Study #52: LAMED

LAMED: THE GOAD OF DISCIPLESHIP: ( PART 7)

THE 5 BLESSINGS OF THE ONE NEW MAN IN CHRIST ( PART 7)

THE FRUIT OF THE SPIRIT: SELF-CONTROL

This final segment of the Fruit of the Spirit is evidence of the completeness or fullness of the Holy Spirit in our lives (Proverbs 16:32).

The Greek word EGKRATEIAS (Continence, Temperance) was used for a king who never allowed his self-interest to cloud his judgment or influence the government of his people. ” Every man who strives for the mastery is temperate in all things ” (1 Corinthians 9:25).

While the fruit of Patience is being tolerant of people, SELF-CONTROL is being moderate and not giving into self- indulgence or excess. It is not allowing the flesh or emotions to have the last word. It is yielding one’s members to the Holy Spirit so that all that is fleshly has been brought into submission to Him.

Two proverbs draw a stark contrast between not having self-control and the priceless value of having it.

The first says, “Like a city whose walls are broken down is a man who lacks self-control” (Proverbs 25:28, NIV). He is defenseless and doomed to defeat.

The second states: “It is better to be patient than powerful. It is better to win control over yourself than over whole cities” (Proverbs 16:32, GNB).

As with all of us, our biggest spiritual enemy has been ourselves. But with God’s great help, we can increasingly conquer the enemy of self!

Abba Father, You promised to those who overcome the right to rule and reign with Christ in His Kingdom (Revelation 3:21; 20:6). But the foremost requirement in today’s lesson is that we must be able to rule over self first.