Key Verse(s): 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. Brothers and sisters, if someone is caught in a sin, you who are spiritual should restore him gently. But watch yourself, or you also may be tempted. Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ. – Galatians
5:22-25
Summary: Self control does not just bubble up from some place inside of you, but like all of the fruits of the Spirit, flows from a life that is changed by God. We do not control all of the circumstances that surround us, but through
God’s grace, our reactions and responses can demonstrate self-control.
There is freedom in the fruit of self-control, the freedom to live in step with the Spirit who is growing the fruit of self-control in us for the whole Kingdom of God.
Discussion Starters: When have you been the most filled with self-control?
Unless otherwise noted, scriptures have been researched and referenced based on the New International Version (NIV); however any translation is perfectly acceptable to use for discussion.
1. Read Proverbs 25:28. The image of a person without self-control given in Proverbs is: “ Like a city whose walls are broken down is a man who lacks self-control.
” What do you think about this image? What image would you use to talk about a person who lacks self-control?
2. Read 2 Peter 1:3-8. We have talked about how God grows the fruits of the Spirit, like self-control in us. What do these verses say about the work God is doing in our lives? How are you making every effort, with God’s grace, to grow self-control in your life?
3. Read Galatians 6:1-10 . Self control, like the other fruits of the Spirit is not only about ourselves, but is about loving others and living into the Kingdom of God
– the way God wants the world to be. In Galatians 6:1-10, Paul provides some instructions for us, which includes the encouragement to do good for one another. Who in your life supports you as you have try to live a life that is connected to God? Are there times when you have supported other people as they tried to practice self-control? How can we support one another as we connect with God and live a life that exhibits self-control and the other fruits of the Spirit?
Response: Give two small sheets of paper to each person in the group. Ask the members of the group to write one example of how they have lived out the fruits of the Spirit in their life or seen the fruits of the Spirit at work in another person’s life. On the other sheet of paper write a place in your life where you need to exhibit more of the fruits of the Spirit. If you feel comfortable, share these with the group. Pray to God with thanksgiving for the ways you have seen the fruits of the Spirit and pray your lives to demonstrate more fully the Fruits of the Spirit.
Prayer: God, Thank You for the work You do in us. Continue to grow in us beautiful fruit, so that others may know the power and beauty of your love. Amen.