Cultivating Self-Control

Text: 2 Peter 1:5-7, 1 Corinthians 9:24-27, Galatians 5:22-23

Bible Study:

Cultivating self-control is a vital aspect of the Christian faith, and it is a practice that can help us to live a life that is pleasing to God. In 2 Peter 1:5-7, Peter writes, “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, mutual affection; and to mutual affection, love.” This passage emphasizes the importance of self-control in our lives as Christians.

The Bible teaches us that self-control is a fruit of the Spirit, and that it is essential for living a life that is characterized by discipline and self-restraint. In Galatians 5:22-23, Paul writes, “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.” This passage highlights the idea that self-control is a fruit of the Spirit, and that it is an essential aspect of our Christian walk.

In 1 Corinthians 9:24-27, Paul writes, “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.” This passage emphasizes the importance of discipline and self-control in our lives as Christians.

Key Points:

Self-Control is Essential for Christian Living: “Make every effort to add to your faith…self-control” (2 Peter 1:5-6). Self-control is an essential aspect of our Christian walk, and it involves discipline and self-restraint.
Self-Control is a Fruit of the Spirit: “The fruit of the Spirit is…self-control” (Galatians 5:22-23). Self-control is a fruit of the Spirit, and it is an aspect of our lives that is cultivated through the work of the Holy Spirit.
Discipline and Self-Control are Necessary for Spiritual Growth: “Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training” (1 Corinthians 9:25). Discipline and self-control are necessary for spiritual growth, and they involve denying ourselves and following God’s will for our lives.

Application:

Practice Self-Control: Practice self-control in your daily life, whether it is in your thoughts, words, or actions.
Seek God’s Help: Seek God’s help in cultivating self-control, and recognize that it is a fruit of the Spirit.
Develop Discipline: Develop discipline and self-restraint in your life, and recognize that they are essential for spiritual growth.

Conclusion:

Cultivating self-control is a vital aspect of the Christian faith, and it involves discipline, self-restraint, and a willingness to follow God’s will for our lives. As we practice self-control, seek God’s help, and develop discipline, we will experience the blessings of self-control and live a life that is pleasing to God.

Reflection Questions:

How can you practice self-control in your daily life?
In what ways can you seek God’s help in cultivating self-control?
How can you develop discipline and self-restraint in your life?

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, thank You for the gift of self-control. Help me to practice self-control in my daily life, and to seek Your help in cultivating this fruit of the Spirit. May I develop discipline and self-restraint, and live a life that is pleasing to You. Amen.

Brought To You By: Stanificent Devotionals, A Ministry of Stanley Erimwinorosee Stanificent Foundation