When Tapping the Brakes Is Crucial

Message Summary:

In this message centering on Galatians 5:22–25, Chuck Swindoll concludes his study on the fruit of the Spirit by examining the final virtue: self-control. Swindoll emphasizes that self-control is not merely the “anchor” at the end of a list, but the “victory side of living for Christ” that makes the other virtues possible. He offers a practical, three-point outline for applying self-control to daily life: we must control our morals, our motives, and our mouths.

Regarding morals, Swindoll points to Joseph as the ultimate model of purity. When facing temptation, Joseph did not flirt or linger; he said “no” and “never.” Swindoll urges listeners to adopt this same resolute stance against lust and internet temptations to avoid a life of regret. Moving to motives, he explores the spiritual disciplines of giving, praying, and fasting. Drawing from Jesus’ teaching in the Sermon on the Mount, Swindoll warns against the hypocrisy of performing religious acts to be seen by others. Instead, believers should live for an “audience of one,” knowing that God sees what is done in secret.

Finally, Swindoll addresses the most difficult area: the mouth. Using imagery from the book of James, he describes the tongue as a small but destructive force, akin to a spark that ignites a forest fire. He argues that the tongue is actually a “bucket” that dips into the well of the heart; if the heart is angry or cold, the speech will follow suit. The message concludes with a focus on the heart, urging listeners to let the Holy Spirit “tap the brakes” on their impulses so they can become people of grace whom others—like the sinners who flocked to Jesus—actually want to be around [14–19].

Message Key Facts:

• The Three Realms of Self-Control: Swindoll organizes the application of self-control into three specific categories:
  1. Morals: Handling temptation (lust and purity).
  2. Motives: Handling spiritual disciplines (authenticity vs. hypocrisy).
  3. Mouth: Handling the tongue (speech and integrity).
• Joseph’s Strategy: Using Genesis 39, Swindoll highlights Joseph’s response to Potiphar’s wife. He did not negotiate or play with temptation; he said “no” and “never.” Swindoll argues that deciding “never” beforehand is the key to not falling morally.
• Audience of One: Swindoll defines the correct motivation for spiritual life as living for an “audience of one.” Whether giving, praying, or fasting, the believer should not seek public applause or “thump the plate,” but seek only to please the Father who sees in secret [8–9].
• Hypocrisy Stinks: Swindoll candidly states that “hypocrisy stinks” and that Christ despised it more than almost any other sin. He encourages believers to “act normal outwardly” while “training inwardly,” rather than trying to look spiritual to impress others [9–10].
• The Tongue as a Bucket: Swindoll illustrates that the tongue is not truly neutral; it is a bucket that draws from the heart. If the heart is harsh, the tongue is abusive; if the heart is distinctively Christian, the tongue brings blessing. Therefore, the real problem is not the mouth, but the heart [14–15].
• The “Tap the Brakes” Metaphor: Swindoll uses the phrase “tap the brakes” to describe the Holy Spirit’s conviction. When a person thinks, “I shouldn’t say this,” that is the Spirit warning them to stop immediately.
• The Attraction of Jesus: Swindoll shares an insight from Dr. Stan Toussaint regarding Jesus eating with sinners. The miracle wasn’t just that Jesus opened the door to them, but that they wanted to be with Him. They were drawn to Him because He possessed the fruit of the Spirit—love, kindness, and self-control—rather than judgment and shame [18–19].

Message References:

• Galatians 5:22–25: The primary text listing the fruit of the Spirit, culminating in self-control.
• Genesis 39: The account of Joseph resisting Potiphar’s wife, used as the model for moral self-control [5–6].
• Matthew 6:1–18: Jesus’ teaching on giving, praying, and fasting without hypocrisy [7–8].
• James 3:1–10: The classic passage on the dangers of the tongue, using the illustrations of the bridle, the rudder, and the forest fire.
• Proverbs 4:23: “Guard your heart above all else, for it determines the course of your life”.

Message Speaker:

Pastor Chuck Swindoll