Untitled Sermon

Self-Control

There are three verses that use this word in the NT. Acts 24:5, Galatians 5:23, and 2 Peter 1:6.

“egkrateia”

Again these are all used in lists.

some Greek dictionary definitions:

Mastery, control

the virtue of one who masters his desires and passions, especially his sensual appetites

temperance

Self-control is interesting just as a concept if you think about it. Why is that a result of the Spirit? And why does one need to control himself or herself? This almost implies to me that it is a result of the fall that we would even need to have this. In a perfect world we would be perfectly in control of every thought, every action, every word spoken, every single thing we would do would be unto the glory of God. Yet, this is not the case anymore. We are in need of controlling ourselves. Our self is infected with the flesh. Yet, by the power of the Spirit we have the ability to take control of all that we are and devote it unto Christ. Yet, so often we give control to our flesh, or go on cruise control.