Galatians 5:22-23 / 2 Peter 1:3-7

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. – Galatians 5:22-23 (ESV)

Self-control is… evidence of God at work in the life of the Christ-follower

Key question #1: Am I more like Jesus today than I was last year, last month, last week?

Simple equation: more self-control = maturing in Christ-likeness

For if these qualities are yours and are increasing, they keep you from being ineffective or unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.  2 Peter 1:8 (ESV)

Self-control is not…as much about “self” as it is about “control”

Key question #2: Who or what is my source of strength? Self or Savior?

1. Recognize that any ability I have comes from God

2. When in the battle, assess where I am on this scale by asking this question:

   Am I giving in to self or am I growing toward the Savior?

self <—————————————-> Savior