Category: Self-control

It is obvious that the physically healthiest among us (setting aside unfortunate genetic illness or injury) are that way because of a good diet, sober life and appropriate exercise. There is a spiritual equivalent to this revealed in the New Testament.

Consider first Jesus’ description of Himself in John 6:35, “And Jesus said to them, ‘I am the bread of life. He who comes to Me shall never hunger, and he who believes in Me shall never thirst.’” It is correct to note that every aspect of our spiritual sustenance comes directly from Jesus. We are without strength without Him. But as Paul noted, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” (Philippians 4:13). Continue reading “Spiritual Growth” →

In Galatians 5 the apostle Paul describes the conflict between the lust of the flesh and the fruit that is developed in the child of God as we grow and mature, heeding the Spirit of God. Noting the works of the flesh first, (19-21), we will in this lesson describe and define the fruit of the Spirit, listed in verses (22-23). This is important, for in this context Paul assures us to, “Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh” (16).

Love

The Greek word agape  is the word that Paul uses here.  It is uniquely used in the New Testament to describe the highest expression of love for others. It is an unselfish love, motivated and informed as to what is best for others.  For example, “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life” (John 3:16). It is the type of love we should have for God (John 4:15); for our brethren (1 John 2); for our wives (Ephesians 5:25); and even for our enemies (Matthew 5:44). It is not surprising that this heads Paul’s list. A love for God and for man is the basis of God’s expectations for us as we serve Him (Matthew 22:36-40). Continue reading “The Fruit of the Spirit” →

Do you have anything that is dear to you? Something that would be hard for you to give up for the Lord?  Paul certainly did. He told the Philippians in chapter 3 of the text that his position as a zealous Jew — circumcised, from Benjamin, a Hebrew of the Hebrews, a zealous Pharisee, blameless in his attempts to keep the law of Moses — was reason for him to have confidence in the flesh. And yet upon his witness of the resurrected Christ, leading to his conversion, he wrote, “But what things were gain to me, these I have counted loss for Christ. Yet indeed I also count all things loss for the excellence of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them as rubbish that I may gain Christ” (Philippians 3:7-8).

Why did he make such a sacrifice? For the same reason we will, if we have his wisdom! That he might “know Him [Christ] and the power of His resurrection, and the fellowship of His sufferings… if, by any means, I may attain to the resurrection from the dead” (3:10-11).

Do you want access to the power of Christ, and the hope of the resurrection? Then it is simple. Just like Paul you must be ready to give up all that is precious in your life and give yourself totally in service to the Master. There is absolutely nothing that this world offers you that is worth sacrificing your soul! (cf. Matthew 16:26). Something sobering to think about, isn’t it?!

A discussion of 1 Corinthians 9, where Paul notes his right to wages, but his unwillingness to exercise that right, as an example of self-denial, fully discussed in chapters 8-10.

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The Greek word translated self-controlled in Titus 1:8, is egkrates. This adjective only occurs here in the New Testament, though the noun form enkrateia is found numerous times (ex: Acts 24:25, Galatians 5:23, 2 Peter 1:6).

Thayer defines the term: having power over, possessed of (a thing). Mastering, controlling, curbing, restraining. Strong defines the term: strong in a thing (masterful); self-controlled (in appetite, etc.) temperate.

An elder needs to have mastery over his desires and inclinations. When God created us with desires, He intended us to interact in accord with His will. We are told to “be angry, and do not sin” (Ephesians 4:26). That the marriage bed is honorable and “undefiled; but fornicators and adulterers God will judge” (Hebrews 13:4). That we are not to walk as the Gentiles walk, “in the same flood of dissipation” (1 Peter 4:4). An intemperate man is not worthy of the eldership.

In the New King James translation, the Greek term is translated “self-controlled” primarily because in modern English the term “temperate” (as found in the KJV) is used primarily regarding the use of alcohol. It is important to note that control over ourselves and our inclinations should be present in everything. “Whoever has no rule over his own spirit is like a city broken down, without walls” (Proverbs 25:28). It is a fruit of the Spirit (cf. Galatians 5:23), to be added to our faith (cf. 2 Peter 1:6). It will be present in every Christian who is pleasing God.

