knowledge + Self-control

Introduction

Greeting and Opening Prayer:

Let us pray for the insight and wisdom to understand and embody the words of scripture we will explore today. May our hearts be open to growth and our spirits willing to embrace the goodness that comes from faith.

Topic Introduction:

The Heart of Thanksgiving

Begin by reflecting on the essence of Thanksgiving: a time to express gratitude for God's blessings and abundance.Transition into discussing how self-control, a fruit of the Holy Spirit, enhances our ability to be truly thankful and content with what we have.

Self-control :The ability to regulate or inhibit thoughts and impulses.

SELF-CONTROL An important piece of the Spirit’s fruit is self-control. Because so many counselees lack this important quality, they get themselves into all sorts of trouble. Moreover, when trouble comes, they may go to pieces, once more losing control of themselves. The person without self-control is like a city with broken down walls; he is unprotected from many evils (Proverbs 25:28).

The ability to control one’s self in all circumstances of life so as to please God in his attitudes, words, and behavior, is not something he can engender by himself. It is, as noted above, the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:23). One must, therefore, seek to learn those truths that the Spirit teaches in His Word if he would gain this valuable characteristic. And he must add to this learning a willingness to do as the Spirit directs in the Bible. When counselees ask God to enable them to learn and do His will, He will in His time and way produce the fruit (cf. Philippians 2:13).

Last Weeks Topic:

Faith is all you need? Really? Peter his last words to people of faith- Faith is just a beginning. Peter is essentially laying out a roadmap for spiritual growth. He's saying that it's not enough to simply believe; you must build on that belief, step by step, quality by quality, until your life overflows with love—the greatest virtue of all.

We concluded last week by deciding that let us, be not just hearers of the Word but doers also. As we step out from this place today, may we carry with us the determination to add to our faith goodness, in our homes, in our workplaces, and in every interaction. Doing one good thing a day, with intentionality.

Moral Excellence and one goodness a day

the concept of "knowledge" in this passage is deeply rooted in the idea of a growing, intimate understanding of God's will, character, and purposes, and how this understanding transforms a believer's life and actions.

To Goodness, Knowledge: Knowledge here refers to spiritual understanding and discernment. It is the deepening awareness of God's will and the truths of the faith that guide a believer's actions.

Knowledge - DBL Greek acquaintance with; knowledge; esoteric knowledge; understanding

This Weeks Topic:

This week, we are going to talk about the next part in Peter’s Hierarchal of Spiritual Growth, in his letter, the word self-control and how this applies to us.

What does he mean?

2 Peter 1:5-7 is a passage that emphasizes the development of Christian virtues, including self-control.

Relevance:

Briefly explain why the topic is relevant to the audience's everyday life.

Why is understanding what peter wrote here, important for us, even today.

self-control is presented as a crucial element of spiritual growth and maturity. For Peter, self-control is not an isolated virtue but part of a progressive development of one's faith and character.

Sermon

Part 1: Presenting the Truth

Scriptural Foundation:

Share a key verse or story that lays the foundation for the sermon's main point.

2 Peter 1:5–11 (NRSV)

For this very reason, you must make every effort to support your faith with goodness, and goodness with knowledge, and knowledge with self-control, and self-control with endurance, and endurance with godliness, and godliness with mutual affection, and mutual affection with love. For if these things are yours and are increasing among you, they keep you from being ineffective and unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. For anyone who lacks these things is nearsighted and blind, and is forgetful of the cleansing of past sins. Therefore, brothers and sisters, be all the more eager to confirm your call and election, for if you do this, you will never stumble. For in this way, entry into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ will be richly provided for you.

Introduction of Scriptural Texts:

2 Peter 1:5-7: This passage is part of a letter written by the Apostle Peter to early Christians. In these verses, Peter outlines a sequence of virtues that believers are encouraged to cultivate, starting with faith and culminating in love. The progression he mentions – from faith to goodness, knowledge, self-control, perseverance, godliness, mutual affection, and love – illustrates the growth and maturation of a Christian's character and spiritual understanding. This passage sets the foundation for understanding how knowledge and moral excellence are intertwined in the Christian journey.

