Sermons

Introduction:

James Dobson, founder of Focus on the Family, was talking once about focusing our lives on what is truly important. He told a story about his college days when his whole life was consumed by tennis. He spent time training, practicing, and playing tennis until he won the championship and received a large trophy for first place, a trophy that was proudly displayed in the sports hall of fame at the school.

And then one day, several years later, he received a package in the mail from his alma mater. Inside was his trophy and a handwritten note. "I found this in the trash at school as they were cleaning out the trophy cases. I thought you might like this."

All those accomplishments that we think are so important will one day be forgotten. Trophies that define us and plaques that identify us will crumble like dust. Paul makes it clear that he doesn't want that to happen to his life. He wants his life to count. He longs for meaning and purpose, not running aimlessly or beating the air.

We will explore this morning the ninth and final fruit of the Spirit: self-control.