Self-Control

We are on the last part of the fruit of the spirit, and that is self-control. In the NT the Greek word for it is only said three other times (and two of those times are in the same verse). So to understand the concept a little better we will look at those two passages. The Greek word used though means, “the trait of resolutely controlling one’s own desires (which would produce actions); especially sensual desires. (Bible Sense Lexicon)” It is easy to go through this life going with the flow of culture, but it takes discipline to live a life that goes against the flow. You have to show great self control to walk the narrow path. A broad path doesn’t take much effort to go down. So what does Biblical self-control look like?

Self-Control in Chains

I know this sounds crazy, but even when life has us trapped/chained down we still have an option of how we are going to respond. Those moments can make or break our witness. So first we are going to look at Acts 24:24-27

Acts 24:24–27 ESV

After some days Felix came with his wife Drusilla, who was Jewish, and he sent for Paul and heard him speak about faith in Christ Jesus. And as he reasoned about righteousness and self-control and the coming judgment, Felix was alarmed and said, “Go away for the present. When I get an opportunity I will summon you.” At the same time he hoped that money would be given him by Paul. So he sent for him often and conversed with him. When two years had elapsed, Felix was succeeded by Porcius Festus. And desiring to do the Jews a favor, Felix left Paul in prison.

Self-control shows character.

So in this passage Paul is in prison since the Jews brought false accusations against him. What was Paul doing while in prison, speaking about his faith in Jesus. Would that necessarily be our first thing to talk about if we were in prison? I would like to say that would be my first option, but if I am being honest I would be like yo Felix whats going on, why i got these government issued bracelets We got to practice self-control with our words. Chains are like when life squeezes. When life squeezes it takes great self-control on what comes out. It shows your character. Here is an example when life gives you lemons we should make lemonade (making the best of a situation), not squeeze lemons in people’s eyes (feeling sorry and bringing others down with us).

Christian Self-control demonstrates two things.

Self-control is not based in feelings, but in truth.

It demonstrates reason. We are not just people who half hearted belief something. As Christians we should strive to have a deep understanding of Scripture, we don’t just say that sounds good so I believe it. No we take time to study and we come to reasonable conclusions. God is not a God of confusion. When we defend our faith it isn’t what makes us feel good, but what we knows to be true.

it demonstrates righteousness. We show self control in walking in what is right. To follow God’s commands it takes intetionality to follow God’s commands. You don’t naturally accidentally do what is right. Walk through ten commandments.

Self-control is showing intentionality in following God’s commands.

Christian self-control has some impacts on the lost too we come in contact if they don’t respond to the Gospel:

It alarms them. Christianity is going to appear strange to them. The way you act is out of the norm. Their curiosity is going to be sparked.

They prefer worldly things. Felix preferred money. He would rather receive financial gain then spiritual gain

Will avoid you. People may feel repelled to be around you. Even though you are nothing but kind, they still find your faith unsettling.

The Root and Impact of Self-Control

Now we will look at 2 Peter 1:5-9

2 Peter 1:5–9 ESV

For this very reason, make every effort to supplement your faith with virtue, and virtue with knowledge, and knowledge with self-control, and self-control with steadfastness, and steadfastness with godliness, and godliness with brotherly affection, and brotherly affection with love. For if these qualities are yours and are increasing, they keep you from being ineffective or unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. For whoever lacks these qualities is so nearsighted that he is blind, having forgotten that he was cleansed from his former sins.

First let us talk about the root:

Faith- Who is our faith in? Get a strong foundation or else self-control will not come or be lasting

Self-control is rooted in a strong foundation of faith.

Virtue-is excellence of character. Our faith in Christ transforms us.

Faith drives character change.

knowledge- The more you know about the Word spiritually the greater your self-control will be.

Now let us talk about the impact:

Steadfastness- Circumstances will begin to carry less control over how you carry yourself.

Self-control will cause you to be more consistent in joy despite circumstances.

godliness- Self-control allows you to be more Christ like. Did Christ live perfect without being intentional? Christ showed self-control with his speech also. His words are always packed with meaning.

brotherly affection- Greek is philadelphia. It is a brotherly love. We are to love people and to love God.

love- Greek is agape

Effectiveness for Christ. Self-control helps us walk through the doors God opens.

Self-control keeps us from ruining our witness.