Main Point:

Self-control, as Peter emphasizes, is crucial. It’s the ability to master one's desires and impulses, aligning them with God's will. It’s a fruit of the Spirit, as Galatians 5:22-23 tells us, and a mark of spiritual maturity.‌

Thanksgiving and Self-Control

Explain that self-control is essential in maintaining a spirit of thanksgiving. It helps us resist the urge to always want more and instead be grateful for what we have.Discuss how self-control leads to contentment, a key aspect of thanksgiving. Paul’s words in Philippians 4:11-13 about learning to be content in all circumstances can be referenced here.

Explanation:

Break down the scripture, explaining its context and meaning in simple terms.

Cultural Context of Self-Control in the New Testament

In the Greco-Roman world of the New Testament, self-control (Greek: "enkrateia") was highly valued and often associated with wisdom and virtue. This cultural backdrop meant that early Christian readers would understand self-control as an essential quality for moral excellence and effective living. It was about mastering one's passions and desires, aligning them with a higher purpose or moral code, which in the Christian context, was aligning with God's will.

Biblical Perspective

Peter, aware of the cultural appreciation for self-control, integrates this virtue into the Christian narrative. He places it within a sequence of qualities that start with faith and culminate in love (2 Peter 1:5-7). This placement is strategic; it shows that self-control is not merely about personal discipline but is a spiritual endeavor, empowered by God and aimed at developing a Christ-like character.

Part 2: Deepening Understanding

Illustration: Share a story or metaphor that illustrates the scriptural truth in modern terms.

Imagine a cookie jar on a high shelf. It's not forbidden, but indulging too often or too much can lead to negative consequences. Self-control is the ability to resist the temptation, not because we can’t reach the cookies, but because we know better.

Self-Control as Empowered by the Holy Spirit

In the New Testament, self-control is not just a human effort; it's a fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23). This means that while it involves personal discipline, it is fundamentally empowered by God. Peter's readers, living in a time of persecution and moral complexity, would find encouragement in the fact that self-control is a divine endowment, not merely a human endeavor.

Self-Control as Part of the Fruit of the Spirit: In Galatians 5:22-23, self-control is listed as a component of the Fruit of the Spirit. This implies that it is a quality developed in a person through the working of the Holy Spirit, rather than solely through human willpower or discipline. The divine aspect is crucial here; it means that self-control is more profound and sustainable when it is nurtured by God’s presence and power in a person’s life.

Beyond Human Willpower: In the New Testament context, and particularly in Peter's writings, there's an acknowledgment that human willpower has its limits. The early Christians, like their modern counterparts, faced various temptations and challenges that required more than just personal resolve. They needed a power beyond their own to consistently make choices aligned with God's will, especially in a world often opposed to Christian values.

Empowerment by the Holy Spirit: This divine endowment refers to the empowerment believers receive from the Holy Spirit. It is the Holy Spirit who enables Christians to exercise self-control in the face of temptations and trials. This empowerment is crucial, especially when personal strength falters, and the challenge seems beyond one’s capacity.

Synergy of Divine Grace and Human Effort: While self-control is a gift from God, it doesn’t negate the need for personal responsibility and effort. It involves a synergy where God’s grace enables and amplifies the believer’s effort. This partnership is evident in Philippians 2:12-13, where Paul speaks of working out one's salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in the believers to will and to act according to His good purpose.

Transformational, Not Transactional: This divine endowment of self-control is transformational rather than merely transactional. It’s not just about avoiding certain behaviors or actions; it’s about a transformation of the heart and mind that aligns one's desires and actions with God’s will.

In summary, understanding self-control as a divine endowment acknowledges that while it involves human effort, its fullest and most effective expression is realized when it is rooted in, and empowered by, God’s Spirit. This perspective offers hope and assurance that the challenges of living a disciplined and godly life are not carried in one's strength alone but are supported by God's power working within us.

Further Scripture:

Introduce additional scripture that reinforces the main point.

Spiritual Growth: As 2 Timothy 1:7 says, "For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control." It’s essential for spiritual growth.

Witness to Others: Our self-control becomes a testimony to others. Titus 2:12 instructs us to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives.

Historical/Contemporary Examples:

Provide examples from history or current events that exemplify the sermon's main point.

Revisit the story of Daniel (or Joseph, if preferred) as a biblical example of self-control.Highlight how Daniel's choice to stick to his convictions, despite being in a foreign land with its luxuries, demonstrates a deep sense of gratitude and trust in God's provision.

Modern Day Illustration: The Story of Emily, the Athlete

Let's consider the story of Emily, a modern-day college athlete whose experience mirrors the biblical lessons of self-control demonstrated by Daniel.

