The Power of Self-Control in Spiritual Growth.
In our journey of faith, spiritual growth is not just solely about what we know; it’s about how we live too.
2 Timothy 3:10 KJV: But thou hast fully known my doctrine, manner of life, purpose, faith, longsuffering……
One of the most vital, yet often overlooked, aspects of the believer’s spiritual growth is self-control.
We cannot deny the fact that we live in a world that constantly encourages us to “follow our feelings” and “do whatever makes us happy,”
And that’s not bad but the Bible calls us to a higher standard, living by the Spirit and not by our impulses.
Therefore, self-control is more than just willpower; it is a fruit of the Spirit.
And if it is a fruit of the Spirit, it is futility trying to bear the fruit of the Spirit without the Spirit powering such engagement.
You will buckle under its weight, in fact, you will always notice that there is a strange law at work in our members to do what we don’t want to do.
Indeed, it is the Spirit that gives the believer the bearing capacity, so we don’t thing feign or fake it.
Romans 7:23 But I see another law at work in my body, warring against the law of my mind and holding me captive to the law of sin that dwells within me.
Self-control under the auspices of the Holy Ghost not suppression helps the believer make wise choices and walk in obedience to God.
Without self-control, our emotions, desires, and appetites can lead us away from God’s will.
But with it, we can maintain focus, integrity, and spiritual stability, no matter what comes our way.
What is Self-Control According to the Bible?
Self-control in the Bible is the ability to master our thoughts, emotions, and actions under the guidance of the Holy Spirit.
It’s not suppression—it’s submission.
While suppression is holding something back or keeping it from being expressed or happening.
Submission means yielding, giving in, or accepting the authority, control, or will of God.
“Like a city whose walls are broken through is a person who lacks self-control.” – Proverbs 25:28
A city without walls is always vulnerable to attack.
Likewise, a believer without self-control is open to spiritual defeat
because true self-control is not just about saying “no” to sin, but also about saying “yes” to God’s will consistently.
That’s why, when a believer exercises self-control,
They guard themselves from actions that can damage their testimony and relationship with God.
“Better a patient person than a warrior, one with self-control than one who takes a city.” – Proverbs 16:32
Additionally, temptations come daily, but self-control empowers us to overcome them through God’s strength.
Lastly, people are watching how you react under pressure.
When you respond with self-control, you reflect Christ to the world.
Yes, it may not be easy but it is possible by the help of the HolyGhost.
The Role of the Holy Spirit in Developing Self-Control; The Power of Self-Control in Spiritual Growth
Self-control is not a human achievement; it’s a spiritual fruit that grows as you abide in Christ.
Consequently, the Holy Spirit enables us to resist impulses that lead to sin and empowers us to walk in God’s ways.
Without Him, our willpower will eventually fail, but with Him, we can remain steadfast.
One of the things that assists the believer in building self-control is being rooted in God’s word.
It has the ability to strengthen our ability to make godly choices.
That’s why any believer that is not rooted in God’s word is a wave tossed to and fro
Another thing again that helps furnish self control is intense prayers.
Prayer keeps us spiritually alert and dependent on God’s strength rather than our own.
The moment we stop praying, reduce our tempo in praying or even outsource prayer
The crack will show it is only a matter of time, and sometimes the crack are faint and seemingly harmless
But a tiny crack is what leads to the eventual fall of a great building 😭
In addition to prayer is fasting, my father Apostle Edu Udechukwu calls them “The Three Kingdom Power Factors”
Fasting helps you discipline your flesh and to focus on God
If powered by the Spirit has the capacity to break the hold of unhealthy appetites.
And the truth is that there are things that can never go without prolonged fasting and prayer
It is not hit and run, it is marathon!!
The Eternal Reward of Self-Control
The Power of Self-Control in Spiritual Growth. In cultivating self control, we cannot also negate the necessity to set boundaries.
We set boundaries not because we are too strong or because we are hard
But because we don’t want to overestimate ourselves and reduce the labours of the Spirit to nothing
Or make God seem as if He is a liar.
Yes, so even when it is not pleasant or palatable we set them because God is counting on us.
And there is a generation that will be led astray if we don’t!!
Joseph fled from Potiphar’s wife (Genesis 39:12) because he valued purity over compromise.
Lastly, always surround yourself with Godly community.
Accountability partners can encourage and correct you when needed (Ecclesiastes 4:9–10).
Every act of self-control today shapes you for eternity.
Your ability to deny yourself now brings spiritual rewards that will never fade.
Conclusion; The Power of Self-Control in Spiritual Growth
The Power of Self-Control in Spiritual Growth.
Self-control is not about living a joyless, rigid life
It is about living in spiritual freedom.
It is the ability to choose God’s best over fleeting pleasures, to walk in obedience over impulse,
and to remain steadfast in faith when challenges arise.
As you yield to the Holy Spirit, your self-control will grow, and so will your spiritual maturity.
Remember, every small victory over your flesh strengthens your walk with God and draws you closer to the person He’s called you to be.
You can check the article Walking in your calling with boldness and humility
