Self-Control Is Managing Our Moods

The Fruit of the HOLY SPIRIT

Podcast Episode: The Fruit of the HOLY SPIRIT – SELF-CONTROL #4

“But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: LOVE, JOY, PEACE, PATIENCE, KINDNESS, GOODNESS, FAITHFULNESS, GENTLENESS, AND SELF-CONTROL. There is no law against these things.” [Galatians 5:22-23 NLT]

Moses Strikes The Rock

In Numbers 1-13 NLT says, “1 In the first month of the year, the whole community of Israel arrived in the wilderness of Zin and camped at Kadesh. While they were there, Miriam died and was buried. 2 There was no water for the people to drink at that place, so they rebelled against Moses and Aaron. 3 The people blamed Moses and said, “If only we had died in the Lord’s presence with our brothers! 4 Why have you brought the congregation of the Lord’s people into this wilderness to die, along with all our livestock? 5 Why did you make us leave Egypt and bring us here to this terrible place? This land has no grain, no figs, no grapes, no pomegranates, and no water to drink!” 6 Moses and Aaron turned away from the people and went to the entrance of the Tabernacle, where they fell face down on the ground. Then the glorious presence of the Lord appeared to them, 7 and the Lord said to Moses, 8 “You and Aaron must take the staff and assemble the entire community. As the people watch, speak to the rock over there, and it will pour out its water. You will provide enough water from the rock to satisfy the whole community and their livestock.” 9 So Moses did as he was told. He took the staff from the place where it was kept before the Lord. 10 Then he and Aaron summoned the people to come and gather at the rock. “Listen, you rebels!” he shouted. “Must we bring you water from this rock?” 11 Then Moses raised his hand and struck the rock twice with the staff, and water gushed out. So the entire community and their livestock drank their fill. 12 But the Lord said to Moses and Aaron, “Because you did not trust me enough to demonstrate my holiness to the people of Israel, you will not lead them into the land I am giving them!” 13 This place was known as the waters of Meribah (which means “arguing”) because there the people of Israel argued with the Lord, and there He demonstrated His holiness among them.

In Numbers Chapter 20 Verse 1 describes Then came the children of Israel . . . into the desert of Zin in the first month – possibly of the fortieth year (cf. 20:22, 23 with 33:38), but there is no manuscript evidence to support this. In this history only the principal and most important incidents are recorded, those confined chiefly to the first or second and the last years of the journeyings in the wilderness. Between the last verse of the preceding chapter and the first verse of this chapter there is a long and undescribed interval of thirty-seven years. The people abode in Kadesh. It was their second arrival after an interval of thirty-eight years (Deuteronomy 2:14). The old generation had nearly all died, and the new one encamped in it with the view of entering the Promised Land, not, however, as formerly on the south, but by crossing the Edomite region on the east. Miriam died there – four months before Aaron (Numbers 33:38).

In Verses 2-13 describe there was no water for the congregation – There was at Kadesh a spring, En-Mishpat (Genesis 14:7), and at the first encampment of the Israelites there was no want of water. It was then either partially dried up by the heat of the season or been exhausted by the demands of so many people.

With all of this baggage to deal with, it seems understandable that Moses would lose his cool. But God reminded Moses, and us, especially me, that the failure to manage out moods doesn’t only make us look foolish, it also diminishes our ability to follow the leadership of God. When Evangelists, Pastors and/or Teachers become indulgent and allow their emotions to dictate their actions, people not only stop supporting their ministry, but they may also turn away from God. Our responsibility is similar to Moses’ responsibility: We are to manage our moods and reflect our obedience to God in our actions.

