The Christ-Controlled Life

Introduction: In Galatians 5:22-23 self-control is listed as one of the fruits of the Spirit. Actually, a self-controlled life is a Christ-controlled life. It is through Christ that we are given the ability to control our bodies and ourselves.

Life Under Control

1. Everyone is controlled by something or someone.

2. Without Christ we are controlled by sin and destined to follow sinful natures.

3. The Holy Spirit gives us the ability to towards self-controlled.

4. This control is grounded in Christ

Adding Self-control to Knowledge

2. WE must know about ourselves in order to gain the knowledge we need to direct self-control. We are to study the Bible for that.

3. In first place we gained knowledge of foods, it helps us have a strategy for controlling our appetites and activities

4. Positive control of God's spirit--He doesn't take away something without giving us something to replace it such as goals and rewards

5. Knowledge allows us to break free of sin's control

Discipline for Life

3. Requires power of the Holy Spirit

4. Love as God centered

5. Discipline

Conclusion: The business of controlling our bodies has to be taken one step at the time. We have started and now we must keep it up!