Timeless Truths: How to Lose Control

 This is the final week of the "Some Assembly Required" series.

Series Theme Verse

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Against such things there is no law.

Galatians 5:22-23

The fruit of the Spirit is evidence of our relationship with God.

The fruit of the Spirit is not evidence of our God-gifts.

·      This is not the “produce section” in your local store.

·      There is no choice among the listed attributes.

·      All the attributes listed are part of the single fruit.

A man without self-control is defenseless as a city with broken-down walls. Proverbs 25:28 [living Bible]

Self-control is probably behind just about every action we take.

1. SELF is at the root of sin.

“Self” is a gift from God. It allows us free choice.

Examples of Self “Out of Control”

ANGER.

A fool gives vent to his anger, but a wise man keeps himself under control.
Proverbs 29:11

LUST.

Can a man scoop fire into his lap without getting burned?
Proverbs 6:27

SPENDING.

In the house of the wi9se are stores of choice food and oil, but a foolish man devours all he has.
Proverbs 21:20

DRUNKENESS.

Who has woe? Who has sorrow? Who has strife? Who has complaints? Who has needless bruises? Who has bloodshot eyes? Those who linger over wine, who go to sample bowls of mixed wine. Do not gaze at wine when it is red, when it sparkles in the cup, when it goes down smoothly! In the end, it bites like a snake and poisons like a viper. Your eyes will see strange sights, and your mind will imagine confusing things. You will be like one sleeping on the high seas, lying on top of the rigging.
Proverbs 23:29-34

AMBITION.

Do not wear yourself out to get rich; have the wisdom to show restraint.
Proverbs 23:4

THE TONGUE.

This is the greatest destroyer of relationships.

He who guards his lips guards his soul, but he who speaks rashly will come to ruin.
Proverbs 13:3

Five questions to ask before you speak.

Is what I’m about to say . . .

Truthful

Helpful

Inspirational

Necessary

Kind

Intelligent people think before they speak and are more persuasive.

2. CONTROL is at the heart of conflict.

The world’s definition of “self-control” is “self in control.”

God’s definition is “self under control.”

Those controlled by the sinful nature cannot please God.
Romans 8:8

The best way to deal with conflict

Calm down

Lower your voice

Acknowledge the request of the other person

State your request—the issue

Propose a solution

3. SELF-CONTROL means choosing . . .

Submission instead of sovereignty.

Reduce conflict in your life by relinquishing control to God’s Spirit.

If anyone will come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.
Mark 8:34

Sacrifice instead of surplus.

A short prayer to focus your heart each day:

Help us [me] to be the masters [master] of ourselves [myself] that we [I] might be the servants [servant] of others.

If anyone will come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.
Mark 8:34

Service instead of status.

Self-control is not possible without surrendering to the Holy Spirit.

. . .choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve. . .
Joshua 24:15

4. The HOLY SPIRIT is at the CENTER of SELF-CONTROL

For if you live according to the flesh, you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the misdeeds of the body, you will live. For those who are led by the Spirit of God are the children of God. The Spirit you received does not make you slaves, so that you live in fear again; rather, the Spirit you received brought about your adoption to sonship. And by him we cry, “Abba, Father.”
Romans 8:13-15

 PEOPLE WHO’VE LOST CONTROL AND LIKE IT ARE  ALWAYS SERVANTS! 

Next week: What About the Church?

Special thanks to Dr. Keith Newman for the primary teachings used in this post. I invite you to his blog, which he's titled, Curious Sojourner.

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