Self-control, represented by the Greek word *egkrateia* (G1466), embodies power over oneself or self-mastery. In its broadest sense, it is the virtue of mastering passions, holding appetites in check, and regulating conduct without being swayed by sensuous desires, with moderation being a key element. This self-restraint is not solely for personal benefit but also reflects an outgoing concern for others, exceeding self-interest and resisting actions that may cause pain to others. It is essential for those entrusted with the care of others to govern themselves properly. The production of self-control involves discipline and hard work, as a lack of it reveals short-sightedness with long-lasting physical and spiritual damage. If self-control seems unattainable, one must alter circumstances to avoid temptation. Jesus Christ exemplified self-control by mastering potentially lustful and destructive thoughts and actions, overcoming human tendencies, resisting temptation, and submitting to God's law. Self-control manifests God's work in man through the Holy Spirit, strengthening the Spirit-controlled mind with power to control rebellious desires and resist tempting pleasures. It is a critical component for entrance into the Kingdom of God, as knowledge of God without practical self-responsibility is insufficient. With God's divine power, self-mastery is achieved, closing the list of the fruit of the Spirit in Galatians 5:23, in contrast to the works of the flesh. Those led by the Spirit, living and walking in the Spirit, attain self-control and progress toward fruitful growth in God's character.

Self-control, as represented by the Greek word *egkrateia* (G1466), is a vital aspect of Christian living, listed as the ninth and last fruit of the Spirit in Galatians 5:22-23. Translated as temperance in the KJV, *egkrateia* means possessing power, strength, mastery, and being continent or self-controlled. It refers to holding in hand one's passions and desires, encompassing a broad mastery over impulses without specifying a particular desire unless indicated by context. This term, though not extensively used in the Bible, appears in noun form only three times, verb form twice, and adjective form once, with its negative form used three times to denote a lack of self-control or self-indulgence. The importance of *egkrateia* is evident in its practical application to life, implied in many biblical exhortations to obedience, submission, and sinless living. It extends beyond mere discipline of passions to include good sense, sober wisdom, moderation, and soundness of mind, contrasting with insanity. Paul illustrates this through the example of runners in the Grecian games, who exhibit rigid self-control in all areas of life to succeed, demonstrating that concentration and focus require controlling distractions to achieve the goal of seeking first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness. Furthermore, *egkrateia* is inseparable from self-surrender and the Christian's sacrifice of life in service to God. It involves a conscious devotion of all activities to Him, requiring control over impressions, appetites, and satisfactions according to His standards. Paul emphasizes this discipline in his own life, stating that he disciplines his body and brings it into subjection, highlighting that the body is a good servant but a bad master, which must be controlled for our good and God's glory. God's grace, as noted in II Timothy 1:6-7, is given to express self-control, indicating that a Christian preparing for the Kingdom of God must strive for continual and resolute self-government. Without such control, blind passion leads astray, and the inability to govern oneself results in inevitable failure. The solution lies in a relationship with Christ, who provides the strength for complete self-control, enabling us to yield to God and glorify Him through moderation in all things and rigid resistance to sin.

The Greek word behind self-control is *egkrateia* (G1466), often translated as temperance, self-restraint, or control over desires in various versions. Breaking down the term, *en* means "in," and *kratei* means "power over" or "lordship," indicating an internal power or mastery. It reflects the idea of having power from within to control one's actions, not reliant on external forces. In classical Greek and later Hellenism, *egkrateia* was commonly associated with mastery over fleshly desires such as food, drink, sex, speech, and entertainment, emphasizing an inward ability to avoid excess. In the New Testament, *egkrateia* appears only seven times, often linked to control over sexual sins, though it extends to general self-control and discipline. It signifies governing oneself to avoid any temptation leading to sin, not just in a sexual context. Thayer's Lexicon defines it as exhibiting self-government, displaying control over oneself. In Galatians 5:23, *egkrateia* is listed as a fruit of the Spirit, a product of God's Spirit working within over time. Its placement at the end of the list may highlight its importance or difficulty, as self-control is rare and challenging among humanity, where most follow desires without restraint. In Acts 24:25, Paul speaks of righteousness, self-control, and judgment before Felix, suggesting *egkrateia* as a response to God's righteousness, with judgment following based on how one exercises this control. Similarly, in II Peter 1:6, self-control appears in a list of virtues to add to faith, following knowledge and preceding perseverance, indicating that it is a reaction to God's given knowledge and must endure over time to build character. In Titus 1:8, as an adjective, *egkrateia* describes a qualification for an overseer, linked to holiness, implying that holiness enables or characterizes self-control, a level beyond human willpower, made possible by the Holy Spirit. In I Corinthians 7:9, in a verb form, *egkrateia* contrasts with burning with passion, illustrating self-control as a cool response to hot temptation, urging containment of urges through means like marriage for sexual desires. In I Corinthians 9:25, Paul uses a verb form to describe temperance, likening his self-control to an athlete's discipline for a greater goal, the Kingdom of God, emphasizing that Christian *egkrateia* is practiced not just for personal gain but for others' benefit and to please God, distinguishing it from mere human self-control. Overall, *egkrateia* is portrayed as a response to God's gifts—righteousness, knowledge, or commission—requiring internal mastery to resist temptation and align with God's will, ultimately serving others and honoring Him.

