Temperance, a fruit of the Spirit, is an identifying sign of the Spirit-filled Christian because it is relevant in all aspects of Christian living. Most temptations believers face would be easily averted if only we display this fruit. Temperance means self-control. A self-controlled life is a life that understands moderation in all things and has gained mastery over the desires of the flesh through the help of the Holy Spirit. Self-control is the restraining order that prevents us from being controlled by the desires of the flesh and over-indulgence even in the good things of life. This goes beyond controlling our will. It is the control of self by the Spirit. Christ is our perfect example because He not only had self-control to keep Himself from doing the wrong things; He also had so much self-control that He was able to do the right things even when it was very difficult and painful. He had this amazing control because He was full of the Spirit.

Self-control is a part of the Christian character that can only be produced by the Holy Spirit, not by the mere moral discipline of trying to live by the law. We can only exercise this when the Spirit is at the center of our lives.