Freely Speaking Audio Devotion

Welcome to Freely Speaking, an OHSOFREE devotional ministry where we share our hearts and trust God for transformation.  

Today, Susan Hales explores how dependence on the Holy Spirit can help us to exercise self-control. 

“No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it. Therefore, my dear friends, flee from idolatry” (1 Corinthians 10:13-14 NIV). 

I said to myself, “That cookie looks really good; I don’t need the cookie; I won’t eat the cookie; I absolutely will not eat the cookie.” However, I quickly discovered my self-control only works for a short time. I ate the cookie and lost the battle with temptation. And I may or may not have eaten the entire box of cookies! 

In his letter to the church at Corinth, Paul wrote about how to resist the temptation to eat meat sacrificed to idols and take part in acts of idolatry and sexual immorality. He also wrote the Corinthians should not just endure the temptation, but they should flee from idolatry and immorality, and depend on God, who is faithful.  

Paul’s teaching applies to us because we don’t have enough self-control on our own, just like the Corinthians.

God always provides a way out because the fruit of the Holy Spirit includes self-control. Upon accepting Christ, the Holy Spirit empowers us to overcome temptation, even fleeing it when necessary. 

If you try to resist temptation in your own power, you will eventually fail, just like I failed to resist the cookies. Depend on the power of the Holy Spirit to supply self-control and you will win the battle.  

Take time today to reflect on situations where you might need the Holy Spirit’s help to exercise self-control. 

Thank you for joining us today. If you would like to learn more about OhSoFree Ministries, please visit us at www.ohsofreeministries.com