By: Pastor Corbett Casteen
If there’s one thing we all struggle with, it’s self-control. Whether it’s our temper, our spending habits, our eating choices, or even the words we speak—self-control touches every area of our lives. Think about it. You need self-control in your finances, in your relationships, in your conversations, and in your decision-making. The more you dwell on it, the more you realize just how much self-control shapes your life.
The Bible tells us in Galatians 5:22-23, “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Against such things there is no law.” Self-control is the ability to master our thoughts, emotions, and desires. It’s about choosing the important thing over the urgent thing. But let’s be honest—self-control isn’t easy! Thankfully, God doesn’t expect us to do it alone.
What Is Self-Control?
The Greek word for self-control in Galatians 5 means temperance or self-restraint. It literally translates to strength within. But here’s the catch: true self-control doesn’t come from human willpower—it comes from surrendering to the Holy Spirit. Tim Keller put it this way: “Self-control is the ability to always choose the important thing over the urgent thing.” In other words, self-control is about looking beyond the temporary and choosing what’s best in the long run. Let’s be real—self-control is hard when the urgent thing is screaming for our attention.
- When you’re scrolling online and see the latest gadget or fashion trend, you might urgently want it. But what’s important is staying within your budget.
- When someone offends you, your urgent desire may be to lash out. But what’s important is extending grace and guarding your testimony.
- When temptation presents itself, the urgent feeling is to give in. But what’s important is honoring God with your life.
Self-control is having the wisdom to recognize the outcome of the urgent and choosing what is most important.
Why Do We Struggle with Self-Control?
The struggle with self-control isn’t just a bad habit—it’s a battle between the Spirit and the flesh. Paul describes this Galatians 5:19-21: “The acts of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity, debauchery, idolatry, hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions, envy, drunkenness, orgies, and the like.”
Sound familiar? The reality is, apart from Christ, our sinful nature will always pull us toward destructive choices. Proverbs 25:28 warns us, “A man without self-control is like a city broken into and left without walls.”A life without self-control leaves us vulnerable to the enemy’s attacks. Just like a city without walls has no defense, a person without self-control has no protection against sin.
The Problem with Self-Control
Here’s the thing—most people assume self-control means trying harder.
If I just had more discipline…
If I just had more willpower…
If I just made more rules for myself…
But here’s what Colossians 2:23 says about that: “These rules may seem wise because they require strong devotion, pious self-denial, and severe bodily discipline. But they provide no help in conquering a person’s evil desires.” In other words, legalism and self-discipline alone don’t work. You can’t willpower your way to godliness. Self-control isn’t about trying harder—it’s about trusting deeper. The only way to win the battle for self-control is to surrender to the Spirit.
How to Grow in Self-Control
So, how do we actually grow in self-control? Galatians 5:16 gives us the answer:
“Walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh.” Self-control doesn’t come from trying harder—it comes from walking in the Spirit.
Here are three practical ways to do that:
- Feed Your Spirit, Not Your Flesh.
Whatever you feed will grow. If you constantly take in negativity, worldly influences, and temptation, don’t be surprised when your flesh grows stronger. Instead, fill your mind with Scripture, surround yourself with godly community, and pursue things that build you up spiritually. - Stay Connected to Jesus.
John 15:5 says, “I am the vine, you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.”
Just like an apple doesn’t struggle to grow on a tree, you don’t have to strive for self-control. Stay connected to Jesus, and the fruit will follow. - Take Small, Daily Steps of Obedience.
Self-control isn’t about one big decision—it’s about small, daily choices.
- Spend time in God’s Word every morning.
- Pause before you react in anger.
- Make intentional choices with your time, money, and relationships.
As you do, the Holy Spirit will shape you, mold you, and give you the power to overcome temptation.
Are You Ready to Walk in Freedom?
At the end of the day, self-control isn’t about restriction—it’s about freedom. Jesus didn’t die so you could live a life enslaved to your desires. He came to set you free! Galatians 5:1 says, “It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.” Are you struggling with self-control? Maybe it’s in a specific area—your thoughts, your habits, your finances, or even your emotions. The good news is, God has given you everything you need to walk in victory. It all starts with surrender.
Are you ready to grow in self-control and experience the freedom Jesus offers? Take your next step today. You can plan your visit to Liberty at libertylive.church/visit or get connected at libertylive.church/connect. When we walk in the Spirit, we walk in victory. Let’s choose what is most important and watch how God transforms our lives!