The Fruit Of Self-Control

South Union Baptist Church

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The Fruit Of Self-Control

Lesson 23

December 21, 2022 • Pastor Chad Thompson • Galatians 5:22–23

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Self-control is the last quality of the Fruit of the Spirit listed by Paul, but there can be no doubt about its importance to Christian living. Can we truly be in a place of pleasing God if we're not living in a way that we exercise self-control? We are to live controlled lives; lives in balance and in the boundaries of God's Word, will, and desire.

Self-control in the physical realm may happen by our determination and will power, but strength and victory in the spiritual realm come only by yielding to the Holy Spirit. Surrender + Sacrifice produce self-control through the Spirit's power.

Persevering In Discipleship

May 3, 2023 • Pastor Chad Thompson • 2 Peter 1:5–7

The link between discipline and godliness is perseverance; between being a believer and a consistent follower is perseverance. If we cannot persevere, then we will not see much godliness in our lives. It is perseverance over the long haul, even if slow, rather than a short lived burst of activity in one or more of the disciplines that brings godliness and a consistent following of Jesus.

Following Jesus

April 26, 2023 • Pastor Chad Thompson • Luke 9:23–25

If we're going to be a disciple (follower) of Jesus, we must daily deny ourselves and take up our cross (i.e. being hated by the world, being surrendered to God, and being "spent", i.e. a living sacrifice). Following is not a haphazard, sporadic, every now and then choice. It is a regular, consistent, frequent, daily choice. It is a choice a disciple makes faithfully. It is a discipline.

The Discipline To Learn

April 19, 2023 • Pastor Chad Thompson • Luke 2:46–47

What we see in the Great Commission is the mandate to make disciples (i.e. see people saved, baptized, and brought into the church where they can be taught to observe all things - beliefs, practices, ministries, etc.). If we have a mandate to teach, then the flip side must also be true. We have a mandate to learn. A disciple is a learner. And to learn we must have some discipline. In Lk 2:46-47 Jesus was learning. He was doing it the old fashioned way, i.e. asking questions, reading the law, discussing, etc. If Jesus was determined to learn, then let's follow His example. Jesus didn't sit in a school of religious law, but He certainly leaned the Word of God. (John 7:15)