Self-Control Part 1

2 Peter 1:3-9

His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness. Through these he has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature and escape the corruption in the world caused by evil desires.
For this very 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. For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. But if anyone does not have them, he is nearsighted and blind, and has forgotten that he has been cleansed from his past sins.

The text tells Christians to diligently add to there faith several things. Why? So you can be fruitful and functional.

He wants us to be fruitful. Not fruity!

You and I already know too many dysfunctional Christians! There are people who will not come to Christ because they know too many dysfunctional Christians.

Too often the church is like muesli – lots of nuts, flakes and fruits!

Salvation is a free gift! However we then become involved in the process of sanctification. We grow in Christ and reach New levels of living. It begins with faith ends with love.
From faith will grow virtue or holy living. We want to please God; he is our number one motivation for all we do.

Out of virtue we add knowledge. Knowledge of God is not by 2nd teaching but 1st hand experiences. Revelation – encounter Him.

From knowledge we will grow in self-control. Because the more we experience God the more of His grace we will experience to instil holy habits in following after Him.

DEFINITION: Self Control =Temperance is the KJV word from 2 Greek words. “en” = fixed position, in place and “kratos” = power or strength. “The strength to stay in place.”

Gal 5

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. Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the sinful nature with its passions and desires. Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit. Let us not become conceited, provoking and envying each other.

Fruit is cultivated. Cultivation requires our involvement.