Self-Control Is Wise

Transcript

Self-Control is Wise
Key verse: “For the Lord gives wisdom; from His mouth come knowledge and understanding. He stores up sound wisdom for the upright; He is shield to those who walk in integrity, guarding the paths of justice, and He preserves the way of His godly ones.” Proverbs 2:6-8
March 29, 2016 Nancy Butterfield

OR

I. What does self-control mean from the world’s perspective and God’s?
a. Self-control for a believer is NOT a behavior modification program aimed at making you fit, thin, on time, and not in debt.
b. “God is not interested in helping us with our self-improvement program, He is interested in our holiness.” ~~ Lydia Brownback
c. To be self-controlled is to be controlled by God.

II. How can we do this?
We are to walk by the Spirit
a. Colossians 3:16
b. Galatians 5:16-17
c. Galatians 5:24-25

III. Five Hindrances to Self-Control
1. Evaluate our desires
Matthew 12:25
2. Evaluate our motives
James 4:2-3
3. Underestimating the destructive power of overindulgence
2 Peter 2:19
4. Failure to know ourselves
2 Corinthians 5:17
1 Corinthians 10:12
5. It should be EASY
Colossians 1:29
Philippians 2:12-13
Galatians 5:16

IV. Dangers of loss of self-control
Judah’s choice ~~ Jeremiah 14:10
Moses’ choice ~~ Psalm 106:32-33
Our choice ~~ Proverbs 25:28 or Proverbs 5:22-23

“Self-control is that great quality which comes to a man when Christ is in his heart, that quality which makes him able to live and to walk in the world, and yet to keep his garments unspotted from the world.” ~~ Expositor’s Bible Commentary ~ W. Barclay

V. Areas to prayerfully consider how to honor God with your body
1. Gluttony
Proverbs 25:16
Proverbs 23:20-21
Proverbs 25:27
2. Laziness
Mark 1:35
3. Sexual immorality or impurity
I Thessalonians 4:3-5
Matthew 5:28
Job 31:1
4. Our Emotions
Proverbs 16:32
Proverbs 29:11
5. Redeem the time
Psalm 90:12
“Satan wants to get ahold of my time and energy.” ~~ Gil Rugh
Ephesians 5:15-16
Romans 6:4
Psalm 39:4-6
Be Spirit-led rather than list-driven

Closing:
Acts 20:24 “But I do not account my life of any value nor as precious to myself, if only I may accomplish my course and the ministry which I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God.”