“SELF-CONTROL: GRACE, SALVATION AND SELF CONTROL”

CENTRAL THEME: “SELF-CONTROL: GRACE, SALVATION AND SELF CONTROL”

MAIN TEXT: TITUS 2: 11 & 12.

Topic: Flesh versus Spirit, A General Introduction  

Text: Galatians 5:15 – 23; Romans 7:15 - 25

Introduction:

Our spiritual battles and warfare, as Christians in the world are real, even though we cannot physically see the attacker in the on-going war especially between the flesh and the Spirit (Eph. 6:10). But we can feel the struggles within us and as well perceive how these unseen spiritual battles affect our lives on a daily basis. Truly, the battle between the flesh and the Spirit is a daily war going on within every Christian, I mean someone who had said bye-bye to sinful things of the world and all works of the flesh, and who has accepted Jesus Christ as his/her personal Lord and Saviour.

What then do we understand by the words “flesh” and “Spirit”?

The word “flesh” is a noun, which according to Wikipedia is defined as the soft substance of the body of a living human or other animal. In the Old Testament, when “flesh” is used to refer to people, it meant humans viewed in terms of their mortality. The Dead Sea Scrolls thus often apply this idea (flesh) especially to the moral weakness of human beings in themselves, their vulnerability to sin. In the New Testament, the word “flesh” is used by Paul more than any other writer in his time. Paul who speaks of the “flesh” more than ninety times sometimes uses it to refer to the external physical body (2Cor. 7:5; 1Tim. 3:16), and at other times, he seems to be talking about some internal nature causing sinful actions and thoughts (Rom. 8:5-8, Gal. 5:17). Whereas, the Spirit we are talking about here is the Holy Spirit, the Spirit of God, which is present in the life of every believer. I mean the third person of the Trinity, our advocate or helper. The Spirit of God, however, energized people in the Old Testament to speak and do God’s works miraculously. But he teaches the disciples all things, he gives them power to preach the gospel of Christ and to perform wonders and signs in the new dispensation.

It is obvious that the Flesh and Spirit had nothing in common in the Old Testament (Gen. 6:3). And just as Isaac and Ishmael were unable to get along, so the Spirit and the flesh (the Old nature) are at war with each other in the life of every believer. By the flesh here, Paul does not mean “the body” because the human body is neutral and not sinful. If the Holy Spirit controls the body, then we walk in the Spirit, but if the flesh controls the body, then we walk in the lusts (desires) of the flesh (Gal. 5:16 & 17). The Spirit and the flesh have different appetites and this is what creates the battle. The unfortunate thing here is that the unsaved human being knows nothing of this conflict between the flesh and the Spirit, because he/she does not have the Holy Spirit (Rom. 8:9). It is important for us to note that we cannot in our own strength and will overcome the flesh, but to surrender our will to the Holy Spirit who alone leads us unto victory. It is this problem that Paul discusses in Romans chapter 7 verses 15f when he says “for what I am doing, I do not understand. For what I will to do, that I do not practice; but what I hate, that I do…… for the good that I will to do, I do not, but the evil I will not to do, that I practice…. O wretched man that I am! Who will deliver me from this body of death?” (Rom. 7:15,19,24). Paul makes it clear that the believer is married to Christ, but is being unfaithful to him by spiritually co-habiting with the law, which frustrates the grace of God; that makes it difficult for the Holy Spirit to help such a believer to stand against the power of the flesh.

Brothers and sisters in Christ, it is one thing to overcome the flesh and stop doing evil things, but it is quite something else to do good things. The legalisms in the New Testament time or among us today might be able to boast that they are not guilty of adultery, murder or something else, but can anyone see the beautiful graces of the Spirit in their lives? Negative goodness is not enough in our lives as children of God; there must be positive qualities as well, which are the fruit produced by the Holy Spirit in the lives of the believers. These fruit of the Spirit: love, joy, peace, long-suffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control are essential in the life of any Christian who wish to enjoy victory in the battle between the flesh and the Spirit.  This fruit of the Spirit listed by Paul in Galatians Chapter 5 verses 22 and 23 which you have continued to study one after the other these past eight years must have opened the eyes and heart of every member of this Chapel to what it takes to gain victory over the power of the flesh. With the study of the last fruit of the Spirit, “self-control” according to Paul, and the focus of this year (2020) adult mission, I am optimistic that victory over sin, flesh, worldliness and Satan is sure for every one of us who hears, understands, accepts and does what God says. To me, the fruit of the Spirit are the graces given to people who have been saved through the sacrificial death of Jesus Christ to enable them achieve all round victory over the flesh, sin world and Satan, and to as well make them become candidates of heaven at last.

Self–control, last but not the least of the fruit of the Spirit, is one of the important characteristics which God wants in our lives as Christians. It is one of the virtues most emphasized by Philosophers and respected in Roman society. Philosophers often taught that the wise needed no law to regulate them, because their virtue itself was a law. One may therefore conclude that Paul, in this scriptural passage of “flesh versus Spirit” (Gal. 5:15 – 23), is saying that people who are born again and have the Holy Spirit in them find it easy to fulfill the moral intent of the Law (Gal. 5:14) by means of the same Spirit who guides their lives and empowers them to resist all powers of the flesh through self-control.

Conclusion

Like Paul, the Apostle, I want to call on all of you here present today, not to be like others, who are asleep and not sensitive to things of the spirit, but let us be awake and sober (1Thess. 5:6), “for the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline” (2Tim. 1:7). Let us remain connected to Jesus Christ and as well rely on the power and graces of the Holy Spirit given to all believers when we first believed for victory over the flesh, sin, world, and Satan. “For the grace that brings salvation has appeared to all men (women). Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously and godly in this present world.” Self-control therefore becomes a special grace of God in the lives of those who have been saved to enable them live righteously and godly in this world of sin woe.

Let us pray.

Topic: Self-control, God’s special grace for godly living

Text: Titus 2:11 - 14

 

Introduction:

In Pauline’s theology, salvation is seen as free gift of God to all human beings. If we may re-call Paul’s message in Ephesians chapter 2 verses 8 and 9, when he writes: “God saved you by his grace when you believed. And you can’t take credit for this; it is a gift from God. Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done, so none of us can boast about it”. But simply puts in our text (Titus 2:11) as, “For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all men”. Please, note that Paul is not saying that all human beings will be saved here, rather he meant that God’s grace saves all kinds of people, all classes of humanity, every race and state of life, even slaves mentioned by Paul in his Epistle to Titus Chapter 2 verses 9 and 10. These certainly would include young and old women (vs. 3-5), and Jew and Gentile. Indeed, there is no tribe or tongue or type of person eluded from the grace of God in Christ Jesus, which will help us to bring all our emotions, appetites, attitudes and actions under control in order to allow us live godly life in this evil world. As Christians, however, we believe that the saving GRACE OF GOD mentioned by Paul in his letter to Titus, Pastor in charge of the church at Crete, is reserved for people who:

·      willingly respond to the gospel call and repent from their godless living and sinful pleasures (Titus 2:12a).

·      resolve to live their lives in this perverse world with wisdom, righteousness and devotion to God (Titus 2:12b)

·      trust and have their hope in Jesus Christ as their Lord and Saviour (Titus 2:13)

·      are not relying on what they have done, but depending on what Christ had done for their salvation from sin and unclean living. (Titus 2:14)

The Grace which brought Salvation

Salvation should therefore be seen as ultimately of God, by God, through God and for God himself. What we do as human beings does not cause our salvation; rather it is God’s salvation which causes good works we do in response to the power of the life-changing gospel of Jesus Christ proclaimed to us. (Eph. 2:9). In Titus Chapter 2, Paul explains what was involved in this Salvation which we gained through the life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. The emphasis in our text is on grace – God’s lavish favour on understanding sinners. He printed out three wonderful ministries of grace of God as contained in our main text – Titus 2 :11 - 14.

