In the final message of his sermon series “Drought: Experiencing the Fruit of the Spirit in Dry Seasons,” Pastor David explores self-control as the most personally challenging spiritual fruit because it requires self-denial rather than outward action toward others. Using Paul's athletic metaphor in 1 Corinthians 9:24-27, he explains that spiritual discipline often requires enduring discomfort to achieve greater goals—striking a blow to our bodies to make them slaves to Christ's purposes rather than our own desires.

Pastor David emphasizes that "everything is spiritual" and that "self-control is a physical solution to a spiritual problem." He challenges us to identify areas needing control—what goes into our mouths (consumption), what comes out of our mouths (words), how we spend time and money, or our overall emotional, physical, mental, and spiritual health. He references Jesus' teaching in Matthew 15:18-19 about how what comes out of the mouth reflects the heart.

For those not seeing the Fruit of the Spirit developing in their lives, Pastor David offers practical steps: reading the Bible daily, praying throughout the day, attending church weekly, and refusing to let other activities become idols that take priority over God. He encourages us to "choose to break the patterns of the past," assuring us that while developing self-control may require discomfort or even pain, the Holy Spirit will help us if we are willing to try as we aim toward hearing Christ's "well done good and faithful servant."

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