Fruits of the Spirit: Self-Control (Linton Hall Sermon)
July 6, 2025
My mom lacked self-control
We all lack self-control
How do we grow in self-control?
1. Grace
Titus 2:11-13 CSB – For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people, instructing us to deny godlessness and worldly lusts and to live in a sensible, righteous, and godly way in the present age, while we wait for the blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ.
“Grace is not opposed to effort, it is opposed to earning. Effort is action; earning is attitude.” – Dallas Willard
Deny godlessness. Live a godly life.
2. Spirit
Galatians 5:22-25 CSB – But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. The law is not against such things. Now those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. If we live by the Spirit, let us also keep in step with the Spirit.
“The purpose of discipline is the inner freedom which comes from the practice of habit, which then leads to a life of spontaneity in the Spirit.” – John Stott
Keep in step with the Spirit.
3. Body
1 Corinthians 9:24-27 CSB – Don’t you know that the runners in a stadium all race, but only one receives the prize? Run in such a way to win the prize. Now everyone who competes exercises self-control in everything. They do it to receive a perishable crown, but we an imperishable crown. So I do not run like one who runs aimlessly or box like one beating the air. Instead, I discipline my body and bring it under strict control, so that after preaching to others, I myself will not be disqualified.
“The body is a spiritual instrument to be used in the service of the kingdom. It is not something to be indulged or abused, but rather disciplined and trained.” – Richard Foster
Discipline our bodies. Bring them under strict control.
4. Jesus
Hebrews 12:1-2 CSB – Therefore, since we also have such a large cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us lay aside every hindrance and the sin that so easily ensnares us. Let us run with endurance the race that lies before us, keeping our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of our faith. For the joy that lay before him, he endured the cross, despising the shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.
“Jesus was perfectly obedient even when it cost him everything. His self-control wasn’t weakness or passivity—it was a deliberate, courageous choice to embrace suffering and death for our sake.” – Tim Keller
Keep our eyes on Jesus.
Hear? Obey? Share?
