When I read this mornings passage as I study the words “self-control”, I was taken aback by the idea that with self-control, there is no law. Now, I have to say that just reading that and with things taken just at the words therein, I am not getting the full story.
“18But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law. 22But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23gentleness, self-control: against such things there is no law.” – Galatians 5:18 & 22-23 (ESV)
And there you have it. Not just that self-control to be out from under the law, but led by the fruit of the Spirit and all nine of those characteristics. I am to be bound by those characteristics and when doing so, I will find myself above the law.
Now I know that as I live here in the world, there are laws that I must abide by as a member of society. What I need to remember is that as I live the characteristics of the fruit of the Spirit, the law of man pales in comparison to the model and discipline I have under the law of God. Gods Law is far more stringent than that of man.
If for some reason there is a conflict between the law of man and the law of God, I will err on the side of Gods Law. In doing so, I fully accept any punishment that man may give for the punishment for breaking the law of God and disappointing Him is far worse than anything that man would do.
Paul was imprisoned and eventually killed for disobeying mans law in order to follow the law of God. Whereas spending years imprisoned and being killed are not considered desirable, Paul gladly took the punishment as opposed to giving in just to satisfy man. He demonstrated the nine characteristics of the fruit of the Spirit including, but not limited to, self-control and rose above the law of man to bring glory to God.
What laws are you focused on adhering to on a daily basis? Are you looking to live by the fruit of the Spirit each day? Will you be able to count yourself above the law as you demonstrate your self-control?
Trevor's Thoughts 