THE FRUIT OF THE SPIRIT IS SELF CONTROL

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The Fruit of the Spirit Is Self-Control
“But I discipline my body and bring it into subjection, lest, when I have preached to others, I myself should become disqualified”
(1 Cor. 9:27, NKJV).


Christ-Control Is Self-Control
Edinor Lindiwe Donda, Pretoria, Republic of South Africa
Sabbath Introduction
Prov. 25:28; Gal. 5:18, 24, 25

Proverbs 25:28 basically tells us about controlling one’s temper. Walls were erected to guard a city against crime. a city that was not protected was exposed to all sorts of things. likewise, a person without self-control exposes himself or herself to all sorts of evil. Self-control is the power to restrain and direct oneself according to God’s will and for His glory.

We learn self-control as we surrender ourselves to the Lord.

Temptation, my beloved guest That keeps me in denial on my quest To find fulfillment for this my burden Which does on my shoulders rest. It irritates this self that I hesitate to resist That which satisfies my lustful being. I persist To think of the consequences of my existence. I exist Within this weak brand of flesh That has led me to the rivers of sin, to taste Of sin wrapped in the desires of still this flesh. But resistance is now a dream, a dream that I live for. as my thoughts travel through time, I see My mind has driven me to owning a value— SelF-CONTrOl.
Self-control is not gained merely by suppressing lust, but also by controlling lust. It is the manifestation of God’s work in us through the Holy Spirit. The lack of self-control is responsible for many of today’s problems. lacking in love for God and His Word results in a lack of self-control (2 Tim. 3:1–4).

How does one gain self-control? “In order to know how to behave our- selves circumspectly, we must follow where Christ leads the way.”* We learn self-control as we surrender ourselves to the lord. To be Christ-controlled is to know that we are His. This week, let your prayer be, “Uphold my steps in your paths, / That my footsteps may not slip” (Ps. 17:5, NKJV).
____________
*Sons and Daughters of God, p. 154.



Self-Control or Self-Destruction
Sipiwe Nelani, Cape Town, Republic of South Africa
Sunday Evidence
Phil. 4:8

Details involving alexander the Great’s death are debatable. One account states that while busy with plans to improve the irrigation of the euphrates and to settle the arabian coast of the Persian Gulf, alexander became quite ill at a function honoring Nearchus’s departure for arabia. This same function also com- memorated the death of Heracles. at this affair, alexander filled a huge beaker with wine and drank it quickly. This caused him great pain and distress. However, no one was able to help him, and it was evident he would die. His friends asked him: “To whom do you leave the kingdom?” He replied, “To the best [the stron- gest].” These were his last words.

“Control of consciousness determines quality of life.”

Before he died, Alexander gave his ring to Predicca. This ring was a symbol of kingship. at sundown on either June 10 or 11 323 b.c., after a ten-day fever, alexander died in the palace of [Nebuchadnezzar].1 He was called the Great, but he was not the greatest in exercising self-control. He conquered the world, but he could not conquer his lust. If this account is the true account, then he literally drank his life away.

According to a convergence of scientific evidence and spiritual beliefs, con- sistent well-being depends more on one’s ability to control internal experience than on controlling external events and circumstances. By no means is this a new view. It is an insight found in many cultures and religions. “The sim- ple truth—that control of consciousness determines quality of life—has been known . . . for as long as human records exist.”2 The control of internal desires determines the outcome of the external experiences.

In the first part of 2 Samuel 11, David intentionally observes Bathsheba bathing and orders that she be brought to him. as a result of his lack of self-control, Bath- sheba becomes pregnant, and David has her husband murdered so he can marry her. This murder itself displays further lack of self-control. Joseph, in contrast, did exercise self-control when Potiphar’s wife presented herself to him. even though her lie about what happened landed Joseph in prison, the final outcome of his refusal to succumb to her proposition was that a nation was saved from starvation.
____________
1. “Alexander the Great,” http://w3.usf.edu/~hellenic/FrameMakedonia.htm (accessed December 12,
2008). 2. Mihaly Csíkszentmihályi, Flow: The Psychology of Optimal Experience (New york: Harper and row,
1990), p. 20.



