Supplements of Faith – Self-Control

In view of all this, make every effort to respond to God’s promises. Supplement your faith with a generous provision of moral excellence, and moral excellence with knowledge, and knowledge with self-control…– 2 Peter 1:5-6 (NLT)

The biblical description of “self-control” is not a gritted teeth determination to control our emotions and desires. Self-control is a fruit of the Spirit. It is a product of having the indwelling and transformation power of the Holy Spirit. “But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against these things.” Galatians 5:22-23 (NLT)

It is important to understand that human beings are emotive in nature, the outcome of which is often expressed in our behaviour.

We can argue that the more knowledgeable we become, the more the need to exercise self-control. In the above scripture, Peter was correcting the teachings of the false teachers who insisted that knowledge led to liberty, which for them, meant freedom to do as they wish.

As Christians, the danger of not exercising self-control is that we risk being enslaved or controlled by our every whim and caprice. Self-control calls for a sober and moderate display of our love and appetite for the good things of this life. This includes food and drink, dressing, money, power, recreations, and sex. “A person without self-control is like a city with broken-down walls.” Proverbs 25:28 (NLT)

Jesus Christ is our greatest and perfect example when it comes to self-control. Philippians 2:6-8 tells us how Jesus did not think His position was something to cling to but instead humbled himself, came to this wretched earth and died for us.

This information alone is too much for me to comprehend because as humans it is our nature to display our strength, knowledge, and power. What we think we possess is insignificant compared to what Jesus gave up for us.

Even while on earth, Jesus continued to demonstrate self-control in everything he did. Through the love and compassion He showed to everyone, from the downtrodden to the rich and arrogant. He had so much power at his fingertips but didn’t misuse it. For example, in the garden of Gethsemane, He prayed: “Not my will but yours be done!” So that we might become citizens of heaven.

Immediately after He prayed that prayer and was about to be arrested, His disciples were ready to fight but He said to them, “‘Put away your sword,’ Jesus told him. ‘Those who use the sword will die by the sword. Don’t you realize that I could ask my Father for thousands of angels to protect us, and he would send them instantly? But if I did, how would the Scriptures be fulfilled that describe what must happen now?’” Mathew 26: 52-54 (NLT)

Jesus could have avoided that excruciating death but because of you and me, He didn’t. What love and what an example for us! Thank you, Lord Jesus!

Demonstrating willpower is all well and good but it has its limits and would eventually fail us. “For God is working in you, giving you the desire and the power to do what pleases him.” Philippians 2:13 (NLT)

While studying this topic, I was humbled as I realised areas in my life where I’ve allowed my flesh to dictate my choices.

“…Let the Holy Spirit guide your lives. Then you won’t be doing what your sinful nature craves. The sinful nature wants to do evil, which is just the opposite of what the Spirit wants. And the Spirit gives us desires that are the opposite of what the sinful nature desires. These two forces are constantly fighting each other, so you are not free to carry out your good intentions.” Galatians 5: 16-17 (NLT)

Exercising self-control may be hard, but let’s remember that we can do all things through Christ who strengthens us – Philippians 4:13 (NIV).

Stay blessed,

LaraLex