Self Control

Here is my first word study on the fruits of the spirit in Gal 5:22-23. I decided to go backwards because I want to do "love" last. Today's study is on self-control (temperance in some versions). Here is the verse again:

Gal 5:22-23

22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness and self-control .

I did a topical search using PC Study Bible and it brought up two references for self-control:

SELF-CONTROL (Grk. egkrateia); "temperance," KJV. The virtue of one who masters his desires and passions, especially his sensual appetites (Acts 24:25; 1 Cor 9:25; Gal 5:23; 2 Peter 1:6, where it is named as one of the Christian graces).
(from The New Unger's Bible Dictionary. Originally published by Moody Press of Chicago, Illinois. Copyright © 1988.)

SELF-CONTROL; Control of one's actions or emotions by the will. The New Testament teaches that self-control is a fruit of the Spirit (Gal 5:22-23). The Christian is to be governed by God, not by self.
(from Nelson's Illustrated Bible Dictionary, Copyright © 1986, Thomas Nelson Publishers)

A great cross reference for self-control is 2 Pet 1:5-8:

2 Peter 1:5-8
5 For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; 6 and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; 7 and to godliness, brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness, love. 8 For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. (NIV)

In this reference, self-control is a vital step on the path to be effective and productive as you learn more about Christ.

Self-control was definitely one of the areas lacking in my life before the sexual addiction was defeated. It is the major trait lacking in anyone's life who has any addiction whether it be sexual, drugs, drunkenness, over-eating, financial, gossiping, procrastination, etc...

Father, I pray that all who read this, including myself, continue to learn the very vital trait of self-control. Let us look to eternity and Your reward as opposed to the quick "high" and fleeting "pleasure" of sin. Let us take steps to place boundaries around our weaknesses. Bring into our lives people who we trust and can open up to so that they can help hold us accountable in areas we struggle with self-control. Help us texhibitit self-control in desires that are not in line with Your will. Amen!