Self-Control

This final lesson in our summer Marks of a Christian study is on Self-Control.

Mark's notes from this morning's class.

Definition of Self-Control

“Self-Control is simply that important, impressive and nearly impossible and nearly impossible practice of learning to maintain control of the beast of one’s own sinful passions. It means remaining master of your own domain not only in the hunky-dory but also when faced with trial or temptation..” www.desiringgod.org/articles/self-control-and-the-power-of-christ by John Piper 

The Greek term "enkrateia," used in the New Testament, means "power over oneself."

Self-Control as a fruit of the Spirit: (Galatians 5:22-23)

Self-control is necessary because it is essential for Christian living and reflects Christian character.

The Biblical foundations of self-control are found in the Old Testament and New Testament.

In the wisdom literature, especially Proverbs much is written about self-control.

Proverbs 25:28: “A man without self-control is like a city broken into and left without walls.”  

Proverbs 16:32: “Better a patient person than a warrior, one with self - control than one who takes a city.”

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Jesus is the ultimate model of self-control.

Luke 4:1-13: Jesus resisted the devil's temptation in the wilderness, exemplifying perfect self-control through reliance on God, the Holy Spirit, and the Word of God..

Matthew 26:39: In the Garden of Gethsemane, Jesus submitted to God's will over His own desire, demonstrating ultimate Self-control even in the face of suffering.

In 1 Corinthians 9:24-27, Paul writes

Peter emphasizes self-control in an effective and productive life (2 Peter 1:5-6).

When taking a practical look at self-control, it is important to consider areas that require it, strategies for developing it, its challenges, and its rewards.

The class looked at these areas.

• ________ and _______________ (James 3:2-10)
• Emotions, Particularly Anger (Ephesians 4:26-27; Proverbs 16:32)
• Physical Desires (1 Corinthians 6:18-20)
• Financial Stewardship (1 Timothy 6:6-10)

These strategies for developing self-control

• Prayer and Reliance on the Holy Spirit (Philippians 4:6-7)
• Accountability Within the Christian Community (James 5:16)
• Meditating on Scripture (Psalm 119:9-11)
• Fasting as a Discipline for Spiritual Strength (Matthew 6:16-18)

Here are some, but not all, challenges to self-control

• Temptation and the Flesh
• Understanding the Battle Between the Flesh and the Spirit (Galatians 5:16-17)
• Recognizing Common Temptations (1 Corinthians 10:13)
• Overcoming Weaknesses
• God’s Provision of Grace and Strength (2 Corinthians 12:9-10)
• The Role of Repentance and Renewal (1 John 1:9)

The Rewards of Self-Control are eternal.

• Spiritual Growth and Maturity
• Becoming More Like Christ (Romans 8:29)
• Bearing Fruit in Every Good Work (Colossians 1:10)
• Peace and Stability in Life
• Avoidance of Destructive Behaviors (Proverbs 25:28)
• Living a Life of Integrity and Honor (Proverbs 4:23-27)

Self-control is a lifelong journey. Hebrews 12:1 - 2 talks about persistence and perseverance in the Christian Walk. God's continued within us builds trust, according to Philippians 1:6.

B. Encouragement to Self-Control

Final Exhortation to Practice Self-Control as Part of a Godly Life (2 Timothy 1:7)

Assurance of God’s Help and Grace (Titus 2:11-12)

“Watch your self-control,  be Christ-Controlled!”

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Additional Notes from The Fruitful Life

Self-control is "controlling one's self and governing our desires."

Bethune writes that self-control is "the healthful regulation of our desires and appetites, preventing their excess."

Self-control is necessary because we are at war with our own sinful desires.

Some Bible verses about self-control are James 1:14, 1 Peter 2:11, Ephesians 4:22.

Self-control is an essential character trait of the godly person that enables obedience to the will of the Lord Jesus.

More than sound judgment is required.  Inner strength is also essential.

Self-control is the exercise of inner strength under sound judgment that enables us to do, think, and say the things that please God.

Self-control of the body should be aimed primarily at three areas of physical temptation:  gluttony, laziness, and sexual immorality or impurity.

Most of us tend to overindulge in the food God has so graciously provided for us.

God's standard for sexual self-control is absolute abstinence outside of marriage

2 Corinthians 10:5
Philippians 4:8

People seldom fall suddenly into gluttony or immorality.  These actions are savored in the mind long before they are enjoyed.  The thought life is our first line of defense in the battle of self-control.

Proverbs 16:32

The emphasis is the struggle for self-control shou

The beginning of self-mastery is to be mastered by Christ, to yield to his Lordship.

True spiritual self-discipline holds believers in bounds but never in bounds.  Its effect is to enlarge, expand, and liberate.