Let’s conclude our study of “self-control” by answering the question, “how can the Christian gain control of self?” We have mentioned some things already. We must be willing to discipline ourselves, to stay on top of this issue (1 Cor. 9:24-27). Knowledge (understanding, insight) is important as we face life situations (2 Pt. 1:6). Prayer is valuable. The Psalmist prayed, “set a watch over my lips.”
But remember: self-control is the “fruit of
the Spirit.” We exhibit self-control
when we walk in the Spirit. How
do we do that? The one command we have
as Christians, with respect to the Holy Spirit, is to be filled with the Spirit
(Eph. 5:18). Filled has the idea
of being controlled; as alcohol fills and controls the drunkard, so the
Spirit fills and controls the Christian.
But we still ask, how does this happen? And again, we have one passage that tells what this means to the believer. Those who live according to the flesh set
their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the
Spirit, the things of the Spirit (Rom. 8:5). Our time day by day with our God, in His word
(Scripture) and in His presence (prayer), are fundamental to the Spirit’s
control. We present ourselves to God as
a living sacrifice (Rom. 12:2) so that He controls us at the outset of each
day. Throughout the day, the Scripture
and prayer continue to be a part of our mindset. In this way we walk in the Spirit, not only
through the day’s scheduled events but through the surprises as well.
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