Facebook: Self-Control

What if?

What if we were our most popular social media platforms? We are going to be taking a look at the what those platforms are known for and personify them to talk about things that actually effect us as Christians. The platform for today is Facebook. This is one of the oldest of the social media platforms but it’s effect is very fresh. Often times you see people being controlled by the platform. When waking the first thing done is to check the platform. The platform controls how we think. It is an easy way to be involved in conversations and groups who lack self control.

WE:

We may explode in anger at folks when we are upset.

We may overeat when we are feeling emotional.

We may be unable to sit still during worship

So what if we lack self-control? How do we handle? Do we go to one of the extremes?

Do we overindulge in all things and lack self-control?

Do we withdraw from all people in order to gain self-control?

Neither! Let’s look at a case of self-control in God’s word and see how we may handle it properly.

Joseph’s Story

Genesis 39:6–12 ESV

6 So he left all that he had in Joseph’s charge, and because of him he had no concern about anything but the food he ate. Now Joseph was handsome in form and appearance. 7 And after a time his master’s wife cast her eyes on Joseph and said, “Lie with me.” 8 But he refused and said to his master’s wife, “Behold, because of me my master has no concern about anything in the house, and he has put everything that he has in my charge. 9 He is not greater in this house than I am, nor has he kept back anything from me except you, because you are his wife. How then can I do this great wickedness and sin against God?” 10 And as she spoke to Joseph day after day, he would not listen to her, to lie beside her or to be with her. 11 But one day, when he went into the house to do his work and none of the men of the house was there in the house, 12 she caught him by his garment, saying, “Lie with me.” But he left his garment in her hand and fled and got out of the house.

As Christians we have a responsibility to God. A position given to be an example. Let us take that seriously by knowing our role. Hint: Use your Bible!

Genesis 39:6 ESV

6 So he left all that he had in Joseph’s charge, and because of him he had no concern about anything but the food he ate. Now Joseph was handsome in form and appearance.

gen 39 6

Joseph was given a large task by his master.

We have a task as Christians to be little Christs

We have privilege as Christians.

“Now Joseph was handsome in form and appearance.”

There are times when we are going to be perfectly prepared for a terrible situation.

But it’s not for our undoing, God is faithful.

When facing your weakness and before the volcano erupts, count the cost and consider how it will affect the influence of God.

Genesis 39:7–9 ESV

7 And after a time his master’s wife cast her eyes on Joseph and said, “Lie with me.” 8 But he refused and said to his master’s wife, “Behold, because of me my master has no concern about anything in the house, and he has put everything that he has in my charge. 9 He is not greater in this house than I am, nor has he kept back anything from me except you, because you are his wife. How then can I do this great wickedness and sin against God?”

gen 39

“Lie with me.”

Temptation

Appetites

Passions

Nothing inheritantly wrong with these things. .. until they draw you away from the will of God.

What causes you to lose control?

V8- “he refused”

we must refuse to be controlled by anything other than God.

V8- “with me here my master does not concern himself with anything in his house, and he has put all that he owns under my authority.”

God trusts us.

We have been trusted with a great task

V9- “So how could I do this immense evil, and how could I sin against God?”

Count the cost

What is at risk?

Consider God

How is the kingdom effected if you blow up?

There will be times when we are not going to be prepared to properly handle a situation in the moment. In those times, RUN away from temptation! Not in fear but self preservation! Let God handle it.

gen 39 10-

Genesis 39:10–12 ESV

10 And as she spoke to Joseph day after day, he would not listen to her, to lie beside her or to be with her. 11 But one day, when he went into the house to do his work and none of the men of the house was there in the house, 12 she caught him by his garment, saying, “Lie with me.” But he left his garment in her hand and fled and got out of the house.

V10- Consistent pressure from the wife to commit adultery

When the going gets CONSISTENT!

V11- Even when you are about the business of the master Satan still will make time to come in your life

V12- “…caught him by his garment,...”

V12- “But he left his garment in her hand and fled and got out of the house.”

There are going to be times when things get too hot and we are going to have to FLEE!

Not in fear but so that God’s perfect will can be done!

What if?