INDWELLING SPIRIT: THE SIDE EFFECT OF TEMPERANCE

 

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INDWELLING SPIRIT: THE SIDE EFFECT OF TEMPERANCE

“…The fruit of the Spirit is love, JOY, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance…” (Galatians 5:22-23 KJV).

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Temperance refers to the self-control an individual exercises over their emotions and actions. “… every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things …” (1 Corinthians 9:25 KJV). “… Everyone who competes in the games exercises self-control in all things. They then do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable…” (1 Corinthians 9:25 NASB).

Temperance is expressed in a person’s mild or calm mannerisms.

A temperate person demonstrates a controlled or practiced balance of behaviors, emotions, and thoughts. “… add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge; And to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness …” (2 Peter 1:5-6 KJV).

Self-control or self-restraint over one’s emotions, behaviors, or thoughts is NO easy feat, but required. “… The overseer must be above reproach as God’s steward … self-controlled…” (Titus 1:7-8 NASB).

Thank God, one of “…The fruit of the Spirit is … temperance…” (Galatians 5:22-23 KJV).

Temperance is a fruit of the Spirit and produces this character trait in the believer. “…The Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control….” (Galatians 5 NLT).

Spiritual fruit comes from the INDWELLING Holy Spirit and is WHAT distinguishes God’s people from ALL others. “…the Spirit of God dwell[s] in you…” (Romans 8:9 KJV). “…God has given [you] HIS Spirit as PROOF that [you]… live (are alive) in him and he [dwells]…in [you]…” (1 John 4:13 NLT).   

Choosing to practice temperance is how it becomes a real-life experience. “…may he (God) work in us what is pleasing to him, through Jesus Christ…” (Hebrews 13:20-21 NIV). “…Jesus Christ is in you…” (2 Corinthians 13:5 KJV). “…In this world we are LIKE JESUS…” (1 John 4:17 NIV).

The practice of temperance is the practice of self-control over one’s body, one’s appetites, one’s emotions, one’s thoughts, and one’s actions.

This self-control is empowered or enabled by the indwelling Holy Spirit and the indwelling Holy Spirit is FUELED by HEARING the Word of God. “…Christ in you …” (Colossians 1:27 KJV). “…The fruit of the Spirit is … faith … temperance…” (Galatians 5:22-23 KJV).

 “…Faith (and temperance, BOTH of the SPIRIT) cometh by HEARING… the word of God…” (Roman 10:17 KJV).

Hearing the Word of God helps an individual bring their thoughts under control. “…Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ…” (2 Corinthians 10:5 KJV). Bringing your thoughts into captivity is temperance.

Temperance or self-control is not found in the bible as frequent as other words. However, self-control is part of Christian fruit and aids in fighting off or resisting the persuasions of uncontrollable emotions, thoughts, or physical temptations. “…Resist the devil, and he will flee from you…” (James 4:7 KJV). “… No temptation has overtaken you but such as is common to man; and God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will provide the way of escape also, so that you will be able to endure it…” (1 Corinthians 10:13 NASB).

God endows the believer with the indwelling Spirit; which includes temperance, and allows him or her to USE and EXPERIENCE it in daily life. “…Christ in you …” (Colossians 1:27 KJV). “…Now may … God … equip you with everything good for doing his will…” (Hebrews 13:20-21 NIV). “…I can do ALL THINGS through Christ which strengtheneth me…” (Philippians 4:13 KJV).

Temperance or self-control takes TIME and will ALWAYS require some form of EFFORT. “…And in PROCESS of time IT (temperance) CAME TO PASS…” (Genesis 4:3 KJV). “…I can do …” (Philippians 4:13 KJV). “…It is God who worketh IN YOU … to do …” (Philippians 2:13 KJV). “…God is able to make all GRACE abound toward [those trying to exercise temperance]; that [they will]… always … [have] … all sufficiency in all things …” (2 Corinthians 8:9 KJV).

Surrender to the direction of the indwelling Spirit. He will lead and guide you in the way you should go. “…In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths” (Proverbs 3:5-6 KJV). “…The steps of a good man are ordered (directed) by the Lord: …” (Psalms 37:23 KJV).

The indwelling Spirit empowers temperance, which means he totally HELPS enable you to be self-controlled. “… Behold, God is mine helper …” (Psalms 54:4 KJV). “… When the Helper comes, whom I will send to you from the Father, that is the Spirit of truth…” (John 15:26 NASB). “… we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper …” (Hebrews 13:6 NASB).

“…The Lord is my helper …” (Hebrews 13:6 NASB). Jesus says: “…learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart…” (Matthew 11:29 KJV). Teaching “…meekness are his  (God’s) delight…” (Ecclesiasticus 1:27 KJV Apocrypha).