(1)                Redeeming Grace (Titus 2:11, 14a). It is an established fact that no one could save him\herself. God’s grace had to bring salvation to the lost human race. This salvation was not discovered by sinners; it appeared to them through the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. It then becomes obvious that God in his grace sent his Son to redeem those in the bondage of sin, and under the control of flesh and satanic power. For the Bible says, “For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life” (John 3:16). The deliverance from sin, flesh and Satan called Salvation and brought to the world by Jesus Christ is for all human beings who receive him (1 Tim. 2: 4 -   6). Obviously, there is a universal need, and God, the sole owner of mission for fullness of life for all creation (John 10:10) provided a universal remedy for all who believe and accept his means of redemption. It then means that salvation can take place by his grace even now.

(2)                Reforming Grace (Titus 2:12, 14b). Brothers and sisters in Christ, we need to understand that salvation is not only a change in position or deliverance from the slavery of sin, but it is also a change in attitude, appetite, ambition, utterance, dressing and action. The same grace which redeems us also reforms our lives and makes us godly. The grace of God teaches us every act of godliness and as well disciplines us to be the kind of people (light and salt – Matt 5: 13-16) who will bring glory to God. Godly living involves both the negative and positive. We deny ungodliness and worldly lusts on the negative aspect. His grace empowers us to refuse everything that is evil and ungodly in the world (1 John 2:15-17). While on the other hand, we work on the positive act of godliness through self-control which I see as special grace of God for the believers’ godly living. Listen to what Titus chapter 2 verse 2 says; “Teach the older men to exercise self-control, to be worthy of respect, and to live wisely. They must have sound faith and be filled with love and patience” The word “self–control” emphasizes the believer’s relationship to him/herself, while “righteously” deals with his relationship with other people and “godly” speaks of the Christian’s relationship to God. Though as Christians, we live in the world, but we are not of the world. Jesus Christ has redeemed us from this evil age (Gal. 1:4) and we must not in any way be conformed to it again. (Rom. 12-1&2) neither should any of us walk according to its standards (Eph. 2:2). The grace of God gives us the power of self-control within, and this in turn helps us to put our lives in check and balances. Not only that, it helps us to live disciplined life in this perverse world. The grace of God reforms us because God himself purifies us and makes us his own special possession (Titus 2:15b) this process of purification is called sanctification in systematic, theology and its aim is to make the Christians more like Jesus Christ. (Rom. 8:29)

 

(3)                 Rewarding Grace (Titus 2:13). The Parousia is imminent and we are looking forward to the second coming of Jesus Christ. This is the only hope of Christians. Here, Paul did not go into details about the events surrounding the return of Christ, but Christians should always expect his second coming and prepare themselves to receive reward from him according to their deeds (Rev. 22:12). Remember that God cannot be mocked, for whatever a man or woman sows, that he/she shall reap (Gal. 6:7) Let us therefore be sober, watchful, godly, righteous and self-disciplined. Every one of us has to be open to the spirit of self-control being the special grace of God for believers to deal with self and systematically kill the work of flesh in our lives individually as we continue our heavenly race. May we all make heaven at last in Jesus Christ’s name.

 

Let us pray.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Topic: Self Control, Hallmark of a child of God.

Text: 2 Peter 1:3 - 11

 

Introduction:

It is important for me to first of all re-establish the fact that we became born again or regenerated Christians by genuinely accepting Jesus Christ as our Lord and Saviour, and by putting our total trust in him (John 3:16; 1:12) Having acknowledged our sins before God as our response to the gospel message, we confessed and forsook all our sins willingly, and believed in Jesus Christ for our salvation and eternal life. Eternal life (salvation) therefore becomes a free gift of God to us through our faith in Jesus Christ (Romans 6:23). It then means that Jesus Christ is the only way by whom we can be reconciled to God and gain eternal life, Jesus said, “… I am the way, the truth and the life. No one can come to the Father except trough me.” (John 14:6) It is not our works that brought salvation to us, neither is any of us saved by his/her own merit. Our salvation from sin and Satan is by the grace of God (Eph.2:8). And self-control, one of the Christian virtues, which helps us to remain true children of God till today is part of the manifestations of the same grace; free gift of God to believers.

After salvation, what next?

Just as we have said, we become Christians not as a result of our own works or personal merit, but by the grace of God through our faith in Christ. Paul, the Apostle, confirmed this when he writes; “For you are all children of God through faith in Christ Jesus. And all who have been united with Christ in baptism have put on Christ like putting on new clothes” (Gal. 3:26 & 27). The mark of this new life we wear when we accepted Christ as our Lord and Saviour is the Holy Spirit, who gradually works in us and changes our lives, our thoughts, our desires and our goals in order to make our lives Christocentric. The Holy Spirit helps us to become more Christ centered instead of being self-centered. Then each of us, who have been born again, can say like Paul, “I have been crucified with Christ, it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me” (Gal. 2:20). The Christ who now lives in us as Christians is the Holy Spirit who teaches us all things, who guides us on the right path, who causes us to do God’s will and makes us grow in Christ unto maturity. As we continue to grow in Christ, the Holy Spirit in us helps us to become distinguished from those who are of the world. He distinguishes us from the hypocrites and pretenders and helps us to live a new life as children of God.

The Christian life:

The new life of a child of God, according to Peter, begins with saving faith; faith in the person of Jesus Christ, which makes him /her experience God’s power (Holy Spirit). This power produces “life and godliness” in any believer. The unsaved sinner is dead (Eph. 2:1-3) and only Jesus Christ can raise him/her from the dead because he/she has no Spirit of God which gives life (John 5:24). When anyone becomes born again by faith in Jesus Christ, God gives him/her everything needed for the new life in Christ and the power to live godly life. “And ye are complete in him” (Col. 2:10). Brothers and sisters in Christ, just as a baby has a definite genetic structure which determines his/her growth, so the believer is generically structured to experience glory and virtue until he/she becomes like Jesus Christ. (Rom. 8:29; I John 3:2). As Christians, Peter observes in his second epistle chapter 1, that we have been saved to share Christ’s divine nature and as well show forth his praises in the corrupt world. He argued that we should not wait until we get to heaven to become like Jesus Christ, rather we should reveal Christ’s beauty and grace in our character and conduct while here on earth. He added that God has given us his undiluted word to enable us develop our Christian life and become his and as well be godly, escape the defilement and decay in this present evil world. If we feed our new nature (life) with the spiritual nourishment of God’s word, then we will become self-controlled to the extent that we will have little or zero interest in the garbage of the world. But if we make provision for the flesh (Rom. 13:14), our sinful nature will lust after the “old sins” which we confessed and forsook when we first believed (2 Pet. 1:9), and we will definitely disobey God and become ungodly children.

Self-control, hallmark of a born again Christian:

We must know that the new birth experience is the beginning of growth for any believer. God gives his children all that is needed to live godly lives, but we must apply ourselves and be diligent to use the “means of grace” he has provided for us. (2 Pet. 1:3, 5 - 9). It must be noted that spiritual growth is not automatic, it requires our cooperation with God and the application of spiritual diligence and discipline. This is where self-control becomes necessary in our Christian race and Spiritual development. Listen to what Paul wrote to the Philippian Christians; “… Work hard to show the results of your salvation, obeying God with deep reverence and fear. For God is working in you, giving you the desire and the power to do what pleases him” (Phil. 2:12 & 13) Peter as well listed seven characteristics of the godly life in our text; 2Peter 2 vs 5 to 7. These seven characteristics, which are also known as spiritual virtues are: moral excellence, knowledge, self-control, patient, endurance, godliness, brotherly affection and love for everyone. These grace relate to each other the way branch relates to the vine. Like the “fruit of the Spirit” (Gal. 5:22 - 23), these qualities grow out of our Christian life and out of our relationship with Jesus Christ.

Conclusion

While we rely on the power of God to live godly life, we must also make every effort to be godly (2Peter 1:5a). Let us consider the third characteristics of godly life listed by Peter in our text (2Peter 1:5). Self-control, the third quality on Peter’s list of spiritual virtues, is highly essential for godly living. The bible likens anybody without self-control to a mighty and an angry fool who cannot decide the right thing within him/herself when he says; “He that is slow to anger is better than the mighty; he that ruleth his spirit than he that taketh a city” (Prov. 16:23). In another passage, the writer of the proverbs says, “He that hath no rule over his own spirit is like a city that is broken down and without walls” (Prov. 25:28). It is therefore clear that before any of us can become a true child of God, he or she must be able to control his emotions, habits, attitudes, desires, thoughts, tongue, actions and what have you. And if we must win the battle against sin, and make heaven at last, we must exercise self-discipline like an athlete who must discipline him/herself in order to win the prize. (I Cor. 9: 24 - 27; Phil. 3:12,16; 1Tim. 4:7 - 8). Let us control ourselves and we shall become true children of God and candidates of his heavenly Kingdom.

