In today’s thought, may we see how the Holy Spirit will change our temperament “old nature” into a new temperament “new nature”. This will only come to those who are “born-again”. The “divine nature” which comes through Jesus Christ and is the only escape from the control of our natural temperament, for only through Him are we made “new creatures”. I’m sorry to have to admit that the majority of Christians do not see a complete transformation of their temperament. The reason is abundantly clear: the Christian has not remained in an “abiding” relationship with Jesus Christ. But that does not change the fact that the moment the individual received Jesus Christ, he received the “new nature” which is able to cause “old things to pass away and all things to become new.” The filling of the Holy Spirit is not only commanded by God for every Christian but is needed for living a victorious life. Ephesians 5:18, And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit (KJV).
The fruit of the Spirit is a product of one abiding in the vine. A true Christian is Christ like. Jesus tells us truly what it takes to be Christ like… it will ONLY come about by abiding in the vine as stated in:
John 15:1-14, I am the true vine, and my Father is the husbandman. Every branch in me that beareth not fruit he taketh away: and every branch that beareth fruit, he purgeth it, that it may bring forth more fruit. Now ye are clean through the word which I have spoken unto you. Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me. I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing. If a man abide not in me, he is cast forth as a branch and is withered; and men gather them, and cast them into the fire, and they are burned. If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you. Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit; so, shall ye be my disciples. As the Father hath loved me, so have I loved you: continue ye in my love. If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father’s commandments, and abide in his love. These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full. This is my commandment, that ye love one another, as I have loved you. Greater love hath no man than this; that a man lay down his life for his friends. Ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you (KJV).
Self-control – self-disciplined, pertaining to righteousness – a life that is “self- controlled by the Holy Spirit.” Self-control will solve the Christian’s problem of emotional outbursts such as rage, anger, fear, jealousy, etc., and cause him to avoid emotional excesses of any kind.
- No Christian can be mature in Christ, steadily filled with the Holy Spirit and usable in the hand of God, who does not regularly feed on the Word of God. This calls for a regular time of Bible reading and prayer…a must! You receive self-control from the Holy Spirit. It is the fruit of the Spirit that delivers you from despair and enables you to win in all circumstances! Philippians 4:13, I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me (KJV).
Self-confidence enables us to achieve some things. Self-confidence also limits us to human potential.
FIVE PROMISES for you for self-control.
1. Titus 2:11-12, For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world (KJV).2. 1 Peter 1:13, Wherefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and hope to the end for the grace that is to be brought unto you at the revelation of Jesus Christ (KJV).
3. 1 Peter 5:8, Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour (KJV).
4. 1 Corinthians 10:13, There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it (KJV).
5. Hebrews 2:18, For in that he himself hath suffered being tempted, he is able to succor (help) them that are tempted (KJV).
Putting your trust in God enables you to do what you ought to do.
The fruit of the Spirit will change your life! Give the Holy Spirit full control TODAY!
Share Life Ministries 