Fruit of the Spirit: Self Control
I’ve openly shared about my struggle to lose weight and become healthy. However, one of the hardest lessons I’ve had to learn in this struggle is that to make these changes and sacrifices requires self-control.
Dictionary.com defines self-control as:
- Control or restraint of oneself or one’s actions, feelings, etc.
- Self-discipline, self-reliance, willpower, levelheadedness
The Greek word egkrateia means “strong, having mastery, able to control one’s thoughts and actions.”
The word temperance is used at times in place of self-control.
Barnes’ Notes on the New Testament says,“But the word here used is employed in a much more extended signification. It includes the dominion over all evil propensities; and may denote continence, chastity, self-government, moderation in regard to all indulgences, as well as abstinence from intoxicating drinks. The sense here is, that the influences of the Holy Spirit on the heart make a man moderate in all indulgences; teach him to restrain his passions, and to govern himself; to control his evil propensities, and to subdue all inordinate affection. The Christian will not only abstain from intoxicating drinks, but from all exciting
passions; he will be temperate in his manner of living, and in the government of his temper… No man was ever injured by the strictest temperance, by total abstinence from ardent spirits, and from wine as a beverage; no man is certainly safe who does not abstain; no man, it is believed, can be in a proper frame of mind for religious duties, who indulges in the habitual use of intoxicating drinks. Nothing does more scandal to religion than such indulgences; and, other things being equal, he is the most under the influence of the Spirit of God who is the most thoroughly a man of temperance. “
So, what does scripture say about self-control?
- “…make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, mutual affection; and to mutual affection, love” 2 Peter 1:5-7
- And as he reasoned of righteousness and self-control, and the judgment to come Acts 24:25
- Wherefore God gave them up in the lusts of their hearts unto uncleanness, that their bodies should be dishonored among themselves Romans 1:24
- For the spirit of God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love, and self-discipline. 2 Timothy 1:7
- No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it. 1 Corinthians 10:13
Do you use self-control in your life?
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