 

Let us pray.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Topic: Self-control, a necessary characteristic of Christian leaders

Text: 1Timothy 3:2 - 7; Titus 1:6 - 9.

 

Introduction:

Christian leadership, according to Bill Lawrence, President of Leader Formation International at Bible.org, “is the act of influencing or serving others out of Christ’s interests in their lives so that they could accomplish God’s purpose for and through them”. Church Leadership is not in any way grounded in worldly notions of success, such as affluence, fame or power and authority, rather it found its root in service. This simply means that a Christian only comes to or accepts a position of leadership as a result of his desire to serve others. This is the kind of leadership Jesus Christ has in mind and spoke about in Matthew chapter 20 verses 25 to 28, “But Jesus called them (disciples) to himself and said, “You know that the ruler of the Gentiles lord it over them, and those who are great exercise authority over them. Yet it shall not be so among you; but whoever desires to become great among you, let him be your servant. And whoever desires to be first among you, let him be your slave – just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and give his life a ransom for many”. This type of leadership style adopted and recommended for the Christians by Jesus Christ is called “Servant Leadership”. He demonstrated it when he washed the feet of his disciples (John 13: 1-15). It must therefore be noted that self-control among other qualities is needed for the success of any servant leader in the church or at any other sphere of life or organization.

Pauline Qualities of a Christian leader (1Tim. 3:2 - 7; Titus 1:6 - 8);

Paul listed out what should be the qualities of a Christian leader because of the important nature of his/her duty. In his first letter to Timothy chapter 3 verses 2 to 7, Paul describes the requirement of church elders. Those men and women, who are placed in high leadership positions within the church are to be people of a good reputation, known for self-control and fairness, they must be above reproach and as well possess an ability to teach spiritual truths. They should not be known as drunkards, violent or prone to greed. Those who are married among them must demonstrate faithfulness to their spouse and have respectable control of their children. Paul as well makes it clear that new converts should not be made elders in the church to avoid pride and failure. The same concept of Christian leadership virtues is presented in the list given to Titus by the same Paul in chapter 1 verse 6 to 8 of his letter to him. This concept includes the idea of virtue which cannot be easily attacked.

In Paul’s opinion about the office of an elder when he was writing to Timothy, he felt the position of an elder was open to all, but some qualifications are required, especially in view of the heresy in Ephesus. The qualification of being “above reproach” frames the other qualities (1Tim. 3:2,7) in line with an ancient way of emphasizing that the qualifications focused on this issue of integrity. Political leaders were also expected to be “above reproach”, but a persecuted minority (Christians) needed to protect itself more against public slander by being blameless. It could then be said that the other fifteen qualities a man or woman must meet, if he/she desire to serve as a bishop, an elder or a pastor, according to Paul, are summed up in one word, “blameless”. That is there must be nothing in the life of such man or woman which Satan or the unsaved can take hold of to criticize or attack the church. We know that there is no human being on earth who is sinless, but Christians, especially leaders, must strive to be blameless or above reproach (1Tim 3:2a).

Brethren, the same standard is expected of us today. The fact that these standards applied to the Church of Christ on the Island of Crete as well as the Christians in the city of Ephesus proves that God’s measure for leaders does not fluctuate. A big city church like yours and a small-town church like ours, both need godly people who are self-controlled in places of leadership for the sake of growth. The nine additional qualities of a Christian leader mentioned in Titus chapter 1 verses 6 to 9 must as well be noted. They are:

1.  His Children must be faithful believers (Num. 6b)

2.  A good steward or manager (V.7a)

3.  Not self-willed or selfish (V. 7b)

4.  Not quick-tempered (V. 7c)

5.  A lover of good things (V. 8a)

6.  Just (V. 8b)

7.  A Devout or holy Christian (V. 8c)

8.  Self-controlled Christian (V. 8d)

9.  Someone who have faith in the word of God (V. 9)

Self-control, a leadership virtue for eternal benefit:

In his letter to Titus chapter 1 verse 8d, Paul noted that a Christian leader must “live a devout and disciplined life” while he insisted in his letter to Timothy that anyone who wants a position of leadership in the church “must exercise self-control” (1Tim. 3:2c). To exercise self-control is to discipline ourselves, set boundaries and rule over our emotions, desires, thoughts and actions. This Characteristic is obviously of great value to God, because the exercise of self-control is one way we bring God to our followers and others around us. Self-control is also a protection for our souls, and a greater eternal good we are expected to pursue with all efforts. Self-control is one of the fruit, results or products of yielding to the Holy spirit, according to Paul in Galatians chapter 5 verses 22 & 23. Any Christian leader who therefore walks in the Spirit will automatically manifest the character of God. Where Christian virtue is exhibited, there is no longer any need for law, because the Spirit which produces all Christian virtues renders the law obsolete. A Christian leader who is self-controlled does not need to be guided by any human law, because the power of God through the Holy Spirit in him helps him to live above board. He leads like Christ and does not violate human laws.

Self-control is indeed a sign of growth and maturity in our lives. Any adult who finds it difficult to control himself or herself is still but an infant who lacks power of muscle coordination. Most of the things we hear or see in the mass media about our political and some Spiritual leaders today portray lack of self-control. The various uncontrolled inner cravings of most of our leaders at different levels are having evil or negative impact on our society today. Truly, when leaders turn away from God and seek recognitions, wealth, fame, security and satisfaction through the desire of the flesh, its leads to an absence of self-control in his life. The absence of this self-discipline will then manifest itself in various ways with devastating outcome on the other members of the group he/she leads. It is therefore important for anyone who must control others to first of all exercise control over him/herself.

Conclusion:

Brothers and sisters in the house hold of faith, let us remember that Paul gave the list of leadership qualities contained in his letters to Timothy and Titus (1Tim. 3:2 - 7; Titus 1:6 - 9) for two main reasons:

1.  To provide guidelines for churches in selection of people who will lead them in order to avoid wrong choice.

2.  To give Christian leaders a checklist for their own spiritual lives so that they will not bring reproach to the church.

These guidelines and checklist given by Paul deal mostly with personal character of a leader and not leadership techniques, gifts or skills which could be acquired or learnt. I wish to challenge all of us to rely on God who alone gives the will-power to exercise control over our emotions, feelings, attitudes, taste, thoughts and actions as leaders in his church. It is obvious that before a Christian leader can be blameless before God and human beings, he or she must be able to control his/her actions and reactions toward people around him/her. This is because when we learn self-control as leaders, we can master anything and become successful in our leadership roles. However, one of the greatest challenge of human beings is how to control self. But with God all things are possible. Yes, we can do all things through Christ who strengthens us (Phil. 4:13).

 

Let us pray.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Topic: Self-control and the Power of Jesus Christ.

Text: John 15:1 - 8; Phil. 4: 10 - 14

 

Introduction:

Self-control, the ninth fruit of the Spirit in Paul’s list (Gal 5:22 & 23) is highly significant to every Christian who wish to overcome the power of flesh, sin and Satan in his earthly pilgrimage, and anyone whose desire is to make heaven at last. Alongside love and godliness, self-control serves as a major summary term for Christian conduct in the corrupt world. If any of us exercised all the other eight fruit of the Spirit, but lacked “self-control”, it would be a great tragedy. Such a person would not be a good and true Christian, simply because the needed balance would not be seen in his/her life as a child of God. Yes, out of all fruit of the Spirit, it is self-control that believers use to curb some of the excesses of the works of the flesh listed by Paul in Galatians chapter 5 verses 19 to 21. It is however obvious that if we are depending on “self” in controlling things which affects the same (self), then I wonder if we can ever truly hope to live a holy and godly life which is pleasing to God. Relying therefore on “self” to avoid sinful practices and be willing ourselves to be obedient to God’s commandants will be very difficult if not impossible. it must be well established that every Christian needs a lot of help in fighting the Devil, the world, power of sin, and the flesh. We cannot defeat these four enemies by ourselves, except we allow Jesus Christ to strengthen and empower us (Phil. 4:13, John 15:5).