Saul Tries To Kill David

In 1 Samuel 19:6-10 NLT says, “6 So Saul listened to Jonathan and vowed, “As surely as the Lord lives, David will not be killed.” 7 Afterward Jonathan called David and told him what had happened. Then he brought David to Saul, and David served in the court as before. 8 War broke out again after that, and David led his troops against the Philistines. He attacked them with such fury that they all ran away. 9 But one day when Saul was sitting at home, with spear in hand, the tormenting spirit from the Lord suddenly came upon him again. As David played his harp, 10 Saul hurled his spear at David. But David dodged out of the way, and leaving the spear stuck in the wall, he fled and escaped into the night.

In Verses 6-7 describe Saul hearkened unto the voice of Jonathan – As a result of this apparent change in attitude, the king takes a vow. This is a simple form of oath, found also in Judges 8:19; 1 Samuel 14:39, 45; 20:3, 21; 25:26, 34; 26:10, 16; 28:10; 29:6; etc. Another oath formula was: “May the Lord do so to me and more also, if . . .” (Ruth 1:17; 1 Samuel 3:17; 14:44; 2 Samuel 3:35; 1 Kings 2:23). Every society has run into the need for its members to speak the truth and abide by their word in serious matters. An oath, in the Bible, is an attempt to support this obligation to tell the truth and be faithful to one’s words by the addition of holy words to the basic statement. Saul’s mental condition, under the ravages of envy, has so deteriorated that he can forget an oath shortly after pronouncing it. It appears that Saul was too unstable to uphold this oath, though Jonathan believes that he is sincere (1 Samuel 20:2). Jonathan spake good of David – Jonathan is able to convince the paranoid Saul that David has done him no harm and therefore killing David would be a grave sin.

In Verse 8 describes David went out, and fought with the Philistines, and slew them with a great slaughter – Since no details of any major battle were given (as they have been for Michmash and will be for Gilboa), we may suppose that the summary statement here of David’s victories reflects successes in skirmishes, raids, and the like, the net result of which was the killing of many Philistines, further increasing David’s popularity and consequently also Saul’s irrational jealousy. Hate reigns in Saul’s heart; reason has been abandoned. Saul’s judgment is so poisoned by his envy for his rival that he tries to kill him (Payne).

King Saul let his emotions control his actions, and he lost an important and potentially beneficial relationship with David as a result. When we are faced with demons that vie, compete, contend, contest, struggle, strive, fight, rival or oppose for control of our souls, what will we do in response? How will we choose to live? The answer lies in self-control.

Opposition From Samaritans

In Luke 9:51-56 NLT says, “51 As the time drew near for Him to ascend to heaven, Jesus resolutely set out for Jerusalem. 52 He sent messengers ahead to a Samaritan village to prepare for His arrival. 53 But the people of the village did not welcome Jesus because He was on His way to Jerusalem. 54 When James and John saw this, they said to Jesus, “Lord, should we call down fire from heaven to burn them up?” 55 But Jesus turned and rebuked them. 56 So they went on to another village..

In Verse 51 describes our Lord Jesus Christ knew that His time on earth was ending and that the time drew near for His return to heaven. In other words, our Lord Jesus Christ knew that He would soon die and that this death awaited Him in Jerusalem. As if needing to arrive on time for a pre-planned appointment, our Lord Jesus Christ resolutely set out for Jerusalem..

In Verses 52-53 describe our Lord Jesus Christ was journeying from Galilee to Jerusalem, so He had to travel south. Samaria lay between Galilee and Judea, thus He would have to travel through that region. The animosity between the Jews and the Samaritans was so great that many Jews would go out of their way not to travel through Samaria, instead opting to cross the Jordan River and travel on the other side until they could recross. Our Lord Jesus Christ held no such prejudices, so He sent messengers ahead to go into a Samaritan village and prepare for His arrival (presumably to secure lodging for our Lord Jesus Christ and the Twelve). Because the men were heading toward Jerusalem, however, the people in the Samaritan village refused to welcome Him.

