Not self-control but Spirit control

“Let us follow the Spirit’s leading in every part of our lives.” Gal 5:25 NLT

Do you have an out-of-control appetite when it comes to money, food, nicotine, alcohol, drugs, sex, or…(you fill in the blank)? Have your repeated efforts to gain control left you with a sense of shame, failure, and hopelessness? Have all your attempts at self-control failed? Try Spirit control! “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…Those who belong to Christ Jesus have nailed the passions and desires of their sinful nature to his cross and crucified them there. Since we are living by the Spirit, let us follow the Spirit’s leading in every part of our lives” (Gal 5:16-17, 22-25 NLT). The secret of walking in victory is in realizing these two things: (1) Self-control is not something you do for God, it’s something God does for you. (2) Self-control is not a one time work but a daily walk. Each time you say no to self and yes to God, His Spirit comes to your aid and empowers you. By choosing to obey God instead of your impulses, you activate the power that brings victory.

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