Definition of self-control:

What is self-control? If I may ask. According to www.collinsdictionary.com, self-control is “the ability to exercise restraint or control over one’s feelings, emotions, reactions, etc.” Another source (study.com) puts it this way; “self-control is often referred to as will power, not yielding to the flesh, and high emotional intelligence/control …. It is the ability to exhibit restraint when our impulses want us to act differently, and or ability to resist temptations at a stressful moment because we want to achieve a greater goal.” Self-control or temperance “enkrateia” in Greek simply means “restraint of one’s emotions, impulses, or desires.” It is the virtue of one who masters his/her desires and passions, especially his/her carnal appetite. It is an individual virtue referred to by Paul with reference to sexual desire (1Cor. 7:9), the self-discipline of an athlete (1Cor. 9:25), and the character of an overseer (Titus 1:8). It must however be noted from the New Testament point of view that self-control is not the same as abstinence. It only shows the power of the Holy Spirit over that of Satan and the flesh. It is employed by the Spirit of God to change our lives positively and in a gradual process. The Holy Spirit sanctifies us and makes us holy in our character.

How do we get the Holy Spirit to help us?

The Holy Spirit is the comforter, helper, teacher and dunamis (power) promised to every believer by Jesus Christ when he says; “And I will pray the Father and he will give you another helper, that he may abide with you forever the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees him nor knows him; but you know him, for he dwells with you and will be in you”. (John 14:16 & 17). The Holy Spirit is the Third person of Trinity who is sent to be with all believers, help them and continue the work of salvation done by Jesus Christ in their lives. Baptism of the Holy Spirit therefore depends on our desire for him, our request for his abiding presence from God, and our total obedience to God and his word (Acts 1: 4,8; Luke 11:9 - 13). When the Holy Spirit has come upon us based on these three things we receive supernatural power from God not only to witness Jesus Christ to the world, but to live a life of self-controlled.

Self-control in the power of Christ:

If it is true that human being in his/her mortality and insufficiency cannot control him/herself except he/she is empowered by the divine being to have control over his/her own feelings, emotions, reactions etc. it then means that self-control, which is the climatic fruit of the Spirit in the Pauline’s famous list (Gal. 5: 22 & 23), is not about bringing ourselves under our own control, but under the control and power of Jesus Christ. Our complete reliance on Christ is the basic point of the imagery of “the true vine” in the gospel according to John Chapter 15. It relates the dependence of branches on the vine for their continued survival and existence. The imagery also shows that we, as Christians, have the privilege of sharing the life of Christ and the responsibility of abiding in him.

Brethren, just as branches of a tree cannot produce its own life except it draws that life from the vine, so in the same vein, we as Christians cannot do anything good without Jesus Christ. It is our communion with him through the Holy Spirit in us that makes possible the bearing of good fruit and godly living. In order words, Jesus Christ is one who supplies every believer the power to live self-controlled life in a relationship with self, to live righteously in a relationship with fellow-human beings, and to live godly life in a relationship with God our Maker (Titus 2:13). Without acknowledging the absolute supremacy of Jesus Christ we cannot do anything profitable, talk less of being able to exercise self-discipline or self-control. What do you think can come out of the foolish wisdom of mortal being? Nothing but delusions, mischief, infidelity, anarchy, and all manner of imaginable and unimaginable ills. The image of the true vine teaches us to relate well with Jesus Christ in order to know our weaknesses and confess our need for his strength; for without Christ and his power in our lives we can do nothing (John 15:5). In Paul’s opinion on the unfailing power of God he explains that unless Christians draw on the deep resources of God by faith, we will fail against the pressures and pleasures of life. Paul depended on the power of Jesus Christ which he claimed was at work in his life (Phil. 1:6, 21, 2:12 & 13; 3:10; 4:13) “I can through Christ!” was Paul’s motto, and it can be our own motto too. Yes, we can exercise self-control through Christ who strengthens us.

 

Conclusion:

The idea of self-control presumes at least two things:

(1)                the presence of something within human beings which needs to be bridled and

(2)                the possibility in us, or through us, for drawing on the power of Jesus Christ to restrain all forms of evil desires, emotions, attitudes, actions and a host of others

Ultimately, believer’s self-control is about being controlled by Jesus Christ. When “the love of Christ controls us…” (2Cor. 5:14), when we embrace the truth that he is our sovereign, and God has “left nothing outside his control” (Heb. 2:8), we can then relax in the freedom that we need not use our strength to exercise self-control, but we can find strength in the power of Jesus Christ. “Always remember the positive stand of Caleb in Numbers chapter 13 verse 30 when he says; “… Let us go at once to take the land,” he said ‘“We can certainly conquer it”’. “For the grace of God that bring salvation has appeared to all men, teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly (self-controlled), righteously, and godly in the present age” (Titus 2: 11 & 12)

 

Let us pray

 

 

 

 

 

 

Topic: Gluttony, A life without self-control

Text: Gen. 25:27 - 34; 1Cor. 6:19 & 20

Introduction:

Gluttony is the sin of over indulgence and excessive greed for food. In the Bible, it is seen as habitual giving in to a greedy appetite by over indulging in drinking and eating. Here, food and drink are not the problem when we are talking about gluttony. Rather, it becomes a problem, when Christians allow the craving for food and wine to become their master. I mean, when we lose control over our appetite and suddenly become slaves to sin of greediness. (Rom. 6: 12 - 14). The word of God in Deuteronomy chapter 21 verse 20 closely linked gluttony and drunkenness. In the New Testament, it is condemned as a sin and placed directly in the camp of the lust of the flesh. In fact, gluttony is also a form of idolatry which in the Bible is a serious offense to God (Eph. 5:5). When as human beings our desire for drink and food becomes more important than anything else, such food or drink could then be seen as becoming an idol in our lives. It is true that God gave us all kinds of food and other pleasurable things to enjoy at the beginning of creation (Gen. 1:29; 2:8 - 10; 1Tim. 4:4 & 5), but he did not commend excessiveness, rather, the Bible calls for moderation in everything. Unrepressed self-indulgence in anything at all might therefore lead to entanglement in sin, because such lifestyle only represents a rejection of self-control and disobedience to the will of God.

Esau sold his birthright for a meal:

The twin boys of Pa. Isaac and Madam Rebekah did not only look different physically, but were as well different in personality. Esau, the firstborn, was a robust field-man, who was a successful hunter, but a careless man. Whereas, Jacob was a home-boy, who knew what he wanted and could contrive ways to get what he thought was best for him. He waited for an opportunity to buy Abrahamic covenant and God’s promises from Esau, his elder brother. We are all students of the Bible, and knew how Esau jettison his spiritual blessings and rights. It is possible that Jacob had already seen plenty of evidence that his elder brother did not care about spiritual things, an attitude which made Esau unfit to receive the ancestral blessing and accomplish God’s will. Perhaps Rebekah had discussed what she heard when she went to inquire about her disturbing pregnancy from the Lord with Jacob (Gen. 25:22 - 23). We must, however, never forget that it was God who chose Jacob, the second born, to rule Esau, the firstborn, which was contrary to human tradition and logic (Rom. 9: 10 - 12) Nevertheless, the sovereign God made the choice and we all know that he can never make a mistake.

