The Need for Self-control

INTRODUCTION.

A.        Self-control is defined as "The act, power, or habit of having one's faculties or energies under control of the will." (The Reader's Digest Great Encyclopedic Dictionary)

B.        In nearly every situation that will arise in a person's life, self-control will be a key element to how that person handles the situation.

1.         When facing a work project, self-control is essential to getting the job done right.

2.         When facing disappointments or emotional turmoil, self-control is essential to not acting hastily, not doing something you will later regret.

3.         When facing school work and tests, self-control will allow the student to finish studying and making preparations.

C.        Self-control is highly essential in living a godly life. It is the purpose of this lesson to examine the subject of self-control and Christianity.

I.         WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY ABOUT SELF-CONTROL?

            A.        Self-control is linked with righteousness and the judgment. (Acts 24:24-25)

                        1.         In order for a person to strive for righteousness, he must set out to live a righteous life. Living a righteous life requires self-control.

                        2.         In order for a person to continue living a righteous life, he must exercise self-control.

                        3.         If a person is living righteously, he will be prepared for the judgment.

            B.        Self-control is essential to obtaining an imperishable crown. (1 Corinthians 9:24-27)

                        1.         Verse 25 reads, “And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things...” (KJV) The word temperate is translated from the Greek word egkrateuomai {eng-krat-yoo'-om-ahee} which means, “1) to be self-controlled, continent 1a) to exhibit self-government, conduct one's self temperately...” (Thayer)

                        2.         Paul wanted to go to Heaven. In order to accomplish this, Paul knew that it was necessary that he control himself in a way that would direct him in serving the Lord.

                        3.         Paul wrote, “But I discipline my body and bring it into subjection.” (1 Corinthians 9:27) Other translations use the word "buffet" and “disqualified.”

                                    a.         The phrase “I keep under” (KJV) (discipline, NKJV) is translated from the Greek word hupopiazo {hoop-o-pee-ad'-zo} which means “1) to beat black and blue, to smite so as to cause bruises and livid spots 1a) like a boxer one buffets his body, handle it roughly, discipline by hardships 2) metaph. 2a) to give one intolerable annoyance...2b) by entreaties..." (Thayer) Some translations use the word "buffet.”

                                    b.         The phrase “bring it unto subjection” is translated from the Greek word doulagogeo {doo-lag-ogue-eh'-o} which means, “1) to lead away into slavery, claim as one's slave 2) to make a slave and to treat as a slave i.e. with severity, subject to stern and rigid discipline.” (Thayer)

                                    c.         Paul worked hard to keep his own body under the right control. Knowing that Satan tempts us through fleshly means, it becomes imperative that we maintain the proper control over our fleshly desires.

                                    d.         Paul controlled his body. He did not let his body control him. So must we control our bodies. We must not allow our body and its desires to control us.

                        4.         Paul strived hard to keep himself within the boundaries of the Word of God. Paul wrote, “...lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway.” (KJV) (disqualified, NKJV)

                                    a.         The Greek word translated as castaway is adokimos {ad-ok'-ee-mos} and means “1) not standing the test, not approved, 2) that which does not prove itself such as it ought 2a) unfit for, unproved, spurious, reprobate.” (Thayer)

                                    b.         Paul knew that if he taught the truth but did not live the truth, then he would be a hypocrite, and therefore unfit, spurious, and a reprobate.

            C.        Self-control is a part of the fruit of the Spirit. (Galatians 5:22-26)

II.       EXERCISING SELF-CONTROL.

            A.        Consider the following Bible examples of self-control being either present or absent.

                        1.         David did not exercise self-control when he saw Bathsheba. (2 Samuel 11:2-4)

                        2.         Another good example of people who did not exercise self-control were the Gentiles. (Romans 1:24-32)

                        3.         Unlike David, Joseph exercised self-control when tempted by a woman. (Genesis 39:7-12)

                        4.         Paul practiced self-control to keep himself from being a hypocrite. (1 Corinthians 9:27)

            B.        We, too, as followers of God, must exercise self-control in every area of our lives.

                        1.         We must keep everything in proper perspective by exercising self-control. We must maintain control over what we eat and drink, the pleasures that we engage in, our behavior at work, how much we sleep, etc.

                        2.         There are some areas where total abstinence must be practiced. Some of these areas would be lying, stealing, sexual immorality, etc.

                                    a.         Galatians 5:19-21

                                    b.         Romans 1:28-32

                                    c.         Colossians 3:5-10

                                    d.         1 Peter 4:3

                        3.         We must control our temper or our anger.

                                    a.         “He who is slow to wrath has great understanding, But he who is impulsive exalts folly.” (Proverbs 14:29, NKJV; 16:32)

                                    b.         Paul wrote, “Be ye angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath:” (Ephesians 4:26)

                        4.         We must control our tongue, our speech. “If anyone among you thinks he is religious and does not bridle his tongue but deceives his own heart, this one's religion is useless.” (James 1:26, NKJV)

III.      IS SELF-CONTROL NECESSARY?

            A.        We are to exercise self-control so that we will keep ourselves on the road that leads to Heaven.

                        1.         Through self-control, we will receive an incorruptible crown. (1 Corinthians 9:25)

                        2.         Through self-control, we will not be a castaway or rejected. (1 Corinthians 9:27)

                        3.         Through self-control, we will bear the fruit of the Spirit. (Galatians 5:22,23)

                        4.         Through self-control, we will receive an entrance into Heaven. (2 Peter 1:5-11)

            B.        “Whoever has no rule over his own spirit Is like a city broken down, without walls.” (Proverbs 25:28, NKJV)

CONCLUSION.

A.        Do you have enough self-control to live a life that will lead you to Heaven?

1.         If you are not a Christian, then exercise self-control by becoming a Christian today.

2.         If you are a Christian, then exercise self-control to keep yourself on the strait and narrow.

B.        There are many other areas where self-control is a vital element. Let us not forget about the part that self-control plays in our Christianity.

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The Need for Self-control -- December 7, 2003 -- File # 1349 - Self-control

by John Duvall - Lawton, OK