“The fruit of the Spirit is power through self-control…” Galatians 5:23

“Since the children have flesh and blood, he too shared in their humanity so that by his death he might break the power of him who holds the power of death—that is, the devil— and free those who all their lives were held in slavery by their fear of death. For surely it is not angels he helps, but Abraham’s descendants. For this reason he had to be made like them, fully human in every way, in order that he might become a merciful and faithful high priest in service to God, and that he might make atonement for the sins of the people. Because he himself suffered when he was tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted.” Hebrews 2:14-18 NIV (Matthew 4:1-11)

Self-control leads to…

• Confidence

“Like a city whose walls are broken through is a person who lacks self-control.” Proverbs 25:28 NIV

• Success 

“Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but only one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may win. Everyone who competes in the games exercises self-control in all things. They then do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable.”  1 Corinthians 9:24-26 NASB

• Freedom

“So if the Son makes you free, you will be free indeed.” John 8:36 NASB

How can I develop self-control?

Go below the surface issues

“Sin is no longer your master, for you no longer live under the requirements of the law. Instead, you live under the freedom of God’s grace.” Romans 6:14 NLT

Grow in grace

“Grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.” 2 Peter 3:18 NIV 

“For the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people. It teaches us to say “No” to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age,” Titus 2:11-12 NIV

Give up control

“But when the Holy Spirit controls our lives He will produce this kind of fruit in us…” Galatians 5:22 LB

Get others to help you

“The way of fools seems right to them, but the wise listen to advice.” Proverbs 12:15 NIV

“As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.” Proverbs 27:17 NIV