Witness in the Spirit: Self-Control

“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.

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