What are some steps to exercising self-control?
Psalm 119:11I have hidden your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you.
Familiarity with and memorization of God’s Word is an antidote that reinforces our self-control in the face of temptation.
Psalm 119:9How can a young person stay pure? By obeying your word.
2 Timothy 2:5Athletes cannot win the prize unless they follow the rules.
To develop self-control we first need to know God’s guidelines for right living as found in the Bible. We need to know what we must control before we can keep it under control. Reading God’s Word consistently—preferably every day—keeps his guidelines for right living fresh in our minds. God’s Word guides and empowers our obedience. God’s promises awaken hope. God’s commands give wisdom and direction.
1 Timothy 4:8“Physical training is good, but training for godliness is much better, promising benefits in this life and in the life to come.”
Self-control begins with God’s work in us, but it requires our effort as well. Just as a talented musician or athlete must develop their talent, strength, and coordination through intentional effort, spiritual fitness must be intentional as well. God promises to reward such effort.
1 Corinthians 10:13The temptations in your life are no different from what others experience. And God is faithful. He will not allow the temptation to be more than you can stand. When you are tempted, he will show you a way out so that you can endure.
We are not alone in our trials and temptations. Self-control includes resisting the temptation to face our challenges alone. Instead of thinking we have no hope for resisting, we should call on the Lord to lead us out of our temptation. We also should ask trusted friends to keep us accountable. God promises to give us what you need in order to resist.
Psalm 141:3Take control of what I say, O Lord, and guard my lips.
Proverbs 10:19Too much talk leads to sin. Be sensible and keep your mouth shut.
Proverbs 13:3Those who control their tongue will have a long life; opening your mouth can ruin everything.
Matthew 12:36“And I tell you this, you must give an account on judgment day for every idle word you speak.”
Ephesians 4:29Don’t use foul or abusive language. Let everything you say be good and helpful, so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them.
James 1:26If you claim to be religious but don’t control your tongue, you are fooling yourself, and your religion is worthless.
An important way to exercise self-control is by watching what we say. How often have you wished you could take back your words as soon as they left your mouth?
Romans 8:6So letting your sinful nature control your mind leads to death. But letting the Spirit control your mind leads to life and peace.
In order to have self-control, we must let God take control of our hearts by fighting against the desires we know are wrong.
1 Corinthians 9:25All athletes are disciplined in their training. They do it to win a prize that will fade away, but we do it for an eternal prize.
God wants us to exercise self-control over what we think, what we say, and what we do. He wants us to live as children of God, not as mindless followers of our godless culture. We can do this by (1) honestly assessing our weaknesses; (2) determining that they will no longer rule us; (3) appealing to the Holy Spirit to help us stand strong against temptation; (4) humbly confessing to God when we make a mistake; and (5) giving glory to God when we are victorious!