In Verses 54-56 describe when the messengers reported back, James and John were furious. The disciples had been told that if they faced rejection in a certain town, they were to shake the dust from their feet as a testimony against the people (Luke 9:5). James and John did not want to stop there – they asked our Lord Jesus Christ if they should order down fire from heaven to burn them up. Our Lord Jesus Christ rebuked their suggestion. The point here was that the village was not consciously rejecting our Lord Jesus Christ; instead, they were rejecting this group of thirteen or more because they were Jews on their way to Jerusalem (Luke 9:53). The disciples were to take this rejection in stride and go on to another village. Whether this other village was in Samaria is unknown. There was no stopping our Lord Jesus Christ; He continued resolutely toward Jerusalem..

Most people who get “hostile with the Gospel” think they are helping out. But the control we should invoke is not on the errant world but on our own errant selves. We shouldn’t try to coerce the unbelieving world with thunderbolts. We should try to manage ourselves, and once we have made self-control a working principle in our own lives, the Samaritans, (other races and cultures or unbelievers) might warm up to their propositions. Burning villages or abortion clinics has never been a good evangelistic technique. On the other hand, burning our egos – our presumed right to control others – has had an amazing effect where it has been tried.

Paul and Barnabas Separate

In Acts 15:36-41 NLT says, “36 After some time Paul said to Barnabas, “Let’s go back and visit each city where we previously preached the word of the Lord, to see how the new believers are doing.” 37 Barnabas agreed and wanted to take along John Mark. 38 But Paul disagreed strongly, since John Mark had deserted them in Pamphylia and had not continued with them in their work. 39 Their disagreement was so sharp that they separated. Barnabas took John Mark with him and sailed for Cyprus. 40 Paul chose Silas, and as he left, the believers entrusted him to the Lord’s gracious care. 41 Then he traveled throughout Syria and Cilicia, strengthening the churches there.”

In Verse 36 describes Paul wanted to take another trip, primarily to revisit the churches that had been established on the first missionary journey. Evangelism would prove to be a major component of Paul’s mission, but establishing and equipping the new believers were his primary objectives (see Ephesians 4:11-12).

In Verses 37-39 describe the grand plan of Paul and Barnabas to launch a follow-up campaign quickly unraveled when the topic of John Mark came up. The men disagreed over the inclusion of this young believer on another missionary trip. Paul adamantly did not want to take him along. Because he had deserted them on the first journey (Acts 13:13), Paul felt that he would be an unreliable person to have along. The debate between the old colleagues became heated – they disagreed strongly and ended up separating. Each formed his own missionary team. Barnabas took John Mark and sailed west to Cyprus. These two are not mentioned again in the book of Acts. It is important to note that the disagreement was not about theology. Both men would continue to teach the true Gospel message. Through this disagreement God doubled the missionary effort.

In Verses 40-41 describe Paul’s second missionary journey, this time with Silas as his partner, began approximately three years after his first one ended. The two visited many of the cities covered on Paul’s first journey, plus others. This journey would lay the groundwork for the church in Greece.

Silas had been involved in the Jerusalem council; he was one of the two men chosen to represent the Jerusalem church by taking the letter and decision back to Antioch (Acts 15:22). Paul, from the Antioch church, chose Silas, from the Jerusalem church, and they traveled together to many cities to spread the Good News. This teamwork demonstrated the church’s unity after the decision at the Jerusalem council.

Great people faced difficult personal challenges, yet they astounded the world with achievements that only their personal discipline can explain. The truly disabled are those whose moods are uncontrollable. Those who try to serve our Lord Jesus Christ without disciplining their lives end up making their faith a kind of religious romance in which they indulge every week or so. But those who can control their moods and manage their tempers demonstrate that the kingdom of God is a believable, desirable place to seek.

