I want to look at every instance of the word "enkráteia" used in the New Testament. It is only four times in three verses in the Bible:
"And after some days, when Felix came with his wife Drusilla, who was Jewish, he sent for Paul and heard him concerning the faith in Christ. (25) Now, as he reasoned about righteousness, self-control (enkráteia), and the judgment to come, Felix was afraid and answered, "Go away for now; when I have a convenient time, I will call for you." (26) Meanwhile, he also hoped that money would be given him by Paul, that he might release him. Therefore, he sent for him more often and conversed with him." (Acts 24:24-26 NKJV)
While in prison in Caesarea, Paul had the opportunity to witness to Felix concerning the faith in Christ. As Felix listened concerning the righteousness found at the Cross, the changed life of a Spirt empowered "self-control," and the final judgment before a Holy God – Felix was afraid. Yet, for the hope of a bribe (which Paul would not do), Paul witnessed to Felix often and conversed with him over two years while Paul remained in prison.
We find the second use of this word in:
"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, (23) gentleness, self-control (enkráteia). Against such there is no law." (Galatians 5:22-23 NKJV)
Here we have our "Spirit-empowered self-control" as the ninth part of the fruit. Remember, these aspects of the fruit are a "blend of flavors."
So, the love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, and gentleness are displayed in Spirit-empowered self-control.
The Spirit-empowered self-control will say NO to the works of the flesh: NO to:
"adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lewdness, (20) idolatry, sorcery, hatred, contentions, jealousies, outbursts of wrath, selfish ambitions, dissensions, heresies, (21) envy, murders, drunkenness, revelries, and the like." (Galatians 5:19-21 NKJV)
When we are tempted to sin – the Spirit-empowered self-control says NO!
4. How much hope does this give you? That by the power of the Holy Spirit, working through the Gospel message of Jesus' death, burial, and resurrection, you can say, "NO!" to temptations.
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