1 Corinthians 9:24-27

Introduction:

1. This is the last fruit of the spirit, and it results from incorporating the rest.

2. We all face a battle between flesh and spirit, and we must master the flesh (Romans 7:22-23; 1 Peter 2:11).

3. That is the thrust of this entire section of Galatians 5.

Discussion:

I. Self-Control Defined

A. “To have mastery over oneself” (Meadows)

B. “The virtue of one who masters his desires and passions, especially his sensual appetites” (Thayer)

C. “To hold oneself in” (Robertson)

II. Self-Control Exemplified

A. Daniel, Hananiah, Misael, and Asariah never flinched (Daniel 1, 3, 6).

B. What about Paul’s constant self-discipline? (1 Corinthians 9:27)

C. Jesus exhibited perfect self-control in every circumstance by complete submission (Matthew 4:1-11; 2 Corinthians 5:21; Hebrews 4:15; 1 Peter 2:22-25).

III. Self-Control Demanded

A. It is all or nothing with Jesus (Matthew 16:24; Luke 9:23).

B. We must master our desires, thoughts, actions, and words (Romans 6:11-14; 12:1-2; 2 Corinthians 10:5; James 3:2).

C. God has well supplied us to win this battle.

1. He gave us all things pertaining to life and godliness (2 Peter 1:3).

2. He gave us the armor to withstand Satan’s attacks (Ephesians 6:10-18).

3. He gave us mighty weapons to defeat Satan as well (2 Corinthians 10:4).

Conclusion:

1. “Fruit” in Galatians 5:22 is singular in number which would indicate viewing all nine as elements of one product of the Spirit.

2. If this is so, the quality of the fruit in our lives is equivalent to the presence or absence of each element in our lives.

3. As Paul began, we must “Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh (Galatians 5:16).

4. Are we embracing and following the things of the Spirit of God, or are we yielding to the lusts of the flesh? Our souls depend on our answer.