Success through Self-Control
A man without self-control is like a city broken into and left without walls. (Proverbs 25:28 ESV)
Why is it to have self-control in our lives?
•because of our sinful nature
•satan is able to continue to attack this weakness
•because of our selfish desires
without self-control, one cannot overcome today's temptations
•it is times where self-control is difficult to attain
•self-control does not come from within me but by trusting in the Holy Spirit
how do we attain self-control
•we must pray and trust the Holy Spirit to control our emotions and desires
•our words must be controlled by the Holy Spirit •Especially in this day of over abundance of platforms for self expression, we must be careful what we express out of spite and anger
•assure any materialistic desires must be controlled by the Holy Spirit so as to not let our greed take over
•We must be thankful for all we receive
•we must remember all blessing is according to God's will
•He gives us what we need
Give us this day our daily bread, (Matthew 6:11 ESV)
what should we do to have self-control
•accept that it is not by our own, but only by God's help through Holy Spirit that we can have self-control ~ do not be self-reliant
•pray to God and ask for His guidance to allow self-control
•hold our tongue and think before haphazardly speaking out of spite and emotion of and to others
•Example: King Saul and his own insecurities caused him to speak evil and break promise to his own son. Saul had no strength for self-control because he was outside of God's protection
And Jonathan spoke well of David to Saul his father and said to him, “Let not the king sin against his servant David, because he has not sinned against you, and because his deeds have brought good to you. For he took his life in his hand and he struck down the Philistine, and the Lord worked a great salvation for all Israel. You saw it, and rejoiced. Why then will you sin against innocent blood by killing David without cause?” (1 Samuel 19:4-5 ESV)
And Saul listened to the voice of Jonathan. Saul swore, “As the Lord lives, he shall not be put to death.” (1 Samuel 19:6 ESV)
•it is only by the grace of God that you can overcome the evil spirits and its temptations and attacks
•live in self-control according to and centered in God's will: example is John the Baptist
•Even when there were temptation to take credit for being Messiah, he stayed true to his given role and denied any false recognition and glory
You yourselves bear me witness, that I said, ‘I am not the Christ, but I have been sent before him.’ (John 3:28 ESV)
•John also rejoiced in his role
The one who has the bride is the bridegroom. The friend of the bridegroom, who stands and hears him, rejoices greatly at the bridegroom’s voice. Therefore this joy of mine is now complete. (John 3:29 ESV)
•train yourselves to have self control and to be Godly
Have nothing to do with irreverent, silly myths. Rather train yourself for godliness; (1 Timothy 4:7 ESV)
•be goal oriented and have self-control to drive toward that goal without being distracted
Every athlete exercises self-control in all things. They do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable. (1 Corinthians 9:25 ESV)
Self-control is what helps complete and perfect the fruit of the spirit
obtain harmony through self-control
•not only should self-control stop us from temptations but it should drive us towards our goals and harmony
•overall balance and harmony in life is by not losing sight of the most important goal in life, which is to live according to God's will.
No matter how great God's blessing and powers you are given, without self-control, you cannot maximize to fulfill God's will and hence cannot ultimately reach true success - therefore be Godly and have self-control to reach your goal.
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