“The fruit of the Spirit is not something you can produce by yourself. You cannot grit your teeth and produce self-control. It is the work of the Spirit as you behold Christ.” John Piper
Self-control has been called the climactic Fruit of the Spirit. It reflects a life oriented toward Christ and empowered by His Spirit—a life that puts Christ and others before self.
The world tells us to follow our hearts, but apart from Christ, that is a dangerous path. Only through the transforming power of the One who conquered sin and death can we grow in our ability to say no to sin and self, and yes to the Lord.
Let us not see self-control as mere willpower, but as the Spirit’s work in a surrendered heart. We cannot fight this battle in our own strength. Christ calls us to abide in Him, to behold His glory, and to walk by His Spirit. Only there can we grow in the Fruit of the Spirit as He shapes our lives to reflect His.
May we press into Him—bearing His fruit and bringing Him much glory.
Scriptures for Reflection
The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately sick; who can understand it? Jeremiah 17:9
For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. Hebrews 4:15
We know that our old self was crucified with him in order that the body of sin might be brought to nothing, so that we would no longer be enslaved to sin. For one who has died has been set free from sin. Romans 6:6-7
But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. For the desires of the flesh are against the Spirit, and the desires of the Spirit are against the flesh, for these are opposed to each other, to keep you from doing the things you want to do. Galatians 5:16-17
But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to gratify its desires. Romans 13:14
Suggested Song: Take My Life and Let it Be
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