The fruit of the Spirit is…temperance
William MacDonald teaches that through the power of the Holy Spirit, believers are empowered to exercise self-control in every area of life, overcoming passions and addictions.
In this sermon, William MacDonald explores the fruit of the Spirit known as temperance, emphasizing its true meaning as self-control in all aspects of life. He explains how the Holy Spirit empowers believers to overcome passions, addictions, and besetting sins. Drawing from Paul's example and biblical teachings, MacDonald encourages Christians to rely on the Spirit for victory and discipline. This message offers practical guidance for living a life marked by supernatural self-control.
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“The fruit of the Spirit is…temperance…” (Galatians 5:23)
The preferred rendering of this last fruit of the Spirit is self-control. Temperance has become associated particularly with restraint in the use of intoxicating drinks. Self-control carries the thought of moderation or abstinence in every area of life.
By the power of the Holy Spirit, the believer is enabled to exercise self-control over his thought life, his appetite for food and drink, his speech, his sex life, his temper and every other power that God has given him. He need not be enslaved by any passion or desire.
Paul reminded the Corinthians that an athlete practices self-control in all things (1 Corinthians 9:25). He himself was determined that he would not be enslaved by anything (1 Corinthians 6:12) and so he pommeled his body and subdued it, lest after preaching to others, he himself should be disqualified (See 1 Corinthians 9:27 RSV).
The disciplined Christian avoids overeating. If coffee, tea or Cokes have a grip on him, he kicks the habit. He refuses to be mastered by tobacco in any form. He carefully avoids use of tranquilizers, sleeping pills or other pharmaceuticals, except where medically prescribed. He controls the time given to sleeping. If he is plagued by the problem of lust, he learns to expel impure thoughts, concentrate on a clean thought life, and keep busy with constructive activity. To him every addiction or besetting sin is a Goliath to be conquered.
We often hear Christians complain that they can’t break a certain habit. Such defeatism guarantees failure. It means that the Holy Spirit is not able to give the needed victory. The fact is that unconverted people, who do not have the Spirit, are often able to quit smoking or drinking or gambling or swearing. How much more easily should Christians be able to do it through the indwelling Spirit!
Self-control, like the other eight fruits of the Spirit, is supernatural. It enables believers to exercise discipline over themselves in ways that others cannot match.
Sermon Outline
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I. Definition and Meaning of Temperance
- Temperance as self-control
- Common misconceptions about temperance
- Self-control as moderation in all life areas
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II. The Power of the Holy Spirit
- Enables believers to control thoughts and desires
- Freedom from enslavement to passions
- Supernatural ability to overcome sin
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III. Biblical Examples of Self-Control
- Paul's discipline as an athlete
- Avoiding habits that enslave
- Conquering addictions and besetting sins
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IV. Practical Application for Believers
- Rejecting defeatism in breaking habits
- Relying on the Spirit for victory
- Maintaining a clean thought life
Key Quotes
“The fruit of the Spirit is…temperance…” — William MacDonald
“By the power of the Holy Spirit, the believer is enabled to exercise self-control over his thought life, his appetite for food and drink, his speech, his sex life, his temper and every other power that God has given him.” — William MacDonald
“Self-control, like the other eight fruits of the Spirit, is supernatural.” — William MacDonald
Application Points
- Rely on the Holy Spirit daily to develop self-control in thoughts, speech, and actions.
- Identify and actively resist any habits or addictions that enslave you.
- Maintain a clean thought life by focusing on constructive and pure activities.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does temperance mean in the context of the fruit of the Spirit?
Temperance refers to self-control or moderation in every area of life, not just restraint from intoxicating drinks.
How can believers develop self-control?
Believers develop self-control through the power of the Holy Spirit who enables them to overcome passions and addictions.
Why is self-control considered supernatural?
Because it is a fruit of the Spirit, self-control empowers believers to exercise discipline beyond human ability.
Can unconverted people exhibit self-control?
Yes, but Christians should be able to do so more easily through the indwelling Holy Spirit.
What should a Christian do if struggling with a besetting sin?
They should expel impure thoughts, focus on a clean thought life, and engage in constructive activities.