The Father's Menu

The Father's Menu

Apostle Dr. Richard Udoh

Wednesday, August 26, 2020

THE FRUIT OF THE SPIRIT – WHAT IS SELF-CONTROL? 2

1 Corinthians 9:24-27 “Do you not see that in a running competition all take part, but only one gets the reward? So let your minds be fixed on the reward. And every man who takes part in the sports has self-control in all things. Now they do it to get a crown which is of this world, but we for an eternal crown. So then I am running, not uncertainly; so I am fighting, not as one who gives blows in the air: But I give blows to my body, and keep it under control, for fear that, after having given the good news to others, I myself might not have God's approval.” (BBE)

One of the proofs of God’s working in our lives is the ability to control our own thoughts, words, and actions. It’s not that we are naturally weak-willed. But our fallen nature is under the influence of sin. Romans 6:6 “Being conscious that our old man was put to death on the cross with him, so that the body of sin might be put away, and we might no longer be servants to sin.” (BBE).

One of the definition of sin is filling a legitimate need through illegitimate means. Without the power of the Holy Spirit, we are not smart enough to know or choose how best to meet our needs. When Jesus died, he freed us from the yoke of sin, He liberated us, that liberty includes freedom from sin. Galatians 5:1 “For freedom Christ has set us free; stand firm therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery.” (ESV) As believers, we need self-control, it prevents us from taking steps that turn out to be disastrous.

 Confession: I am glad about today, I am glad I have the Spirit of God, therefore, I am blessed coming in and blessed going out. I am blessed in the city and blessed in the field. I am established by the Lord, glory to God I’m blessed.

Further Reading:

Titus 1:8; But a lover of hospitality, a lover of good men, sober, just, holy, temperate;

2 Peter 1:5-6; And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge; ⁶ And to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness;

Read through the Bible: 1 Samuel 18 & Romans 16