“For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline. So do not be ashamed to testify about our Lord, or ashamed of me his prisoner. But join with me in suffering for the gospel, by the power of God.” (2 Tim. 1:7-8)
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.” (Gal. 5:22-23)
“Like a city whose walls are broken down is a man who lacks self-control.” (Prov. 25:28)
Have you seen or participated in witnessing situations where the Christian has not exhibited self-control.? He has gotten loud or angry or annoyed, and his annoyance showed. To have power without love is awful. To have power without self-control is disastrous. Power keeps us from being timid or ashamed of Jesus Christ. Self-control keeps us from acting in ways of which we should be ashamed.
Self-control is a fruit of the Spirit. It is not willpower, effort, or restraint. Self-control is aided by 1) confidence in the Lord and His Word, and 2) preparation in spiritual knowledge (not just head knowledge) of the Word. Most situations where self-control is lacking in witnessing occur when the Christian is caught not knowing the answers. Consequently, he raises his voice to get false authority.
God has given us a spirit of power, love and self-control to keep us from acting in shameful ways as we share the Good News.
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.” (Gal. 5:22-23)
“Like a city whose walls are broken down is a man who lacks self-control.” (Prov. 25:28)
Have you seen or participated in witnessing situations where the Christian has not exhibited self-control.? He has gotten loud or angry or annoyed, and his annoyance showed. To have power without love is awful. To have power without self-control is disastrous. Power keeps us from being timid or ashamed of Jesus Christ. Self-control keeps us from acting in ways of which we should be ashamed.
Self-control is a fruit of the Spirit. It is not willpower, effort, or restraint. Self-control is aided by 1) confidence in the Lord and His Word, and 2) preparation in spiritual knowledge (not just head knowledge) of the Word. Most situations where self-control is lacking in witnessing occur when the Christian is caught not knowing the answers. Consequently, he raises his voice to get false authority.
God has given us a spirit of power, love and self-control to keep us from acting in shameful ways as we share the Good News.
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