Your responsibility is to surrender to God through Christ and voluntarily choose to follow his guaranteed directions. “…he shall direct thy paths” (Proverbs 3:5-6 KJV). “…I will instruct thee and teach thee in the way which thou shalt go…” (Psalms 32:8 KJV). “… I will guide thee with mine eye…” (Psalms 32:8 KJV). “… Thou shalt guide me with thy counsel…” (Psalms 73:74 KJV). “… Teach me the way in which I should walk …” (Psalms 143:8 NASB).

We would be spiritually destitute without God’s indwelling Holy Spirit. “…The trouble is with me, for I am all too human, a slave to [intemperance]. …I don’t really understand myself, for I want to [be temperate] …but I don’t [allow myself to trust in or depend upon God’s indwelling HELP]... Instead, I do what I hate. So I am not the one doing wrong; it is [the sin of intemperance]… living in me that does it.  And I know that nothing good lives in me, that is, in my sinful nature. I want to [be self-controlled) … [which]… is right, BUT I CAN’T…Who will free me from this life that is dominated by [my lack of self-control]? …The answer is in Jesus Christ our Lord…” (Romans 7:14-25 NLT). 

“…The answer is in Jesus Christ our Lord…” (Romans 7:14-25 NLT).  Jesus EMPOWERS you “…to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man…” (Ephesians 3:16 KJV). You “…can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth (empowers) [you]….” (Philippians 4:13 KJV. “….Apart from [jesus], [you]… can do nothing…” (John 15:5 NIV). “…Now may … God … equip (empower) … with everything good for doing his will, and may he work IN [the intemperate]… what is pleasing to him, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen” (Hebrews 13:20-21 NIV). Let it happen“… according to the POWER that worketh IN [YOU]…” (Ephesians 3:20 KJV). “…HE WHICH HATH “BEGUN” A GOOD “WORK” IN [the intemperate person]… “WILL” “PERFORM” IT “UNTIL” the day of Jesus Christ…” (Philippians 1:6 KJV).

God knows self-control or temperance is NOT easy, but he wants you to BOLDLY ask for his help. . “..Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of GRACE, that we may obtain mercy, and find GRACE to help in time of need…” (Hebrews 4:16 KJV). “…God is able to make all GRACE abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things…” (2 Corinthians 8:9 KJV).

The believer that recognizes where his or her help comes from; will receive that help, and began to exercise or practice control over his or her body, emotions, thoughts, appetites, and actions. “…The Lord is my helper …” (Hebrews 13:6 NASB). “… [He will] … strengthened … [me] …with might by his Spirit in the inner man…” (Ephesians 3:16 KJV). “…I can do ALL THINGS through Christ which strengtheneth me…” (Philippians 4:13 KJV).

It is God’s indwelling Spirit that does the work of transformation. “…the Father that dwelleth in me, he doeth the works…” (John 14:10 KJV). God works “IN” the believer to become Christlike.

The indwelling Holy Spirit empowers the believer and enables them to exercise self-control. You “…can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth (empowers) [you]….” (Philippians 4:13 KJV.

The PROVIDER, the indwelling Spirit “IS” temperance, behaves temperate toward you, becomes the temperance IN you, supplies abundant temperance TO you, and empowers the fruit of temperance THROUGH you.

The believer begins to exhibit self-restraint in their thoughts, emotions, appetites, actions, and desires as proof the Holy Spirit is working in their lives. “…The fruit of the Spirit is … temperance…” (Galatians 5:22-23 KJV). “…God has given [you] HIS Spirit as PROOF that [you]… [are alive]… in him and he [dwells]…in [you]…” (1 John 4:13 NLT). “…Jesus Christ is in you…” (2 Corinthians 13:5 KJV).

The fallen nature is intemperate or uncontrolled, and it is under the POWER, domination, and dictatorship of SIN. “… We know … the whole world lies under the power of the evil one…” (1 John 5:19 RSV). “….…Who will free me from this life that is dominated by [my intemperance]?  …” (Romans 7:14-25 NLT).  “… I want to [be temperate) … [which]… is right, BUT I CAN’T… …” (Romans 7:14-25 NLT).

“…Whosoever committeth sin transgresseth also the law: for sin is the transgression of the law….” (1 John 3:4 KJV). “…Everyone who sins is breaking God’s law….” (1 John 3:4 NLT). Without the indwelling POWER of the Holy Spirit, the believer is unable to truly exhibit spiritual temperance or self-control. “….Apart from [Jesus], [you]… can do nothing…” (John 15:5 NIV).

