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Whispers
of Expressing
His Life (1)
by Ray and Doris Prinzing
Chapter 10
THE SPIRIT'S FRUIT OF SELF-CONTROL
"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, long suffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance: against such there is no law. And they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts. If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit." [Galatians 5:22-25].
It is essential to understand the proper sequence ―first and foremost it is GOD'S INDWELLING CONTROL, for we are POSSESSED BY CHRIST, and it is His life that is expressed through us. Then it becomes self-evident that with His Spirit abiding in us, the FRUIT OF THE SPIRIT shall be forthcoming. Spiritual fruit that is evidenced in our nature and character, expressed through us in our daily living. While there are nine fruits listed in our text, and it is obvious that LOVE is the number one fruit, yet these ought not to be considered in terms of importance or competitive valuation by their listing, for each is a distinctive manifestation of the Spirit, not to be compared with another fruit, but all are essential for the expressing of His indwelling. The final one in the list is "temperance." And be it noted that this is a fruit of the Spirit ―Spirit begets spirit, therefore this could literally be called "a spirit of temperance." The word literally means: self-control.
Every believer that has been processed in any measure by the Cross of Christ, is familiar with the statement of Jesus, in John 5:30, "I can of mine own self do nothing." And to this we could add the words of Paul, "Yea, I judge not mine own self. For I know nothing by myself...but He that judgeth me is the Lord." [1 Corinthians 4:3-4]. And we could even add the testimony of Jeremiah, "0 Lord, I know that the way of man is not in himself: it is not in man that walketh to direct his steps." [Jeremiah 10:24].
Man, in himself, apart from the Spirit of God, in the confines of his humanity, is not able to even properly judge himself, nor choose the way wherein he should go. Thus Jeremiah adds, (verse 24), "0 Lord, correct me, but with judgment; not in Thine anger, lest Thou bring me to nothing."
Of our own weakness, lack, inability, vanity, emptiness, we are well acquainted. So next we look about for a source of supply from which we can draw strength to fulfill our will, desire, ambitions. However, be reminded, "Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness?" [Romans 6:16].
If we are in the world, without Christ, because a man can do nothing of himself, he then seeks about to find a source of supply, thus yielding himself to the spirit of the world, and becoming a servant to the world, to sin. Not that the world is always "sinful" in itself, for God "Bath made every thing beautiful in his time..." [Ecclesiastes 3:10]. But it is because man has turned away from God, to seek his help elsewhere that he has sinned. To sin literally means: to err, to miss the mark. And man has sinned and come short of the glory of God. Man substitutes many things and many sources for the help which he should be receiving directly from God Himself. Yet in this yielding of himself to these other realms, he becomes a servant to them, and is not that free spirit which he thinks himself to be ―he is a slave to his own lusts and passions, and a slave to the world wherein he seeks to find satisfaction for his desires.
"In time past ye walked according to the course of this world (spirit of the age), according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience: among whom also we all had our conversation (manner of behaviour) in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind,' and were by nature the children of wrath." [Ephesians 2:2-3].
The "spirit of the world" works in mankind. We note that the word "worketh" is the Greek word "energeo" and could literally be translated as ENERGIZETH. The natural man, without God, draws from the energy force of the spirit of the world ― often we call this "nervous energy." Furthermore, as the scientist also tell us, this is a "closed galaxy," by that they mean, there is no input from an outside supply, thus we are gradually using up what resources we have. Even more so is this true in the natural man, and while he may be energized for a time by the spirit of the world, he also eventually suffers a BURN OUT ―a very familiar term in our generation and present society. The pressure is such, the heat is turned up to the point it consumes all the supply, and man is left in a burned out state, spent, empty, a has-been.
In contra-distinction to this, we have the glorious sup of the holy Spirit, and of His input there is no end. "A bruised He shall He not break, and smoking flax shall He not quench, till He send forth judgment unto victory." [Matthew 12:20].
The flax bespeaks of apiece used for a wick, and when the oil is gone, it just smokes and burns out ―and this stinks. The world says, life is over, and these are just "charred ones." But Jesus comes and POURS IN NEW OIL ―"I shall be anointed with fresh oil." [Psalm 92:10]. Of His energy supply there shall be no end. "I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly." [John 10:10}. His creative energy never ceases! While all natural life is in a state of degeneration, in Him we find a REGENERATION. Bless His holy name!
"Now, being made free from sin, and become servants to God, ye have your fruit unto holiness, and the end everlasting life." [Romans 6:22].
