5th Lesson on Fruit of Holy Spirit Self-Control & Gentleness Galatians 5:22-23

Definition: The ability to control oneself, in particular one's emotions and desires or the expression of them in one's behavior, especially in difficult situations. Self-control, is the ability to regulate one's emotions, thoughts, and behavior in the face of temptations and impulses. Synonyms>>Restraint,self-discipline, willpower, Temperance, Self governing.

Background Information That path that leads to heaven is narrow and strewn with temptations to abandon the way. Therefore Jesus says, “Strive to enter through the narrow door” Luke 13:24 Body and Spirit are two antagonistic entities trying to control the destiny of a person. Galatians 5:16-17 Self –control comes on board to help us overcome the desires of the flesh.

Therefore it is evident that self control is a virtue that we need to exercise even when it hurts and we should strive to do it. Paul encourages us that even if it would hurt us when we exercise self control it is not in in vain, there is everlasting crown that awaits us ultimately. 1 Corinthians 9:25-27, Revelation 22:11-12 Therefore we are called to subdue/rule over master our body desires/actions that we can entre kingdom of God Genesis 4:7

Joseph and Potiphar's Wife Examples people who exercised Self-Control Joseph and Potiphar's Wife Joseph served his master well and the entire house prospered (Genesis 39:5). After a while, Potiphar’s wife began to seduce Joseph. She wearied him incessantly with her invitations to commit adultery (39:7-10). His response was always the same -- No! He overcame the temptations and fled away when things got worse for him.

Joni Meenagh said, “Teenagers are going to have sex; nobody can stop this from happening” This is also true with even most of scholars today. Their view of things is that teens do not and cannot have mastery over their desires. Yet, Joseph a teen away from home, on his own, with a willing partner refused to sin against God, his master, his master’s wife and his own body (I Corinthians )

2. Daniel’s refuses King’s food But Daniel resolved not to defile himself with the royal food and wine, and he asked the chief official for permission not to defile himself this way. ….. Give us nothing but vegetables to eat and water to drink Daniel 1: 8,11

3. Jesus Christ just after Fasting The Holy Spirit led Jesus into the wilderness to be tempted of the devil. The test began in earnest after Jesus had fasted for forty days and nights. Having had no food and no water Jesus was hungry (Matthew 4: 2). In this time of weakness, Satan came and tempted Jesus to turn stones into bread. But, our Lord refused because man does not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God (Luke 4:4).

What we can Learn about self Control Self-control sorely depends on us and with the help of holy spirit in us This can be possible if we love the word of God for it will guide us in every step that we take, our mind is renewed and transformed. Romans 12:2 Avoid things/company/environments that puts us to temptations of our body desires We must learn to avoid those things that tempt us to give in to our desires. Job made a covenant with his eyes Job 31:1

Areas in our lives where self-control is needed Thinking Phillipians 4:8 Speech Psalm 19:14 , 1 Timothy 4:12 Actions II Corinthians 6:17, I Thessalonians 5:22,

Assignment Go read and prepare notes on gentleness. Next Lesson will be on Spiritual man Let us always desire to walk and to be led by the spirit of God.

God Bless You The End