Knowing “about” self-control is NOT the same as exercising self-control by faith. “…walk BY FAITH...” (2 Corinthians 5:7 KJV). “..I live by faith in the Son of God…” (Galatians 2:20 NASB). “…Jesus Christ is in you…” (2 Corinthians 13:5 KJV). “…The fruit of the Spirit is … temperance…” (Galatians 5:22-23 KJV).

Choosing to be self-controlled is voluntary. “…choose LIFE…” (Deuteronomy 30:19 KJV). Experiencing self-control is empowered by the indwelling Holy Spirit. “…God … worketh IN YOU … to do of His good pleasure…” (Philippians 2:13 KJV).

“…the Father that dwelleth in me, he doeth the works…” (John 14:10 KJV). You are set FREE from intemperance through the miraculous POWER of the indwelling Holy Spirit. “..Who will free me from this life that is dominated by sin (intemperance)? …” (Romans 7:14-25 NLT).  “…The answer is in Jesus Christ…” (Romans 7:14-25 NLT). “…if the Son…shall make you FREE, ye shall be FREE indeed.” (John 8:36 KJV).

Life will present many, many opportunities for the OLD human nature to lose control. “…The trouble is with me, for I am all too human, a slave to [intemperance]. …I don’t really understand myself, for I want to [be temperate] …but I don’t [allow myself to trust in or depend upo God’s indwelling HELP]... Instead, I do what I hate. So I am not the one doing wrong; it is [the sin of intemperance]… living in me that does it.   …” (Romans 7:14-25 NLT). 

People may WANT to do right, but they can’t. They lose control of their weight, their sex drive, their emotions, their appetites, their thoughts, their actions, their finances, their spirituality, their mouths, and many other things. “… I want to [be temperate) … [which]… is right, BUT I CAN’T… …” (Romans 7:14-25 NLT).

However, “…every good GIFT and every perfect GIFT is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights…” (James 1:17 KJV).  “…The LORD SHALL GIVE that which is good…” (Psalms 85:12 KJV). “…A man can receive nothing, except it BE GIVEN him from heaven…” (John 3:27 KJV). “…What do you have that God hasn’t given you?” (1 Corinthians 4:7 NLT). “….ye shall receive the GIFT of the Holy Ghost…” (Acts 2:38 KJV). “…The fruit of the Spirit is … temperance…” (Galatians 5:22-23 KJV).

It is the GIFT of the indwelling Holy Spirit that empowers the believer to both exercise and experience the fruit of TEMPERANCE. “…Thanks be unto God for his unspeakable GIFT…” (2 Corinthians  9:16 KJV).

temperance IS FROM GOD. “…The LORD SHALL GIVE that which is good…” (Psalms 85:12 KJV). “…A man can receive nothing, except it BE GIVEN him from heaven…” (John 3:27 KJV). “…What do you have that God hasn’t given you?” (1 Corinthians 4:7 NLT). “….ye shall receive the GIFT of the Holy Ghost…” (Acts 2:38 KJV). “…The fruit of the … [Holy]… Spirit is … temperance…” (Galatians 5:22-23 KJV).

GOD demonstrates temperance FIRST. “… We love, because HE FIRST LOVED US…” (1 John 4:19 ASV). “…We give [God]...only what [he]…first gave us! …” (1 Chronicles 29:14 NLT).

GOD’s temperance is his presence and how he connects to you in the relationship.  “…Behold, I am with … [you] and will keep… [you] whithersoever [you]… goest…I will not leave [you] ..." (Genesis 28:15 ASV).“…I WILL heal … [your] … apostasy, I will love … [you] … freely, For My anger has turned away from … [you].…” (Hosea 14:4 KJV). “…Where [your] … sin increased, [My]...grace … [for you] … abounded all the more…” (Romans 5:20 NASB).

GOD IMPARTS temperance

“…God has sent forth the Spirit of His Son “INTO” [YOUR HEART]…” (Galatians 4:6 NASB). “…GOD IS SPIRIT…” (John 4:24 KJV). “…The fruit of the Spirit is …TEMPERANCE…” (Galatians 5:22-23 KJV). “…The Holy Spirit gives birth to SPIRITUAL [temperance]…” (John 3:6 NLT). “…It is the SPIRIT who gives [temperance]… (John 6:63 NASB).

GOD EMPOWERS temperance. ^“…That great Shepherd of the sheep, EQUIP (empower) you with everything good [the Spirit of temperance]… for doing his will, and may he work in us (his indwelling temperance) what is pleasing to him, through Jesus Christ…” (Hebrews 13:20-21 NIV). “…God is Spirit…” (John 4:24 KJV). “…It is God which worketh IN YOU both to will (be empowered) and to do (behave self-controlled) …” (Philippians 2:13 KJV).

