular, Love, with each of the other fruit coming from the one. If you haven’t already done so, I encourage you to go back and read it.

Now I’m considering each Fruit of the Spirit in this manner. This time we are looking at Gentleness. Using Gentleness as the focus let’s see how it is reflected in our experience with the Lord.

            The Fruit of the Spirit is Gentleness.

Love is the language of Gentleness.

Joy is the inflow of Gentleness.

Peace is the instructor of Gentleness.

Patience is the assurance of Gentleness.

Kindness is the language of Gentleness.

Goodness is the attitude of Gentleness.

Faithfulness is the encourager of Gentleness.

Self-control is the picture of Gentleness.

I have never been known as a patient, kind, or gentle person. It was one of the greatest concerns I had when considering becoming a father. I did not want to be an example of anger or short-temper to my children. I wanted them to reflect the Fruit of what could be in their life through the Holy Spirit. I knew it was something that had to come from Him, not me.

Not to my credit, but wholly to the glory of God, my children are some of the kindest, most gentle people I know. My children are magnets for people that are hurting because they know they will find a kind word and a gentle response from them. This pleases me more than anything else. They show the Fruit of the Spirit in their lives. Of course, any of you that know my wife would certainly credit her for how they turned out. I could not agree more! We came to an understanding early that anything good in our children came from her.

Gentleness is a magnet. People are drawn to it because everyone wants to be treated with honor and respect. Unfortunately there is not much of it in our culture these days. That needs to change. Even the Church has a reputation of being hard and cruel when dealing with people both inside and outside their walls.

Jesus attracted people because of His kind and gentle response. The only ones He spoke to in a harsh manner were those of the pious, religious sort that felt they knew everything about God and were His only ambassadors on the planet. Jesus was quick to point out that they did not the Father at all, because if they did, they would certainly act differently. The same can be said of some in the Church today. Usually harshness comes from a place of injury. If Believers have not yet experienced total healing in their soul they can lash out from those places of pain to hurt others, sometimes not even knowing that they are doing so. That is why we must seek the help of the Holy Spirit.

The result of the Holy Spirit’s work in us will be the outflow of the Gifts that He produces in us; Gentleness being one of them. It is only by the Spirit that we can respond in a gentle manner consistently. Self-effort will never produce lasting fruit. This kind only comes as the result of yielding to the Holy Spirit’s guidance.

Weapons for the Believer 4.6 – The Fruit of the Spirit - Faithfulness

Weapons for the Believer 4.6 – The Fruit of the Spirit - Faithfulness

According to Paul, there are weapons of warfare.

2 Corinthians 10:3-4 (ESV)

For though we walk in the flesh, we are not waging war according to the flesh. For the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh but have divine power to destroy strongholds.

We are considering ten weapons that the Believer has at their disposal. We looked earlier at The Fruit of the Spirit in the post “Weapons for the Believer 4.” If you haven’t read it I encourage you to do so.  Paul gives us the list in Galatians.

Galatians 5:22 (ESV)

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.

The original post on The Fruit of the Spirit (Weapons for the Believer 4) I mentioned a popular way of looking at this topic. Some teach that the Fruit of the Spirit is singular, Love, with each of the other fruit coming from the one. If you haven’t already done so, I encourage you to go back and read it.

Now I’m considering each Fruit of the Spirit in this manner. This time we are looking at Faithfulness. Using Faithfulness as the focus let’s see how it is reflected in our experience with the Lord.

            The Fruit of the Spirit is Faithfulness.

Love is the legacy of Faithfulness.

Joy is the sustainer of Faithfulness.

Peace is the witness of Faithfulness.

Patience is the energy of Faithfulness.

Kindness is the fingerprint of Faithfulness.

Goodness is the method of Faithfulness.

Gentleness is the care of Faithfulness.

Self-control is the trademark of Faithfulness.

One of the Proverbs given by Solomon tells us the affect unfaithfulness can have.

Proverbs 25:19 (NKJV)

19  Confidence in an unfaithful man in time of trouble Is like a bad tooth and a foot out of joint.

One thing that seems to be slipping from our Western culture is Faithfulness. Marriages are ending at a record rate. Contracts are meaningless because through litigation even the most ironclad wording can be nullified. Promises no longer have merit. All of this is a result of trying to be faithful through human effort. Until we realize that our attempt at faithfulness is futile we will never walk in the Fruit of the Spirit called Faithfulness.

