“Like a city whose walls are broken through is a person who lacks self-control… Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last, but we do it to get a crown that will last forever…
So then, let us not be like others, who are asleep, but let us be awake and sober… Therefore do not let sin reign in your mortal body so that you obey its evil desires.
Do not offer any part of yourself to sin as an instrument of wickedness, but rather offer yourselves to God as those who have been brought from death to life; and offer every part of yourself to him as an instrument of righteousness.
For sin shall no longer be your master because you are not under the law, but under grace.”
Proverbs 25:28; 1 Corinthians 9:25; 1 Thessalonians 5:6; Romans 6:12-14
Bible verses about self-control
Self-control – this is important.
You have, are and will sin when you are on auto control.
You must, with intent, set out to control your thoughts, your words, and your actions.
God has provided you all you need to do exactly that and make no mistake – He expects it.
Remember … “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Against such things, there is no law.” Galatians 5:22-23
Notice love is first and self-control is last.
They are the bookends to My list. With love and self-control fully displayed and with purpose, the remaining seven fruits are vibrant. With love and self-control, you will have joy and peace.
You will show patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, and gentleness.
And never forget what Jesus said, “This is to My Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be My disciples.” John 15:18
Self-control is important.
In fact, its importance cannot be overstated.
Your turn …
Take inventory.
What are the areas in your life where you struggle with self-control?
A relationship, a habit, a desire?
List them.
List them now.
Search the Bible for help.
Memorize and burn this in your mind and hold tightly to this promise …
“No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted He will also provide a way out so that you can endure it.” 1 Corinthians 10:13
Let God help you.
The enemy knows every weakness you have and he will exploit it.
Without God, you will fail every time.
Believe Him and follow Him. Let Him fight for you.
Now come and pray …
“LORD Almighty, the God of Israel, enthroned between the cherubim, you alone are God over all the kingdoms of the earth. You have made heaven and earth. Give ear, LORD, and hear; open Your eyes, Lord, and see; listen…Now, LORD our God, deliver …, so that all the kingdoms of the earth may know that you, LORD, are the only God.”
Isaiah 37:16-17; 20
“God did not give us a spirit that makes us afraid but a spirit of power and love and self-control…Therefore, with minds that are alert and fully sober, set your hope on the grace to be brought to you when Jesus Christ is revealed at his coming.”
2 Timothy 1:7; 1 Peter 1:13
How to do this as a weekly Bible study
Day One: Experience
Read the entire devotion. Do any verses stand out to you? If so, write it down and work on memorizing it over the week. I personally love the app “Scripture Typer.”
Day Two: Observe & Read
Chain. Look up and chain verses (For example on how to chain verses, see this video).
Day Three: Interpret
Read through the chain of verses starting with the first one. What do they say? Do you notice when it says “never” or “always” or “If, but, however, therefore, all…..”
Day Four: Application
Do “Your turn” and make a list of people that God has put on your heart when you read this.
Day Five: Testify
Who in your life, right now, can you share this with? There is somebody in your life that needs to hear this. Close your eyes. What name came to mind?
Would you like to get more involved in the beLydia Movement?
Parents and friends, there are kids being sold for sex right now and they are still going to school and their parents have no idea.
They are being tricked, (often through social media and texting apps) into sharing compromising photos and then trapped into selling more or are tricked into having sex.
WE CAN PREVENT THIS THROUGH SHARING AWARENESS.
Learn more about how you can get involved and prevent child sex trafficking
Bible verses about self-control