God supplies temperance. “…God shall supply ALL YOUR NEED according to his riches in glory BY Christ Jesus…” (Philippians 4:19 KJV). “….The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. ….” (PSALM 23:1-3 NLT). “…God will generously PROVIDE all … [the self-control] … you need…” (2 Corinthians 9:8 NLT). “… [You will] … be strengthened (supplied) with might by his Spirit in the inner man…” (Ephesians 3:16 KJV).

GOD’S temperance NEVER CHANGES OR FAILS. “…I am the Lord, I change NOT…” (Malachi 3:6 KJV).  “…Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever” (Hebrews 13:8 NIV).

GOD’S temperance CAN’T BE SEPARATED FROM YOU, EVEN IF YOU SEPARATE FROM HIM. “…I AM WITH YOU ALWAYS, to the very end…"(Matthew 28:20 NIV). “…I “IN” YOU…” (John 15:4 KJV). “…If … [you] … are unfaithful, he remains faithful…” (2 Timothy 2:13 NLT).

GOD’S temperance LASTS FOREVER. “…The fruit of the Spirit is …TEMPERANCE…” (Galatians 5:22-23 KJV). “…The Lord (Jesus) is that Spirit…”  (2 Corinthians 3:17 KJV).  “…Jesus Christ is in you…” (2 Corinthians 13:5 KJV). “…Jesus Christ is the same … forever…” (Hebrews 13:8 NIV).

GOD’S temperance IS SO POWERFUL IT IS A “SIGN” THAT YOU ARE HIS DISCIPLES AND THAT YOU “TRULY” KNOW HIM. “…Ye shall know them by their fruits…” (Matthew 7:16 KJV). "… bear much fruit, and … PROVE to be … [God’s] … disciples” (John 15:8 NIV). “…those who do not have the Spirit of Christ living in them do not belong to him (and are NOT his disciples).” (Romans 8:8-11 NLT).

GOD’S temperance is a fruitful side effect of the ingested holy spirit. “…The fruit of the Spirit is …temperance…” (Galatians 5:22-23 KJV).

God’s temperance is understood by faith. “… BY FAITH we UNDERSTAND (become aware of) …that what we now see (the fruit of temperance) did not come from anything that can be seen (the indwelling Holy Spirit)…” (Hebrews 11 NLT). “…The fruit of the (invisible) Spirit is …temperance…” (Galatians 5:22-23 KJV). “…The invisible [Spirit]…from the creation of the world is …clearly seen, being understood by the things that are MADE …” (Romans 1:20 KJV). “… All things are … [MADE] … NEW…” (2 Corinthians 5:17 KJV). “…Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a … [MADE A] … NEW creature …” (2 Corinthians 5:17 KJV). “… BY FAITH we UNDERSTAND (become aware of) …” (Hebrews 11 NLT). “…Ye shall know them by their fruits…” (Matthew 7:16 KJV). “…The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance…” (Galatians 5:22-23 KJV).

GOD”S temperance IS EXPERIENCED BY TRUST. “…Trust in the Lord with all thine heart…” (Proverbs 3:5-6 KJV).  “ … lean not unto thine own understanding…” (Proverbs 3:5-6 KJV). (Proverbs 3:5-6 KJV).  “… In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths …” (Proverbs 3:5-6 KJV). “…The LORD will accomplish (take care of)…that which concerns [you]…” (John 14:31 NASB). “…The steps of a good man are ordered (directed) by the Lord: …” (Psalms 37:23 KJV).

God’s temperance is revealed through surrender. “…Just as you accepted Christ Jesus as your Lord, you must continue to follow him…” (Colossians 2:6 NLT). “…Surrender your … [personal] … power…” (Jeremiah 4:4  NLT). “…Ye ought to walk and to please God…” (1 Thessalonians 4:1 KJV). “…‘[I’ve]… given up everything to follow you…” (Mark 10:28-31 NLT). However, “… I came down from heaven, not to do mine own will, but the will of him that sent me” (John 6:38 KJV).  “….the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve others …" (Matthew 20:28). “…I must be about my Father's business?” (Luke 2:49 KJV). “…I desire to do your will, my God…” (Psalms 40:8 KJV). “…I have come to do your will, my God…'" (Hebrews 10:7, 9 KJV). “…I do nothing of myself…” (John 8:28 KJV). “…the Father that dwelleth in me, he doeth the works…” (John 14:10 KJV). “…Don’t believe me unless I carry out my Father’s work…” (John 10:37 NLT). “…Ye shall know … [my surrender to God] … by … [my] … fruits…” (Matthew 7:16 KJV).

