PM Scripture Reading: 1 Corinthians 9.24-27

This Evening’s Sermon:                                     Brent T. Willey

“ADD TO YOUR FAITH…SELF-CONTROL”

2 Peter 1.5-11

(Part Four)

Introduction:

1. “I’d rather lose a match than my self-respect.” [Arthur Ashe]
2. Within our text (v. 6), “self-control” follows “knowledge,” which suggests that what is learned must be applied.
3. Clearly, we must “add to our faith…self-control!”

I.WHAT EXACTLY IS “SELF-CONTROL”?

1. Egkrateia: “the virtue of one who masters his desires and passions, especially his sensual appetites” (Thayer).

1. Kratos: “strength” – an inner strength that suggests balance. Syn: temperance, moderation & self-restraint

2. Used of an athlete in training. (1 Cor. 9.24-27; v. 25)

3. Opposites: incontinency (1 Cor. 7.5) & self-indulgence (Matt. 23.25)

1. It is moral & spiritual equilibrium at its best!

1. Proverbial wisdom. (Prov. 25.28; 29.11)

2. A part of the “fruit of the Spirit” (Gal. 5.22-23)

II.“YOU ARE IN CONTROL!”

1. THOUGHTS… (Mark 7.14-23; cf., Phil. 4.8)

2. MORAL BEHAVIOR… (Eph. 5.1-12; 1 Cor. 7.8-9)

3. TEMPERAMENT… (Eph. 4.26-27; Rom. 12.17-21)

4. SPEECH… (James 3.1-12)

Conclusion: The self-controlled Christian has a sense of inner balance – knowing who he is, what he stands for, and how he should conduct himself in the various circumstances of this life.

Are You Spiritually Balanced With Self-Control?