" For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men. It teaches us to say " No " to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age."
Self-control is to restrain one's emotions, actions, and desires, and to be in harmony with the will of God. Self-control is doing God's will not living for one's self. Some days for me I can get so off track doing my own thing I have to just stop and ask the Holy Spirit to help me to go God's way not my own.
A little while ago I was talking with a friend about the Jewish people, my friend was expressing her opinion about anti-semitism and replacement theology, ( the view that the church is the true Israel that has permanently replaced or superseded Israel as the people of God.) I disagreed with much that she was saying and we could have entered into a heated debate on the subject. Instead I decided to choose self-control and quietly told her that I disagreed with what she was saying and then changed the conversation.
Often when I am in this position where I have to choose God's way instead of my own I think of James 4:7 " So be subject to God. Resist the devil [ stand firm against him], and he will flee from you." Another scripture comes to mind " On the night Jesus was betrayed, he knelt down and prayed, "Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done." Luke 22:41-42.
Thank God we have the power of the Holy Spirit to bring sins under control. By having self-control we can live a life that reflects Jesus and brings glory to God.
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