The name “Jacob” comes from Hebrew word “yaaqob” which means “may God protect”, but because it sounds like another Hebrew words “aqeb” meaning “heel” and “aqab” which means “watch from behind” or “overtake”. Jacob was then nicknamed; “he grasps the “heel” or “he deceives”. If you may recall, Jacob and Esau had contended in the womb even before they were born. At birth, he grasped his brother’s heel. This latter action was interpreted in the old Testament scholarship to mean that Jacob would outsmart his brother and take advantage of him. The prediction finally came true in Genesis chapters 25 and 27. The fact that God had already chosen to give the covenant blessings to Jacob, however, did not exempt any member of Pa Isaac’s family from their obligation to the Lord. They were all responsible for their actions, because divine sovereignty does not destroy human responsibility. Knowing that we are the chosen children of God should inform us that we have a great responsibility to do his will. Jacob knew this, and it led him to anticipate the purpose of God for his life. Esau also knew it, but attached no value to it. We have enough evidence to believe that he was giving away, along his birthright, the spiritual blessings which were naturally attached to him by God and tradition. He felt birthright was of no value to him (Gen. 25:32). The only thing which is of value to him was the physical enjoyment of the present just like some of us, whose carnal mind has not allowed them to estimate the spiritual blessing of the future. In this, Esau showed himself a profane man (Heb. 12:16), who cared for nothing, but momentary satisfaction of earthly desires, someone who did eat and drink, rose up and went his way without a single respect for his birthright and future (Gen. 25:34). With these words, the bible judge and condemn the conduct of Esau as someone who could not control his appetite for food and drink. A man of food who lacked self-control.

It is obvious that Esau lost his spiritual blessing because his disposition was according to the flesh just like Ishmael who was excluded from promised blessings, because he was born according to the flesh (Gal. 4:22 & 23). The frivolity with which Esau sold his birthright to Jacob, his brother, just for a plate of porridge rendered him unfit to be the heir and possessor of the promised grace. This, however, did not justify Jacob’s conduct in the matter before us. Though, he used the opportunity of his brother’s inability to exercise self-control to get what seemed best to him, yet he paid for it in the future as seen in the latter history of Israel (Jacob). Esau himself regretted his action, wept bitterly and asked for even a blessing from his father with tears (Gen. 27: 34-36).

Lack of Self-control, The root of Gluttony

At gluttony’s root is a lack of self-control. Our attitude of self-discipline is put to test each time we see or heard of new pleasurable things, especially food and drink. Let us look at the example of Mother Eve in the garden of Eden. She was re-introduced to the forbidden fruit by the devil, and as if she had never seen the fruit before, it became more attractive and she went for it. She as well gave some to her husband who also saw it as an innovation or a change of delicacy. We all know the consequences of the first and last taste of the forbidden fruit in Genesis chapter 3. On this, James in his general epistle to all believers says “Each one is tempted when he is drawn by his own desires and enticed” (James 1:14). It then means that every Christian is responsible for his/her own actions. James took it further when he writes, when desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, brings forth death” (James 1:15). Gluttony, as we have said is not about food or drink, but it is about a lack of self-control when it comes to the issue of eating and drinking. One becomes a glutton when he/she allows his/her urges or desires to control actions instead of taking control over what his/her desires were. If Christians cannot control his/her eating habits, it might as well be difficult for him/her to control sinful habits which are capable of sending him/her to hell, such as those of the mind (like lust, covetousness and anger) or tongue so he/she gossip or cause fight. No wonder Paul says, “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against these things there is no law.” (Gal. 5: 22 & 23)

Conclusion:

Let us therefore be conscious of what and how we eat. “Do not join those who drink too much wine or gorge themselves on meat, for drunkards and gluttons become poor, and drowsiness clothes them in rags” (Prov. 23: 20 & 21). The Bible goes further to say; “If you have found honey, eat only enough for you, lest you have your fill of it and vomit (Prov. 25:16). As Christians who should be examples to people of the world, we should not allow our appetites to control us. We must be determined to live differently from other people “whose end is destruction, whose god is their belly, and whose glory is in their shame - who set their mind on earthly things” (Phil. 3:19). Let us develop ability to say no to anything in excess or anything which tries to rub us of Christ and his Kingdom. This is a practice of self-control.

 

Let us pray.

 

 

 

Topic: Control of tongue, A path to happiness and long life

Text: Psalm 34:11 - 14; James 3:1 - 11

Introduction

Words are free, but it is how we use them that may cost us something. What it may cost is what I don’t know. All I know is that words from our mouths have power and ability to love, build, hurt, kill, destroy, humiliate or humble. It is therefore important for Christians to know the power in their tongues and how to use them to build and not to destroy. For “if anyone thinks he is religious and does not bridle his tongue but deceives his heart, this person’s religion is worthless” (James1:26). Tongue actually can be weapon of mass destruction and wars. It can kill human beings, marriages, families, friendship, churches, careers, hopes, and reputations. The writer of Proverbs says, “Death and life are in the power of tongue” (Prov. 18:21). We must mind and control how we use it.

Exegesis of the Text – Ps. 34:11 - 14:

Psalm 34 is considered to be written by King David when he pretended to be mad before Abimelech, the Priest, who drove him away from his presence at Nob after he had given him the holy bread and the sword of Goliath. David had just fled from the presence of King Saul who wanted to kill him and came to Abimelech at Nob. He further exposed David’s life to danger of death by sending him away because he was afraid of being accused of supporting the enemy of King Saul, which could result in his death (1Sam. 21: 1 - 9). In this case, what Abimelech feared later happened (1Sam. 22:9 - 19). It was this story and the terrible experience David had that prompted the writing of this Psalm of wisdom. Psalm 34 includes a thanksgiving hymn, which celebrates the Lord’s care and protection of the godly and suffering servants (Ps. 34:1-7). It also includes an invitation to wisdom (Ps. 34: 8 to 14), which is the focus of our message today. As a popular musician, statesman and soldier, David does not intend to teach music, the maxims of state policy or how to handle bow and arrow. Rather, he determines to teach young people of his generation the fear of the Lord, and the secret of life, happiness and longevity.

David knows too well that what constitute life is not just about being, but well-being. Hence, he asks, “Who is the man who desires life, and loves many days, that he may see good?” (Psalm 34:12). To desire life means to love a full life, the abundance life which Jesus Christ came to give (John 10:10). This kind of life has little to do with possessions, status or fame, but it has a lot to do with character, faith, and a desire to honour the Lord. Here, David addresses the man who seeks the Lord and wants nothing less than God’s will for his life. The life we are talking about here is both life now and the eternal life here-after. Verse 12 may therefore be rendered thus; “what man is he who would be eternally happy, who would see many days, as many as the days of heaven, who would see good in that world of reality and perfection”. In verses 13 and 14, the Psalmist prescribes the true and only way to happiness both in this world and the one to come. The first recommendation for happiness and long life is for people to keep their tongues from evil speaking, lying and slandering. The second is to be upright and sincere in everything they say, and never to be double – tongued. They are also urged to depart from evil works and all workers of evil, simply puts; “Depart from evil and do good. It is not enough to depart from sin in the world, but human beings who want happiness and long life must strive to be useful and live to fulfill God’s purpose for their lives. And finally, they must “seek peace and pursue it”.

Illustration:

“Control of tongue, a path to happiness and long life”. There was this high rank officer (high chief) in Samaria during the time of Elisha who became a victim of sadness and pre-mature death. When the famine in Samaria had reached its peak, and the king himself was confused over the situation, the Lord spoke through Prophet Elisha that food shall be surplus a day after his pronouncement in 1Samuel chapter 7. But the high chief on whose hand the king of Samaria leaned, unable to control his tongue, answered the man of God and said, “Look, if the Lord would make windows in heaven, could this thing be? (1 Sam. 7:2a). Elisha quickly replied him without minding the power of his tongue and said, “In fact, you shall see it with your eyes, but you shall not eat of it”. (1 Sam. 7:2b). Putting a bridle on our tongue, as recommended by James, is absolutely essential (James 1:26). The words of Elisha came to pass, food became surplus in Samaria, the high chief actually saw it with his eyes, but he never tasted of it. He was trampled by the masses at the gate and died prematurely. What a great power of tongue! Truly, death and life are in the power of tongue.

