Self Control

Galatians 5:22–23 (AMP)

22 But the fruit of the [Holy] Spirit [the work which His presence within accomplishes] is love, joy (gladness), peace, patience (an even temper, forbearance), kindness, goodness (benevolence), faithfulness,

23 Gentleness (meekness, humility), self-control (self-restraint, continence). Against such things there is no law [that can bring a charge].

Long suffering deals more with the inward and kindness deals with a outward expression - self control deals with inward conviction.

Merriam-Webster’s Collegiate Dictionary (Eleventh Edition) Self-Control

self-con•trol \-kən-ˈtrōl\ noun

1711: restraint exercised over one’s own impulses, emotions, or desires—self-con•trolled \-ˈtrōld\ adjective

Holman Illustrated Bible Dictionary Self-Control

SELF-CONTROL Modern translations’ term for several Greek words indicating a sober, temperate, calm, and dispassionate approach to life, having mastered personal desires and passions. Biblical admonitions expect God’s people to exercise self-control (Prov. 25:28; 1 Cor. 7:5; 1 Thess. 5:6; 1 Tim. 3:2; 2 Tim. 3:3; Gal. 5:23; 2 Tim. 1:7; Titus 1:8; 2 Pet. 1:6). Freedom in Christ does not give believers liberty to cast off all moral restraint as some members in Galatia and other churches apparently believed. Nor does it call for a withdrawal from life and its temptations. It calls for a self-disciplined life following Christ’s example of being in the world but not of the world.

Dictionary of Bible Themes 8339 self-control

Physical and emotional self-mastery, particularly in situations of intense provocation or temptation.

2 Timothy 1:7 (AMP)

7 For God did not give us a spirit of timidity (of cowardice, of craven and cringing and fawning fear), but [He has given us a spirit] of power and of love and of calm and well-balanced mind and discipline and self-control.

The poorest education that teaches self-control is better than the best that neglects it.

In his book, When God Whispers Your Name, Max Lucado writes:

I choose self-control …

I am a spiritual being. After this body is dead, my spirit will soar. I refuse to let what will rot, rule the eternal. I choose self-control. I will be drunk only by joy. I will be impassioned only by my faith. I will be influenced only by God. I will be taught only by Christ. I choose self-control.

We’ve been created with a multitude of moods, passions, and desires. They all need managing.

They must be under control or they will end up controlling us. Lewis Smedes says that self-control is like the “conductor of a symphony orchestra.” Under the conductor’s baton the multitude of talented musicians can play the right notes at the right time at the right volume so that everything sounds just right.

Likewise, our appetites and longings have their proper place. Self-control is the Holy Spirit’s baton in our hearts under whose skillful direction everything stays in its proper place and comes in at just the right time. To be self-controlled is to be Spirit-controlled.

YOU CAN'T EAT JUST ONE

Lays® Potato Chips uses the slogan "You can't eat just one."

They know a secret: most of us will lose self-control and give in to temptation if they can get us to just eat one. One gives in to two; two in to five; and before you know it, you've eaten an entire bag of chips!

Sin is like that, too. If the devil can get us to even think about something, he knows we are likely to lose self control and give into the temptation. Then he thinks he's won. That is why it is important to "take every thought captive to the obedience of Christ."

Self Control also means discipline. There are things that we all want in life but unless we have self control and discipline to follow through to do what it takes to see it come to pass we will not see it become reality.

We all want to be healthy, but how many want to go to the gym, eat right, drink enough water, and rest properly?

Owning your own business requires you to have inward control.