Edom’s Judgment Announced

In Obadiah 1-4 NLT says, “1 This is the vision that the Sovereign Lord revealed to Obadiah concerning the land of Edom. We have heard a message from the Lord that an ambassador was sent to the nations to say, “Get ready, everyone! Let’s assemble our armies and attack Edom!”
2  The Lord says to Edom, “I will cut you down to size among the nations; you will be greatly despised. 3  You have been deceived by your own pride because you live in a rock fortress
and make your home high in the mountains. ‘Who can ever reach us way up here?’ You ask boastfully. 4  But even if you soared as high as eagles and built your nest among the stars,
I would bring you crashing down,” says the Lord.

In Verse 1 describes the vision of Obadiah – This short heading matches the book’s brevity. The word “vision” (Hebrew khaz“n) might also be rendered “revelation” (cf. Isaiah 1:1; Ezekiel 7:26; Nahum 1:1; Habakkuk 2:2; Proverbs 29:18 for this meaning) (Stuart). The name of the prophet means “servant of Yahweh.” Concerning Edom – Edom is alternately used throughout the book for “Esau” (Obadiah 1:6, 8, 9, 18, 19, 21; cf. Genesis 36:1, 8, 43). This refers to the descendants of Esau (the Edomites), and their land which is located south of Judah. Edom’s blood relationship with Israel is mentioned repeatedly in the OT (Numbers 20:14; Deuteronomy 23:7; Amos 1:11; Malachi 1:2; cf. 1:10, 12). And an ambassador is sent – showing God’s intervention in history to carry out His purposes. He sent an angel to stir up the Assyrians and Babylonians against Edom. Rise up against her in battle – The result of the message that this ambassador carried to these nations was their united response to go up against Edom (Jeremiah 49:14).

In Verse 2 describes – I have made thee small . . . despised – The Hebrew phrase is actually written in the past tense, while it refers to the future. This implies that future judgment was so certain of being carried out that it was as if it had already happened. At this time Edom was at the height of its power, extending from Dedan of Arabia to Bozrah in the north (Jeremiah 49:8, 13). Edom’s smallness could also be indicative of its sinful and debased character, not its geographic boundaries (Armerding). But the time would come when it would become small geographically as well.

In Verse 3 describes – Thou that dwellest in the clefts of the rock – The cities of Edom were generally cut right into the face of the cliffs. The Idumean city of Petra (probably to be identified with an earlier Edomite city) is a prime example of this method of construction. The name Petra means “rock,” and it consisted of houses and temples cut into the sides of the Wadi Musa. These cities, built high in the rocks, did have imposing natural defenses which probably gave their inhabitants feelings of invulnerability.

In Verse 4 describes – Thou exalt thyself as the eagle – Eagles build their nests in places that are notably inaccessible (Jeremiah 49:16; Amos 9:2, 3). Set thy nest among the stars – Even if they were to build their homes on the tops of the highest peaks, which seem to touch the stars, they would not escape. Thence will I bring thee down – This is in answer to their boastful question, “Who shall bring me down?”

Self-control is rarely the virtue of the proud. Security breeds indulgence and death – both personal and national death. Still, believers are called to live lives of self-denial in times of cultural decadence, corruption, debauchery, depravity, dissolution, and self-indulgence. Only then can we triumph over that pitiable pride that defeated Edom and live to praise God in any nation or circumstance.

Prayer is the key that unlocks and reveals faith. Effective prayer needs both an attitude of complete dependence and the action of asking. Prayer demonstrates complete reliance on God. Thus, there is no substitute for prayer, especially in situations that seem impossible. Often the disciples would face difficult situations that could be resolved only through prayer. Their humiliation made this a painful lesson to learn.

Our Lord Jesus Christ said that prayer and devotion to God are the real evidences of a robust inner faith. Self-control is the first step of spiritual discipline. We must practice and prepare ourselves for the coming battles. If we cannot control our appetites, we can hardly be expected to enter into spiritual combat that tries even the souls of those who pray and fast.