Background

Emily, a talented and dedicated runner, earned a scholarship to a prestigious university known for its competitive athletics program. Along with her athletic prowess, Emily was a committed Christian, holding strong to her faith and values.

Challenge

Upon joining the university, Emily found herself immersed in a culture that often conflicted with her Christian values. Parties, alcohol consumption, and performance-enhancing drugs were commonplace among her peers. This environment tested Emily's commitment to her faith and her personal standards.

The Decision for Self-Control

Emily faced a defining choice when her teammates invited her to a series of parties where alcohol and prohibited substances were freely available. Like Daniel, Emily knew participating in these activities would compromise her values and potentially her athletic performance and health.

The Exercise of Self-Control

Emily decided to decline the invitations, despite the risk of social alienation. She chose to spend her evenings focusing on her training, studies, and involvement in a campus Christian fellowship. This decision required self-control, as it meant forgoing the immediate gratification of social acceptance for her deeper commitments.

Divine Aspect and Support

Emily's decision, though challenging, was underpinned by her faith. She believed that her body was a temple of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 6:19-20) and felt a strong conviction to treat it with respect. Her self-control in this regard was a reflection of her desire to honor God, not just her personal discipline.

Transformative Impact

Emily's commitment to her values had several transformative effects:

Personal Integrity and Athletic Performance: Her physical health and athletic performance improved significantly, as she maintained a disciplined training and diet regimen.Witness to Faith: Emily’s choices became a powerful witness to her teammates and friends. Her ability to excel without succumbing to the pressures around her raised questions about her source of strength and conviction, opening opportunities for conversations about her faith.Leadership and Influence: Emily's example earned her the respect of her coaches and peers, leading to her being named a team captain. Her influence extended beyond the track, as she became a role model for younger athletes and an active member of the campus Christian community.

Modern-Day Application

Emily's story demonstrates how the practice of self-control, rooted in one's faith and values, can have transformative effects on personal integrity, witness to one's faith, and influence within a community. It shows that the biblical principle of self-control, as exemplified by figures like Daniel, is not just a historical ideal but a practical and powerful tool for navigating modern-day challenges and pressures. Emily's experience is a testament to the positive outcomes that arise from aligning one's choices with divine principles and living out one's faith with conviction and consistency in everyday life.

Share Emily's story, focusing on how her self-control in the face of peer pressure reflects a heart of gratitude for the talents and opportunities God has given her.Emphasize how her choices demonstrate thankfulness not just in words, but in actions and lifestyle.

Modern Illustration: The Digital Detox Challenge

Consider the story of Sarah, a modern-day Christian who realized that her excessive use of social media was impacting her spiritual life, mental health, and relationships. Inspired by 2 Peter 1:5-7, she decided to undertake a 'digital detox' for 40 days. This act of self-control meant setting strict limits on her social media use, dedicating the time she would have spent online to prayer, Bible study, and meaningful interactions with family and friends. Through this period, Sarah experienced a deepened spiritual life, improved mental well-being, and stronger relationships. Her story is a testimony to the transformative power of self-control in a contemporary setting.

Reflection:

Ask rhetorical questions to encourage personal reflection on the part of the congregation.

Part 3: Application to Life

Application Today

In today's fast-paced, instant-gratification culture, practicing self-control can be counter-cultural. It involves making choices that may not align with mainstream society but are in line with God's will. It could mean setting boundaries in relationships, managing finances wisely, or making healthful lifestyle choices. The essence of self-control, from Peter's perspective, is about living a life that reflects God's character, amidst a world of competing desires and distractions.

Practical Steps:

Offer clear, practical steps on how to apply the sermon's main point to daily life.

‌Rooted in Prayer: Begin each day with prayer, asking the Holy Spirit to strengthen your self-control.

Word-Centered Life: Immerse yourself in Scripture. Psalm 119:11 says, "I have stored up your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you."

Accountability: Find a spiritual partner or group where you can be accountable.

Recognize Triggers: Identify what triggers the loss of self-control and avoid those situations.

Celebrate Small Victories: Acknowledge and celebrate moments where you exercised self-control.

