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Galatians 5:22,23--But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. 

Proverbs 25:28 [LB]--A man without self-control is as defenseless as a city with broken-down walls. 

Anything uncontrolled can harm your relationships: 

• Uncontrolled anger - Psalm 29:11 
• Uncontrolled lust - Proverbs 6:26 
• Uncontrolled spending - Proverbs 21:20 
• Uncontrolled drinking - Proverbs 23:29-35 
• Uncontrolled ambition - Proverbs 23:4 

James 3:5-6 [LB]--The tongue is a small thing, but what enormous damage it can do! A great forest can be set on fire by one tiny spark... The tongue can turn our whole lives into a blazing flame of destruction and disaster. 

Proverbs 13:3 [LB]--Self-control means controlling the tongue. 

FOUR SIGNS OF SPIRIT-CONTROLLED SPEECH:

1. Think before you speak.  

Proverbs 16:23 [GN]--Intelligent people think before they speak. What they say is then more persuasive. 

Proverbs 18:20 [GN]--You will have to live with the consequences of everything you say. 

Proverbs 20:25--It is dangerous to make a rash promise to God before counting the cost. 

2. Always speak the truth. 

Proverbs 10:10 [GN]--Someone who holds back the truth causes trouble. 

Proverbs 24:26 [GN]--An honest answer is the sign of a true friendship. 

Proverbs 28:23 [LB]--In the end, people appreciate frankness more than flattery. 

3. Speak the truth in love. 

Proverbs 12:18 [GN]--Thoughtless words can wound as deeply as any sword, but wisely spoken words can heal. 

Proverbs 12:18 [LB]--Some people like to make cutting remarks, but the words of the wise soothe and heal. 

Proverbs 15:4 [LB]--Gentle words cause life and health. 

Proverbs 12:25 [LB]--A word of encouragement does wonders! 

4. Ask Christ for help everyday. 

Psalm 141:3--Set a guard over my mouth, O Lord; keep watch over the door of my lives. 
[LB]--Help me, Lord, to keep my mouth shut. 

Matthew 15:18 [GN]--Jesus said, What comes out of the mouth comes from the heart. 

Ezekiel 18:31a--Rid yourselves of all the offenses you have committed, and get a new heart and a new spirit. 

Anyone who says he is a Christian but doesn't control his sharp tongue is just fooling himself, and his religion isn't worth much. -James 1:26 [LB] 

Small Group Discussion Questions: 

1. What does it mean to be self-controlled? 
   How about Spirit controlled? 
2. Review the points and Bible verses from this lesson. 
   What personal application can you make from this week's teaching? 
3. What does Spirit-produced self-control look like?
4. Take some time right now to pray for the needs of those in your small group. 

*Scripture is quoted from the New International Version unless otherwise noted.
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