Self-Control: A Spirit-Governed Life
In Day by Day by Grace, the author makes a striking claim regarding the fruit of the Spirit, particularly self-control. He suggests that self-control, as listed in Galatians 5:23, does not refer to mere human effort in restraining oneself but rather to the Holy Spirit governing a believer’s life. This contrasts with the typical assumption that self-control is about personal discipline and willpower. To evaluate this claim fully, let’s examine the Greek term for "self-control" and explore its biblical usage.
The Greek Word for Self-Control: ἐγκράτεια (enkráteia)
The word used in Galatians 5:23 for self-control is ἐγκράτεια (enkráteia), which comes from the root words:
ἐν (en) – meaning in, within
κράτος (kratos) – meaning power, dominion, mastery
Thus, ἐγκράτεια conveys the idea of inner strength, dominion, or mastery over something. It is often translated as self-mastery or self-restraint, particularly in the moral and ethical sense. The word appears in only a few places in the New Testament, and understanding these contexts can shed light on what Paul meant in Galatians.
Biblical Usage of ἐγκράτεια
Acts 24:25 – Paul Speaking to Felix
"And as he reasoned about righteousness and self-control (ἐγκρατείας) and the coming judgment, Felix was alarmed and said, 'Go away for the present. When I get an opportunity, I will summon you.'"
Here, self-control is paired with righteousness and judgment, implying a moral quality essential for facing divine accountability. Paul was calling Felix to a standard of moral discipline, one that could only be truly lived out by the Spirit.
1 Corinthians 7:9 – Regarding Marriage
"But if they cannot exercise self-control (ἐγκρατεύονται), they should marry. For it is better to marry than to burn with passion."
Here, the word refers to governing one’s physical desires. Without the Spirit's enablement, self-control is limited, and Paul acknowledges marriage as a provision for those struggling with self-restraint.
2 Peter 1:5-6 – Spiritual Growth
"For this very reason, make every effort to supplement your faith with virtue, and virtue with knowledge, and knowledge with self-control (ἐγκράτειαν), and self-control with steadfastness, and steadfastness with godliness."
Peter lists self-control as a key characteristic of spiritual maturity. But notice its placement—it follows knowledge and precedes steadfastness and godliness, indicating it is not self-generated but part of a growing, Spirit-led transformation.
The Author’s Perspective: Is Self-Control Really Spirit-Control?
The author of Day by Day by Grace states that self-control, as a fruit of the Spirit, is not simply self keeping self under control. Instead, he argues that true self-control is the Holy Spirit exercising dominion over a believer’s life. This is a significant theological claim, one that challenges conventional interpretations of self-control as an act of personal willpower.
How does the author justify this?
The Flesh vs. The Spirit in Galatians 5
Paul explicitly contrasts the works of the flesh (Galatians 5:19-21) with the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23). If we interpret self-control as a human effort to suppress sin, it would belong more to the realm of the works of the flesh—human effort striving to do what only God can accomplish. Instead, the fruit of the Spirit describes what God produces in a yielded believer.The Vine and Branches Principle (John 15:5)
Jesus said, "Apart from Me, you can do nothing." The self-controlled life is not one of human willpower but one of abiding in Christ, where the Spirit governs the believer. Just as a branch does not bear fruit by trying harder, the believer does not produce self-control by sheer determination but by yielding to the Spirit’s control.Philippians 2:13 – God at Work in Us
Paul writes, "For it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for His good pleasure." Even the desire for self-control is from the Spirit. It is not a matter of self restraining self but of surrendering to God, allowing His Spirit to exercise mastery in every area of life.
Reconciling the Greek Meaning with the Author’s Interpretation
Does the Greek word ἐγκράτεια (self-mastery) necessarily mean Spirit-control rather than self-control? Not exactly—but the distinction lies in who is doing the mastering.
Without the Spirit, self-control is merely a product of the flesh attempting to modify behavior.
With the Spirit, self-control is the Spirit empowering and guiding the believer to live under His dominion, not by their own strength but by faith.
This is the heart of the author’s argument. While ἐγκράτεια in a secular sense implies personal discipline, Paul’s use in Galatians implies a control that is Spirit-wrought rather than self-driven.
How This Applies to Our Walk with Christ
Self-Control is Not About Suppression but Submission
The flesh wants to try harder to "fix itself," but true spiritual self-control comes from yielding to the Holy Spirit’s governance over our lives.
Self-Control is a Sign of Spiritual Maturity
As Peter wrote (2 Peter 1:5-6), self-control is not the first step of growth but part of an ongoing process of becoming more like Christ.
Self-Control Brings Freedom, Not Bondage
Legalistic self-control is exhausting, as it depends on human effort. Spirit-controlled self-control, however, leads to freedom and peace, as the burden of effort is placed on Christ, not on us.
Conclusion: The Power of a Spirit-Controlled Life
The fruit of the Spirit, including self-control, is not a call to greater self-discipline but an invitation to deeper surrender. It is not about forcing the flesh into submission, but about yielding every part of life to the Spirit's dominion.
As Paul said in Galatians 2:20, "It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me." The control we long for is not found in self-reliance, but in resting in the One who lives His life in and through us.