We’ve just finished our last week of Living Beyond Yourself: Exploring the Fruit of the Spirit by Beth Moore. In week ten we studied self-control. Our Bible Cafe™ small groups have been growing in wisdom and friendships. Our study on self-control examined boundaries and protection, with our body as a prime target.

Self-control: Exercising discipline and restraint over one’s emotions, desires, and impulses.

Beth Moore writes, “The key to self-control is the refusal to allow our enemies (the flesh, the world, or Satan) to rule or hold us captive in any way… Christ has given us the victory over our flesh, our world, and our accuser.”

Our self-control reclaims our spiritual territory in who we are and whose we are. Claim it.

In this last chapter, Beth discusses many life areas where we are tempted to lack control. She then offers biblical references to remind us of the importance of standing our ground and walking in faith, not self.

Turn my eyes away from worthless things; preserve my life according to your word. Psalm 119:37

Beth concludes our Fruit of the Spirit study with a checklist of activities to keep you grounded in faith. Imagine tending to your garden as you apply these activities.

It is not God’s will for us to be mastered by anything other than Him. –Living Beyond Yourself: Exploring the Fruit of the Spirit by Beth Moore