T-Life Group Discussion Questions

FruitFULL, Week 9: Self Control

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Message Review

Throughout our 9-week “FruitFULL” series, we’re examining the nine fruits of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-24). This week we focused on Self-Control and discovered self-control is Spirit enabled mastery over what is trying to master you.

Main Point | Self-control is Spirit enabled mastery over what is trying to master you and discipline is how mastery is developed. 

Focus Passages | 1 Corinthians 9:24-27 

Discussion Questions

  • What were your initial thoughts or takeaways from the sermon, and why?

  • When you think of the word “self-control”, what comes to mind for you?

  • In Galatians 5:22, the ninth fruit of the Spirit is self-control (egkrateias). Egkrateias is rooted in the idea of discipline and means mastery over desires, passions, and impulses. Jimmy defined it as “Spirit-enabled mastery over what is trying to master you.”

    • What does self-control practically look like in our day-to-day lives?

  • Why does God want to produce the fruit of self-control in our lives?

  • Is there an area in your life that you feel out of control? Regarding that area, how and why do you find yourself consistently giving in?

  • How is the fruit of self-control produced in us?

  • Read 1 Corinthians 9:24-27:

    • What words and phrases stick out to you in this passage?

    • What main point(s) is Paul communicating in this passage?

    • Why is self-discipline so important for God to produce self-control in our lives?

    • As followers of Christ, what are the consequences of not having self-control?

  • When it comes to self-control, Jimmy gave us 5 Next Steps to keep in step with the Spirit:

    • Identify: Why is it so important we honestly identify weak spots or triggers in our lives?

    • Surrender: Why must we yield control to the Holy Spirit instead of trying to produce self-control on our own? How do we do that?

    • Small Acts of Restraint: What does it mean to practice small acts of restraint, and how does that help produce self-control?

    • Stay Rooted in God’s Word: How does being rooted in God’s Word help us realign our desire?

    • Invite Accountability: How does accountability help produce self-control?

  • Is there an area in your life you feel is out of control?

  • Regarding that area, where do you find yourself consistently giving in?

  • If self-control is Spirit-enabled mastery over what is trying to master you, and discipline is how mastery is developed, then what discipline do you need to put in place to begin training your flesh in self-control?

  • How can our group pray for you in this area?

To watch or listen to Sunday’s sermon, visit our Sermons page.