by Roby Ellis

[Scripture Reading: 2 Peter 3:18]

Introduction

A. Paul once reasoned with Felix about righteousness, self-control, and judgment (Acts 24:25), but Felix never learned the lesson, and he suffered the consequences of his own intemperance in time.

B. When you think about your life, what is there that you can truly control all the time besides yourself and your own actions?

C. If we wish to achieve mastery in anything (especially Christianity), self-control is absolutely essential.

I. Let us identify some areas in which we must strive for self-control.

A. We must learn to control our anger (Psalm 4:4; John 2:15-17; Proverbs 16:32; James 1:19-20).

B. We must learn to control our tongues (James 3:5-8; 1:26; Matthew 12:35-36).

C. We must learn to control our eyes (Job 31:1; Matthew 5:28-29; 6:22-23; 7:3).

D. We must learn to control our ambition (Esther 7; Numbers 16; 2 Samuel 18).

II. Self-control is not easy to achieve.

A. Even the greats have failed at times to control themselves (Genesis 9:20-23; 2 Samuel 11).

B. We can only acquire self-control through discipline (1 Corinthians 9:24-27), practice, and training.

C. Fortunately we also have some examples like David (2 Samuel 16), Jesus (1 Peter 2:23), and the prophets (James 5:10-11).

Conclusion

A. Who is in control of your life (Romans 6:16)?

B. Even if you have failed miserably, don’t ever give up on yourself, because God hasn’t. If you aim to grow, He will help you!