19 July 2023 - Self-control

“The Bible has a lot to say about self-control. In Proverbs we’re told that it’s better to have self-control than to conquer a city.

Proverbs 16:32 (NLT) Better to be patient than powerful; better to have self-control than to conquer a city.

In the Old Testament, people built massive walls around cities and patrolled them with armed guards. Conquering a city was the most demanding military feat imaginable. But here Solomon says that controlling yourself is more impressive than pulling off this nearly impossible task. Self-control works like a protective wall that will help prevent us from surrendering to the desires of the flesh. When we have self-control, we will be able to say ‘no’ to the things we know will harm us or others.

When we do not have self-control, we will not have that protective barrier, and we will be more likely to give in to sin and say ‘yes’. Self-control will help us to remain calm when we are angry and upset and self-control will also help us say ‘no’ to temptations.

Proverbs 25:28 (AMP) _Like a city that is broken down and without walls Is a man who has no self-control over his spirit . _In other words, the absence of self-control is dangerous. Soldiers-breaking-through-your-walls dangerous.

Self-control protects you from an enemy. Lacking self-control makes you vulnerable, especially to sin.

We have to learn to discipline ourselves to practice self-control. Paul says we have to discipline and exercise self-control in all things. Paul continuous to say that he strictly disciplines himself not to be disqualified. 1 Corinthians 9:24-27 (AMP) Do you not know that in a race all the runners run , but only one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may seize the prize and make it yours! Now every athlete who competes in the games is disciplined and exercises self-control in all things. They do it to win a crown that withers, but we an imperishable . Therefore I do not run without a definite goal; I do not flail around like one beating the air . But I strictly discipline my body and make it my slave, so that, after I have preached to others, I myself will not somehow be disqualified .

1 Peter 4:7 (AMP) The end and culmination of all things is near. Therefore, be sound-minded and self-controlled for the purpose of prayer

Titus 1:7-8 (AMP) For the overseer, as God’s steward, must be blameless, not self-willed, not quick-tempered, not addicted to wine, not violent, not greedy for dishonest gain . And he must be hospitable , a lover of what is good, sensible (upright), fair, devout, self-disciplined .

2 Peter 1:5-9 (MSG) So don’t lose a minute in building on what you’ve been given, complementing your basic faith with good character, spiritual understanding, alert discipline, passionate patience, reverent wonder, warm friendliness, and generous love, each dimension fitting into and developing the others. With these qualities active and growing in your lives, no grass will grow under your feet, no day will pass without its reward as you mature in your experience of our Master Jesus. Without these qualities you can’t see what’s right before you, oblivious that your old sinful life has been wiped off the books.

“No matter how sweet is smells, if you know it will give you a discomfort later, don't even attempt to taste it. Discipline yourself to stay out of sin!” -Israelmore Ayivor

“Discipline yourself to do the things you need to do when you need to do them, and the day will come when you will be able to do the things you want to do when you want to do them!” – Zig Ziglar

“Discipline is the bridge between goals and accomplishment.” – Jim Rohn

I conclude with: “It’s been said that there are only two pains in life, the pain of discipline or the pain of regret, and that discipline weighs ounces while regret weighs tons.” - Anthony Robbins