Introduction

‘And to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness.’ 2 Peter 1:6

Self-control is defined as the ability to control oneself, especially one’s emotions and desires. An interesting dictionary definition of self-control expresses it as the quality that allows you to stop yourself from doing things you want to do but which might not be in your best interest.

This quality is so important that Paul did not miss it out when he was talking to Felix and his wife, Drusilla about faith in Christ Jesus, righteousness and judgement to come, Acts 24:25.

Solomon compares one who lacks self-control to a city whose walls are broken through, Proverbs 25:28. This shows how serious it is to be devoid of this quality.

The importance of self-control is again underscored when Paul specifies it as one of the qualities to be found in anyone that would be an elder in the church of the Living God, Titus 1:8.

The quality of being blameless is preserved by the ability to exercise self-control in all things. Titus was enjoined to teach older men to be temperate, worthy of respect, and self-controlled, among other things. Older women are also to be taught so that they can encourage the younger women to love their husbands and children, to be self-controlled and pure, to be busy at home, etc.

In addition, the gospel preacher is enjoined to encourage young men to be self-controlled. This is included in setting an example by doing what is good. Wow! Every age group in God’s church has been covered in terms of living self-controlled life.

We are all reminded that the grace of God which we receive teaches us to say ‘No’ to ungodliness and worldly passions, but to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives.

‘You, however, must teach what is appropriate to sound doctrine. Teach the older men to be temperate, worthy of respect, self-controlled, and sound in faith, in love and in endurance. Likewise, teach the older women to be reverent in the way they live, not to be slanderers or addicted to much wine, but to teach what is good. Then they can urge the younger women to love their husbands and children, to be self-controlled and pure, to be busy at home, to be kind, and to be subject to their husbands, so that no one will malign the word of God. Similarly, encourage the young men to be self-controlled. In everything set them an example by doing what is good. In your teaching show integrity, seriousness and soundness of speech that cannot be condemned, so that those who oppose you may be ashamed because they have nothing bad to say about us. Teach slaves to be subject to their masters in everything, to try to please them, not to talk back to them, and not to steal from them, but to show that they can be fully trusted, so that in every way they will make the teaching about God our Saviour attractive. 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, while we wait for the blessed hope—the appearing of the glory of our great God and Saviour, Jesus Christ, who gave himself for us to redeem us from all wickedness and to purify for himself a people that are his very own, eager to do what is good. These, then, are the things you should teach. Encourage and rebuke with all authority. Do not let anyone despise you.’ Titus 2:1-15

Prayer

Dearest heavenly Father, we sincerely request that You enable us to live lives that go beyond the influence of common material and transient things of this life so that we may please You in all things.