Life on the Vine: Self-control

Why can we know the right thing to do and still struggle to do it?In the ninth and final message of Life on the Vine, Dr. Gregg Marutzky explores self-control, the final fruit of the Spirit in Galatians 5.Through Scripture, personal stories, humor, and research, Gregg examines why self-control matters, what gets in the way of it, and why simply trying harder isn't always enough. He looks at temptation, peer pressure, pleasure, denial, wise and foolish choices, and the relationship between God's grace and personal discipline.Rather than treating self-control as sheer human willpower, this message points toward a life shaped by God's Spirit through surrender, worship, community, prayer, fasting, and learning to deny ourselves.In this episode:Why self-control mattersWhy willpower has limitsTemptation and peer pressureResearch on self-controlWise vs. foolish choicesObstacles to self-controlGrace and disciplinePractical ways to cultivate self-controlTimestamps:00:00 The Final Fruit of the Spirit01:03 Why Self-Control Matters01:09 Self-Control Can Be Funny06:09 What the Bible Says About Self-Control10:21 Why Willpower Isn't Enough13:22 Temptation & Peer Pressure16:54 What Research Says About Self-Control22:00 We All Need Help23:45 Wise Choices vs. Foolish Choices25:31 What Gets in the Way of Self-Control?30:06 Grace & Discipline31:39 How to Grow in Self-Control33:03 Final PrayerClick here to donate to the programClick here for more sermonsOC Church of Christ