1 Corinthians 7:5 English Standard Version (ESV)

⁵ 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.

James 1:2-8 English Standard Version (ESV)

Testing of Your Faith

² Count it all joy, my brothers,when you meet trials of various kinds, ³ for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. ⁴ And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.

⁵ If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him. ⁶ But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind. ⁷ For that person must not suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord; ⁸ he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways.

Let us return again the question of what God’s voice sounds like.

Why do we ask? Do we feel like we are missing something? Are we lacking in some way?

Hebrews 11:1 English Standard Version (ESV)

By Faith

1 Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.

The KJV uses evidence rather than conviction. When we ask what God’s voice sounds like are we looking for evidence in the flesh that we failed to find by faith. Why we ask a question is very telling about us and our own needs. Will we refuse to believe if we do not receive “the answer” we want?

Desiring to have things our way is the leading edge of rebellion. He is Lord. He is God. He is perfect and we are not yet perfected. This sounds a little like the child that refuses to each spinach just because mom says it is good for them.

Maybe we should ask this of God.

Prove me, O Lord, and try me; test my heart and my mind.

Then hope that we can live with the test results.