The sermon explores self-control as the final fruit of the Spirit listed in Galatians 5:22-23, reminding us that this isn't something the Holy Spirit simply downloads into our lives. Rather, the Spirit empowers us to do the hard work ourselves: learning to deny our flesh, taking up our cross daily, and following Jesus with intentionality. The message confronts us with an uncomfortable truth—our appetites, whether for food, screens, shopping, or emotional outbursts, can become cruel gods that promise pleasure but deliver only regret. Paul's honest confession in Romans 7 resonates deeply: 'I want to do what is right, but I don't do it. Instead, I do what I hate.' Yet there's hope. In Christ, we learn to master what once mastered us. The powerful illustration of Lou Gehrig's extraordinary self-discipline—playing 2,130 consecutive games despite broken bones and immense pressure—demonstrates what's possible when we refuse to let our circumstances or appetites control us. We're called to identify that one appetite that's been taking control when it shouldn't, bring it to Jesus, and begin the difficult but transformative journey toward true self-control.