Application:

Dearly beloved, it is most important for us to control our tongues and watch what we say with our mouth; If Christians can control their tongues, definitely they will be able to control the rest of their bodies (James 3:1-18). James, in his epistle, writes extensively on this little muscle in our mouths called “the tongue” and the power it has to dispense both blessing and cursing (James 3:10). It is therefore our responsibility to choose what we will use our tongue to say, either good or evil, blessing or curse. We must, however, note that whatever we say has great impact on our lives today and in the future. For the Bible says, “whosoever guards his mouth and tongue keeps his soul from troubles” (Prov. 21:23). If we must live a happy, long and trouble free life, we must rely on God, through the power of his Spirit in us, for the control of our tongues. In this competitive and corrupt world, let our prayers be like that of King David who prays, “Take control of what I say, O Lord, and guard my lips. Don’t let me drift toward evil or take part in acts of wickedness. Don’t let me share in the delicacies of those who do wrong” (Ps. 141:3 & 4). If we want happiness and long life in this present and perverse world, and eternal life in the world of reality to come, we must control our tongues and keep a good conscience. We must learn to bridle our tongues as Christians and be very careful about what we say. We need to ensure that we never speak amiss, to God’s dishonor or our neighbours prejudice. As Christians, we are not expected to speak evil, to gossip, to lie, to curse, or slander for James says, “… if anyone does not stumble in word, he is a perfect man (Woman), able to bridle the whole body” (James 3:2). Our words must be the indications of our minds, “a o gbodo fito dudu sinu ka maa tu funfun jade”, our lips must therefore be kept from speaking evil to God or human beings. We must leave our sins, and resolve never to go back to them. Let us note that it is not enough for us to depart from iniquities, but we must also learn to do good to self and others. Pursue peace, embrace peace, make peace, and do nothing to break peace. “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God” (Matt. 5:9). Even if peace seems to flee from us in Nigeria, let us, as children of God, pursue and recover it. David, in Psalm 34 verse14b, enjoins us to “seek peace and pursue it”. Perhaps, in warning us against speaking guile from our mouths, David reflects upon his own sin in changing his behaviour to that of a mad person. He does not want such evil to continue in the world. Let us commit ourselves to saying and doing what is right and good in the sight of God and humanity. Christians are to be peacemakers both in words and deeds, and never to be trouble shooters wherever they found themselves.

Conclusion:

Brothers and sisters in the household of faith, let us determine to make controlling of our tongues a priority from today, since by doing so we will show our genuine faithfulness to God, and our true concern for the wellbeing of others as well as ourselves. God has revealed to us through the Spirit inspired hymn of David, Psalm 34, what everyone who desires good and happy life in this world and eternal life in the world to come must do. Like David, James the brother of Jesus also calls on all Christians to bridle their tongues if we must come unto perfection and able to control ourselves. I therefore call on all of you here present to respond appropriately by speaking only words of love and grace, seasoned with salt, through which Christ alone will be glorified.

Let us pray.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Topic: Self-control, A weapon against sexual immorality.

Text: Genesis 39:4 - 15

Introduction:

Immorality is simply defined as “the state of immoral”. It can as well be described as “the violation of moral laws, norms or standards”. Immorality is evil, sinful, or otherwise wrong behavior. It is often referred to as wickedness in the Bible, and an act usually avoided by Christians or virtuous people. It has to do with wrong and evil behaviours like murdering, lying, stealing, adultery, fornication, and all kinds of sexual perversion. What then is sexual immorality? And how can we fight against it in the church?

Sexual immorality:

Let us first of all answer the question, what is sexual immorality? In the New Testament, the Greek word, “porneia” is often translated “sexual immorality.” It is also translated as “whoredom”, “fornication” and “idolatry.” It means “a surrendering of sexual purity”, and it is primarily used of pre-marital sexual relations. Sexual immorality can therefore be described as all unlawful sexual intercourse which includes: adultery, prostitution, sexual relations between unmarried individuals, homosexuality, and bestiality. All these are seen as sinful, an aberration of moral laws given by God, and the end of all who practice them is eternal death (Rev. 22:14 & 15). The Bible supports this when it says, “Don’t you realize that those who do wrong will not inherit the kingdom of God? Don’t fool yourselves. Those who indulge in sexual sin, or who worship idols or commit adultery, or are male prostitutes, or practice homosexuality, …none of these will inherit the kingdom of God” (1Cor. 6:9 & 10). This is because all these acts violate moral law and are against the will of God.

The Origin and Summary of moral law

The origin of moral law could be traced to heaven, before the foundation of the world. When God created the angels, according to John Wesley, in one of his 44 Sermons, he gave them (the angels) understanding so that they might be witnesses of his creation of the universe. John Wesley claims that God gave them a moral sense and freedom so that they might know the difference between good and evil, and as well choose good or evil. The angels were also given moral law, a complete model of all truth and goodness, so that they can obey and serve God willingly and freely. Later, at the creation of the earth, God made human beings living souls with the ability to choose between good and bad (Gen. 2:4b-17). This time around, God wrote the moral law in the heart of Adam and Eve to act as spotlight on their consciences. He gave them and their descendants the moral law to lighten their lives just as the coming of Jesus Christ threw light on this dark and evil world (John 1:9). When the light of the moral law could not stop the descendants of Adam from falling into sin, God gave human beings a fuller understanding of his law through Israel, and he wrote the Ten commandments on tablet of stones for them (Exodus 20:3 - 17). He instructed the people through Moses to teach their children this law throughout all succeeding generations. Notable among the Ten commandments is the law against sexual immorality which states, “You shall not commit adultery” (Ex. 20:14), and “… You must not covet your neighbour’s wife, male or female servant, …” (Ex. 20:17b). The summary of the moral law therefore is the Ten commandments.

Joseph overcame sexual temptation through self-control:

The Bible reveals some dark and difficult time in the life of Joseph, the beloved son of Jacob. It is also clear from the scripture that he used every time of his challenges to develop himself, especially on the virtue of “self-control” which was in him. He as well built trust with almost everybody around him through his regular display competence and the outstanding character in him. According to Genesis chapter 39, our text, God was with Joseph (Verses 2-3, 21 & 23). He enabled him to prosper and become a blessing to Potiphar despite his slavery status. He is a good example of a believer who trusted God, exercised self-control, and made the best of his difficult time in Egypt, and God blessed him. The blessing was so much that the people in Potiphar’s household experienced the same and knew that Joseph was the cause of their blessings (Gen. 39:5). He then became a testimony to the true and living God in a pagan and idol worshiping Egypt. Joseph was not only godly, dependable, efficient, self-controlled, but he was also handsome and well favoured (Gen. 39:6) the qualities he inherited from Rachel, his mother (Gen. 29:17). Though Joseph had suffered much in the hands of his brothers because of some of his qualities, but was nearly put into deeper pit, because of the lust of evil woman. “For a harlot is a deep pit, and a seductress is a narrow well”. (Prov. 23:27). being carried away with lust of the eye and evil passion, Potiphar’s wife tempted Joseph to sleep with her. What a shame! It was at this point that Joseph exhibited his quality of self-control. He rejected her master’s wife advances and refused to commit sexual immorality, a great wickedness and sin against God. No matter how much people defend sex outside marriage today, the experience is wrong, cheap, and demeaning. Please, note that fornication and adultery change a pure river into a gutter and transform free people into slaves and animals (Prov. 5:15-21). Let us reflect on this scriptural passage individually and note all the lessons therein.

Obviously, it took Joseph a great deal of courage, self-determination and discipline to fight this battle day after day, but he succeeded because he was not willing to sacrifice his purity or integrity just to please his master’s wife or to satisfy his sexual desires. How many of us can say no to free sex and other temptations when they come on our ways as it came to Joseph? He refused the advances with the following explanations:

(1) Potiphar’s wife was another man’s wife, and his master’s wife for that matter.

(2) He was not ready to betray the trust his master had in him.

(3) He knew that God was looking at him even if nobody else would find out, and would not want to do what will displease God (Gen. 39:9). Joseph was willing to displease human being rather than displeasing God (Acts 4:19).

Being able to control his sexual desires and emotions, Joseph fled from the evil woman and all her sexual advances. His act was not that of a coward, but an evidence of integrity and being a self-disciplined man. His action was in agreement with the counsel of Paul, the Apostle, to Timothy and all believers, when he says, “flee the evil desires of youth” (2Tim. 2:22). It is important to say here that self-control is a necessary factor in building Christian character and preparing us for service and leadership, either in the church or society. “Whoever has no rule over his own Spirit is like a city broken down without walls” (Prov. 25:28). When there are no walls, anything can get in or come out. Joseph exercised self-control, but Samson could not. Any where he went, he saw nothing attractive but women, thus he used his body to gratify his own pleasures and ended his life buried in a pile of rubble (Judge 16: 23 - 31). Whereas Joseph, being able to control his feelings, emotions, and sexual desires, ended up ruling on a throne in Egypt (Gen. 41:38-41).

