SELF CONTROL - WORD GROUP 3

STRENGTH TO CONTROL ONE'S ACTIONS

The three sections:

One aspect of "faith in Jesus"

Acts 24:24-25 - [Paul speaking about "faith in Jesus."] ... he was discussing righteousness, self-control and the judgment to come
One of the "fruit of the Spirit"

Galatians 5:22-23 - The fruit of the Spirit is... self-control. [v. 24+ The works of the flesh (v. 19+) have been crucified... now it's time for us to live a Spirit-filled lifestyle (described in v. 22+).]
A necessity for "assurance of salvation"

2 Peter 1:3-11 - [Since God has given us everything we need for life/godliness... (v. 3-4)] "Add to your faith... self-control (etc.)" [v. 8+ If you have these qualities (mentioned in v. 5-7) in increasing measure, you will not have "fruitless" lives...] [v. 10+ Make your calling and election sure: if you do these things, you will never fall and will receive a rich welcome into the eternal kingdom...]

Needed by overseers

Titus 1:7-9 - The overseer must be... self-controlled
All need to add it to their lives

2 Peter 1:3-11 - Add to your faith... self-control (etc.) [mentioned in greater detail in the previous section]

It must be from the heart (not merely an external appearance)

Matthew 23:25-26 - [Illustrated figuratively by Jesus, talking to the Pharisees (religious leaders) who were full of "self-indulgence" (lack of self-control)]..."First clean the inside of the cup/dish and the outside will become clean also!"
An example to learn from: the athlete

1 Corinthians 9:24-27+ Everyone who competes in the games exercises self-control [follow their example, etc.] [ALSO: ... Learn from the past - the example of Israel (people who did not have self-control); 10:13 - God has provided a way for you to escape temptation...]

If you are married...

1 Corinthians 7:1-7 - Fulfill marital obligations to your spouse, refraining only a short time (by mutual consent and for times of prayer) lest Satan tempt either of you because of your lack of self-control.
If you are not married and do not have self-control

1 Corinthians 7:8-9 - For those who do not have self-control, it is better to marry. [This is contrasted to the person who has the ability to remain single without being overcome by sensual desires. Paul describes such an ability as a "gift" (v. 7).]

It is a characteristic of those who are godless in the "last days"

2 Timothy 3:1-5 - People will be... without self-control... (etc.)
It is described as "self-indulgence"... and makes one worthy of "woe"

Matthew 23:25-26 - The Pharisees (religious leaders)... full of self-indulgence ("lack of self-control"). "Woe to you..."

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

Matthew 23:25 - robbery, self-indulgence [The word translated "self-indulgence" means "not-self-controlled"]
Galatians 5:22-24 - see previous context: the flesh ("sinful nature") with all its passions and desires
2 Timothy 3:1-5 - characteristics of the ungodly

Acts 24:25 - righteousness and judgment - aspects of "faith in Christ"
Galatians 5:22-23 - the fruit of the Spirit; crucifying the flesh ("sinful nature") and its passions and desires; living and walking by the Spirit
Titus 1:7-9 - [list of characteristics]
2 Peter 1:3-11 [list of character qualities that must increase in our lives; assurance of salvation; etc.]

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

What are some of the things God has given us, in order that we may be able to control our actions? How important is lifestyle to Christianity? What relationship is there between actions and heart? What does the Word of God tell you about your obligations in this matter?
If you have self-control in your life, how can it be a source of encouragement for you? How can an "increasing measure" of self-control encourage you? According to 2 Peter 1, when can a person rightfully have "assurance of salvation"? How can we be guaranteed to have fruitful lives?
In 2 Peter 1:8, the phrase "in increasing measure" (or something similar, depending on translation) is very important:
1. It tells us that we haven't yet attained to 100% perfect total self-control. There will be times in which we will fail to have it.
2. It also tells us that we cannot be lax and lazy in trying to become more consistent in our lives. Our self-control must increase. [Don't forget: God has given us what is necessary, so that it will increase!]
How can this and other passages encourage you, when you discover you have failed to have self-control? How do they serve as a warning you if you are lazy and don't care?
Perhaps the basic principle in 1 Corinthians 7:1-9 could be described as: "Take necessary measures to avoid sin in areas that self-control may be lacking." What are some issues in your life in which this might apply?