The fruit of the Spirit is self-control.
OCTOBER 11, 2007 (THURSDAY) – The fruit of the Spirit is Self-control.
The Greek word translated “self-control” means, “the virtue of one who masters his desires and passions, esp. his sensual appetites.”
The King James Version translates the word as “temperance,” and for many years that word was almost synonymous with abstinence from the use of beverage alcohol. So we had “Temperance Sunday” once a year, and had a special Sunday School lesson to encourage abstinence from alcoholic beverages. I for one still believe that total abstinence from alcohol or drugs is the only way of life that makes sense in today’s world where these things are wrecking lives and killing people. But “self-control” involves much more.
Most translations now render the Greek word as “self-control,” which means we are enabled by the Holy Spirit to stay in control of our appetites and urges. It is a part of the “fruit of the Spirit.” Take a look at Galatians 5:19-21 and you will see the kinds of behavior that we are led to control in our own lives: “sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. By “self-control” the Bible is saying that we need to treat these behaviors as dangerous beasts that we restrain and confine for our safety and the well-being of others.
The plain truth is that the very nicest of people are capable of doing very bad things. Jeremiah 17:9 declares, “The heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure. Who can understand it?” The Apostle Paul was testifying of his own self-control when he said, “I beat my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize (1 Cor 9:27 NIV).” I am sure he was not speaking of a literal beating of his body; he was talking about self-control.
In a world where standards of morality are changing, the dedicated Christian yields himself to the Holy Spirit within and does not hinder growth of “the fruit of the Spirit:” Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control (Galatians 5:22-23 NIV).”
Jesus taught us to guard against evil thoughts as well as sinful behavior. He warned us that all actions begin as thoughts, many times seemingly innocent thoughts. As our friend, Barney Fife, used to say: “ NIP IT! NIP IT IN THE BUD! IN….THE….BUD!!”
The fruit of the Spirit is self-control.