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Saturday, April 30, 2005
Final quote from Chuck Swindoll's So, You Want To Be Like Jesus?:
"As we cultivate the discipline of self-control, you and I can experience victory over the very things we despise in ourselves. The new nature trumps the old nature as we allow the Spirit of God to rule our minds and our hearts. As He does His transforming work, we will find that when the flesh runs to do evil, He will shout, 'Stop! Don't go any further. Don't go there. Don't say that. Think of the consequences.' As a result, life soon begins to improve because the restraining power of the Holy Spirit overcomes the tempting urges of the flesh. He brings strength we do not have in ourselves.
Enkrateia is the Greek word translated 'self-control.' The stem is the term kratos, meaning strength or might. Often kratos is translated 'dominion.' The prefix personalizes the word, in a manner of speaking. So, enkrateia is the ability to have dominion over one's impulses or desires.
The exercise of this discipline called self-control prevents desire from becoming dictator. For the person without Christ, the desires dictate and he or she obeys. Those in Christ, living under the authority of His Spirit and ruled by Him, are able to defy this once powerful dictator. As a result, we experience a transforming change that others notice."
So, for today, tell us what you've learned from this week of quotes that can help you apply the things that will help us avoid being in control of the flesh, and in control of the Spirit.
Brent 7:12 AM
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