— “Nothing Should Be Stronger Than God”— Scripture calls self-control a fruit of the Spirit and addiction a form of idolatry.
📖 Summary
Self-control is the fruit of the Spirit (Gal 5:22–23).
Addiction is a modern form of idolatry (1 Cor 6:12).
The issue isn’t what you do—it’s what masters you.
Christian freedom isn’t doing whatever you want;
it’s being mastered by nothing but Christ.
1️⃣ Introduction | “Self-control is not repression, but freedom.”
Modern culture glorifies desire and excuses addiction.
But Scripture teaches that lack of self-control
is not weakness—it’s spiritual slavery.
True freedom is not “doing what I want,”
but “wanting what pleases God.”
2️⃣ Biblical Foundation | Addiction Is Slavery, Self-Control Is Fruit
📘 1 Corinthians 6:12 (ESV) — “I will not be dominated by anything.”
📘 Galatians 5:22–23 (ESV) — “The fruit of the Spirit is… self-control.”
📘 Proverbs 25:28 (ESV) — “A man without self-control is like a city without walls.”
📘 Romans 6:12 (ESV) — “Let not sin reign in your mortal body.”
→ Addiction enslaves; self-control liberates.
3️⃣ Theological Insight | Self-Control Is Spirit’s Power, Not Willpower
📜 John MacArthur — “The Believer’s Self-Control”
“Self-control is not achieved by effort but by surrender to the Spirit.”
📜 R.C. Sproul — “Addiction and the Christian Mind”
“Addiction is misplaced worship—it reveals a false master.”
📜 John Piper — “Don’t Waste Your Life”
“If anything satisfies you more than God, it’s already your god.”
📜 Jonathan Edwards — “Religious Affections”
“True grace produces self-control, not indulgence.”
📜 Westminster Larger Catechism Q.135–136
“Preserve life and avoid anything that tends to destroy it.”
4️⃣ Misconceptions vs. Biblical Truth
| Misconception | Cause | Biblical Truth |
|---|---|---|
| “Self-control is legalism.” | Misunderstanding grace | It’s the Spirit’s evidence, not human effort. |
| “Addiction is just weakness.” | Psychological reductionism | It’s spiritual slavery. |
| “A little won’t hurt.” | Rationalization | Sin always starts small. |
| “I can quit anytime.” | Pride | True control comes from surrender. |
5️⃣ Application | Four Steps Toward Freedom
1️⃣ Identify — What has power over your thoughts or habits?
2️⃣ Repent — Transfer ownership back to God.
3️⃣ Train — Build spiritual disciplines of prayer and word.
4️⃣ Replace — Fill the void with worship, gratitude, and service.
6️⃣ Conclusion | Self-Control Is Freedom Restored
Addiction is slavery disguised as pleasure.
Self-control is not bondage—it’s the return of lordship to God.
Nothing should rule you but Christ alone.
“Self-control is not the loss of joy,
but the protection of true joy.” — Revito
Faith. Truth. Renewal. — Revito
🔖 Hashtags
#ChristianSelfControl #AddictionAndFaith #FreedomInChrist #SpiritFruit #JohnMacArthur #RCSproul #JohnPiper #JonathanEdwards #WestminsterCatechism #ReformedTheology #FaithTruthRenewal #Revito