Mastery of Self
Khwezi Yanga Toni, Cape Town, Republic of South Africa
Monday Logos
Judges 13–16; 1 Cor. 9:24–27; Phil. 4:8; Col. 3:1–10; Heb. 12:1, 2;
1 John 2:15, 16

The Meaning of Temperance (Ps. 101:3; 1 Cor. 9:24–27; Gal. 5:23; Phil. 3:8, 9)
Temperance is the mastery of all our actions, thoughts, feelings, habits, appetites, desires, and passions. Temperance, or self-control, means dying to self and letting Christ take control of every aspect of our lives. Notice that this fruit describes one’s relationship to self.

The Word encourages us to season our speech with grace.

When to Acquire Self-Control (Genesis 37–39; Judges 13–16; Daniel 1; Luke 2:52)
“In childhood and youth the character is most impressible. The power of self- control should then be acquired. . . . More than any natural endowment, the hab- its established in early years will decide whether a man shall be victorious or van- quished in the battle of life.”1 Proof of this is seen in the lives of Jesus, Daniel and his companions, and Joseph. Many people advise enjoying life while you are young. Then when you are old, you can start living righteously. This doesn’t work, however. Consider the lives of Samson, Nero, and alexander the Great. God teaches us that we must seek Him in the days of our youth (eccl. 11:9, 10; 12:1). “The youth who finds joy and happiness in reading the word of God and in the hour of prayer is constantly refreshed by draughts from the Fountain of life. He will attain a height of moral excellence and a breadth of thought of which others cannot conceive.”2

The Mind and Our Speech (Prov. 4:25, 26; Col. 3:2, 3; 1 John 2:15, 16)
“The mind is the capital of the body. The mind controls the whole man. all our actions . . . have their source in the mind. It is the mind that worships God and allies us to heavenly beings.”3 What we say and do originates in the mind. How we re- spond to stimuli in our environment generally originates in the mind. If our minds are focused on the world, we will act and think as the world does. The apostle Peter urges us to be in control of our minds (1 Pet. 1:13). If we want to think a certain way, we need to focus on things that are associated with that way (Prov. 4:25, 26), for by beholding we become changed. We must set our minds on things above, store our treasures in heaven, and love not the world. We must focus on Christ (Isa. 26:3) and learn to think the way He thinks, for He is our perfect example. Oncewe have control over our minds, it will be easier to control our speech. The Word encourages us to season our speech with grace so that others might be led to Christ (Col. 4:6; rom. 15:18). Pray for God to watch over your lips (Ps. 141:3). and always remember that our words express our thoughts.

Appetite (Heb. 12:1; 1 Cor. 6:19, 20; 10:31)
Our bodies are temples of God. Therefore, we must not consume food or drink that will defile our bodies. In Hebrews 12:1, we are urged to present our bodies as living sacrifices to God.
What we eat affects how we think. “No Christian will take into his system food or drink that will cloud his senses, or that will so act upon the nervous system as to cause him to degrade himself, or to unfit him for usefulness. The temple of God must not be defiled. The faculties of mind and body should be preserved in health, that they may be used to glorify God.”4 all that we do should be done for God’s glory.

Fruit (Matt. 19:26; John 15:5, 16; Gal. 5:22–25; Phil. 4:13)
On a vine, the branches produce fruit. The fruit and the branches depend on the vine for survival. Christ said that He is the Vine, and we are the branches. If we as branches stay connected to Him, we will bear much fruit. So without Him, we cannot grow the fruit of the Spirit. Without Him, we cannot have self-control. The Holy Spirit’s fruit can only be grown in us to the extent that we depend on Christ (Matt. 19:26; Phil. 4:13).

A branch does not produce fruit for its own consumption, but to serve others. likewise, we bear the Holy Spirit’s fruit so that we can bless others and lead them to Christ. We “must be able to overcome the desires of the flesh and avoid what is bad, while doing good to others.”5 “We do not live to ourselves, and we do not die to ourselves” (rom. 14:7, NrSV).

