Romans 7:14-16 (MSG) I can anticipate the response that is coming: “I know that all God’s commands are spiritual, but I’m not. Isn’t this also your experience?” Yes. I’m full of myself—after all, I’ve spent a long time in sin’s prison. What I don’t understand about myself is that I decide one way, but then I act another, doing things I absolutely despise. So if I can’t be trusted to figure out what is best for myself and then do it, it becomes obvious that God’s command is necessary.
There are distinctions between having Self-control versus will power. Will power will only take you so far, however, self-control is connected to the Lord our God!
There’s a struggle going on inside of us, a fight for control. Our willpower fails us repeatedly. Where can we turn when we realize that we can’t control ourselves? Do you realize the difference between will power and self-control?
The apostle Paul says, “Let the Holy Spirit guide your lives. Then you won’t be doing what your sinful nature craves. The sinful nature wants to do evil, which is just the opposite of what the Spirit wants. And the Spirit gives us desires that are the opposite of what the sinful nature desires. These two forces are constantly fighting each other, so you are not free to carry out your good intentions: But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control” (Galatians 5:16-17, 22-23).
Self-control is not willpower. It’s not something we get by gritting our teeth and forcing ourselves to “just say no.” Self-control is called a fruit. Fruit doesn’t instantly pop out on the tree. As the tree grows and seasons pass, the fruit naturally develops. As we continue to follow God’s guidance, taking one step at a time, our self-control will naturally grow.
Point to ponder- Our job is to stay connected to God. It’s the Holy Spirit’s job to produce the fruit of self-control.
Our Leadership team is especially thankful for those of you who provided financial donations and support in the month of May 2017 by partnering with us in efforts to advance the kingdom of God in this 21st century season: Special thanks to Mr. William Wilson, Ms. Annette Straker, Mrs. Marguerite Williams and Ms. Gertrude Scott. Why don’t you take the opportunity to write us on our blog and let us know how we are doing in serving you Great people, we’d love to hear from you!
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Kingdom Blessings,
Pastor James Baker, Jr.
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