Two phrases are highly important here ―"being made free from" and then "become servants to..." THIS IS A PROCESS! We are daily being made free from our servitude to the flesh and sin, old things are passing away, and all things are becoming new in Christ. Paul says, "I die daily," as the Cross is applied to the flesh, and our dependency upon the flesh. And then there is a NEW LIFE that daily comes into focus, HIS LIFE. "God, Who is rich in mercy, for His great love wherewith He loved us, even when we were dead in sins, hath QUICKENED us together with Christ." [Ephesians 2:4-5]. This quickening bespeaks of an INFLOW OF DIVINE LIFE, as we yield ourselves to Him for HIS INDWELLING, and thus we become "His workmanship, recreated in Christ Jesus, born anew that we may do those good works which God predestined (planned beforehand) for us, ( taking paths which He prepared ahead of time) that we should walk in them ―living the good life which He prearranged and made ready for us to live." [Ephesians 2:10, Amplified].
Thus it is "God which worketh in you both to will and to do of His good pleasure." [Philippians 2:13]. Yet this is tucked in between two other verses. Verse 12 reads, "Work out your own salvation with fear and trembling." While verse 14 reads, "Do all things without murmurings and disputings."
These are the results of HIS WORKING IN US ―both to will, i.e. to give us the desire for this right walk with God; and to do, i.e. imparting that energy supply which enables us to do so. Only in the measure that HE DWELLS WITHIN US, working in us, empowering us, are we able to LIVE OUT this walk with Him, and so do without murmurings and disputings. Thus truly we are HIS workmanship, and the expression of our life is a revelation of HIS handiwork in us.
"I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave Himself for me." [Galatians 2:20].
All that He does is FOR US, to become our sufficiency, and it is out of this supply that we live, and are able to say with Paul, "I have strength for all things in Christ Who empowers me ― I am ready for anything and equal to anything through Him who infuses inner strength into me, (that is, I am self-sufficient in Christ's sufficiency." [Philippians 4:13, Amplified).
He strengthens us. The Greek word is "endunamoo" meaning: to make powerful inwardly, from the word "dunamis" meaning: power. This is the Greek word which is the root for our English word "dynamite," which bespeaks of an explosive force of power, able to blast the obstacle out of the way. A force, if uncontrolled, can also be very destructive. But there is another English word from the same Greek root, which is "dynamo," and bespeaks of a controlled energy but in a constant generated supply. So Williams, in the footnote of his translation, gives, "I have power for all things through Him who puts a dynamo in me." Praise God!
True, there are times when we need some of the Spirit's dynamite, that surge of His power which demolishes the opposition, and delivers us into a new victory in Him. But far more often we find that God purposes to supply a continuously generated supply of power, controlled, yet enabling us to WALK OUT the path in a daily overcoming strength, sufficient for the day ― bringing us THROUGH as overcomers, not as some escape artists.
Obviously Paul had this glorious truth in mind, when he wrote of his experience, and how "He said to me, My grace ―My favor and loving kindness and mercy ―are enough for you, (that is, sufficient against any danger and to enable you to bear the trouble manfully); for My strength and power are made perfect ―fulfilled and completed and show themselves most effective ―in your weaknesses. Therefore I will all the more gladly glory in my weaknesses and infirmities, that the strength and power of Christ, the Messiah, may rest ―yes, may pitch a tent over and dwell― upon me." [2 Corinthians 12:9, Amplified].
Through it all, every process, testing, and on-going experience, "I have learned how to be content (satisfied to the point where I am not disturbed or disquieted) in whatever state I am." [Philippians 4:11, Amplified].
We note the word "content" from the Greek "autarkes." The word ARKES means: sufficient, enough, to suffice. Prefixed with AUT, from "autos" for "self." Thus it literally means: to be self-sufficient, drawing from the Christ within for this sufficiency.
Wuest Expanded, "I have come to learn, in the circumstances in which I am placed, to be independent of these and self-sufficient."
Someone asks, "How are you doing?" And the answers come," Pretty good, under the circumstance, or, considering the circumstance." Paul's inner life was not influenced by his circumstance, whether full or hungry, abounding or poor, he was not disturbed or disquieted by it all, because he was independent of the circumstance, finding himself self-sufficient in Christ. Because he did not yield his inner life to these situations, he was not a servant to them, he was free. "To whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are." Because he yielded himself only to the Lord Jesus Christ, he was servant to Christ, and could receive from Christ all that he needed to sustain his spiritual life, and yes, even to bring him triumphantly through his natural circumstances.
The Ferrar Fenton brings out a very interesting insight. "For I have learned in whatever state I am to be master of myself." This brings us to the thought of INNER SELF-CONTROL. Finding IN CHRIST that sufficiency and strength so that there is an expression of self-control, of victory, of authority, of mastery WITHIN, which keeps us from becoming a servant, a slave to our circumstances.
