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

Galatians 5:16-26 NIV1. WHAT SELF-CONTROL REALLY MEANSGreek 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 willpowerFruit that grows when connected to the SpiritIllustration: Apple tree - keep the tree healthy, fruit grows naturallyApplication: Stop manufacturing; start nurturing relationship with GodQUOTEABLE: "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."GospelContext: Acts of flesh vs. fruit of the SpiritFlesh controls:Your appetites (sexual immorality, impurity)Your attitudes (hatred, discord, jealousy)Your actions (fits of rage, selfish ambition)Spirit-control touches:Physical - body and appetitesEmotional - feelings and reactionsRelational - words and responsesFinancial - spending and givingSpiritual - priorities and timeWhere 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 youRomans 6:16 - "slaves of the one you obey".Romans 6:15-18Two options: slave to impulses or slave to righteousnessThe 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 WordRegular prayer and worshipFellowship with believersObedience in small things"Self-control flows from staying connected to the Source of all control."Romans 12:2 - transformed by renewing mindsReplace 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 SpiritPractical strategies:Avoid triggering situations when possibleReplace bad habits with God-honoring alternativesSurround yourself with encouraging peopleRemember 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-CONTROLA. Self-Control is a Gift, Not a GoalB. Self-Control Covers Every Area of LifeC. Self-Control is About God-Control3. FOUR PRACTICAL STEPS TO DEVELOP SELF-CONTROLA. 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)