The Fruit of Self-control Today's Three-minute Bible Study Print, Study and Apply Title: The Fruit of Self-control ----------------------- Date: 07/19/1999 Keywords: "fruit" "self-control" "Spirit" Welcome to eXXit, the web site designed to help you stand strong in the face of sexual temptation. eXXit advertises itself as a Web site designed to help you "stand strong in the face of sexual temptation." In Galatians 5:22-23, the apostle Paul lists nine "fruit of the Spirit," fruit that the Holy Spirit produces in the life of the believer. Each of these fruits — if produced — will greatly aid a believer who seeks to "stand strong." At eXXit, we believe that: The fruit of the Spirit is produced in the life of a healthy Christian, just as apples appear on a healthy apple tree. If there is any love or joy or peace in a Christian, it is ultimately the work of God. Christians can cooperate with the Spirit's desire to produce His fruit in their lives by yieldedness, faith, obedience and involvement in ministry. We hope you enjoy and benefit from these meditations on Galatians 5! Send us any feedback. We'd love to know what you think. Passage: Galatians 5:22-23* 22. But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23. gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. Questions 1. By what process do apples, oranges and other fruit grow?   2. How is this process similar to the growth of self-control?   Practical help Self-control seems an impossible dream for many porn strugglers. That's why, as we consider this last (but not least) fruit on the list in the Galatians passage above, it's refreshing to remember two things: 1. Self-control is a fruit of God's Spirit, not our efforts. 2. Fruit production is a process that takes time, not an event that happens overnight. So if you're weary of human failure (namely your porn habit and attempts to overcome it), ask God for new confidence in his power to grant you self-control and for patience (see verse 22) as you wait for it. eXXit homepage Index of three-minute studies Copyright 1999 by eXXit *Scriptures are from The Holy Bible: New International Version, © Copyright 1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible Society. All rights reserved.