1. Gentleness/Humility = Accepting (James 1:21) Therefore, get rid of all moral filth and the evil that is so prevalent and humbly accept the word planted in you, which can save you. (Matthew 11:29) Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.

2. Gentle restraint toward those who are wrong! (Ephesians 4:2) Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. (1 Corinthians 4:21) What do you prefer? Shall I come to you with a whip, or in love and with a gentle spirit? (Galatians 6:1) Brothers, if someone is caught in a sin, you who are spiritual should restore him gently. (2 Timothy 2:25) Those who oppose him he must gently instruct, in the hope that God will grant them repentance…

3. No longer slaves! (Romans 6:6) For we know that our old self was crucified with him so that the body of sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves to sin-- (1 Corinthians 6:12) "Everything is permissible for me"--but I will not be mastered by anything.

4. Things that master us (Romans 6:14; 1 Corinthians 6:12) 1. Physically, personally harmful addictions – Drugs, gambling… 2. Intrinsically Immoral things – Pornography 3. Things that are good if enjoyed within God’s boundaries – Sex 4. Things that are good in moderation, but master us in excess – Food, Work, Exercise, TV/Internet/Games, Shopping, Hobbies, … 5. Thoughts or pursuits that consume us – People-pleasing, spotlight, risk, success…

5. How to Grow in Self-Control (Spirit-Control) 1. We are Helpless in our sinful nature - Admit we are powerless alone (Romans 7:13-25). 2. We have a New Nature In Christ – Continually remember that our sinful passions have been conquered by the cross (Galatians 5:24). 3. We have the Power of the Holy Spirit – Continually “keep in step with the Spirit.” Ask God for help. Depend on the Spirit’s power as we choose to obey (Galatians 5:23,25).

6. Deciding to live by the Spirit (Romans 8:5-6) Those who live according to the sinful nature have their minds set on what that nature desires; but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires. {6} The mind of sinful man is death, but the mind controlled by the Spirit is life and peace. (Romans 8:5-6) Those who live according to the sinful nature have their minds set on what that nature desires; but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires. {6} The mind of sinful man is death, but the mind controlled by the Spirit is life and peace.

7. How to Grow in Self-Control (Spirit-Control) 1. We are Helpless in our sinful nature - Admit we are powerless alone (Romans 7:13-25). 2. We have a New Nature In Christ – Continually remember that our sinful passions have been conquered by the cross (Galatians 5:24). 3. We have the Power of the Holy Spirit – Continually “keep in step with the Spirit.” Ask God for help. Choose to obey as we depend on the Spirit’s power (Galatians 5:23,25).