"Self-Control...The Key to Freedom" Fruit of the Spirit Part 12

LBS

The Key to Freedom...Self-Control

Part 12

So What is self-control? It's the ability to make choices about how we behave and react rather than relying on our impulses. It's freedom! It enables us to improve ourselves-- to grow. It  helps us to get away from self-pleasure seeking and become somebody who is better.

Self-control is the last word used in the list of what the Bible calls “the fruits of the Spirit.”

The Greek word for self-control literally means “mastery of the self.” And when it comes to self-control, we greatly need Gods Help. Self-control is necessary so that we treat others as we should, make better choices about our bodies, and make good daily decisions about our life...everyday. How much of this activity should I be indulging in? What do I need to do to get a good night’s rest? How can I make sure I don’t forget the appointments and commitments I have made? What kind of work should I commit to doing, and how should I carry out my obligations? 

Aristotle said, “I count him braver who overcomes his desires, than him who conquers his enemies. For the hardest victory is over self.”

It seems that we want other people in our lives, friends, spouses, children, and coworkers, even our doctors to have self-control. But we seldom see the necessity for ourselves. 

Here are some steps we can take to adopt what the Bible describes as genuine freedom-giving self-control.

1. Begin with Faith. Trusting God that he is not this big God who is waiting to punish us when we fail, but our loving Father who desires to see us free!! Faith is freedom. It liberates us from the burden of having to find all our self-control from within. Know that God is here waiting to help us with our lack of self-control. 

1. Fill faith with knowledge. Understand or admit the areas where you are lacking in self-control. For example, you may have a problem with your temper or gossip. Then  deepen your knowledge by figuring out the possible reasons for your behavior. Then, allowing God’s grace to give you the understanding of how to stop these negative patterns and replace them with positive ones. 

1. Admit to God and, as appropriate, to others just where you feel out of control in your life. Don’t pretend here. Follow the example of the apostle Paul--even Paul! Who told us that we have the treasure of God in jars of clay. Remember that Jesus said that the truly righteous person is not the one who gloats over his spiritual accomplishments but is the person who “would not even look up to heaven, but beat his breast and said, “God, have mercy on me, a sinner” (Luke 18:13). If you have never stopped and meditated on this saying, it’s time to do so. Jesus is giving us permission to pray even when we don’t know what to pray because we don’t understand God’s ways and we’re astounded by our own waywardness. 

1. Commit yourself to the patterns of devotion that train us in the disciplines that keep us in control. You can start off small. Just commit yourself to daily Bible reading/pray even if it is one verse or 5 min. Or it could be just being faithful in your church attendance. Think of some other things you could do to cultivate these patterns of discipline.

Points to Ponder

1. In what areas of our lives is self-control most important (that is those areas where lack of self-control can be devastating)?

1. Discuss what you learn about self-control in the following passages: 

Prov. 25:28

Acts 24:25

1 Corinthians 7:5

Timothy 3:3

2 Peter 1:6