Thanksgiving as a Lifestyle

Encourage the congregation to practice self-control as a way of showing gratitude to God.Suggest practical ways to exercise self-control during the Thanksgiving season, such as:

Being mindful of overindulgence at Thanksgiving meals.Focusing on family and fellowship rather than just the food and festivities.Choosing to give to others (charity, volunteering) as a way of showing gratitude for God’s blessings.

Conclusion: Cultivating a Thankful Heart through Self-Control

Conclude with the idea that self-control helps us to appreciate our blessings, resist the culture of excess, and live a life that reflects true thankfulness to God.Encourage the congregation to view self-control not as a restriction, but as a means to more fully embrace and appreciate the gifts God has given us.

Thanksgiving Prayer

End with a prayer of thanksgiving, asking God to help everyone practice self-control as an expression of gratitude and stewardship of His blessings.

Incorporating these elements will align the message of self-control with the themes of Thanksgiving, making it relevant and impactful for the congregation on this special day.

Testimonies:

Share testimonies or examples of how others have successfully applied these truths.

Encouragement:

Motivate the congregation with encouraging words about the benefits of applying these principles.

Self-Control as Part of the Fruit of the Spirit: In Galatians 5:22-23, self-control is listed as a component of the Fruit of the Spirit. This implies that it is a quality developed in a person through the working of the Holy Spirit, rather than solely through human willpower or discipline. The divine aspect is crucial here; it means that self-control is more profound and sustainable when it is nurtured by God’s presence and power in a person’s life.

Conclusion

Summary

Recap Main Points:

Briefly summarize the key points of the sermon for clarity and impact.

Peter's emphasis on self-control resonates deeply in our modern context. It's a call to exercise discipline, not as an end in itself, but as a means to grow in faith, love, and godliness. By relying on the Holy Spirit and following biblical principles, Christians today can manifest self-control in ways that honor God and positively impact their personal and communal lives.

Personal Appeal:

Make a personal appeal to the hearts of the congregation, showing empathy and understanding for their struggles.

Call to Action

Direct Application:

Challenge the congregation to take specific action in the coming week related to the sermon's topic.

Invitation to the Altar:

Direct Application: Challenge the congregation to take specific action in the coming week related to the sermon's topic.

‌As we close, I invite each one of you to reflect on areas in your life where self-control is needed. Perhaps it's in speech, thoughts, habits, or actions. This week, take a deliberate step towards strengthening this virtue. Let’s pray for each other, that we may grow in self-control, climbing Peter’s ladder of virtues, ultimately reaching the pinnacle of love.

For Believers:

Invite those who wish to deepen their commitment or seek guidance on the topic to come forward for prayer.

For Seekers:

Extend an invitation to those who may not yet believe but are moved to explore faith further.

Closing Prayer:

Offer a prayer that commits the congregation's intentions to God, asks for His help in applying the sermon's lessons, and thanks Him for His guidance.

Let us pray together:

Heavenly Father,

On this sacred day of Thanksgiving, we gather with hearts brimming with gratitude, acknowledging the multitude of blessings You have generously poured into our lives. We thank You for the gift of family and friends, the abundance of Your provision, the beauty of creation, and the unending grace we find in Your presence.

Lord, in this season of thanksgiving, we recognize that every good and perfect gift comes from You. With humble hearts, we seek Your guidance to steward these gifts wisely and responsibly. Teach us, O God, the virtue of self-control, that we may honor You not only with our lips but in our choices and actions.

Father, as we enjoy the bounties of this day and the days to come, help us to practice self-control as an expression of our gratitude. In moments of excess and temptation, remind us of the sufficiency of Your grace and the richness of Your love. May our self-restraint be a reflection of our appreciation for Your blessings and a testimony to Your lordship over our lives.

Grant us the wisdom to discern our needs from our wants, to find contentment in what You have provided, and to share generously with those in need. In practicing self-control, let us remember the example of Your Son, Jesus Christ, who lived a life of discipline and sacrifice, showing us the path to true freedom and joy.

As we celebrate and give thanks today, let our gratitude overflow in acts of kindness, words of love, and a commitment to live in a way that pleases You. May our lives be marked by the fruit of the Spirit, and in all things, may we bring glory to Your name.

We thank You, Lord, for hearing our prayer. We trust in Your unfailing love and give thanks for Your unending faithfulness.

In Jesus’ name, we pray,

Amen.

Benediction:

May the Lord strengthen your resolve, guide your steps, and fill your heart with His wisdom as you seek to live a life marked by self-control. Go forth in the grace and knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.