Titus 2:11-14; 1 Corinthians 9:24-27
Introduction:
1. We will soon move from individual ethics to congregational practices.
2. The next two discussions blend God’s provisions with our efforts to be His own.
Discussion:
I. The Imperative of Self-Control
A. In a society of excess, self-control and self-discipline are not highly esteemed.
B. The imperative of self-control is manifest as:
1. An outworking of God’s grace (Titus 2:11-14).
2. A fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:16-25).
3. Part of securing our election (2 Peter 1:6).
4. Essential to gain the crown (1 Corinthians 9:24-27).
II. The Scope of Self-Control
A. The short answer here is every aspect of life.
B. A bit of review is needed as we must control:
1. Thoughts (Romans 12:2; Philippians 4:8).
2. Emotions (Ephesians 4:26-32; James 1:19-20; Genesis 4:3-16; Matthew 5:21-26).
3. Words (Matthew 12:36-37; Ephesians 5:4; James 1:19-20; 3:1-12).
4. Sexuality (Matthew 5:27-30; 1 Corinthians 6:9-10, 18-20; Ephesians 5:3, 5; 1 Thessalonians 4:3-7).
5. Stewardship of resources (Luke 12:15; 1 Timothy 6:6-10; Ephesians 5:15-17; Luke 2:49).
III. The Imperative of Self-Discipline
A. The abbreviated list above demands intense effort to master ourselves (James 1:13-15).
B. Paul had to discipline himself daily (1 Corinthians 9:24-27; cf. Ephesians 6:10-18).
C. Peter urged supplementing faith with various spiritual disciplines (2 Peter 1:5-11).
IV. The Power to Succeed
A. Many have and continue to feel that they cannot succeed in such a pursuit.
B. This would be true if we try to do this on our own, but it does not depend on our strength.
C. The word “self” may be misleading as we only control one aspect of this in reality.
D. We control the choice of master (Matthew 6:24; Romans 6:16-18; James 4:4).
E. If we choose to serve the Lord, He provides us the power to succeed (2 Corinthians 9:8; Ephesians 3:16; 6:10; Philippians 4:19; 2 Timothy 2:1; 3:15-17; Hebrews 4:14-16; 2 Peter 1:3-4; 1 John 2:14; 5:1-3).
Conclusion:
1. God never said serving Him would be easy (cf. Luke 9:23-26).
2. Neither did He give us an unattainable goal (1 Corinthians 10:13).
3. He is sure to do His part; the only question is, will we yield to His will, discipline ourselves, and live lives of “self” control?