Conclusion:

Men and brethren, it is undeniable that all of us are daily tempted to impure thoughts and acts, but we can refuse to be slaves to impurity, especially sexual immorality by exercising self-control (1Cor. 10:23). Let us as Christians try our best through total reliance on the power of the Holy Spirit, to control our feelings, thoughts, emotions, habits and actions on a daily basis. Let us allow God’s surgical power upon our lives and receive a new heart which is filled with the fear of God, hatred for sin and hope for eternal life. Let us surrender our inner-man to God’s cleansing power (Matt. 23:26) and bring every thought (evil) into captivity (2Cor. 10:5). Let us remember that Joseph in Genesis Chapter 39 verses 11 and 12, flee from the evil woman when she wanted to force him to commit sin against humanity and God. Though Joseph lost his coat in the process, but he kept his character. Brothers and sisters, you may lose anything else in this world, please be disciplined and make sure you don’t throw away your character, integrity and Self-respect. Self-control is necessary in order to win the battle against sexual immorality.

Let us pray.

Topic: Self-control, Jesus’ method for overcoming temptation

Text: Matthew 4:1 - 11

 

Introduction

In our daily experiences, every one of us faces different types of temptations. No human being on earth is exempted from temptation. From my own experience as a Child of God, the godlier and Spiritual a Christian becomes, the more he/she is tempted by the devil. Jesus Christ being both human and divine, was also tempted by the devil during his preparation for the ministry shortly after his baptism in the wilderness. His temptation could be seen as a screening process to see what he would give up and how he would trust God to provide for his earthly ministry. Jesus Christ, however, passed all the moral test brought to him through the power of self-control and the word of God. He defeated the devil and became an over-comer, thereby leaving us with an example to emulate.

The Temptation of Jesus Christ:

The temptation of Jesus Christ is a biblical narrative detailed in the Synoptic gospels. It was not to teach God, the Father, anything about Jesus Christ, rather, he was tempted so that every creature in heaven, on earth, or under the earth might know that Jesus Christ is the Conqueror. By passing the three tests set for him by Satan, he exposed Satan and his tactics, and as well defeated him. By the victory of Jesus Christ, the last Adam, over the enemy, Christians everywhere in the world are sure of victory over the tempter. Remember that the first Adam, who had everything he needed, lost his battle with the devil in the beautiful garden of Eden and thus plunged humanity into sin and death (Gen. 3). But Jesus Christ, who was hungry after forty days of fasting in the terrible wilderness, won his battle against the tempter. It did not end there, Jesus Christ went on to defeat him in more battles, which now resulted to his final victory on the cross (John 12:31; Col. 2:15). This temptation obviously prepared our Lord Jesus to be our sympathetic High Priest (Heb. 2:16 - 18; 4:15 - 16). It is necessary for us to know here that in his battle with Satan, Jesus Christ faced him as man, not as the Son of God. No one should therefore think that he used his divine or supernatural power to overcome, rather, he used the spiritual resources which are also available to all us today through the power of the Holy Spirit and God’s word (Matt. 4:1).

The temptation in the wilderness has a lot in-common with the trials of Israel during its forty years of wilderness journey. The following three texts: Deuteronomy 6:13, 16 and 8:3, which are cited in Matthew 4:4, 7 and 10 were commands given by God to the Israelites when he tested them for forty years. Israelites failed all the test because of lack of self-control among other reasons. But Jesus Christ passed his own test. If Jesus our master, overcome the devil during his trial, I am optimistic that we shall as well over come all our trials and life battles.

Jesus’ three tests:

(1)                “If you are the Son of God command that these stones become bread” (Matt. 4:3) the first temptation involved the love and will of God. By this observation and command of Satan, he is suggesting to Jesus Christ that he was no longer the beloved of God and that is why his Father has refused to feed him. In another way round, one may suggest that the devil wanted to force Jesus Christ to use his divine power to meet his own needs. As Christians, we must know that when we put our physical needs ahead of our Spiritual needs, we miss the mark, we commit sin. The moment we allow circumstances to dictate our action, instead of following the will of God, we sin. Jesus, our model, could have turned the stone into bread and consumed it, but that would have been seen as miss use of power which is against the will of the Father who sent him (John 5:30; 6:38). The power of self-control and his knowledge of the old Testament were highly displayed here. ”… it is written, man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God” (Matt. 4:4 cf. Deut. 8:3) Feeding on and obeying the word of God is more important than physical food. God’s word is our food (John 4:32 - 34) eat it.

(2)                “If you are the Son of God, throw yourself down …” (Matt. 4:6) Satan was subtler in the second trial by using God’s word. He took Jesus Christ to the pinnacle of the temple in Jerusalem, about 500 feet above the Kidron Valley, and asked him to jump down, quoting Psalm 91 verses 11 and 12 to make him commit sin. Satan also wanted to prove to Jesus that his Father never cared for him. To us, Bible students, we know that the devil has misinterpreted Psalm 91 verses 11 and 12 where he had quoted from, and cleverly omitted the phrase “in all thy ways”. The word of God is always true, when the child of God is in the will of God, the Father will protect him by all means and watch over all who walk “in his ways”. The reply of Jesus Christ, “…, you shall not tempt the Lord your God” (Matt. 4:7 cf Deut. 6:16) has to be carefully noted. We put God to temptation whenever we get ourselves into circumstances which force God to do miracles on our behalf. We tempt God when we try to force him to contradict his own word in order to do one miracle or the other. It is good for all believers to read, study and know God’s word, because every part of it is profitable for our daily living (2Tim. 3:16-17).

(3)                “…, All these things I will give you if you will fall down and worship me” (Matt. 4:9) is the third and last trial. Satan has always wanted to be God (Isa. 14:12 - 14), hence he desired that all other creatures should worship him. Worshiping the creature instead of the Creator is part of the evils ruling our world today (Rom. 1:24 - 25). Satan tried to lure Jesus Christ to worship him by offering him the kingdoms of the world and their glory, which actually are not his own nor in his hand to give to anyone. Well, if Satan is considered as the prince of this world as mentioned by Jesus Christ in John 12:31 and 14:30, one might argue that he could offer these worldly Kingdoms to Christ. But the fact remains that Jesus Christ did not need Satan’s offer, because God has already promised to give his Son the Kingdom of the world for his inheritance (Ps. 2:8). Satan offered Jesus a shortcut to the Kingdom which belongs to God, but Jesus Christ knew the right way he would take to enter into his glory. The way of cross (Luke 24:26; 1Pet. 1:11). Through the great virtue of self-control present in him, Jesus Christ refused to worship Satan, rather, he entered his kingdom and glory by the way of the cross instead of easy shortcut suggested by Satan.

Conclusion:

Our desires tempt us every day in this world of sin and woe. “For all that is in the world - the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life is not of the Father but is of the world. And the world is passing away, and the lust of it; but he who does the will of God abides forever.” (1John 2:16 - 17). If Jesus Christ, our perfect example, applied self-control in the face of temptation and overcame, we shall as well overcome all trials when we practice self-control, because we choose Christ over the world (Mark 8 :36 & 37). In order to develop self-control which could lead to victory in time of temptation, we must be honest with ourselves about our weakness as human beings. Every one of us must know him/herself, and being aware of what tempt us individually, we can then bring our struggles to God through Jesus Christ who was also tempted like us but never fall. Satan tempted him to seek immediate gain through unprincipled action. He wanted Jesus Christ to fall into the sin of the lust of flesh, misinterpretation of God’s word, and lust of eye and pride of life, but he refused. He exercised self-control and defeated the devil by quoting the scripture. Let us follow his example.

 

Let us pray.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Topic: Anointing without self-control.

