Forever: Self-Control

 So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. For the flesh desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the flesh. They are IN conflict with each other, so that you are not to do whatever you want. But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law.

The acts of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery;  idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God.

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.
- Galatians 5:16-23

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Epicureanism – Pleasure is morally good. Pain is morally wrong .

 Stoicism – Wisdom, courage, justice, moderation.

The end of all things is at hand; therefore be self-controlled and sober-minded for the sake of your prayers.
- 1 Peter 4:7

Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own;  you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your bodies.
- 1 Corinthians 6:19-20

Mixer

What is your favorite childhood Christmas Memory?

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Daily Devotional Questions

In Pastor Jared’s Saturday 11/28 entry, The Kingdom Way, his opening statement says this: “Every time I read the Gospels, I’m not just struck by what’s in there, I’m surprised at what isn’t in there.” Have you ever approached your studies of Jesus that way? We didn’t hear condemnation in his conversation with the Samaritan woman at the well; we didn’t hear a defense at his trial. What other “didn’ts” can you think of? How are your relationships changing because of what you didn’t say?

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Strongest You Questions

1. In Episode 10 (12.3.20), Mike discusses how codependency damages relationships. With the Strongest You tools so far, coupled with our study of the Fruit of the Spirit, how are you becoming newly made in the area of your self-worth and value?

2. One of the codependency problems Mike points out is that we are owning another’s problems more than they do. What is keeping you in a codependent cycle, and what would it take for you to shift to a more Godly way of loving? What is that way? What are the potential gains or risks?

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Sermon Questions

Scripture: Galatians 5:16-24; 1 Peter 4:7; 1 Corinthians 6:19

1. There was a purpose to the Forever You message series - how would you articulate it? What were your preconceived notions and expectations about this study, and what were your great revelations?
   
   
2. In Galatians 5:22-24, what did you learn about the Apostle Paul calling us to surrender to the influence of the Spirit? Why did he position self-control last of all the fruit? Why did Pastor Jared say this way of thinking is radical but relevant?
   
   
3. As we have been talking about the work the Spirit of God has been doing “beneath the soil” in your life, what are your conclusions about God’s Kingdom and His ways? What change are you seeing in this conflict between your flesh and the Spirit?
   

In 1 Peter 4:7, the Apostle Peter exhorts us to “be self-controlled... for the sake of your prayers.” Where does your relationship with God stand at this moment? What has been shifting in your love for God and your love for your neighbor, and in your love for yourself?

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Live it out

Forever You - you are different because God’s Spirit is inside of you! Read 1 Corinthians 6:19.
“...your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you…”

• From Old Testament to New, what do we know about God’s Temple, location and purpose?
• What does it mean that our bodies are God’s Temple?

“...the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God?”

• Who is the Holy Spirit? How would you describe Him to someone? What does He do?
• How does a person receive the Holy Spirit, and for what purpose? How do you know that you have received the Holy Spirit?

“You are not your own;  you were bought at a price.”

• What does “you are not your own” mean? Who does this apply to, and why is this important in a person’s life, Christian or not?
• What does “you were bought at a price” mean? Who does this apply to, and why is this important in a person’s life, Christian or not?
  
  

“Therefore honor God with your bodies.”

• What do these mean? Therefore || Honor God || Honor God with your bodies?
• What are you committed to do for God?