How to Practice Self-Control Daily | S4 E56
In this episode, Courtney explores self-control as one of the fruits of the spirit, emphasizing its importance in spiritual growth and personal discipline. The conversation delves into practical steps for developing self-control, the role of community and accountability, and the necessity of cultivating a deeper relationship with God.
Self-control is one of the fruits of the Spirit, but it's often the one we overlook. It shows up in more than just our big decisions. It’s in the quiet moments too, our thoughts, our words, our habits.
Courtney shares how true self-control isn’t about white-knuckling your way to discipline, but learning how to live by the Spirit and not the flesh.
What you can learn in today’s episode:
Self-control is essential for combating the acts of the flesh.
Understanding the original Greek meaning of self-control can deepen our insight.
Self-control is not just about denying desires, but aligning actions with God's will.
We often overlook subtle areas of lack of self-control in our lives.
Taking thoughts captive is crucial for self-control.
Self-control is linked to love and other fruits of the spirit.
Generational sin can impact our ability to exercise self-control.
Accountability is vital for spiritual growth.
Cultivating a relationship with God enhances our self-control.
Surrounding ourselves with a godly community supports our journey.
Episode Blog:
How to Cultivate Godly Self-Control
If you’ve ever felt like your intentions aren't turning into transformation, you’re not alone. For many of us, self-control is a quiet struggle. It’s not always loud or dramatic. Sometimes it shows up in how we talk to others, how we spend our time, or the thoughts we let live in our minds.
But self-control isn’t just about personal discipline. It’s about spiritual formation. It’s the result of walking closely with God.
What Scripture Says About Self-Control
Galatians 5 tells us that self-control is one of the fruits of the Spirit. It’s not just a nice idea or a character trait. It’s evidence that our lives are being shaped by the Spirit rather than by the flesh.
Proverbs 25:28 compares a person without self-control to a city without walls. Vulnerable. Unprotected. Wide open to anything.
This is why self-control matters. It helps guard our lives, protect our purpose, and align us with God's will.
Five Ways to Grow in Godly Self-Control
Here are five spiritual practices that can help:
1. Take your thoughts captive
Not every thought deserves a place in your mind. 2 Corinthians reminds us to take every thought captive and make it obedient to Christ. This means being aware of what you’re thinking, noticing what’s not from God, and replacing it with truth.
2. Break generational patterns
Some of our battles are inherited. Whether it's addiction, pride, or fear, generational sin is real. But through prayer, repentance, and surrender, those chains can break. You do not have to repeat what you came from.
3. Invite accountability
We weren’t made to walk alone. True self-control grows in community. When we confess our struggles and invite trusted people to walk with us, healing happens. As James 5:16 says, confess your sins and pray for one another so that you may be healed.
4. Practice surrender
Self-control is not about becoming controlling. It's about surrender. When we live with open hands, God leads. Surrender isn’t weakness. It’s a posture that invites strength from the Spirit.
5. Be formed by Jesus
Courtney shares a quote from John Mark Comer that says, “If we’re not being intentionally formed by Jesus, we’re being unintentionally formed by something else.” This is where spiritual formation becomes key. Through Scripture, prayer, and obedience, we allow God to shape who we’re becoming.
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