Self-control

"The fruit of the Spirit is . . . self-control" (Gal. 5.22-23). The work of the Holy Spirit is to bring the believer's outward man into into perfect obedience and self-control. A Christian must control by his will: (a) his own spirit. "A man without self control is like a city broken into and left without walls" (Prov. 25.28 ). (b) his own mind, "take every thought captive to obey Christ" ( 2 Cor. 10.5). And "set your minds on things that are above" (Co. 3.2). (c) his own body. "I pommel my body and subdue it" (1 Cor. 9.27). While the spirit governs the whole being (including the volition) according to God's will, man's will directly controls the entire man (including the spirit). In experience these two perfectly agree.