Self Control the surprise conclusion

Self Control(enkrateia) is a rarely used word in the New Testament

2 Peter 1:5–7 NIV84

For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness, love.

Since this is the only other reference for the word Self Control, lets look at the context

2 Peter 1:3–5 NIV84

His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness. Through these he has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature and escape the corruption in the world caused by evil desires. For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge;

We now have the complete tree of the fruits of the Spirit.

2 Peter 1:5–7 NIV84

For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness, love.

Self Control is in the center of this fruit tree because it is a vital part of all the other fruits.

2 Peter 1:8–9 NIV84

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. But if anyone does not have them, he is nearsighted and blind, and has forgotten that he has been cleansed from his past sins.

Self control is the fruit that enhances all the other fruits

2 Peter 1:10–11 NIV84

Therefore, my brothers, be all the more eager to make your calling and election sure. For if you do these things, you will never fall, and you will receive a rich welcome into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

The Spirit of the Lord gives us this mastery over ALL Fleshly impulses

Galatians 5:16 NIV84

So I say, live by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the sinful nature.

Galatians 5:23 NIV84

gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.