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The apostle Peter promised that the adding of various attributes to our faith will preclude us being “barren [or] unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.” In fact, “you will never stumble; for so an entrance will be supplied to you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ” (2 Peter 1:8,10-11).

We might ask why are these attributes key? It is because they equip us to act and to be the type of people who please God. They direct us in the paths of righteousness! This is especially true in our interactions with others. Remember, the two great commandments are to love God and love your neighbor (cf. Matthew 22:37-40). If we keep the necessity of love for God and man at the forefront of our thinking, it is easy to see why Peter would call for these qualities to be present in our lives.

Continue reading “Practical Christian Attributes” →

When Paul spoke to the Roman governor concerning “the faith in Christ” it caused Felix to tremble with fear. Why? He spoke of righteousness to the sinner, self-control to the intemperate, and judgment to one unprepared. Felix’s fear was well founded.

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“He who is slow to anger is better than the mighty, And he who rules his spirit than he who takes a city” (Proverbs 16:32).

The above scripture is referred to as a value statement. It is one that we should carefully heed, as the values it espouses are those of the Holy Spirit. Which is better: One who rules others? Or one who rules himself? God says one who rules himself!

History is littered with men who because of strong passions, inherited privilege or physical dominance have found themselves rulers over others. However, their inability to control their own spirit has led to both their own demise, and also the ruin of their domain. It is far better to be of humble means and in control of your passions and tongue.

Self destructive behavior has obvious consequences: the loss of influence, health, position and respect. However, we are most concerned with the spiritual consequence that accompanies the physical. One who allows his passions to rule his behavior is spiritually vulnerable. “For the flesh lusts against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; and these are contrary to one another, so that you do not do the things that you wish” (Galatians 5:17).

May each of us add to our faith, the attribute of self-control (cf. 2 Peter 1:6). It is only then that our calling and election can be made sure.

Spring Meeting 2014: Kyle Campbell

(Note: The first 12 minutes of this lesson were not recorded, the remaining 34 minutes have audio that is reduced in quality, though still very understandable).

The 7 habits discussed by Kyle:

1. Take up your cross *
2. Die for Christ *
3. Pray to the Lord
4. Examine the Scriptures
5. Encourage one another
6. Forgive one another
7. Teach non-Christians

* (Was covered in the first 12 minutes, so not recorded)

Audio

Luke 9 is the text considered in this lesson. Self denial is the subject, as indicated in verse 24 of the text. The importance and benefits of self control and denial are considered.

Audio

Instead of being rash, the Bible instructs us to follow a different path. In our speech, we must concentrate on hearing others and honestly evaluating the information they have to share before we react. We are to learn to control our temper.

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This sermon by Josh Cox examines the text of 2 Peter 1:5-11 to determine the characteristics that make for Spiritual Maturity. (Virtue, knowledge, self-control, perseverance, godliness, brotherly kindness and love).

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Angry words! O let them never,
From the tongue unbridled slip,
May the heart’s best impulse ever,
Check them ere they soil the lip.

Love one another thus saith the Savior,
Children obey the Father’s blest command,
Love each other, love each other,
‘Tis the Father’s blest command.

The above song, here containing the first verse and refrain, was written by one known only by the initials D.K.P. The song has a beautiful melody arranged by H.R. Palmer, but the words of the anonymous poet are even more beautiful in their sentiment.

Continue reading “Angry Words” →

Podcast Number 42

The writer James, in the first chapter of his epistle, establishes the need for the child of God to be control of self, and to be obedient to the God of heaven.

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Each of us are personally accountable for our actions before God. We must be diligent to “keep ourself”. This necessitates purity in heart, tongue and action.

Sermon PowerPoint: Click Here .

Sermon Audio: Click Here .