Under Control In A World That Is Out of Hand

Introduction:

New Year’s Sermons New Year’s Message: Learning to Control Yourself (Galatians 5:22–23)

In my almost 30 years of pastoral ministry, I would say that the presence or absence of self-control is one of the most determinative factors in whether you will do well or have serious problems in your Christian life.

Your biggest struggle in 2021 will be with you.

No conflict is so severe as his who labors to subdue himself.      

Galatians 5:22–23 ESV

22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.

Self-Control means bringing your life under the complete authority of God’s Spirit.

Self-Control is an internal reality.

He who reigns within himself, and rules passions, desires, and fears, is more than a king.

John Milton

Jesus said it this way. Mark 7:21-23

Mark 7:21–23 ESV

21 For from within, out of the heart of man, come evil thoughts, sexual immorality, theft, murder, adultery, 22 coveting, wickedness, deceit, sensuality, envy, slander, pride, foolishness. 23 All these evil things come from within, and they defile a person.”

Self-Control control is about submission not good intentions.

Determination to do the right thing has never been enough to please a Holy God. As the saying goes - The Road to Hell...

This is not simply us exerting our will over our own world - it is bringing our lives under God’s will and authority.

Self-Control is never legalism.

Legalism is a person’s attempt to please God though performance of behavior and conduct.

Self-Control is holy living.

Questions to Consider

Do the people who know me best know me as a person who is consistently under control?

What things tempt me to live my life apart from the power of the spirit of God?