Last Fruit

1 Corinthians 7:5 English Standard Version (ESV)

Do not deprive one another, except perhaps by agreement for a limited time, that you may devote yourselves to prayer; but then come together again, so that Satan may not tempt you because of your lack of self-control.

The last fruit of the Spirit has been identified as self-control. I never thought of those fruits being produced in me in a specific order until one of my pastors said, “That is why self-control is listed last.”

The advice here is to gather together in fellowship so that we might strength one another. Battles are best fought when fought together. The best way to accomplish that is to find an accountability partner. A trusted friend will understand the battles of self-control because they too battle the same battles.

1 Corinthians 10:13 English Standard Version (ESV)

13 No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.

In order to receive that help we must confess our weaknesses to one another. The temptation may be to say “God is on my side.” While that is true, it is also true that He says in James 5:16 English Standard Version (ESV) Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working.

We will never find an accountability partner sitting alone at home. We need to find a place to gather and open ourselves up to be known for who we are in the flesh and in the Spirit. It takes both. Accountability partners can help us with our fleshly issue and use us as a resource in the Spirit as needed. We are meant to help one another in both realms.

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