Dr. Stanley sheds light on the internal conflict each of us must face: the battle between obeying God or indulging our flesh. But as children of God we're not left on our own—with the Holy Spirit on our side, we’re each equipped with self-control. Learn how this fruit of the Spirit tips the scales in your favor.
Sermon Outline
Sometimes we’re held captive without realizing it—confined by desires that promise satisfaction but bring only harm. Other times, we’re aware of the ways we are trapped but see no way out. Yet we can break free from it all. This week, Dr. Stanley explains how to find our true freedom in Christ.
Key Passage: Galatians 5:22-23
Would you say that your life is under control? Or are there areas where you feel things are slipping away from you?
► “We want to be submitted to God to the point that we’re not always battling.”
Desires that have potential to control us include:
Acceptance by others.
Love from others.
All types of pleasure.
Wealth and security.
Achievement and excellence.
Happiness.
Personal attractiveness.
Control over others.
Self-acceptance.
► “There’s no sin you can’t give up if you are willing to surrender your life to Jesus Christ.”
What are the keys to self-control? You must …
Think before you act.
Develop a strong desire to obey God.
Believe that the Holy Spirit will enable you.
What is the Holy Spirit’s role?
He was given to us by Jesus, who also experienced temptation.
He enables us to overcome unhealthy desires.
When we yield to Him, the fruit of the Spirit becomes evident in our life, and this includes self-control.
Before taking an action, ask yourself:
How will this affect me spiritually, financially, and physically?
How will this affect the way others see me?
What are the consequences of this choice?
► “You cannot change the law of God. Whatever you sow, you will reap.”
Dr. Stanley’s Life Principle #6 tells us that …
We will reap what we sow.
We will reap more than we sow.
We will reap later than we sow.
After Watching
Have you ever felt caught in a “riptide”—pulled by desires or habits you can’t seem to escape? What would it look like to stop fighting and turn to God instead? Whenever you’re tempted, stop and take a deep breath. Then recite the first half of 2 Peter 2:9 to yourself: “The Lord knows how to rescue the godly from temptation.”
As you consider the keys to self-control, which one do you need to focus on: thinking before you act, developing a stronger desire to obey God, or believing that the Holy Spirit will enable you?
This post is a part of the series Expressing Godly Character.