REACT
1. Do you ever limit temperance to just health issues? If yes, how can you change?
2. Consider your own habits or lack thereof. Which habits show self-control
or a lack of self-control? How can you develop better habits? ____________
1. Messages to Young People, p. 134. 2. Ibid., p. 431.
3. Mind, Character, and Personality, vol. 1, p. 72. 4. Temperance, p. 18. 5. roberto Badenas, “Temperance,” Adventist Review, October 26, 1995, p. 19.



Determining the Future
Khaka Gomba, Pretoria, Republic of South Africa
Tuesday Testimony
1 Cor. 9:27

“What can be done to stay the tide of disease and crime that is sweeping our race down to ruin and to death? as the great cause of the evil is to be found in the indulgence of appetite and passion, so the first and great work of reform must be to learn and practice the lessons of temperance and self-control. To effect a permanent change for the better in society, the education of the masses must begin in early life. The habits formed in childhood and youth, the tastes acquired, the self-control gained, the principles inculcated from the cradle, are almost certain to determine the future of the man or woman. The crime and corruption occasioned by intemperance and lax morals might be prevented by the proper training of the youth.

Those who do not overcome in little things will have no moral power to withstand greater temptations.

“One of the greatest aids in perfecting pure and noble characters in the young, strengthening them to control appetite and refrain from debasing ex- cesses, is sound physical health. and, on the other hand, these very habits of self-control are essential to the maintenance of health.”1
“The walls of self-control and self-restriction should not in a single instance be weakened and broken down. . . . Those who do not overcome in little things will have no moral power to withstand greater temptations. all who seek to make honesty the ruling principle in the daily business of life will need to be on their guard that they covet ‘no man’s silver, or gold, or apparel.’ While they are content with convenient food and clothing, it will be found an easy matter to keep the heart and hands from the defilement of covetousness and dishonesty.”2
“you will doubtless meet with things that will ruffle your spirit and severely test you; but self-control may be yours in the strength of Jesus.”3

REACT
1. What practical steps can we take to guard the avenues of our minds?
2. How much damage has lack of self-control caused in our communities?
____________
1. Advent Review and Sabbath Herald, December 13, 1881. 2. Testimonies for the Church, vol. 4, p. 574. 3. Ibid., p. 501.



When No One Is Looking
Nkosazana Uviwe Maxhela, Cape Town, Republic of South Africa
Wednesday How-to
Judges 13–16; 1 Cor. 9:24–27; Phil. 4:8; Col. 3:1–10; Heb. 12:1, 2; 1 John 1:15, 16

You’re the only person in your parents’ room. Guess what you see on the dress- ing table? Money! It’s almost calling out your name. Do you take it and quickly disappear, or do you resist the temptation?

God left a trail for us to follow as we develop self-control.

Resisting temptation can be a battle, especially when there’s no one there to witness. Jesus Himself admitted that even though at times our spirits will be will- ing to do what is right, our carnal nature is like a wind that pushes us back (Mark 14:38). In the hour of trial, when we think no one is watching, God sees us. He desires that we practice self-control and that we control our tempers even when we are deliberately provoked by others (rom. 12:19–21). He desires that we be- come temperate in our diets and that we subject even our thoughts to that which is holy and acceptable to Him. God left a trail for us to follow as we develop self- control. The trail is clearly marked with signs. Here are a few:

Buckle up (1 Thess. 5:17). When we do, we’re making sure that our hearts are safely fastened to God’s throne of grace. We do this by fervently praying and put- ting our trust in the almighty, whose arm is not too short to save us. Being in constant communion with Him will keep His words fixed in our hearts. Then the Holy Spirit can deliver us.

Meditate (Phil. 4:8). If we fill our minds with pure thoughts, we will be better equipped to resist temptation. as the seeds of good thoughts germinate and take root in our minds, we will be better able to counter any attacks that jeopardize our self-control. resisting evil will then become a matter of principle.

Learn to do good (Isa. 1:17). Helping others is one of the best escape routes when fighting temptation. When you’re faced with a trying situation, stand up for God, turn full circle, and do what is good instead. acts of kindness will counter temptation and direct your focus to God’s strength rather than your weakness.

