Kingdom Character: SELF-CONTROL (Week 10)
Preacher: Barbie Erasmus
Worship:
Song Suggestion: I Surrender – Hillsong Worship
As you worship, reflect on areas where you’ve been trying to change through your own strength. Invite the Holy Spirit to empower you with self-control.
Check-in:
Self-control is often a quiet battle. Take a moment to share:
- Where have I recently struggled with self-control (e.g., emotions, habits, reactions)?
- Where have I seen growth or breakthrough in this area?
Synopsis of message:
This week we explored the final fruit of the Spirit: Self-Control (Galatians 5:22 – 23).
The Greek word is enkrateia – meaning “in power,” but not our own power. Biblical self-control is about being empowered by the Holy Spirit to master our desires and live in freedom.
Key Themes:
- Admit You Can’t Do This Alone – Self-control begins with surrender, not striving.
- Look Beyond Yourself – The Spirit empowers us as we walk in step with Him.
- Self-Control Comes Through Surrender – It’s not about willpower, but about trusting deeper in God’s love.
Self-control is the guardian of all the other fruits. Without it, everything valuable inside is vulnerable (Proverbs 25:28). It’s not about perfection, but partnership with the Spirit.
Scripture Focus:
- Galatians 5:22 – 23
- Romans 7:15 – 25; 8:1 – 2
- 2 Peter 1:5 – 7
- Titus 2:11 – 12
- 1 Peter 1:13 – 16
- Proverbs 25:28
- Daniel 1:8
- Genesis 39:9
Discussion Questions:
- The Struggle is Real
- What area of your life feels like a cycle of “this time will be different” but isn’t?
- How does it feel to admit “I can’t do this on my own”?
- Spirit-Empowered Living
- What does “walking in step with the Spirit” look like in your daily life?
- What spiritual practices help you stay connected to Him, to the Vine?
- Surrender Over Striving
- How does surrendering to God’s love change your approach to self-control?
- Where have you been relying on willpower instead of the Spirit’s power?
- Living as a Witness
- How can your self-control be a witness to others?
- What does it look like to choose God’s truth over your emotions or culture’s narrative?
Prayer Moment:
- Thank God for His empowering Spirit and transforming love.
- Pray: “Holy Spirit, grow self-control in my heart.”
- Invite the Spirit to fill areas of weakness and help you surrender daily.
- Pray for specific struggles group members are facing.
Next Step:
This week, I will:
- Pray daily: “Holy Spirit, fill me and empower me with self-control.”
- Choose one intentional act of surrender – whether in a habit, emotion, or relationship – and invite God into it.
