Fruit of the Spirit: Self-Control

Sermon Title: The Fruit of the Spirit – Self-Control
Speaker: Pastor Kenny Stetler
Text: Galatians 5:22–26
Date: April 5, 2025 – AM Service

What if the strongest kind of power… is the power to say no?

In this final message of Southeastern’s Fruit of the Spirit series, Pastor Kenny Stetler explores the often-overlooked virtue of self-control—not as human willpower or mere restraint, but as Spirit-empowered surrender. Drawing from Scripture, psychology, and powerful illustrations (yes, including marshmallows and potbellied pigs), this message confronts the battle between the flesh and the Spirit.

Self-control is not about muscling your way through temptation. It’s not about being in control—it’s about being under control—under the leadership of the Holy Spirit.

We don’t conquer sin through effort, but through crucifixion. We don’t overcome by managing the flesh, but by nailing it to the cross. And we don’t walk in victory by impulse or law—but by walking step-by-step with the Spirit.

Three powerful truths in this message:

1. The Spirit must take control.

2. The self must be crucified.

3. Every step must be Spirit-led.

“If we live by the Spirit, let us also walk by the Spirit.” (Gal. 5:25)