Run, friend, run (James 4:7). Fleeing from temptation is not a sign of weakness. It is a sign of self-control. God says we must avoid the devil because the battle is not ours, but His. When we run, we acknowledge His saving grace and His ability to save us. run, and let Him take care of your fears.



Caution: Power of Self- Control Weakened!
Xhantilomzi Perseverance Mlamleli, East London, Republic of South Africa
Thursday Opinion
Ps. 101:3

Many Christians are not aware of the dangers present to us through various media. Television, radio, magazines, and many Internet Web sites are designed to control our minds without our even being aware of it. “any information programmed subliminally to your subconscious mind meets no resistance. This subliminal information is stored in your brain with an identification that will trigger a delayed alarm clock reaction capable of influencing your behavior.”1 Such messages are presented to us so rapidly in the form of printed words, pictures, or voices that we are not consciously aware of them. Knowing about information that is programmed to reach us subliminally gives added meaning to our text for today. It’s almost as if the psalmist understood fully that the sub- conscious mind can absorb many things that it’s not even aware of.

Media seek to define reality for us.

Media seek to define reality for us. a great deal of it presents sin in exciting ways. It’s as if those working in various media take special effort to degrade our mental and spiritual abilities. The danger for us is that the values of the sinful world gradually shape how we think and then eventually how we live. Hence, the struggle for self-control occurs. Media can also deaden our interest and ability to meditate on God’s Word. Here is what author and avid reader Nicholas Carr has to say about his personal experience: “What the Net seems to be doing is chipping away my capacity for concentration and contemplation. My mind now expects to take in in- formation the way the Net distributes it: in a swiftly moving stream of particles.”2

REACT
1. How can you personally avoid the deception of the media?
2. Consider what you read and watch, the music you listen to, and your In- ternet usage. How might they all be influencing your ability to study the Bible and apply its truths to your life? What might you need to change in order to more effectively study God’s Word and practice its teachings?
3. Why does the Bible require us to abstain from the appearance of evil
(1 Thess. 5:22)? ____________
1. Steven Jacobson, Mind Control in the United States (n.p.: Critique Pub., 1985), p. 7.
2. Nicholas Carr, “Is Google Making Us Stupid?” The Atlantic, July/august 2008, http://www.theatlantic .com/doc/200807/google (accessed December 12, 2008).



Wholesome Choices
Jennifer Morgan, Newfoundland, Canada
Friday Exploration
Gal. 5:16–25; Col. 3:1–10
CONCLUDE

A temperate life is one of habitual self-control. This is easy if the individual develops healthy habits at an early age. However, with God’s grace, all of us can live happy, balanced lives whenever we start a good habit. Temperance is not what you don’t do. It’s all the good things you choose to do. If we fill our bodies with healthful food, our minds with wholesome study, our ears and eyes with God’s blessings, and our leisure time with acts of generosity, our lives will produce the fruit of the Holy Spirit.

CONSIDER
• readingrudyardKipling’spoemIf,andconsiderhowhisadviceandPaul’s in Galatians and Colossians can help you live a life of self-control.
• Finding a new recipe with healthful ingredients to prepare and share for Sabbath lunch.
• Making a list of the things you did in your leisure time last week. evaluate each activity for its wholesomeness. Make a list of positive alternatives to the negatives on your first list. act on your positive alternatives.
• Finding a friend who will help you start a new good habit. Go jogging together; share diet tips, music, books, outreach activities, or anger manage- ment or addiction-fighting strategies. Commit with your friend to practice this new habit for 40 consecutive days.
• askingaclosefriendtonameonethingthatyouhabituallydothatishurt- ing yourself and others. Discuss ways to change this behavior and devise a plan to do so.
• reading a biography about a person who successfully overcame his or her bad habits.

CONNECT
The Ministry of Healing (There is an excellent abridged youth edition called Heal the World, Begin With Yourself, edited by Gary Swanson, 1997.)
Ben Carson and Cecil Murphey, Gifted Hands: The Ben Carson Story (Hagerstown, Md.: review and Herald®, 1990); rick Warren, The Purpose Driven Life: What On Earth Am I Here For? (Grand rapids, Mich.: Zondervan, 2002).

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