SELF-CONTROL THROUGH THE SPIRIT’S POWER

“Like a city whose walls are broken through is a person who lacks self-control.”  (Proverbs 25:28 NIV)

Self-control… is a governance or prudent control of one’s desire, cravings, impulses, emotions, and passions. It is saying no when we should say no. It is moderation in legitimate desires and activities, and absolute restraint in areas that are clearly sinful.

Self-control is unpopular in many circles. Our culture offers many temptations and encourages us to fulfill our desires. Go ahead, experience it. Buy it. Try it. It’s your right. You’ve earned it.

Most of us recognize boundaries that tend to restrain us from obvious sins, but otherwise we pretty much live as we please. Knowing it is easy for us to say yes instead of no, and indulge sinful desires, God emphasizes self-control repeatedly. It is even listed as a fruit of the Spirit (see Galatians 5:22-23). You see, this self-control is not control by our own willpower, but rather control through the Holy Spirit’s power.

-- Jerry Bridges in “Respectable Sins: Confronting the Sins We Tolerate,” Discussion Guide by Stephen Sorenson


#4621