From the very beginning control has been an issue with man, for
he seeks to control his own life and destiny. The fall brought in a
foreign form of control called "sin". From that moment man has sought
to regain control and to fulfill the lie of Satan. Adam and Eve in their
disobedience usurped the control of God and, in doing so, lost all control. 
They were barred from the Tree of Life.  (Genesis 3)
        It might as well be said at the start: [There is no control apart
from God.] When man set himself up in the role of the controller, he set
into motion mass confusion and death which continue to this day. This
condition has been compounded since man only does that which is right in
his own eyes with no regard for his Creator. Self is the ruling factor in
all that man does and, unless given up, it will rule until death
intervenes. 
        We find the giving of the Law in Exodus, which is carried over
into the New Testament and worshipped by the scribes and Pharisees. In
their own way, they had chosen self-government over the government of God, 
as they took to themselves authority over the law which God had given.
They became lords over others and made their own rules apart from God’s 
divine nature. Self continued on, unchecked and in full command, even
under the Law of God.
        Today I fear that we are doing the same thing, only we use
different terminology, with words like "self control". And these words
would be fine if we properly defined them in accordance to the Holy
Spirit. 
        The translators and writers of some versions of the Bible 
understood the concept of control and that the only control comes by the
indwelling of the Holy Spirit. Therefore, they refrained from using that
terminology. The word that is most commonly retranslated today as
"self-control" is really the word for "temperance".
        It was interesting to note the way the old Webster’s dictionary
defined this word:
        The observance of moderation in one’s emotions, thoughts, and 
actions. To be restrained or to abstain from the indulgence of one’s natural
appetites and passions. 
        This can be applied to the spiritual aspect of God’s control over
the believer, for we are now restrained and controlled by the Holy
Spirit. When did self become the controller and leader of the body?
        The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, long-suffering,
gentleness, goodness, meekness, and temperance; against such there is no
law  (Galatians 5: 22-23). We do find then that temperance is a fruit of 
the Spirit, the result of  walking in accordance to the Holy Spirit. We
may demand self-control (temperance), but it can in no way be acquired by 
the way of the flesh, for in the flesh we are helpless, but in the
Spirit we have life.
        We find temperance to be that which is added to us when we
diligently seek after the knowledge and person of Jesus Christ. We are
tempered by knowing Christ, and through the revelation of His Word. I am
not speaking here of mere intellect or reasoning that may be mentally
laid hold of, but of that which is acquired through the inward workings
of faith and the Holy Spirit (refer to II Peter 1: 2-10).
        Notice also that in speaking of the fruits of the Spirit in
Galations, that temperance is found between knowledge and patience. The
person who has knowledge without temperance is like a runaway car
without a driver. Under the guidance and control of the Holy Spirit and
by the learning of patience, he becomes that  which can be used for the
furtherance of the Gospel and for the glory of God.
        Notice also that there is a comparison shown  (vs. 8-9) The one
whose mind and heart is taken up by the Spirit shall never be barren or
unfruitful. However, the one who pursues not the Spirit nor sees any
value in knowing Christ is blind (his vision is cut short) and he hath
forgotten that the blood of Jesus hath purged him from his old sins. 
        
        As an unbeliever, dead and bound by sin, how can one be in
control? Is self truly in charge, or is it not rather Satan and the
flesh?
         As a believer who has placed his faith in Christ, is now saved
by grace, and is no more under the rule of Satan, who is in control, the
Holy Spirit or self? 
        
        The greatest area of weakness will be put to the test if we do
not acknowledge the fact that God is in control. We are only in control
as much as we surrender our control to the control of God. What is there
to boast in, for the flesh will seek to boast even in that which is given
by God. Self control is that which man shall never find in himself, for
his very nature is opposed to being under any control. Self-control only
comes in where God’s Spirit abides.
        Don't let anyone fool you through the teaching of self-control
and will-worship. We need to surrender self and our will to the will of
God in full assurance that He will lead, guide, and establish His
control in our hearts and lives. The apostle Paul beseeches us, by the 
mercies of God, to present our bodies as a living sacrifice, holy, and
acceptable unto God (Romans 12: 1). This is the realm of true self-control, 
where we become as living sacrifices under the control of God.
        Saints. Let us not profess or boast in any form of self-control 
that does not come by the Holy Spirit. Neither let us strive for a form of
control that is fleshly in nature. We do not strive to obtain control for
we have been redeemed and are to yield ourselves unto God and the Holy Spirit.
         May our actions be constrained by the Word and may our hearts be
bound by His love as His Spirit invades this mortal body.        Amen!
                                                                        
                                                      M. H. G