Fruit of the Spirit: Self-Control

Let us now finish the manifestations of the fruit of the Spirit as listed by Paul in Galatians 5:22-23 with "self-control:"

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, meekness, self-control; against such there is no law.

The word here translated as "self-control" (some versions "temperance") is the Greek word egkrateia, defined by Thayer's as:

1) self-control (the virtue of one who masters his desires and passions, especially his sensual appetites)

The term is also used in Acts 24:25 and 2 Peter 1:5-8:

And as he reasoned of righteousness, and self-control, and the judgment to come, Felix was terrified, and answered, "Go thy way for this time; and when I have a convenient season, I will call thee unto me."

Yea, and for this very cause adding on your part all diligence, in your faith supply virtue; and in your virtue knowledge; and in your knowledge self-control; and in your self-control patience; and in your patience godliness; and in your godliness brotherly kindness; and in your brotherly kindness love. For if these things are yours and abound, they make you to be not idle nor unfruitful unto the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.

From these verses we see that the need for self-control is a stumbling-block for many, hindering them from desiring to obey the Gospel, yet that self-control is a part of a Christian's life. If we are to avoid sin and embrace righteousness, we must take control over our desires, as Paul explains in 1 Corinthians 6:12 and 1 Corinthians 9:26-27:

All things are lawful for me; but not all things are expedient. All things are lawful for me; but I will not be brought under the power of any.

I therefore so run, as not uncertainly; so fight I, as not beating the air: but I buffet my body, and bring it into bondage: lest by any means, after that I have preached to others, I myself should be rejected.

The New Testament is full of specific commandments regarding self-control:

1. The mind. Paul says the following in Philippians 4:7-8: