SELF-CONTROL

Introduction

            Self-control, or "temperance," as it is often called in the King James Version, is urged, commended and encouraged in both Old and New Testaments. It is part of "the faith in Christ," and a proper subject for gospel preaching (Acts 24:25). Christians are to "add" or "supply" it as part of their maturing (II Peter 1: 6). This word translates a Greek word from which we get "choreography," and it had to do with bringing to the theatre stage the appropriate props at the right time during a play. The Christian is to "bring to the stage of life" this quality, at just the times it is needed. It comes by God's power through the Holy Spirit; it is not the "natural" way for the flesh or lower nature to behave (Galatians 5:23).

In this lesson we consider three areas where self-control is needed.

I. We need to have a controlled life.

I Corinthians 6:9-11.

            Those who practice such unrighteous behavior as here described will not inherit the kingdom of heaven.

            Christians are not to be deceived about this; what Paul says may be sobering and severe, but it is true.

            Because they formerly lived in such sins, those who now serve Jesus must use special control to avoid their practice any longer.

            They should not continue in guilt over past sins, however, for they have been washed clean, set apart as holy, and declared righteous before God, based on faith in Jesus and by the power of the Holy Spirit.

Galatians 5:26-35.

            We must serve one of two masters: flesh or Spirit. Because the two are by nature opposed to each other, it is impossible to serve them both at the same time. Their orders always contradict! The Christian must choose between them.

            The works of the flesh are obviously recognized, and Paul names them in verse 19-21. He repeats the warning of I Corinthians 6 those who practice them will not inherit the kingdom of God.

            The fruit of the Spirit (including "temperance" or self-control) violates no law, of God or man, for it flows from life that is in Jesus in the power of God Himself.

Ephesians 4:22-32.

            Paul here names many specifics in which self-control is exercised. In each case, the easier thing is to do wrong, but the Christian uses self-control to do (with God's help) what is right instead.

            The uncontrolled life is called "the old man," and it holds no promise of life. Although it is "corrupt," it continues its power through "deceitful lusts," never telling the truth about its origin (Satan) or end (destruction). The 64 new man" is a new creation of God, made in the moral image of God as seen in Jesus.

II. We need to control our speech.

Matthew 12:34-37.

            The speech is a window to the heart; one cannot long conceal his true heart if he opens his mouth!

What we say, being a reflection of what is in our hearts, will face us in judgment -- even the "idle" (pointless, empty) words.

Ephesians 4:29.

            Our language is not to be "corrupt" (tainted with evil, unwholesome, a little on the "rotten" side).

            It is rather to be positively beneficial -- good, serving a useful purpose. That purpose is to build up those who hear, as an instrument and vehicle of God's grace in our own lives.

Colossians 4:3-6.

            Paul asked the prayers of other believers for him, that God would give him opportunities to speak the gospel, and give him wisdom to make the message clear (manifest) to those who heard it.

            The responsibility of speaking the gospel is not given only to evangelists and pastors or teachers, as the verses continue. The speech of every Christian is to be used to advance the gospel. We are all to speak at every opportunity, graciously (always with grace) and tastefully (seasoned with salt).

James 3:2-12.

            It is hard to over-emphasize the power of the tongue, though it is a very small member in our body. James compares it to other small things which have great power or influence: the bit in the mouth of a mighty work-horse, the rudder of a great ship, a tiny flame that becomes a raging holocaust.

            At the same time, it is hard to stress enough how difficult a task this is, to control the tongue. Although men have subdued and trained every kind of creature, no man has completely trained his own tongue so that he could safely forget to control it.

            Yet train it we must, so far as we are able, for our character is betrayed by what we say, and there are only two basic choices: good or bad.

III. We need to control our thoughts.

Proverbs 4:23 As the fountain-spring, the heart gushes a stream which becomes the flow of our whole life. We must therefore guard it with all diligence, as one would guard the water-supply of a city from contamination or pollution.

Matthew 15:18-20 Moral contamination comes from the inside, out not from outside us, in. Jesus repeats the same warning given in Proverbs 4:23, in a slightly different way.

II Corinthians 10:4, 5 Our greatest struggle is within ourselves, and we are engaged in a conflict that must be unending. The battle ground is our own heart. Let us take it for the Lord, then guard it as exclusively His!

Conclusion

We cannot be so self-controlled as to earn salvation, for at best we will come short of perfection, which is God's standard. But we can be saved by faith in Jesus (who was perfect, and who died for our sins), and the same faith which receives His salvation also demands self-control. Because we belong to Him, let us control our hearts, our speech and our lives for His service and to His eternal glory!