Here we find that the FRUIT OF THE SPIRIT, temperance, i.e. self-control, comes into expression. The Greek word is "egkrates" meaning: to be strong in a thing (masterful), thus, self-controlled in appetite, whether for food, drink, sex, etc. and thus translated as temperate. Temperance bespeaks of AN INNER STRENGTH, giving you self-control, rather than becoming a slave to the thing. because this is a FRUIT OF THE SPIRIT, it shows that the Spirit of God uses the self-personality of man as His means of control.
If a man's self-control is only an action of the man, apart from the Spirit dwelling within him, then this would only produce a will-worship, and self-righteousness, which is unacceptable in the eyes of the Lord.
Just as much as we discussed in the previous chapter that the conscience can become seared, need purging, etc. that it might be properly used by God in our walk with Him. So also we find that the soul realm, with its self-expression, is not to be destroyed, but brought into full salvation, so that it might be USED BY GOD. Certainly everything of our own human, natural, carnal ego, will, emotion, personality, etc. must all be given over to God, not to suffer utter loss, but to receive it again as cleansed and CONTROLLED BY HIM, to then express Himself through us in all of our purified personality. Just as we saw that SPIRIT RULE BY GOD goes beyond conscience-rule in man, yet there is no loss, for the lesser is swallowed up into the greater, so also, HIS INDWELLING CONTROL only enhances our expression of self-control.
"Jesus said unto His disciples, If any man will come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me. For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: and whosoever will love his life for My sake shall find it." [Matthew 16:24-25].
It is noted that the word "life" used here, is the Greek word "psuche" which is also translated as soul. It bespeaks of our soulish life, with all of its expression through the will, emotions, intellect. If we seek to hold on to our own will, etc. we shall find that we have lost it all ― for we will have become a servant to the world, and our own self-lusts, etc. which would dominate our will. But when we yield ourselves to Christ, with the inworking of the Cross, to cancel out our own self-will, our carnal mind, etc. then we shall find that we have literally FOUND IT again ―in a higher dimension, for "our life is hid with Christ in God." [Colossians 3:3]. All of our soul realm is brought into HIS life and victory ― and thus we have gained, not suffered loss. In HIS INDWELLING CONTROL we have come into anew dimension of a purified self -control.
Hebrews 10:39 speaks "of them that believe to the saving of the soul."
There is a "Receiving the end (consummation, fulfillment) of your faith, even the salvation of your soul." [1 Peter 1:9].
Significant that we don't really have the "SAVING" of the soul, until first we LOSE IT ―in Him. Paradoxical as it may seem, it is a blessed truth understood by those who experience it. How beautifully this is expressed in the beloved hymn:Many years I longed for rest,
Perfect peace within my breast,
And I often sought the Lord alone in tears;
But I would not pay the price,
Would not make the sacrifice,
So I wandered on and on for many years.
Then one day while bowed in prayer,
Jesus whispered to me there;
'Take thy cross and follow Me to Calvary;'
O how hard it was to die,
And all self to crucify,
Just to lose myself, and find it Lord, in Thee.
Let me lose myself, and find it Lord, in Thee,
May all self be slain, my friends see only Thee,
Though it cost me grief and pain,
I will find my life again,
If I lose myself, I'll find it Lord, in Thee."We are well admonished by James 4:10, "Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and HE shall lift you up." How far down does this humbling process go? It is written of our Lord, "He humbled Himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. Wherefore God also hath highly exalted Him..." [Philippians 2:8-9]. Not until our self-life has faced the cross in every aspect, crucified with Him, will we have been humbled enough to also then be lifted up. Thus the wonder unfolds, for the cross is not the end, but THE BEGINNING of our new life expression in Him. Yes, it was an end to the carnality of the soul, but it also freed us from the tyranny of serving the world, so that we might now rise to walk in the newness of His life.
Therefore it can rightly be said that the salvation of the soul includes being able to control SELF, to hold this mastery over self, by His Spirit. Self-control is a FRUIT, a RESULT, an EXPRESSION of the Spirit's indwelling. The natural man may think he has self control, and with a strong will he may hold him ― self in check for a long time ― then suddenly "the straw that breaks the camel's back" is laid on, and he caves in, he explodes, the restraint is gone. The limitations of man's self-control are in evidence everywhere.
But GOD, working within us a glorious salvation, and filling us with His Spirit, then can express the FRUIT OF THE SPIRIT, and there is an on-going mastery over self. A control that truly glorifies Him!
It is recorded that Felix "sent for Paul, and heard him concerning the faith in Christ. And as he reasoned of righteousness, temperance, and judgment to come, Felix trembled..." [Acts 24:24-25].
