09.14.2025 // The Fruit Of Self Control // Dr. Shawn Beaty Clovis Hills

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09.14.2025 // The Fruit of Self Control // Dr. Shawn Beaty

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Galatians 5:16-26 NIV

1. WHAT SELF-CONTROL REALLY MEANS

Greek word: "enkrateia" = strength from within
Not gritting teeth and trying harder
Allowing God's power to control your life
Illustration: You're the caboose, not the engine
QUOTEABLE: "You don't need more willpower; you need more God-power."

Not achieved through willpower
Fruit that grows when connected to the Spirit
Illustration: Apple tree - keep the tree healthy, fruit grows naturally
Application: Stop manufacturing; start nurturing relationship with God
QUOTEABLE: "You can't manufacture fruit, but you can cultivate the tree."
QUOTEABLE: "Self-control isn't just about controlling some things - it's about surrendering everything."

Gospel

Context: Acts of flesh vs. fruit of the Spirit
Flesh controls:

Your appetites (sexual immorality, impurity)
Your attitudes (hatred, discord, jealousy)
Your actions (fits of rage, selfish ambition)

Spirit-control touches:

Physical - body and appetites
Emotional - feelings and reactions
Relational - words and responses
Financial - spending and giving
Spiritual - priorities and time

Where do I most need God's self-control right now?"
"Self-control isn't just about controlling some things - it's about surrendering everything."

Paradox: Control yourself by letting God control you
Romans 6:16 - "slaves of the one you obey"

.Romans 6:15-18

Two options: slave to impulses or slave to righteousness
The secret: Spirit-control = true freedom

"The way to control yourself is to let God control you."

"When you're controlled by God's Spirit, you're more free than you've ever been."

Honest confession: "God, I can't control this. I need help."
Pride says: "I can handle this"
Humility says: "I can't, but God can"
"The first step to self-control is admitting you're out of control."

John 15:5 - "Apart from me you can do nothing"
Stay connected through:

Daily time in God's Word
Regular prayer and worship
Fellowship with believers
Obedience in small things

"Self-control flows from staying connected to the Source of all control."

Romans 12:2 - transformed by renewing minds
Replace lies with truth:

Lie: "I can't help myself" Truth: Phil. 4:13 - "I can do all things through Christ"
Lie: "I'll never change" Truth: 2 Cor. 5:17 - "New creation has come"
Lie: "Temptation is too strong" Truth: 1 Cor. 10:13 - God provides way of escape

"You can't think wrong thoughts and live a right life."
"Change your thinking, and you'll change your living."

Self-control requires action empowered by Spirit
Practical strategies:

Avoid triggering situations when possible
Replace bad habits with God-honoring alternatives
Surround yourself with encouraging people
Remember every "no" to temptation = "yes" to God's best

"Every 'no' to temptation is a 'yes' to God's best for your life."
Self-control isn't passive - it's Spirit-powered action."

A. God's Promise: Self-control will grow as you walk in Spirit.

B. God's Purpose: Effectiveness in serving God and loving others

C. Controlled life = focus on what matters (God's kingdom)

D. "Self-control isn't just for your benefit - it's for your effectiveness."

E. "A controlled life is a powerful life."

A. Pick one area needing more self-control

B. Don't try harder - surrender deeper

C. Prayer: "God, I give You control. Fill me with Your Spirit"

D. Remember: You don't need more willpower - you need more God-power

"Instead of trying harder, surrender deeper."

2. THREE TRUTHS ABOUT BIBLICAL SELF-CONTROL

A. Self-Control is a Gift, Not a Goal
B. Self-Control Covers Every Area of Life

C. Self-Control is About God-Control

3. FOUR PRACTICAL STEPS TO DEVELOP SELF-CONTROL

A. Step 1: Admit Your Need (Humility)

B. Step 2: Abide in Christ (Connection)

C. Step 3: Apply God's Truth (Transformation)

D. Step 4: Act in God's Power (Obedience)

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