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Lord, help us to see you as new and fresh through your word today?

Lord, help us to see truth where we have believed lies?

Lord, speak to us through your word today.

Most of all, help us to love you and others more.

Let’s go to the book of Galatians 5:22-23 NKJV for this week’s wisdom Vaccination.

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This Week’s Wisdom Vaccination

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Today’s opening shot of wisdom is this.

Moderation in temper is always a virtue; but moderation in principle is always a vice.

Practicing moderation is a good discipline unless your moderating your relationship with God.

The Holy Spirit is with us to be our helper in all things that pertain to life and godliness.

Self-control is one of the qualities that the Holy Spirit produces in the life of a believer.

‌Galatians 5:22-23 NKJV

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law.

When we lack self-control in a certain area of our lives, it’s an indication that we’re not allowing God full access into that area.

Today’s message title:

Living life in Moderation

Video (The hidden cost of convenience.)

Moderation is often thought of as a healthy balance to life’s pleasures.

Last week we discussed how moderation is in stark contrast with this society of excess.

The Bible teaches about moderation in various aspects of life.

It encourages believers to practice self-control, balance, and temperance.

Today we are going to talk about some key themes and Bible verses related to moderation.

I don’t want you to take my word.

I want you to take the word of God.

1. Moderation in Desires and Appetites

Proverbs 25:16 (NKJV)

"Have you found honey? Eat only as much as you need, lest you be filled with it and vomit."

This verse advises us against overindulgence, suggesting that even good things should be enjoyed in moderation to avoid negative consequences.

It uses the metaphor of honey, which is sweet and desirable, to illustrate a broader principle that applies to various aspects of life.

In this case, eating too much honey can make one sick.

But the principle applies to other things.

-Eating too many fried foods can clog your arteries.

-Drinking too much pop can cause weight gain, diabetes, tooth decay etc.

-Eating too much sugar spikes blood sugar and can cause a host of negative symptoms to the body.

-Even watching too much TV can have negative effects on the body.

Just because something is good to you, doesn’t make it good for you!

2. Moderation in Speech

Proverbs 10:19 (NKJV)

"In the multitude of words sin is not lacking, but he who restrains his lips, is wise."

This verse highlights the wisdom of moderation in our speech.

It implies that excessive talking can lead to sin.

It emphasizes the value of careful speech and the wisdom in restraint.

We all know restraint.

It’s that thing we do when Holy Spirit says, “Don’t say that.” (So, we hold our peace.)

There’s a phrase that says, "in the multitude of words sin is not lacking.”

It suggests that talking too much increases the likelihood of saying something inappropriate, harmful, or maybe even sinful.

Proverbs 17:28 (NKJV)

Even a fool is counted wise when he holds his peace; When he shuts his lips, he is considered perceptive.

Excessive speech can lead to gossip, lies, slander, or other forms of verbal wrongdoing.

The latter part of the verse highlights that wisdom is found in restraining our lips.

Being thoughtful, deliberate, and measured in speech is a mark of wisdom.

Restraint in speech helps avoid unnecessary conflict, misunderstandings, and potential harm to others.

Basically, the scripture is saying there are times when you can talk too much.

We should learn to think before we speak and be mindful of the potential impact of our words.

3. Moderation in Actions

Philippians 4:5 (NKJV)

"Let your gentleness (moderation)be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand."

The apostle Paul encourages believers to demonstrate moderation in our behavior.

This verse is part of Paul's letter to the Philippians, where he provides practical advice for living a Christ-centered life.

Here, Paul encourages believers to demonstrate gentleness and reminds us of the nearness of the Lord.

Gentleness here can also be understood as moderation, reasonableness, or a calm spirit.

Paul urges us to exhibit a gentle and considerate demeanor in our interactions with others.

This quality is in contrast with harshness or being overly critical.

It involves being fair, reasonable, and understanding.

Apostle Paul emphasizes that this gentleness should be evident to "all men," indicating that it should be a visible and consistent part of a believer's character.

This means we show kindness, patience, and understanding in all relationships and in all situations.

I would also say that this doesn’t just go for what we show outwardly but what we are thinking inwardly.

Demonstrating gentleness can positively influence those around us.

It can also serve as a testimony of the transformative power of Christ in a believer's life.

Do you remember the transformation of Saul to Paul?

4. Moderation in Lifestyle

1 Timothy 6:6-8 (NKJV)

"Now godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. And having food and clothing, with these we shall be content."

Paul advises Timothy to be content with basic necessities.

It looks to me like the Bible is promoting a lifestyle of simplicity and moderation rather than the pursuit of wealth and material excess.

Why is this Paul’s stance and why is it in such contrast to a lot of Christians in America.

Godliness refers to living a life that reflects a reverence for God, characterized by piety and devotion.

Contentment is the state of being satisfied with what one has, without yearning for more.

Combining godliness with contentment is considered "great gain," indicating a profound sense of fulfillment and spiritual wealth that surpasses material possessions.

Paul reminds Timothy that material possessions are temporary.

We bring nothing into the world at birth and can take nothing with us at death.

So, we might as well focus on eternal values and spiritual growth rather than accumulating earthly wealth.

True contentment comes from recognizing and appreciating the essentials provided by God, rather than constantly seeking more.

Paul says to live simple.

Appreciate the basics.

And avoid the constant pursuit of more.

This will lead to a more fulfilling and peaceful life.

5. Moderation in Consumption of Alcohol

Ephesians 5:18 (NKJV)

"And do not be drunk with wine, in which is dissipation; but be filled with the Spirit."

This verse warns against excessive drinking, advocating for moderation in the consumption of alcohol and a focus on spiritual fulfillment.

We don’t have to talk about this one because we talked last week about how the progression of more leads to excess and how the end goal of the enemy is to destroy your life.

Also remember that water wasn’t filtered back in those days, so many of them needed wine to keep them from getting sick.

6. Moderation in Exercise and Bodily Discipline

1 Timothy 4:8 (NKJV)

"For bodily exercise profits a little, but godliness is profitable for all things, having promise of the life that now is and of that which is to come."

While acknowledging the benefits of physical exercise, Paul emphasizes that spiritual discipline and godliness are of greater value, suggesting a balanced approach to physical and spiritual well-being.

Bodily exercise takes discipline and doing the uncomfortable.

And it leads to physical health and for some a better appearance which pales in comparison to spiritual exercise which is of the greatest gain because its benefits are eternal.

And finally:

7. Moderation as a Fruit of the Spirit

We talked about this in the wisdom vaccination.

Galatians 5:22-23 (NKJV)

"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law."

Self-control is listed as a fruit of the Spirit, indicating that moderation and temperance are virtues cultivated through a life led by the Holy Spirit.

It’s impossible to live the moderate type of lifestyle that God through His word advises us to, without the excess of the Holy Spirit in operation in your life.

Whether in desires, speech, actions, lifestyle, or consumption, believers are called to practice moderation, reflecting a life of wisdom, contentment, and godliness.

If you’re watching online or here in the building, I have a very important question to ask you.

What is the Holy Spirit saying to you right now?