The Fruit Of The Spirit Is....Self-Control

Greek word used

'Enkrateia'. From the word 'kratos' which means strength.
Self-control is the strength of character not to follow the desires of the flesh.
The stem 'krat' denotes power or lordship. Hence, dominion over self or something.
'Enkrateia' was a powerful word in ancient Greek. Socrates describes it as 'a cardinal value'.
Aristotle discusses it fully. Philo has a high regard for the word describing it as 'superiority expressed in self-restraint'.
AV translates as 'temperance' but modern usage limits this, as we usually think of one form of self control - alcohol.

'Enkrateia' in the New Testament

Not used that much in the NT. God doesn't expect believers to be living for themselves!
a) Acts 24:25. Righteousness is followed by self-control, which itself is the required response from man to God's standard, with judgement to come.
b) Galatians 5:22-23. The Fruit of the Spirit.
c) 2 Peter 1: 5-9. Self-contol is not an isolated part of our character but is linked in with the big picture.
d) 1 Cor 9:25. Self-control is self-discipline.

Practical application of self-control

a) Don't be led by emotions.
b) Self-control is in contrast to the works of the flesh.
c) It is more than just dedication and will power. It is the Fruit of the Holy Spirit.

Stewart Bloor

www.sicm.org