Anchor Texts: 1 Corinthians 9:25, Galatians 5:23
This is a crucial subject for every believer: the inability to tame flesh. A lot of people have lost their destinies, calling, ministry, friends, assets, homes, and ultimately their lives due to lack of self-control.
WHAT IS SELF-CONTROL (TEMPERANCE)?
1. Self-control simply means to have control over the flesh – 1 Corinthians 9:27. Paul demonstrated self-control by disciplining his body and bringing it into subjection.
2. Temperance is the ability to always deny oneself what is rightfully yours – Matthew 17:24-27.
3. Self-control involves striving for masteries over your elements (character, body, work, etc.) – 2 Timothy 2:5.
4. Self-control means temperance in all things – 1 Corinthians 9:25.
5. Temperance is the ability to control one’s self.
CASE STUDIES
Joseph – Genesis 39:7-8, 9-10
Joseph expressed self-control by not defiling himself with Potiphar’s wife. I particularly find verse 10 interesting; Genesis 39:10 And it came to pass, as she spake to Joseph day by day, that he hearkened not unto her, to lie by her, or to be with her. Take note of: “DAY BY DAY”. The temptation was daily yet, he said no to his master’s wife daily. How many “NO” can you say daily? Only those who see sin as wickedness before God can say “NO” many times daily and continually.
NOTE: The man who can say NO multiple times without bluffing is powerful.
Daniel – Daniel 1:8
Daniel is another example of a man who exhibited self-control. In Daniel 1:8, the man Daniel, along with his friends, purposed not to eat of the king’s …. He could control himself. Daniel and his friends chose to suffer for hunger and [seemingly] ill-nutrition rather than defy himself by eating from the food prepared under the king’s custody. Bible history teaches us that Daniel’s action was an act to protect his consecration until God. Back then, the king’s meal was first served to pagan gods before being presented to the kings. Daniel, being a diligent scholar, understood this and avoided it.
Moses – Hebrews 11:25
Moses demonstrated self-control over pleasure. A man raised by a heathen king, had the best of everything chose rather to suffer affliction with God’s people than to keep enjoying the pleasures of the Egyptians.
AREAS YOU NEED SELF-CONTROL
1. Thoughts (The posture of your heart) – Genesis 6:5, Psalm 19:14, Luke 6:45.
2. Tongue (Mouth) – James 3:1-12, 1 Samuel 25:10-11, 23-31
3. Belle (Food) – Daniel 1:8
4. Sex – Genesis 39:7-8, 9-10, 1 Corinthians 7:5
5. Pleasure (Appetite) – 1 Timothy 6:6-10
6. Mammon (Money) – 1 Timothy 6:10
7. Power – Number 12:13, Matthew 26:52-54
8. Sleep – Proverbs 5:4-5, 10-11
9. Fame – Luke 4:6, 14. Matthew 4:24.
HOW TO EXHIBIT SELF-CONTROL
First, I would have you understand that self-control exists in three planes:
Self-control of the body – Character, Actions
Self-control of the soul – Mental knowledge
Self-control of the spirit – Consecration, Service, Worship
1. The Word of God – James 3:2
2. Speak words seasoned with grace – Ephesians 4:25, 29
3. Let the Holy Ghost tame your tongue – James 3:6-7
4. Endure hardship (suffer long) – Genesis 39:20, 2 Timothy 2:3, Hebrews 11:25
5. Fasting – Romans 7:22-23
6. Be disciplined – 1 Corinthians 7:25-27, 2 Timothy 2:4-5
7. Walk in the Spirit – Romans 7:5, 6, 18
May God help us all.