Self-control...

Our FAT group has been reading a great book and then having the chance to discuss it on Friday mornings.  This week Chris facilitated the topic of self-control.  I think it is important that we share with others what God is teaching us, so I wanted to put down a few things that we read, as well as a few scriptures to hold close to your heart when it comes to this topic.  All of this comes from "The Practice of Godliness" by Jerry Bridges.  It is a fantastic book, and a great way to build a stronger foundation as a compliment to the Bible, no matter where you are in your walk:

- Self-control is the believer's wall of defense against the sinful desires that wage war against our soul
- We need to practice self-control against bodily appetites and desires, as well as thoughts, emotions, and speech
- We have sinful desires that lie and dwell within our hearts at all times
- Sound judgement is the beginning of self-control, and the Bible is essential to sound judgement
- The battle for self-control is fought primarily within our own minds
- The more we say no to sinful desires, the more we are ABLE to say no

Ultimately, self-control is the exercise of inner strength under the direction of sound judgement that enables us to do, think, and say things that are pleasing to God

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

Luke 9:23
If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me

1 Thessalonians 4:3-5
It is God's will that you should be holy; that you should avoid sexual immorality; that each of you should learn to control his own body in a way that is holy and honorable, not in passionate lust like the heathen, who do not know God

2 Corinthians 10:5b
We take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ

Philippians 4:8
Whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable--if anything is excellent or praiseworthy--think about such things


There is nothing easy about self-control.  I think it is safe to say that all of us in some form or fashion have to face this daily.  It might be food, drink, thoughts, lust, sex, gossip, anger---or many more---but it IS real.  The great news is that God has given us the tools we need to seek Him and flee from these things that bring harm and hurt to our lives, and cause us to grow apart from where He wants us to be.

Lord, I give you anything in my life that gets in the way of loving and serving you.  I desire for my actions and thoughts to bring you glory.  Forgive and cleanse me of any sin that gets in the way.  Thank you for your love, mercy, grace, and your Word that gets me through each day.  I live to bring you glory.  I give you my life.

Have  agreat weekend out there, and be a blessing in someone else's life.  Show them Jesus as it was once shown to you!