Self-Control – Godly Life Part 7

Scripture: 2 Peter 1:3-11 TPT (Click Link) 5 So devote yourselves to lavishly supplementing your faith with goodness, and to goodness add understanding, 6 and to understanding add the strength of self-control, and to self-control add patient endurance, and to patient endurance add godliness, 7 and to godliness add mercy toward your brothers and sisters, and to mercy toward others add unending love. (2 Peter 1:5-7 TPT) Self-control is the ability to control ourselves, particularly our emotions, desires, and temptations, especially in difficult situations. Self-control includes being able to stay on task and refraining from acting on impulses and distractions. Self-control, controlling our desires and impulses, is important in fulfilling the purpose for which God has called us.
• Without self-control we’re at the mercy of every distraction.
• Without self-control we’re at the mercy of our desires, and appetites.
• Without self-control we’re at the mercy of our reactions and impulses.
• Without self-control we’re at the mercy of the things that tempt us to sin. Paul said: For I know that nothing good lives within the flesh of my fallen humanity. The longings to do what is right are within me, but willpower is not enough to accomplish it. (Romans 7:18 TPT) So, Paul, if willpower is not the key to self-control, what is? I’m glad you asked that! We’re being shown how to turn our backs on a godless, indulgent life, and how to take on a God-filled, God-honoring life. This new life is starting right now. (Titus 2:12 MSG) For God will never give you the spirit of fear, but the Holy Spirit who gives you mighty power, love, and self-control. (2 Timothy 1:7 TPT) Human willpower is not the answer, but Holy Spirit power is. God gives us the Holy Spirit (right inside us – always available) and ready to help us control the uncontrollable if we only ask for the help. And when we mess up, when we wait too long to ask for help, or when our impulses and temptations are stronger than our self-control, he reminds us: “My grace is always more than enough for you, and my power finds its full expression through your weakness.” So I will celebrate my weaknesses, for when I’m weak I sense more deeply the mighty power of Christ living in me. (2 Corinthians 12:9 TPT) Prayer: Father, Please teach us how to access and practice Spirit-control. May we replace old nature self-uncontrol with new nature Spirit self-control. I ask your forgiveness for the lapses and that you will re-program my mind and heart for Spirit self-control. Amen!