Text: Judges 16:1-20; 2Sam 11:1 -  5; Matt. 26:14 - 16

Introduction:

Given the fact that self-control, as a virtue, is one of the fruit of the Holy Spirit, one could then be right to assume that every anointed child of God should possess this great virtue for moderation and discipline. Why? If is true that the two, anointing and self-control, are linked with the Holy Spirit, then they both have the same root. Anointing actually means to be smeared with oil or ointment. The oil poured on new kings, Priests or Prophets in the Old Testament is accepted to be a symbol of the Holy Spirit upon their lives. Whereas, the word ‘self-control’ meaning the ability to control oneself in terms of having mastery over one’s desires, emotions, and appetites, said to be one of the fruit of the Holy Spirit by Paul in Galatians chapter 5 verses 22 & 23. Anointing and self-control can therefore be said to be mark and presence of the Holy Spirit in the life of any child of God. The first is the sign that a believer has been baptized with the Holy Spirit, while the latter is one of the fruit or manifestations of the Spirit made visible in the character of a Christian for godly living. It is actually expected that a born again Christian must be an anointed man or woman of God. Listen to what the Bible says concerning the new believers at Samaria, “Now when the apostles who were at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent Peter and John to them, who, when they had come down, prayed for them that they might receive the Holy Spirit. … Then they laid hands on them, and they received the Holy Spirit” (Acts 8:14-17). Thus it is also expected of any Spirit filled believer to manifest the fruit of the Holy Spirit in order to live in accordance with his new nature in Christ. But this was not true with Israel and most of its Leaders/Judges. Samson and David shall be our case study today.

Samson, an anointed man of God without Self-control:

It has been said that a self-controlled person can interfere with what he/she wants in order to ensure he/she does not over or under indulge. This is in agreement with the opinion of Thomas Aquinas, a mediaeval Philosopher and Theologian, who said that self-controlled people were able to “preserve their lives”. In other words, such people were able to do the right things to keep themselves alive, happy and healthy. The case of Samson in Judges chapters 13 to 16 was totally different. He was charismatic, anointed (Judges 13:25), strong and undefeatable man of God, but he has no character. The Bible notes that at every town he visited, he was always carried away whenever he saw their women and could not control his emotions and desires for female gender.

(1) The first time he visited Timnah, he saw one of the daughters of the Philistines and became attracted to her (Judges 14:1 & 2). Samson was a man of faith, but not faithful man (Heb. 11:32 cf. Judges 14:3). He was not faithful to God, his parents’ teachings and his Nazirite vow. His decision to marry a Philistine was contrary to God’s law (Ex. 34: 12 - 16, Deut. 7:1 - 3). He was a man who lived by sight and not by faith. He was controlled by “the lust of the eye and flesh” (1John 2:16), rather than the law of the Lord. The most important thing to Samson was to please himself and not God or his parents (Judges 14:3,7; 2Cor. 5:15).

(2) On another occasion, he went to Gaza and saw a harlot whom he spent a night with; a night which almost cost him his life. (Judges 16:1 & 2). It seems incredible to us that a servant of God (Judges 15:18), who did great works in the power of the Spirit, would have anything to do with a prostitute, but the record is here for all of us to read. The Lord certainly did not approve of such behaviour, especially on the part of a Nazirite. The experience, certainly, was for Samson one more step down into darkness and destruction.

(3) Not quite long he escaped being murdered that he loved another woman in the valley of Sorek, whose name was Delilah (Judges 16:4). This was the last straw which broke the camel’s back. It became clear that whenever Samson went into enemy’s territory, he went down both geographically and Spiritually (Judges 14:1,5,7,10). Truly, it is a dangerous thing to linger at the border of the enemy, we might get caught. No wonder Samson was weakened and impoverished by Delilah, a foreign woman. She was offered a substantial amount of money to entice her fiancé and get the source of his great strength. The Philistines requested for the source of his power, not to kill him, but to neutralize his power, capture him, torture him, and then use him for their own purposes. Being able to do what they intended would give the Philistines both security and stature among other nations, and would certainly satisfy their egos as they humiliated the Jews. Unlike Joseph, Samson was not aware of Delilah’s evil intentions when she asked for the secret of his strength and thus failed to run for his dear life (1Tim. 2:22). He had been gripped with passion and power of sin to the extent that he could no longer act rationally. He lost control over himself and became a prey to the Philistines. How many time did Delilah expose Samson to danger? If he had not lost his Spirit of self-control, he would have kept his hair, his anointing, his power and his life (Judges 16:21 & 22, 30). When the evil woman demanded to know the source of his power for four times. Samson lost his royal crown, the long hair on his head and the anointing of God upon his life as a result of his uncontrolled passion and love for women (1Cor. 9:24-27).

 

David, another man of uncontrolled libido:

King David is another man in the Bible whose love and passion for women nearly destroyed. His temptation and sin illustrate the truth of James chapter 1 verses 14 and 15 which says, “Temptation comes from our own desires, which entice us and drag us away. These desires give birth to sinful actions. And when sin is allowed to grow, it gives birth to death.”  The account of David’s uncontrolled libido, as contained in II Samuel chapter 11, reveals that he was at home at the time he was supposed to be at war. The battle against Ammonite army, who ran to hide themselves at the walled city of Rabbah had not ended. But King David, who was the captain of Israelites army remained at Jerusalem while he commanded Joab with other militants to lay siege to Rabbah. When he was idle at home, instead of being at war, Satan found another thing for him to do. This goes with the saying, “an idle hand is the devil’s workshop”. After afternoon nap, King David did not move into some Kingdom duty which would have occupied his mind and body, rather he was busy watching the nakedness of another man’s wife in her bathroom. What a shame! Listen my Brethren, whenever any man or woman lay aside his/her amour of war, definitely he/she takes the first step towards moral defeat (Eph. 6:10-18). Without helmet of salvation, we cannot think like saved people; and without breastplate of righteousness, we have nothing to protect our hearts. Lacking the girdle of truth, we easily believe lies which can mislead us, and without the sword of the Spirit (word of God) and the shield of faith, we are helpless before the enemy (Satan). Without prayer we have no power, and without the shoe of peace (the gospel), we are bound to live the rest of our lives in fear and strives, and in ups and downs like King David. His uncontrolled lust of the eye and flesh brought him into the mess he found himself. A man cannot be blamed if a pretty woman comes into his line of vision, but if he deliberately lingers for a second look in order to satisfy his lust like David, then he is asking for trouble (Matt. 5: 27 & 28). When David failed to control his eyes, what he saw on the naked Bathsheba, quickly sent signal to his imagination which started to conceive sin. At this point, “lead us not into temptation” should have been the prayer of David, instead he continued to look until he fell into temptation. By continuous looking, David tempted himself, by sending messengers to the woman in her husband’s house, he tempted Bathsheba; and by yielding to the lust of the flesh and committing sexual immorality with Uriah’s wife, David tempted the Lord (II Sam. 11:2 - 4). When God forbids something and calls it sin, we should not in any way try to get more information about it as David did concerning Bathsheba. The Bible says, “I want you to be wise in what is good, and simple concerning evil” (Rom. 16:19). It must however be noted that some loose women, like Bathsheba, are also in the church today. Those who cannot say no to impure sexual advances. There seems to be no evidence of force or violence in the text, we may assume that Bathsheba also co-operated in the whole matter. Can it be true that every woman wants to be a rich man’s wife? Just for a few minutes of forbidden pleasure, the sin of David and Bathsheba resulted to sorrow, pains and death (II Sam. 12:9-14).

Conclusion:

In the Biblical accounts of the two anointed men of God, Samson and David (Judges 16 and II Samuel 11), we have seen clearly what lack of self-control can do. Surely, if a Christian has anointing but lacks character, especially self-control, it is most likely that it is his/her anointing that will kill him/her. Brothers and sisters, fathers and mothers, is there anyone here today who has been unfaithful to his/her spouse? This is the best opportunity for such a person to repent and forsake every act of infidelity. Let us remember that anything uncontrolled can harm our relationship with God and our fellow human beings. Having the anointing of the Holy Spirit and God’s knowledge without practical experience of self-responsibility is not enough for entrance into the Kingdom of God. But with the help of God’s divine power, self-control is produced by the Holy Spirit in us to help us walk daily in God’s law. Please, know this; anointing plus charisma without self-control is equal to zero. As someone saved by the grace of God, try and gain control over your emotions, desires, habits, feelings and actions. Ask Jesus Christ to help you, and you will never fall if you did.

Let us pray.