Study On Self-Control

God made us to have control, but the devil perverts this in us so we think we are to control others and all things.  God wants us to only worry about controlling ourselves.  Our spirit should control our body.  Satan has no material body and wants to use ours for his wickedness.  Therefore we must give our spirit total control.  Satan is an extremist – God is not.  Satan offers pleasures but they always come with a price.  User your spirit to renew your mind, then use your mind to control your body. 

We develop discipline by being faithful in small things and gradually moving on to bigger things.  Be patient; discipline takes time.

For God did not give us a spirit of timidity but a spirit of power, of love, and of self-discipline (2 Timothy 1:7).

When you were slaves to sin, you were free from the control of righteousness.  What benefit did you reap at that time from the things you are now ashamed of? (Romans 6:20-21)

For when we were controlled by the sinful nature, the sinful passions aroused by the law were at work in our bodies, so that we bore fruit for death. (Romans 7:5)

The mind of sinful man is death.  But the mind controlled by the spirit is life and peace…  Those controlled by the sinful nature cannot please God.  You, however, are controlled not by the sinful nature but by the spirit, if the Spirit of God lives in you… (Romans 8:6, 8-9)

… Let us not be like others who are asleep, but let us be alert and self-controlled…  Since we belong to the day, let us be self-controlled, putting on faith and love… (1 Thessalonians 5:6, 8)

The proverbs of Solomon… [are good] for attaining wisdom and discipline, for understanding words of insight, for acquiring a disciplined and prudent life, doing what is right and just and fair. (Proverbs 1:1-3)

The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge; but fools despise wisdom and discipline. (Proverbs 1:7)

He will die for lack of discipline, led astray by his own great folly. (Proverbs 5:23)

A wise son heeds his father’s instruction… (Proverbs 13:1)

Like a city whose walls are broken down is a man who lacks self-control. (Proverbs 25:28)

Discipline yourself for the purpose of godliness; for bodily discipline is only of little profit but godliness is profitable for all things… (1 Timothy 4:7-8)

Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize?  Run in such a way as to get the prize.  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.  Therefore I do not run like a man running aimlessly; I do not fight like a man beating the air.  No, I beat my body and make it my slave so after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize. (1 Corinthians 9:24-27)

That each of you should control his own body in a way that is holy and honorable. (1 Thessalonians 4:4)

… Then come together again so Satan will not tempt you because of your lack of self-control. (1 Corinthians 7:5)

But the man who has settled the matter in his own  mind, who is under no compulsion but has control over his own will and who has made up his mind… this man also does the right thing. (1 Corinthians 7:37)

Be self-controlled and alert.  Your enemy, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. (1 Peter 5:8)

The end of all things is near.  Therefore be clear minded and self-controlled so you can pray. (1 Peter 4:7)

For this reason make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness, love. (2 Peter 1:5-7)

For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men.  It teaches us to say ‘no’ to ungodliness and worldly passions and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age. (Titus 2:11-12)

Therefore prepare your minds for action; be self-controlled; set your hope fully on the grace to be given you when Jesus Christ is revealed. (1 Peter 1:13)