So, in this Election 2020, let our hearts and minds in tune with God, in the power of God, the Holy Spirit. Let’s continuously and persistently pray for God’s perfect will be done. We as Born-Again Christians have been tried and cleansed, we have moved freely into a relationship with our Lord Jesus Christ that is more powerful than it was before our trials. We are at home in the presence and fellowship of God, for we are heirs with our Lord Jesus Christ, more like Him that we could ever have dreamed possible. So, let’s continuously and persistently pray for this Election 2020, that may God’s perfect will be done. Amen!

So our worship centers on our self-control. But then so does our entire world of relationships. Our self-control finds the energy to be consistent in its driving desire to bring pleasure to our Heavenly Father.  

The principle is that no one has anything of value to bring to God in order to deserve salvation, mercy, justification, or even a second glance from God. The proud will be humbled, but the humble will be honored. Acceptance before God cannot be achieved by good deeds, piety, or any amount of self-proclaimed righteousness.

Let’s never get over the effect of God’s saving transformation on people’s lives. People who were lost in sin, filled with anger and bitterness, give up their hatred and become approachable as we have studied and learned last time. That is, of course, why we minister to others. Those of us who minister are not people to whom gentleness and self-control comes naturally. We are people who have been remodeled by grace. We thankfully leave our old natures far behind as we embrace gentleness and self-control and in our treatment of others.

Sunday by Sunday as we come to worship, we may have confidence that the Bible is true. Let me encourage our brothers- and sisters-in-Christ, and I want my readers and listeners to be both strong in the faith and sensitive to others’ needs. Because all, we as Born-Again Christian believers are strong in certain areas and weak in others, we constantly need to monitor the effects of our behavior on others.

In these SELF-CONTROL Series of Podcast, we will learn the following PURPOSES of this fruit of the HOLY SPIRIT:

1. Learned and knew the Path of Coming to Maturity – Podcast Self-Control #1
2. Learned To Say No To Our Appetites – Podcast Self-Control #2
3. To Receive Freedom From Permissiveness – Podcast Self-Control #3
4. To Manage Our Moods – Podcast Self-Control #4
5. The Disciplined Life – Podcast Self-Control #5
6. The Mark of Obedience – Podcast Self-Control #6
7. Remembering Who We Are In Relationship With Christ – Podcast Self-Control #7

Three (3) Questions we can answer from these Sources: The Bible and Guidance of the Holy Spirit

Observation: What do these passages say to you?

Interpretation: What do these passages mean to you?

Application: How do the meaning of these passages apply to you or to your situation?

If you are not sure that you are Born-Again Christian believer, please take a look of one of our ministries, “An Invitation To Meet Our Lord Jesus Christ” at https://homefellowshipchurches.org/an-invitation-to-meet-our-lord-jesus-christ/

Suggested Prayer: Father God, we come into your presence in our Lord Jesus Christ name, and in the power of the Holy Spirit. Thank you Lord Jesus Christ for Your agape love and forgiveness you have done on the Cross of Calvary, and continue to intercede for us in prayer. Thank you Holy Spirit as our Helper and Comforter. Thank you for the wisdom, knowledge, understanding, courage and strength. We cling, yield, plug-in and tune-in to you Holy Spirit to help us understand God’s Words, obey them, receive Your divine revelation, know the Truth that sets us free, and apply them in our lives, in our Lord Jesus Christ name, Amen!

God bless you all and our families!

In Malachi 3:10-12 AMPC says, “10 Bring all the tithes (the whole tenth of your income) into the storehouse, that there may be food in My house, and prove Me now by it”, says the Lord of hosts, “if I will not open the windows of heaven for you and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it.” [Malachi 2:2.] 11 “And I will rebuke the devourer (insects and plagues) for your sakes and he shall not destroy the fruits of your ground, neither shall your vine drop its fruits before the time in the field,” says the Lord of hosts. 12 “And all nations shall call you happy and blessed, for you shall be a land of delight”, says the Lord of hosts.

If the people would obey God, giving as they should, God would flood His people with blessings. There would be an overabundance of God’s blessing if He was given what He requested.