GOD’S temperance IS OFTEN “NOT” BELIEVED. “…Take heed, brethren, lest there be in any one of you an evil heart of unbelief, in departing from the living God” (Hebrews 3:12 KJV). “…See to it, brothers and sisters, that none of you has a sinful, unbelieving heart that turns away from the living God…” (Hebrews 3:12 NIV). “…It is God which worketh “IN” [you]… both to will (empower) and to do (behave temperate) of his good pleasure” (Philippians 2:13 KJV). “…This people honoureth me with their lips, but their heart is far from me…” (Mark 7:6 KJV).  “…for thy heart is not right in the sight of God…” (Acts 8:21 KJV). The Centurion said to Jesus “…I DO believe; HELP me overcome my unbelief!” (Mark 9:24 NIV).

GOD’S temperance IS voluntarily chosen and RECEIVED without doubt, human understanding, OR MAN’S Lack of KNOWLEDGE. “…RECEIVE with meekness the engrafted word …” (James 1:21 KJV). "…Truly I tell you, if anyone … DOES NOT DOUBT in their heart but believes … it will be done for them….” (MARKS 11:23 NIV). “… lean not unto thine own understanding …” (Proverbs 3:5-6 KJV). “…My people are destroyed for lack of … [revelatory] …knowledge…” (Hosea 4:6 NIV). “…God is Spirit …” (John 4:24 KJV). “…ANYONE WHO COMES TO HIM MUST BELIEVE THAT HE (and his indwelling temperance) EXISTS…” (Hebrews 11:6 NIV). “…Submit yourselves to the Lord…” (2 Chronicles 30:8 NLT). “…REPENT … and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit….” (Acts 2:38 NASB). (Isaiah 55:8-9 ASV). “…..be not afraid….only believe…” (Mark 5:36 KJV).  

God is temperance toward you. “…If … [you] … are unfaithful, he remains  … faithful[ly temperate towards you]…” (2 Timothy 2:13 NLT). “…Jesus Christ is the same … forever…” (Hebrews 13:8 NIV).

god has given you his temperance. “…God has sent forth the Spirit of His Son “INTO” [YOUR HEART]…” (Galatians 4:6 NASB). “…GOD IS SPIRIT…” (John 4:24 KJV). “…The Holy Spirit gives birth to SPIRITUAL [temperance]…” (John 3:6 NLT). “…It is the SPIRIT who gives [temperance]… (John 6:63 NASB).

God’s temperance is spiritual. “…GOD IS SPIRIT…” (John 4:24 KJV). “…The fruit of the Spirit is …TEMPERANCE…” (Galatians 5:22-23 KJV).

God’s temperance is forever. “…The fruit of the Spirit is …TEMPERANCE…” (Galatians 5:22-23 KJV). “…The Lord (Jesus) is that Spirit…”  (2 Corinthians 3:17 KJV).  “…Jesus Christ is in you…” (2 Corinthians 13:5 KJV). “…Jesus Christ is the same … forever…” (Hebrews 13:8 NIV).

God supplies you with enough temperance to share it with others. “…God shall supply ALL YOUR NEED …” (Philippians 4:19 KJV). “…God will generously PROVIDE all … [the temperance] … you need…” (2 Corinthians 9:8 NLT). . “…my cup runneth over ...[with temperance]…” (Psalms 23:5 KJV). “…I can do ALL THINGS through Christ which strengtheneth me…” (Philippians 4:13 KJV). “…when I am weak, then am I strong” (2 Corinthians 12:10 KJV).  “…[GOD’S indwelling]… POWER IS MADE PERFECT IN WEAKNESS...” (2 Corinthians 12:9 NIV).

God’s temperance is displayed as spiritual fruit and others can see it. “…Ye shall know them by their fruits…” (Matthew 7:16 KJV). “…The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance…” (Galatians 5:22-23 KJV).

If you do NOT have the indwelling Spirit, you are NOT one of God’s children and the fruit, not your religious works, is the evidence. “…God has given [you] his Spirit as PROOF that [you]… live (are ALIVE) in him and he [dwells]… in [you]…” (1 John 4:13 NLT).  “…That’s why those who are still under the control of their sinful nature can never please God. But you are not controlled by your sinful nature. You are controlled by the Spirit if you have the Spirit of God living in you. (And remember that those who do not have the Spirit of Christ living in them do not belong to him at all.)….” (Romans 8:8-11 NLT). “… The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance…” (Galatians 5:22-23 KJV).