The virtue of temperance

The virtue of temperance

• 2.
  Introduction: • Self-Control isvitally important to the Christian’s life. It must be added to the foundation of faith. 2 Peter 1:5-6 • Those who have been buried with Christ in baptism must not allow evil again to be their master. Romans 6:3-4; 12-13 • Self-control makes it possible for man to fulfill his responsibility for what he does in his body.
• 3.
  TEM'PERANCE, n. [L.temperantia, from tempero.] •Moderation; particularly, habitual moderation in regard to the indulgence of the natural appetites and passions; restrained or moderate indulgence; as temperance in eating and drinking; temperance in the indulgence of joy or mirth. Temperance in eating and drinking is opposed to gluttony and drunkenness, and in other indulgences, to excess. •Patience; calmness; sedateness; moderation of passion. -Webster’s Dictionary
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  Importance of Self-Control •We need to understand the importance of self-control. Romans 8:13 • Self-control is the ability to discipline and control our life under Jesus Christ as Lord. • We gain it by knowledge, prayer, and exercising the Christian faith. Col. 1:9-11 • In order to make this work the Christian must develop the wisdom and knowledge to discern between good and evil and the strength to choose to do right. Heb. 5:14
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  How To GainSelf-Control • Decide to crucify (put aside) our desires and follow the Lord every day. Luke 9:23 • It grows out of crucifying the fleshly desires. Galatians 5:24-25 • This giving up of our sinful practices and bringing ourselves under Christ’s control can be called a crucifixion. Galatians 2:20 • We all should be motivated to self-control by our personal responsibility and accountability at the Judgment. 2 Cor. 5:10
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  When Self-Control IsAbsent • Eve will look at and eat the forbidden fruit. Genesis 3:6 • Achan will take silver and gold and more which did not belong to him from Jericho. Joshua 7:21 • David will look, lust, and fornicate with Bathsheba. 2 Samuel 11:2-4 • A lack of self-control always leads to spiritual hurt. Romans 6:23
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  When Self-Control IsPracticed • Like Paul, we can be great servants of God. 1 Corinthians 9:25, 27 • Joseph avoided being a fornicator with Potiphar’s wife. Genesis 39:7-9 • When self-control is present men possess one of the qualities needed for leadership in the Lord’s church. Titus 1:8 • When it is present in any Christian we possess one of the fruits of the Spirit. Galatians 5:23
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  Christians We MustPractice Self-Control! • It must be practiced in good and right things: – Eating… Proverbs 25:16 – Pleasure… Luke 8:14 – Work… Luke 10:40-42 – Sleep… Prov. 20:13
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  Christians We MustPractice Self-Control! • It must be practiced to completely abstain from: – Fornication… 1 Corinthians 6:18 – Lying… Colossians 3:9 – Gambling… Ephesians 5:5 – Drunkenness… Ephesians 5:18 – Stealing… Ephesians 4:28
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  Christians We MustPractice Self-Control! • We need to control our temper. Prov. 14:29 • The tongue must be controlled. James 1:26 • No one will be blessed with that abundant entrance into heaven who does not practice self-control. 2 Peter 1:10-11 • Self–Control results from bringing our thoughts into the captivity of Christ. 2 Cor. 10:5 • Do you have self under control?
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  Control Yourself To Be Saved In Christ! • Those who do the Lord’s commandments will be blessed with entrance into heaven. Revelation 22:14 • To be saved and become a Christian… – You must hear the gospel. Rom. 10:17 – Believe in Jesus. Mark 16:16 – Repent of sins. Acts 17:30 – Confess faith in Christ. Rom. 10:9-10 – Be baptized to be saved. Acts 22:16 – After baptism you must remain faithful to God. Revelation 2:10