Supplements - Self-Control

Jul 23, 2024

Supplements - Self-Control

Intro

  • Continuation of the sermon series called "Supplements".
  • Focus on spiritual formation from 2 Peter chapter 1.
  • Importance of growing in faith beyond initial acceptance of Jesus.
  • Key series attributes to add to faith: goodness, knowledge, self-control, perseverance, godliness, mutual affection, and love.
  • Today's focus: Self-Control.

Scripture Reading

  • 2 Peter 1:3-6a
    • God's divine power provides everything needed for a godly life.
    • Escape corruption and participate in divine nature.
    • Add to faith: goodness, knowledge, and self-control.

Understanding Self-Control

  • Amplified version of the Bible helps understand deeper meanings.
  • Self-control is not just behavior management but avoiding destruction and decay in the world.
  • It's about growing and transforming into new self.
  • Greek philosophers valued self-control as human willpower and independence.
  • In Christianity, self-control is Spirit-empowered:
    • Linked to the fruit of the Spirit in Galatians.

Practical Application

Mastering Desires

  • Old self gives in to desires and temptations.
  • New self surrenders desires for eternal purpose and action.

Actions and Behavior

  • Old self engages in behavior management.
  • New self practices surrendered behavior: seeking God's will daily.

Managing Resources

  • Old self strives to resource personal kingdom.
  • New self resources God's kingdom: using time and money for God's purpose.

Handling Emotions

  • Old self is emotion-ruled.
  • New self is emotion-informed: emotions are dashboard lights, not the steering wheel.

Using Words

  • Old self uses careless speech: gossip, deceit, and insults.
  • New self exercises captive speech: calculated, truthful, and loving.

Living in Victory

  • True self-control equals Spirit-control.
  • Requires a constant awareness of God's presence and guidance.
  • Operating from a status of acceptance by God, not seeking to earn it.
  • God's power, not self-effort, leads to victory in self-control.

Conclusion

  • Ask for God's Spirit to fill and empower for living out biblical self-control.
  • Respond in faith, expecting God's strength in areas of weakness.
  • Encouragement to live surrendered lives reflecting God's glory.