“Self” in front of a word, is a lie we have believed that feeds our flesh. Here are a few examples: self-protection, self-centered, self-made man, self-hatred, and self-rejection. Self is our flesh exerting itself that blocks the fruit of the Spirit.

Lies bear fruit. Hosea 10:13 says, “You have plowed wickedness; you have reaped iniquity. You have eaten the fruit of lies, because you trusted in your own way…” Jeremiah 10:23 says, “O Lord, I know the way of man is not in himself; it is not in man who walks to direct his own steps.”

Micah 6:8 says, “He has shown you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God?” Self is pride. James 4:6 says, “…God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble.” Verse 10 says, “Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and He will lift you up.” He saved us by His grace, and He desires us to live in His grace-strength through humility.