The Fruit of Temperance

Galatians 5:22–23 KJV 1900

22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, 23 Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.

Galatians 5:23–24 KJV 1900

23 Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law. 24 And they that are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts.

Gal

A study was conducted at a preschool on the Stanford University campus. Children were given two options: they could have one marshmallow immediately, or they could have two marshmallows after the experimenter returned from an errand. Some of the youngsters devoured the treat right away, while others waited for what to them seemed like an eternity. While waiting, the children would cover their eyes, talk to themselves, sing, or attempt to sleep. Twenty minutes later they were rewarded with two marshmallows.

Chappell, Paul. Fruit Grows Where the Stream Flows (Teacher Edition): Experiencing the Fruit of the Spirit in our Daily Lives (p. 147). Striving Together Publications. Kindle Edition. pursuing their life’s goals. In contrast, the kids who grabbed the one marshmallow were, as adolescents, more likely to be stubborn, indecisive, and stressed. Many problems in life are related to a lack of temperance. People feel their lives are out of control; pressures and circumstances seem insurmountable and overwhelming. Even those who seem to have it all together often indulge in an “escapist mentality.” Depressive thoughts often rule over them and are an indication that their lives are out of control. Often people respond by seeking self-help, support groups, and religion. What they don’t understand is that self-control is a fruit of the Holy Spirit. The Spirit’s guidance is necessary if we are to possess the strength to handle life’s challenges.

After doing some follow-up several years later, the researchers uncovered some interesting information. The article stated that the children who as four-year-olds had been able to wait for the two marshmallows were, as adolescents, still able to delay gratification in pursuing their life’s goals. In contrast, the kids who grabbed the one marshmallow were, as adolescents, more likely to be stubborn, indecisive, and stressed.

Chappell, Paul. Fruit Grows Where the Stream Flows (Teacher Edition): Experiencing the Fruit of the Spirit in our Daily Lives (pp. 147-148). Striving Together Publications. Kindle Edition.

Many problems in life are related to a lack of temperance. People feel their lives are out of control; pressures and circumstances seem insurmountable and overwhelming. Even those who seem to have it all together often indulge in an “escapist mentality.” Depressive thoughts often rule over them and are an indication that their lives are out of control. Often people respond by seeking self-help, support groups, and religion. What they don’t understand is that self-control is a fruit of the Holy Spirit.

People feel their lives are out of control; pressures and circumstances seem insurmountable and overwhelming. Even those who seem to have it all together often indulge in an “escapist mentality.” Depressive thoughts often rule over them and are an indication that their lives are out of control. Often people respond by seeking self-help, support groups, and religion. What they don’t understand is that self-control is a fruit of the Holy Spirit. The Spirit’s guidance is necessary if we are to possess the strength to handle life’s challenges.

INTRODUCTION:   The Fruit of Temperance is necessary if we are to possess the strength to handle life’s challenges.

Temperance Defined

Self-Control, Discretion

The Dictionary Defines Temperance as Self-Control or Discretion

Proverbs 3:21–23 KJV 1900

21 My son, let not them depart from thine eyes: Keep sound wisdom and discretion: 22 So shall they be life unto thy soul, And grace to thy neck. 23 Then shalt thou walk in thy way safely, And thy foot shall not stumble.

Prov 3:

Discipline

1 Corinthians 9:24–27 KJV 1900

24 Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain. 25 And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible. 26 I therefore so run, not as uncertainly; so fight I, not as one that beateth the air: 27 But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway.

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Secular humanist counselors have many ridiculous philosophies about discipline. Many of them believe you should question authority and follow your own desires and emotions. A Cambridge professor named Coleridge once had a man over to his home who did not believe in giving small children any religious instruction. This man believed that the child’s mind should not be prejudiced in any direction, but he should be permitted to choose his own religious opinions when he came to an age of discretion. Coleridge said nothing; after a while he asked his visitor if he would care to see his garden. The man complied, and Coleridge took him to the garden where only weeds were growing. The man looked at Coleridge in surprise, and exclaimed, “Why, this is not a garden! There is nothing here but weeds.” “Well, you see,” answered Coleridge, “I did not wish to infringe upon the liberty of the garden in any way, I was just giving the garden a chance to express itself and choose its own production.”

Chappell, Paul. Fruit Grows Where the Stream Flows (Teacher Edition): Experiencing the Fruit of the Spirit in our Daily Lives (p. 149). Striving Together Publications. Kindle Edition. believe in giving small children any religious instruction. This man believed that the child’s mind should not be prejudiced in any direction, but he should be permitted to choose his own religious opinions when he came to an age of discretion. Coleridge said nothing; after a while he asked his visitor if he would care to see his garden. The man complied, and Coleridge took him to the garden where only weeds were growing. The man looked at Coleridge in surprise, and exclaimed, “Why, this is not a garden! There is nothing here but weeds.” “Well, you see,” answered Coleridge, “I did not wish to infringe upon the liberty of the garden in any way, I was just giving the garden a chance to express itself and choose its own production.”

Chappell, Paul. Fruit Grows Where the Stream Flows (Teacher Edition): Experiencing the Fruit of the Spirit in our Daily Lives (p. 149). Striving Together Publications. Kindle Edition.