Righteousness bespeaks of God's work in us, to bring us into His holiness, so that we have aright standing before Him. Temperance could also be said to be our corresponding action toward God, being an expression of His working in us, so that we now seek to glorify Him. Judgment indicates that correctional action needed to make it all experientially fulfilled in us. No wonder Felix trembled ― full well he knew of the depravity in his life, of the unbridled passions that raged within him, of all the excesses of his carnality. And to think that there was a God who would CORRECT IT ALL put him in an awesome, fearful state. But just as soon as we look BEYOND THE PROCESS, and see the glorious FRUITAGE in that nevertheless afterwards, we can rejoice, for it was not a loss, but a gain ― into the fullness of life.
It reveals a beautiful presentation of the gospel by Paul, that as he reasoned of righteousness, and the judgment whereby that righteousness would be established, he also included the glorious expression of TEMPERANCE. For this would be a message of the positive results of the Spirit's indwelling. That God can so transform a man, that by His enablement, man can hold a MASTERY OVER SELF, and not be a slave to himself, and to the spirit of the world which dominates the carnal realm.
We find it so significant that of all the fruits of the Spirit, Paul chose this one to insert in his message. He did not reason of righteousness, LOVE, and judgment; nor of righteousness, JOY, and judgment; though certainly both of these could have been well fitted into the message. But God directed the attention to a PLACE IN GOD, where so ONE IN CHRIST, that man would be seen as an OVERCOMER ―in mastery over self, in control over all internal desires, drives, temperaments, etc. to live a life pleasing to God.
Peter writes that we have been "called to glory and virtue: whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust." [2 Peter 1:3-4]. This is entirely the provision of God to usward, GIVEN BY HIM, that we might be made partakers, and become EXPRESSIONS OF HIS DIVINE NATURE. Having carefully considered first God's action towards us, then Peter goes on to write of the need of our corresponding action, that we be diligent to add to, or associate with our faith, courage to profess it, knowledge to defend it, and TEMPERANCE so as to exercise that self-control which reflects favourably upon our faith, rather than having actions which belie our confession.
History has recorded many examples of men who forcefully, with strong courage were able to declare their message. And they seemed to have good knowledge on how to share it. But suddenly we come to "temperance" and find it sadly lacking. Without this self-control they indulged in the lusts of the flesh for power, money, kingdom building for self, and even in sexual gratification. The proclamation of faith was marred because of this lack of SELF CONTROL. This FRUIT OF THE SPIRIT is essential, if we would go on "to make your calling and election sure," and to have "an entrance" of welcome and triumph into the Kingdom of our Lord.
"Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? so run, that ye may obtain. And everyone that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible." [1 Corinthians 9:24-25].
Paul pointed out that we do not run uncertainly, nor fight as one that beateth the air, but we keep even our body under, brought into subjection, so that we do not become a castaway. It requires divinely inwrought self-control, if we are to come through all the pressures and trials, and gain the prize. Thus this FRUIT OF THE SPIRIT is more than an adornment, it is an essential requirement, for the prize is very high ―an incorruptible crown of glory that fadeth not away. Bless His name!
"God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work." [2 Corinthians 9:8]. All-sufficiency, or literally, SELF-SUFFICIENT. Which the Amplified gives as: "possessing enough to require no aid or support and furnished in abundance for every good work."
In whom can God entrust such a bountiful supply? In those in whom He has first brought forth that glorious fruit of the Spirit of SELF-CONTROL. Then such an one would not mis-use the resources for the satisfaction of the flesh, because there would be an INTERNAL MASTERY OVER SELF, and every expression would be for the glory of God, and to bless others. What an inworking of His cross. What a transformation of the soul, that the Spirit of God indwelling can USE THE SELF-PERSONALITY, and bless it with such bountiful resources, that there is a sufficiency unto every good work.Not loss, but gain, when He did work
Within By His own Cross,
For He has purposed there would be
Removal of all dross.The works of flesh in Him must end,
Its pride and shame no more,
That His new life might now transcend,
His grace our soul restore.
His Spirit bears after His kind ―
Of love, and joy, and peace,
May these in us daily abound,
While carnal things decrease.But there's another fruit that we
Desire shall be there,
The inner strength of self -control,
A quality that's rare.That His indwelling shall be seen,
The greater through the less,
His Spirit rule made manifest
Through men that He doth bless.He takes our personality
And uses it to show
Expressions of His mighty power,
As we, in Him, do grow.The life is His, the fruit is His,
And yet because we're one,
We find our own identity ―
Relationship called "son."Our self -control is His control,
And thus He freely shares
The resource of His heav'nly store,
We are in Christ joint-heirs.
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(1) Prinzing, Ray and Doris. WHISPERS OF EXPRESSING HIS LIFE. (now out of print), Boise, Idaho 83705
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