The Greek word *egkrateia* (G1466), translated as self-control, self-restraint, or self-mastery, appears in Acts 24:25 where Paul preaches to Felix about righteousness, self-control, and the judgment to come. This term, also rendered as temperance or continence in some translations, often relates to controlling desires, particularly in the context of sexual immorality. It is the same word used in Galatians 5:23 as a fruit of the Spirit, in II Peter 1:5-6 where Peter urges adding self-control to faith and virtue, and in Titus 1:8 where elders are instructed to be self-controlled. Paul illustrates *egkrateia* in I Corinthians 9:26-27, comparing it to an athlete's discipline at the Isthmian Games, rigorously controlling the body through diet, exercise, and practice to win a perishable crown. Similarly, Christians must discipline their bodies, bringing every part under subjection to avoid disqualification from the eternal prize of life and glory with Christ. This self-mastery involves ruling one's nature and flesh, guided by the Holy Spirit, to prevent sin and conform to Christ's life. In I John 5, self-control is linked to overcoming the world and the pulls of the flesh, which are influenced by the adversary and opposed to God's law. By maintaining self-control through faith and love, using the tools and strength God provides, Christians can resist sin and remain untouchable by evil forces. The ultimate example of *egkrateia* is Jesus Christ, especially during His final hours. Despite immense stress, agony, and suffering in Gethsemane and on the cross, as depicted in Mark 14, John 18, Luke 22, and Matthew 26, He never lost self-control. He remained poised, healed Malchus' ear, and submitted to God's will, even under torture and death, contrasting sharply with the disciples' lack of control as they fled or denied Him. Peter, reflecting on this in I Peter 2, highlights Christ's patient endurance under persecution without losing self-control, committing Himself to God's righteous judgment. This example teaches Christians to maintain self-mastery, focusing on controlling themselves rather than external circumstances, as emphasized in Ephesians 4, where putting off the old man and putting on the new man in Christ defines Christian self-control. Those who emulate their Master's self-control will inherit the Kingdom prepared for them.

Our Creator desires His children to develop extraordinary levels of virtue, reflecting His nature and glorifying Him. Among the fruit of the Spirit listed in Galatians 5:22-23, self-control, or *egkrateia* (G1466), is the last, yet it underpins the others. This Greek term, transliterated as *enkrateia*, fundamentally means power over oneself or self-mastery. It represents the discipline provided by the Holy Spirit, enabling us to resist human nature and the deceits of satan. Self-control, in its broadest sense, is mastery over our desires, holding appetites in check, and regulating conduct without being swayed by sensuous desires. Moderation is a critical element of this virtue. It manifests both inwardly, in overcoming personal weaknesses, and outwardly, in how we affect others. Outwardly, self-control requires us to act appropriately, politely, and graciously as representatives of the Kingdom of God, ensuring all is done decently and in order, as Paul admonishes in I Corinthians 14:40. This restraint, guided by godly sense, helps us avoid extremes in behavior and fosters an outgoing concern of love for others, essential for maintaining harmonious interactions.

The Greek word *egkrateia* (G1466), translated as self-control in the New Testament, embodies the trait of resolutely controlling one's own desires, particularly sensual ones. This term, appearing only four times in the New Testament and consistently rendered as self-control in the New King James Version, stands in opposition to self-indulgence, wantonness, and lack of restraint. It derives from the root *kratos*, meaning power or might, and can be understood as inner strength or mastery over one's carnal desires, influencing outward actions and behaviors from within. *Egkrateia* acts as an internal governor, exercising dominion over attitudes and behaviors. When strong, it prevents ungodly desires from manifesting into sinful actions by clamping them down as soon as they arise. However, when weak, it allows carnal desires to flow into sin due to a lack of restraint. The ancient Greeks, including philosophers like Socrates and Aristotle, esteemed *egkrateia* as a chief virtue, underlying the philosophy of Stoicism, which idealizes self-restraint as the path to freedom and independence. In the New Testament, self-control is presented as a fruit of the Spirit, a character trait developed through spiritual maturity and effort. It is something added to other virtues like faith, knowledge, and righteousness in a building process toward godliness. This process involves a response to God's righteousness, where self-control becomes essential to living righteously and avoiding sin after receiving grace. It requires diligent effort, persistence, and a regimen akin to athletic training, supported by prayer and Bible study, to achieve the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ.