Speaker: Pastor Tom VanAntwerp, Wilmington Campus Pastor

Series: Cultivate – The Fruit of the Spirit-Filled Life

Text: Romans 7:18–25, Galatians 5:22–23, Romans 8:5–6, Matthew 27:51

Self-control is one of the most misunderstood fruits of the Spirit. It sounds like something we produce through sheer effort — but Scripture tells a very different story.

In this message, Pastor Tom VanAntwerp explores the tension Paul exposes in Romans 7, the paradox of enkrateia (inner strength), and the cultural swing between self-indulgence and extreme self-discipline. Through biblical insight, spiritual formation wisdom, and memorable images (including Odysseus, the Sirens, and a better song), Pastor Tom shows us:

Self-control isn’t willpower.

Self-control comes from giving the Spirit control.

This Cultivate series finale invites us to open more of our inner lives to God’s Spirit — the One who rearranges our desires, grows all the fruit together, and leads us into a life with God.