HelpFinder Bible - Flipbook - Page 298
page A296
Self-Control continued
response. Self-control involves disciplining ourselves, helping ourselves be the kind of
people who walk with God and others the way we should. We stand guard at the gateway of our personhood. To some things we grant entrance; to other things we deny
entrance. We send away harmful influences that would invade and conquer us. Likewise,
we guard that which we let out of the gateways of our lives—what we say or do, where
we go, and what we project to others.
Self-control is a lifelong endeavor, because just when you think you have one area of
your life mastered, another area gets out of control. Some of the hardest things to control
are our thoughts, our words, and our physical appetites. It is only with the help of the
Holy Spirit that we achieve self-control. But when we do, we are pleasing to God and
pleasing to others.
How can I learn to have more self-control?
• 2 P E T E R 1 :5 -6 | Make every effort to respond to God’s promises. Supplement . . . knowledge
with self-control, and self-control with patient endurance.
Self-control comes only as the product of intentional spiritual growth.
• J A ME S 3 :2 | If we could control our tongues, we would be perfect and could also control
ourselves in every other way.
Self-control often starts with taming the tongue.
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• R O MA NS 8 :5 | Those who are dominated by the sinful nature think about sinful things, but
those who are controlled by the Holy Spirit think about things that please the Spirit.
The best self-control is really “Spirit control.”
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• G A L AT I A NS 5 :2 2 -2 3 | But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy,
peace . . . and self-control.
Self-control is one of the primary marks of the Holy Spirit’s presence and activity in our
lives.
Why can’t I seem to control certain desires?
• G A L AT I A NS 5 :2 4 | Those who belong to Christ Jesus have nailed the passions and desires
of their sinful nature to his cross.
Our sinful nature often gets the best of us. We must constantly ask the Holy Spirit to fill our
lives with his goodness.
• R O MA NS 1 2 :1 | And so, dear brothers and sisters, I plead with you to give your bodies to
God. . . . Let them be a living and holy sacrifice—the kind he will find acceptable.
We must truly want to give up the wrong desires we have. If we try to hang on to just a
little sin, it will eventually take over our lives.
What are some steps to exercising self-control?
• PSA L M 1 1 9 :9 | How can a young person stay pure? By obeying your word.
• 2 T I MOT H Y 2 :5 | Athletes cannot win the prize unless they follow the rules.
Self-control involves first knowing God’s guidelines for right living as found in the Bible.
You need to know what you must control before you can keep it under control. Regular,
consistent reading of God’s Word keeps God’s guidelines for right living always before us.
• PSA L M 1 4 1 :3 | Take control of what I say, O Lord, and guard my lips.
• PR O V E R B S 1 3 :3 | Those who control their tongue will have a long life; opening your mouth
can ruin everything.
• MAT T H E W 1 2 :3 6 | “And I tell you this, you must give an account on judgment day for every
idle word you speak.”
• J A ME S 1 :2 6 | If you claim to be religious but don’t control your tongue, you are fooling
yourself, and your religion is worthless.
We exercise self-control by watching what we say. How often we wish we could call back
words as soon as they have left our mouth!