Self-control may sound like the one fruit of the Spirit that disqualifies us all—but Paul does not mean a flawless ability to always say and do the right thing. 

In this week’s episode, we explore:

• Why Paul’s own struggle in Romans 7 shows that self-control cannot mean the end of temptation or the disappearance of inner conflict in this life 
• How the Law functions like a diagnosis—exposing our “disease” of sin without causing it—and why that exposure intensifies our awareness of the battle inside us 
• Paul’s conversation with Felix and Drusilla in Acts 24, and how righteousness, self-control, and the coming judgment together reveal why it is wise to limit ourselves in light of God’s verdict 
• How 1 Corinthians 9 uses the image of athletes to show self-control as freely limiting our rights and freedoms—for the sake of others and for the sake of the gospel we hope to share 
• Peter’s list in 2 Peter 1, where faith leads to knowledge and knowledge to self-control, and how this shows that self-control grows out of a gospel-shaped worldview, not sheer willpower 
• The difference between three kinds of self-control: worldly self-control that learns (too late) that indulgence destroys; religious, Pharisee-style self-denial fueled by pride; and true Spirit-given self-control rooted in the hope of the gospel 
• How growing self-control shows up over time: the same old temptations may still appear, but our vision clears, our desires slowly shift, and we increasingly want our lives to be about belonging to God 

After listening, you’ll have a more honest and hopeful understanding of self-control as a fruit of the Spirit. 

Series: Fruit of the Spirit

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