Jesus gave us the example to follow. He was faithful to the plan to which He was sent to accomplish. He carried out every aspect. He was faithful to keep the Law without even one infraction. He was faithful to show the character and nature of His Father, God, to everyone He encountered. He was able to do all of this through the Spirit of God that empowered Him. That same Spirit is in the Believer.

The promise Jesus made before leaving earth was that He would send another Comforter, the Holy Spirit, which would live in us. The Spirit’s presence in the Believer produces fruit, and one of these if Faithfulness. Faithfulness is not a habit we try to develop. Faithfulness is not only applicable to “Christian” things. Faithfulness should be exhibited in every aspect of the life of the Believer. Even when it’s not convenient. Even when it’s not popular. Even when it costs us something.

The Believer should be one that can be trusted, or as Solomon said, “Have confidence in times of trouble.” When we are not we cause others at best inconvenience, and at worst, possibly great loss. Regardless of the result, unfaithfulness does not represent our Lord well. In these times we must allow the Spirit to empower us to do what is needed, to keep our word, to stay the course, to provide the help needed, so that someone else will not suffer loss.

Remember, it is not “intestinal fortitude” but rather The Fruit of the Spirit being shown in the life of the Believer.

Weapons for the Believer 4.5 – The Fruit of the Spirit - Goodness

Weapons for the Believer 4.5 – The Fruit of the Spirit - Goodness

According to Paul, there are weapons of warfare.

2 Corinthians 10:3-4 (ESV)

For though we walk in the flesh, we are not waging war according to the flesh. For the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh but have divine power to destroy strongholds.

We are considering ten weapons that the Believer has at their disposal. We looked earlier at The Fruit of the Spirit in the post “Weapons for the Believer 4.” If you haven’t read it I encourage you to do so.  Paul gives us the list in Galatians.

Galatians 5:22 (ESV)

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.

The original post on The Fruit of the Spirit (Weapons for the Believer 4) I mentioned a popular way of looking at this topic. Some teach that the Fruit of the Spirit is singular, Love, with each of the other fruit coming from the one. If you haven’t already done so, I encourage you to go back and read it.

Now I’m considering each Fruit of the Spirit in this manner. This time we are looking at Goodness. Using Goodnese as the focus let’s see how it is reflected in our experience with the Lord.

           The Fruit of the Spirit is Goodness.

     Love is the essence of Goodness.

     Joy is the expression of Goodness.

     Peace is the inspiration of Goodness.

     Patience is the timeliness of Goodness.

     Kindness is the fabric of Goodness.

     Faithfulness is the persistence of Goodness.

     Gentleness is the strength of Goodness.

     Self-control is the reflex of Goodness.

Because of sin that entered mankind through Adam, Goodness is not the base nature of man. It is in a person’s heart to do bad things. The general feeling among those outside of the Church is that man is basically good. It is the minority that are evil. That is why Goodness can only come from the Holy Spirit. It is a Fruit of the Spirit’s work in the life of the Believer.

Luke 18:18-19 (ESV)

And a ruler asked him, “Good Teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?” And Jesus said to him, “Why do you call me good? No one is good except God alone.

Goodness becomes our moral compass. We seek out good things. We look for the good in people (even the non-believers). We speak good things. We do good things for ourselves and others. Goodness is the default choice. Peter, quoting Psalm 34, says it like this:

1 Peter 3:8-12 (ESV)

Finally, all of you, have unity of mind, sympathy, brotherly love, a tender heart, and a humble mind. Do not repay evil for evil or reviling for reviling, but on the contrary, bless, for to this you were called, that you may obtain a blessing. For “Whoever desires to love life and see good days, let him keep his tongue from evil and his lips from speaking deceit; let him turn away from evil and do good; let him seek peace and pursue it. For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous, and his ears are open to their prayer. But the face of the Lord is against those who do evil.”

Remember, this is not just an act of our will. You cannot “act” good enough to fulfill God’s requirement for righteousness. It can only come from the Holy Spirit’s work in you. That is the fallacy of religious effort. Religion is man’s attempt to reach God. Until you are willing to yield to the leading of the Holy Spirit, Goodness will not define your life. Let us pray today that God would show us the good that we can do so that we can show the world the Love of God through Goodness.