Temperance Displayed

Disciplined Physical Life

1 Corinthians 9:27 KJV 1900

27 But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway.

The story is told of Sandy McIntyre, who during the days of northern Ontario’s gold rush, found what is now the famous mine bearing his name. Just days after discovering the mine, McIntyre sold his deed for twenty-five dollars to buy a glass of liquor. A vein was found shortly thereafter that produced over 230 million dollars worth of gold, and while one man became rich, Sandy spent the remainder of his life crying in darkened corners.

Chappell, Paul. Fruit Grows Where the Stream Flows (Teacher Edition): Experiencing the Fruit of the Spirit in our Daily Lives (p. 151). Striving Together Publications. Kindle Edition. his name. Just days after discovering the mine, McIntyre sold his deed for twenty-five dollars to buy a glass of liquor. A vein was found shortly thereafter that produced over 230 million dollars worth of gold, and while one man became rich, Sandy spent the remainder of his life crying in darkened corners.

Chappell, Paul. Fruit Grows Where the Stream Flows (Teacher Edition): Experiencing the Fruit of the Spirit in our Daily Lives (p. 151). Striving Together Publications. Kindle Edition.

Disciplined Speech

Lying

Ephesians 4:25 KJV 1900

25 Wherefore putting away lying, speak every man truth with his neighbour: for we are members one of another.

eph

Foul Language

Ephesians 4:29 KJV 1900

29 Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers.

Insults

Proverbs 16:32 KJV 1900

32 He that is slow to anger is better than the mighty; And he that ruleth his spirit than he that taketh a city.

Slander

Proverbs 10:18 KJV 1900

18 He that hideth hatred with lying lips, And he that uttereth a slander, is a fool.

Lying—“Wherefore putting away lying, speak every man truth with his neighbor: for we are members one of another” (). Foul Language—“Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers” (). Insult—“He that is slow to anger is better than the mighty; and he that ruleth his spirit than he that taketh a city” (). Slander—“He that hideth hatred with lying lips, and he that uttereth a slander, is a fool” ().

Chappell, Paul. Fruit Grows Where the Stream Flows (Teacher Edition): Experiencing the Fruit of the Spirit in our Daily Lives (p. 151). Striving Together Publications. Kindle Edition.

Disciplined Thoughts

2 Corinthians 10:5 KJV 1900

5 Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;

Proverbs 4:23 KJV 1900

23 Keep thy heart with all diligence; For out of it are the issues of life.

Prov 4:

Christian, guard your heart. Bring into captivity those thoughts that are not obedient to the will and Word of God.

Temperance Developed

Admit Your Weakness

James 1:14–17 KJV 1900

14 But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed. 15 Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death. 16 Do not err, my beloved brethren. 17 Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning.

Forget Your Past

Philippians 3:13–14 KJV 1900

13 Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, 14 I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.

Philippians 3:3–14 KJV 1900

3 For we are the circumcision, which worship God in the spirit, and rejoice in Christ Jesus, and have no confidence in the flesh. 4 Though I might also have confidence in the flesh. If any other man thinketh that he hath whereof he might trust in the flesh, I more: 5 Circumcised the eighth day, of the stock of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, an Hebrew of the Hebrews; as touching the law, a Pharisee; 6 Concerning zeal, persecuting the church; touching the righteousness which is in the law, blameless. 7 But what things were gain to me, those I counted loss for Christ. 8 Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ, 9 And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith: 10 That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death; 11 If by any means I might attain unto the resurrection of the dead. 12 Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect: but I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus. 13 Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, 14 I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.

Phil 3:

Do Not Let Moods Manipulate You

Titus 2:11–12 KJV 1900

11 For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, 12 Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world;

Believe God Can Bring Change

Romans 12:2 KJV 1900

2 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.

Become Accountable

Ecclesiastes 4:12 KJV 1900

12 And if one prevail against him, two shall withstand him; and a threefold cord is not quickly broken.

Avoid Temptation

By dealing with sin

Ephesians 4:26–27 KJV 1900

26 Be ye angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath: 27 Neither give place to the devil.

By Fleeing from sin

2 Timothy 2:22 KJV 1900

22 Flee also youthful lusts: but follow righteousness, faith, charity, peace, with them that call on the Lord out of a pure heart.

One person said “When you flee from sin - don’t leave a forwarding address”!

By Submitting to God

James 4:7 KJV 1900

7 Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.

Your Level of Resistance depends on your level of submission

Depend on God’s Power

Galatians 5:16–17 KJV 1900

16 This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh. 17 For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would.

Don’t just try, trust!

Chappell, Paul. Fruit Grows Where the Stream Flows (Teacher Edition): Experiencing the Fruit of the Spirit in our Daily Lives (p. 155). Striving Together Publications. Kindle Edition.

Philippians 2:13 KJV 1900

13 For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure.

Phil 2:13

God is working in us - to create a desire for Him and to give us the ability to do what he has called us to do.

CONCLUSION: Allowing the Spirit to bear the Fruit of Temperance in our lives will allow us to experience Victory over struggles and discipline in our thoughts, speech and physical life.