Bible Reading: Psalm 119:105-176; 1 Corinthians 5.
Memory Verse: “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, [23] Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.” Galatians 5:22-23 (KJV).
Self-control or Temperance, as used in several passages of the New Testament means moderation in regard to indulgence of the natural appetites and passions. This is part of the fruit of the Holy Spirit who dwells in every believer. “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, [23] Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.” Galatians 5:22-23 (KJV). It is impossible for you to please God if you do not have self control because the flesh always wants to please itself. It is lack of self control that makes one to commit fornication and adultery. That is what led to Amnon raping his sister, Tamar (2 Samuel 13:1-15). It is also lack of self control that led to fornication stated in 1 Corinthians 5:1 (KJV), “It is reported commonly that there is fornication among you, and such fornication as is not so much as named among the Gentiles, that one should have his father’s wife.” That is why Apostle Paul enjoins you to control your flesh. “But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfil the lusts thereof.” Romans 13:14 (KJV).
So, whether it is sex, food or desire for money among many others, you need to exercise self control to please God. How then do you achieve this? The first thing is to determine within yourself to please God and not to do anything that will grieve him. This was the position of Joseph when he said to Potiphar’s wife in Genesis 39:9 (KJV), “There is none greater in this house than I; neither hath he kept back any thing from me but thee, because thou art his wife: how then can I do this great wickedness, and sin against God?” His goal was not focused on his master or himself but on God.
Secondly, you need to study and meditate on the Bible regularly. This will help you to know the heart of God such that if anything comes your way, the word of God in you will direct you.
Thirdly, you need to be diligent and not procrastinate. Do that which is committed to your hands promptly whether in your house, office, church or any other environment. This will help you to be confident in the abilities that God has given you. Proverbs 22:29 (KJV) says, “Seest thou a man diligent in his business? he shall stand before kings; he shall not stand before mean men.”
Finally, ensure you do a regular review of your activities. How well have you been controlling yourself based on the requirements of the word? This is what Apostle Paul meant in 1 Corinthians 9:27 (KJV), “But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway.” Taking this further, you need to ask yourself which area do you need to work on and how do you build on your areas of strength?
ACTION POINT:
Examine yourself to see how well you have controlled yourself morally, financially and spiritually.
Bro. Biodun Oyapero