SELF CONTROL - WORD GROUP 1

SOUNDNESS OF MIND

The three sections:

• Outline of this Word

• Other Concepts (found within the context of this word)

• Questions

OUTLINE

A. Being in One's Right Mind

• Mark 5:15; Luke 8:35 - [After Jesus healed the demoniac] - People came... and saw the demoniac sitting dressed and in his right mind.

• 2 Corinthians 5:13 [See context - Paul is defending himself against false accusations] If we are out of our mind, it is for God's sake; if we are in our right mind, it is for you.

B. Training a Person (to act properly) [verb form of the word]

• Titus 2:4 - Older women, once they had been taught how to live (by Titus), were to train the younger women how to live. [...that is, to teach them how they should "control themselves"]

C. Who is instructed to be self-controlled?

• Overseers - 1 Timothy 3:2; Titus 1:8

• Young men - Titus 2:6

• Older men - Titus 2:2

• Younger women - taught by the older women. [Implication: the older women must also learn it!] - Titus 2:5

In other words, we ALL are to learn this!

NOTES ABOUT THIS SECTION:

1. All are taught by grace - Titus 2:12 (See below.)
   

2. Titus was told to teach the men and the older women. But he was told to let the older women teach the younger ones!
   
3. Each of the above passages includes additional character traits that the individuals were also to possess or learn. You may want to look at some... especially if they apply to you!

D. Self-control / self-discipline / clear and proper thinking is to influence both attitudes and actions.

• Influencing the way we think about ourselves.

  Romans 12:3 - Think about yourself: not more highly than you ought [an "inflated" mind] but with sober judgment [a well (not sick) mind]. (Note the context. None of us should consider ourselves more "special" than anyone else in the body of Christ. We are all equally a part, each with his special place.)

• Influencing our response to circumstances.

  1 Peter 4:7 - The end of all things is near. Therefore be clear minded and self-controlled so that you can pray. [Also: love each other deeply, show hospitality, use the gifts God has given you, etc.]

• Influencing one's thoughts and words: an example (Paul).

  Acts 26:25 (Paul to Festus) - [Paul's testimony about what God had done in his life] What I am saying is true and reasonable. (rather than an manifestation of insanity).

• Influencing women's lifestyles.

  1 Timothy 2:9, 15 Women are to dress modestly, with decency and propriety [self-control / self-restraint] (rather than putting on a show, to draw attention to themselves).  ...(they are to...) continue in faith, love and holiness, with propriety [self-restraint]. <Note: It is not our purpose here to explore the various interpretations of v. 15a. Note also that instructions are given to men both before and after this passage, but the word presently being studied is not present in those verses.>

E. God has given us what is necessary for this characteristic to be a part of our lives.

• Those who know God have received a spirit of self-control.

  2 Timothy 1:7 - God... gave us a spirit of self-discipline (also of power and love - all contrasted to a spirit of timidity, which does not come from him).

• God's grace teaches us to live self-controlled lives.

  Titus 2:12 - The grace of God... teaches us to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives (as well as: to reject ungodliness and worldly passions, and to anticipate his return).

Other Concepts (within the context)

[Concepts may be found in the context surrounding the verse references given below.]

A. Concepts that are INCOMPATIBLE with Self-Control

• Mark 5:15; Luke 8:35 - demon possession

• Acts 26:25 - insanity; being out of one's mind

• Romans 12:3 - "inflated" thinking about one's self; being conformed to the world's way of thinking

• 1 Timothy 3:2; Titus 1:8; 2:2-10 - [lists of qualities - mentions a few items considered incompatible]

• 2 Timothy 1:7 - a spirit of timidity; being ashamed to openly talk about Jesus

• Titus 2:12 - saying "Yes" to ungodliness and worldly passions

B. Concepts that are RELATED to or ASSOCIATED with Self-Control

• Acts 26:25 - speaking truthfully

• 1 Timothy 3:2; Titus 1:8; 2:2-10 - [lists of qualities]

• 2. Timothy 1:7 - a spirit of power and of love

• Titus 2:12 - being upright and godly

• 1 Peter 4:7 - [various commands]

QUESTIONS

(You may include verses which are not a part of this study.)

• How might a Christian be viewed as being "out of his mind," in the sense of 2 Corinthians 5:13? (You might also wish to look at other verses such as: 1 Corinthians 1:18+)

• Some aspects of self-control may involve teaching/learning. Are there any ways in which you can (or should be) involved in this (either as a teacher or a learner)? If you really should, what steps can/will you take to begin?

• List some specific ways in which self-control or self-discipline needs to influence your attitudes and actions. Most likely, you will have opportunity in the next week to practice some of these things. So think about them, plan possible courses of action, and try to remember these things when the opportunity arrives.

• God has given us everything we need, in order that we may have self-control. Review the verses that focus on what God has done. These verses can be a source of encouragement (for those who are weak, yet who keep trying) or a source of warning (for those who don't care and prefer to continue sinning). How can you use these promises as a source of encouragement when you stumble (when you fail to have self-control)? [Remember that these promises do not negate your responsibility to obey and submit to the Word of God. Do not twist and distort these facts about God's provision so that they become an excuse for spiritual laziness!  2 Peter 3:16b]

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Dennis Hinks © 1996
041130