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Commentary on "The Fruit of the Spirit is Self-Control"

PHIL HARRIS

 

Day 6: Thursday, March 4, 2010

 

Overview

Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us (Heb. 12:1 ESV).

Heb. 12:1 gives us the imperative to “run with endurance the race” that is set before us. That is, to grow in self control.

 

Observations

We have associated ‘self control’ with ‘sanctification’ which could also be expressed as developing spiritual maturity and strength.

On the question of how to grow in self control what we need is a biblical answer that applies to all people in all ages with their various weaknesses, needs and circumstances. This is sort of like asking if there is a shoe size that fits all feet and serves every kind of need in any weather condition or environment.

An excellent place to find godly answers is Ephesians chapter six. In verse ten we see that our strength is to come only from the mighty strength of God. Verse eleven tells us to do this by putting on “the whole armor of God”. Only when we “put on” God’s strength will we have the source of self control, strength that will grow within our own life.

Verses twelve and thirteen remind and warn us that our foe is far stronger than we are. God’s strength is the only ‘shoe size’ that fits our needs. The only source that will enable us to survive times of weakness, temptation or trouble.

Our defensive armor is listed in verses fourteen through seventeen as truth, righteousness, peace, faith and salvation. These are all from God and are unrelated to how weak we really are. They are all vitally important and not to be neglected. Then, we see that the one and only offensive weapon for our use is the word of God which the Holy Spirit reveals and empowers us with. At all times we are to pray in the power of the Spirit.

 

Summary

  1. The world offers self help programs and strategies where we are expected to ‘boot strap’ our own changes. Boot strapping is where you pull yourself into the air by pulling up on your own boot laces. If you think you can do that go ahead and try. Or, you can turn to God who offers the salvation of Jesus Christ and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit.
  2. The Holy Spirit is the seal of our salvation, the revealer of God truth in our lives, the source of prayer power that gives us direct contact with our Savior, the one who dresses us in all the other armor of God, and to top it all off, is the source of all the fruits of the Spirit including that of self control.
  3. Did you get all that? The Comforter promised by Jesus Christ is the secret to growth in godly self control, the sanctification of our lives.
  4. Pray always in the power of the Holy Spirit.

 

GO TO DAY 7

 

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