BSS Fruit of the Spirit-9 Self-control

BSS Fruit of the Spirit-9 Self-control 

(go to Chinese 华文 text)

Thayer Definition:

• G1466 - egkrateia
• 1) self-control (the virtue of one who masters his desires and passions, especially his sensual appetites)

1 Self Control Is

• Self-control, also known as self-discipline, refers to the ability to regulate one's thoughts, emotions, and actions in order to achieve long-term goals， in personal well-being and good relationships. It involves making conscious choices and resisting impulsive behaviors or temptations.
• keep all things in balance, just right, not over and not under
• e.g.
  • can drink without being drunk
  • can celebrate by partying without going wild causing harm and destruction
• But also because of others, I restrict my freedom or rights

2 Problem with No Self-Control

• Proverbs 25:28
  • "Like a city whose walls are broken through is a person who lacks self-control."

    !Without self-control, we can easily be overcome by others and situations. It is a big weakness that can be exploited.

• Proverbs 16:32
  • "Better a patient person than a warrior, one with self-control than one who takes a city."

    ! A person with self-control is better than a conqueror. Why? A conqueror bully but a Self-control person convert an enemy into a friend. Rom 8:37

3 Self-Discipline has been given by God

• 2 Timothy 1:7
  • "For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love, and self-discipline."

    ! Power & Love needs to be managed by Self-discipline. Power alone could be brutal. Love alone may spoil the person.

• Titus 2:11
  • "For the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people.
  • It teaches us to say 'No' to ungodliness and worldly passions and
  • to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in this present age."

    ! The grace of God includes self-control. We cannot give the excuse that we don't have. Once saved, we will be empowered by the Holy Spirit,

• 1 Peter 1:13
  • "Therefore, with minds that are alert and fully sober, set your hope on the grace to be brought to you when Jesus Christ is revealed at his coming."

    ! Let our mind be fully aware of the grace of God given to us.

4 Discipline to get an Eternal Crown

• 1 Corinthians 9:25
  • "Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last, but we do it to get a crown that will last forever."

    ! Self-control, though given, needs to be trained, to be stronger.

5 Control Our Tongue

• Proverbs 10:19
  • "Sin is not ended by multiplying words, but the prudent hold their tongues."

    ! Control our tongue first to keep us away from sin. Proverbs 18:21 The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit.

6 Be not Slave to Anything

• 1 Corinthians 6:12
  • "I have the right to do anything,' you say
  • but not everything is beneficial.
  • I have the right to do anything
  • but I will not be mastered by anything."

    ! We appeal to a higher moral standard of love and consider our impact on others. While we have freedom but we don't want our freedom to bring harm to anyone.

7 Self-Control is Saying NO - to lust & immorality

• Colossians 3:5
  • "Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires, and greed, which is idolatry."

Summary:

• to exercise self-control in their thoughts, actions, and speech, relying on the guidance and strength provided by the Holy Spirit, and to live according to God's will and resist temptations that lead them away from righteousness.

Prayer:

Thank you, Lord, for giving us through your grace, the ability to have self-control. May we be prudent and exercise control in our thoughts, speech, and actions, to live a righteous life, and build helpful and good relationships, as witnesses for the grace of God. Amen.

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读经分享 1042

圣灵果子品行 9 自制/节制/自控

塞尔定义：自制 G1466 - egkrateia 掌控欲望和激情的美德，尤其是感官的欲望

1 自制 是什么：

自制 ，也称为自律，指的是调节自己的思想、情绪和行为，以实现长期目标，促进个人幸福和良好关系的能力。它涉及做出有意识的选择，抵制冲动行为或诱惑。

保持万物平衡，适度而不过度，也不过低。

例如：能喝酒而不醉。能参加庆祝活动而不放纵、造成伤害和破坏。

但也因为他人，我会限制我的自由或权利

2 没有自控的问题

• 箴言 25:28
• “人无自制的心好像毁坏了的城邑一样。”
  ！没有自控，我们很容易被他人和情况所克制。这是一个可以被利用的重大弱点。
• 箴言 16:32
• “宁可忍耐，强如勇士；治服己心，强如取城。”
  ！有自控能力的人比征服者更优越。为什么？征服者是恃强凌弱的，但自控者能将敌人转化为朋友。罗马书 8:37

3 自律是上帝赐予的恩赐

• 提摩太后书 1:7
• “因为神赐给我们不是胆怯的灵，乃是刚强、仁爱和自守的灵。”
  ！力量和爱需要通过自律来管理。单独的权力可能会变得残暴，单独的爱可能会宠坏一个人。
• 提多书 2:11
• “因为神救众人的恩典已经显明出来，”
  ！恩典包括自控。我们不能借口说我们没有。一旦得救，我们将被圣灵加力。
• 彼得前书 1:13
• “所以要约束你们的心思，谨慎自守，专心盼望耶稣基督显现的时候带给你们的恩。”
  ！让我们的思想完全意识到上帝给予我们的恩典。

4 自律以得永恒的冠冕

• 哥林多前书 9:25
• “凡较力争胜的，诸事都有节制，他们不过是要得能坏的冠冕；我们却是要得不能坏的冠冕。”
  ！自控，虽然已赋予，需要训练，以变得更坚强。

5 控制我们的舌头

• 箴言 10:19
• “言多必陷于罪；约束嘴唇是有智慧的。”
  ！首先控制我们的舌头，使我们远离罪恶。箴言 18:21 舌头有生死权，喜爱它的，必吃它所结的果子。

6 不要成为任何事物的奴隶

• 哥林多前书 6:12
• “凡事我都可行，但不都有益处；凡事我都可行，但无论哪一样，我总不受它的辖制。”
  ！我们诉诸更高的道德标准，考虑我们对他人的影响。虽然我们有自由，但我们不希望我们的自由给任何人带来伤害。

7 自控就是对欲望和不道德说“不”

• 歌罗西书 3:5
• “所以，要治死你们在地上的肢体：淫乱、污秽、邪情、恶欲和贪婪，贪婪就与拜偶像一样。”

总结：

在思想、行为和言语中行使自控，依靠圣灵的指引和力量，按照上帝的旨意生活，抵制引诱使我们偏离正义的诱惑。

祷告：

感谢主，因为通过您的恩典，赐予我们拥有自控的能力。愿我们谨慎地在思想、言语和行动中行使自控，过着义的生活，建立有益且良好的关系，成为上帝恩典的见证。阿门。

Lim Liat (c) 20-7-23