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Self-Control
“Self-Control”
The final “fruit of the Spirit,” given in Gal. 5:22-23 is self-control. Self-control is translated from the Greek word “egkrateia.” Thayer defines this word as “self-control…the virtue of one who masters his desires and passions” (196). Vincent’s Word Studies defines the word as “holding in hand the passions and desires.”
Self-control is an attribute that is essential to Christian-living. The very fact that God has commanded us to refrain from doing some things and to engage in others demands self-control. In fact, self-control was among the three things listed that Paul reasoned about with Felix (Acts 24:25).
Aristotle said, “What it lies in our power to do, it lies in our power not to do” (Courtesy: Power BibleCD). Paul used the illustration of running a race in comparison to the Christian life (1 Cor. 9:24-27). Clearly, those who are competitive runners discipline their bodies in two ways: (1) Refraining from things their bodies may desire, and (2) Pushing themselves to do things that their bodies may not desire to do. However, all this is done in the attempt of winning a prize. Thus, Paul says, if they do this to obtain a “perishable crown,” should we not be even more diligent so that we might gain an “imperishable” one? Since the Christian’s hope is so great, let us all be desiring to bring our bodies into subjection so that we might be acceptable to God!
There’s A War Being Fought!
We have a mighty adversary in the devil (1 Pet. 5:8). He tempts us by our own lusts (Jas. 1:14-15). We are engaged in a war of epic proportions! Our souls are at stake!
But, what does this war feel like? What are its experiences? Paul described the battle in Romans 7:18-23:
“For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh) nothing good dwells; for to will is present with me, but how to perform what is good I do not find. For the good that I will to do, I do not do; but the evil I will not to do, that I practice. Now if I do what I will not to do, it is no longer I who do it, but sin that dwells in me. I find then a law, that evil is present with me, the one who wills to do good. For I delight in the law of God according to the inward man. But I see another law in my members, warring against the law of my mind, and bringing me into captivity to the law of sin which is in my members.”
What a battle! Yet, that is the battle that we each find ourselves engaged in. Though we know to do good, our desires pull us in another direction (one that is away from God). But, what is the answer? First, we find the answer in Jesus Christ. “O wretched man that I am! Who will deliver me from this body of death? I thank God–through Jesus Christ our Lord! So then, with the mind I myself serve the law of God, but with the flesh the law of sin” (Rom. 7:24-25). Second, we must also respond correctly. “There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit” (Rom. 8:1, emphasis mine, emk). How do we live “according to the Spirit”? That is what we are studying in Gal. 5:22-23—one of which is self-control.
This war can be won, but, it takes a dedicated commitment to live for the Lord. We must be willing to do exactly as Jesus commands in Luke 9:23: “Then He said to them all, “If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me.” This type of dedication is one that puts the Lord before even our own physical lives! Let us learn to be self-controlled!
Refuse To Do Wrong
Part of our responsibility to control self involves refusing to do that which is wrong. How many times we are tempted to do things which are not pleasing to God! Here are just a few examples of individuals who were tempted by such:
(1) Joseph. Joseph was tempted to commit adultery with Potiphar’s wife (Gen. 39). However, he was willing to deny himself in order to be pleasing to God.
(2) Ananias and Sapphira. Ananias and Sapphira had a choice whether or not to lie about the price they had sold a possession for. However, they chose not to discipline themselves properly.
(3) Jesus. Jesus was faced with temptation and had the choice whether to give in to the temptation and sin against God, or refuse it. Obviously, Jesus chose the latter.
How can we improve in this area? As with all things, improving in this area takes dedication and work. Our hearts must desire the right things, for, out of the heart proceeds all kinds of evil (Matt. 15:19). Therefore, let us learn to control our minds (2 Cor. 10:3-6). However, even when the battle rages within ourselves, we can still chose to do that which is right. Paul wrote, “Let love be without hypocrisy. Abhor what is evil. Cling to what is good” (Rom. 12:9). We must fear sin and its consequences!
Choose To Do Right
This part of our responsibility to control ourselves is sometimes even more challenging than the previous one! Not only must we be diligent, refusing to do that which is wrong. But, we also must be diligent to do that which is right.
Jesus also provides a great example on this point. Jesus was faced with the knowledge of His death throughout His life on earth. He was faced with the choice whether or not to fulfill His mission—to seek and save the lost (Lk. 19:10). Jesus chose to do what was right (see Luke 22:39-46)! Many other examples through Jesus’ life also serve to make this same point.
How can we improve in this area? As before, we must learn to control our minds and focus on being a pleasing sacrifice to the Father (Rom. 12:1-2). We must not only abhor evil, but, we also but “cling to what is good” (Rom. 12:9).
“Whoever has no rule over his own spirit Is like a city broken down, without walls” (Prov. 25:28).
- Eric Krieg -
Scripture taken from the New King James Version. © 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
