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THE FRUIT OF SELF-CONTROL
Fruit-Full – Part 9
Springcreek Church | Senior Pastor Keith Stewart
November 24, 2024

#god #realspringcreekchurch #fruitfull #thefruitofselfcontrol #selfcontrol
https://www.springcreekchurch.org/

Self-control is something most all of us struggle with. Now you may exercise enviable control over your money, your schedule, your personal life, your eating, or any number of areas but still have one thing with which you constantly struggle. And that one thing becomes an endless source of discouragement. As we wrap up this series, let’s tune into what God has to say about self-control, what it is, what it isn’t, what works and what does not. This is a must hear message you don’t want to miss!
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DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

1. One of the defining characteristics of the flesh is its emptiness. It is empty and feels empty all the time. Which is why the flesh craves the overconsumption of anything and everything it desires. Can you give examples of this? Pastor Keith pointed out that in Galatians 5, Paul contrasts the flesh with the spirit. Take some time to read Galatians 5.13-26. What differences do you notice between the flesh and the Spirit? What characterizes the flesh? What characterizes the Spirit?

2. Unlike humans, God does not share in our fleshly desires (excessive or normal). He is not needy like us. But at the same time, He chose to have a human experience in Jesus Christ with all the normal needs that humans have. What sorts of needs do all humans share? Can you think of examples in Scripture that illustrate the humanness of Christ? How did Christ handle the temptations in the wilderness and what does it teach us about how to handle temptation (Read Matthew 4.1-11)?

3. What did you learn from this message about the inner civil war believers fight? It is not uncommon for believers to experience levels of victory in certain areas of their life in regards to self-control while at the same time experiencing defeat in other areas. Where have you experienced victory? Where have you struggled? What are you learning about the key to victory?

4. Willpower and Spirit power are two entirely different things. What are the limitations of willpower? Why does the Bible offer us cautions in regards to rule-keeping as a way to defeat sin?

5. How do we yield to the Holy Spirit? How do we nurture our life in God as opposed to feeding our fleshly appetites? What is your biggest takeaway from today’s message?