Crumbs 33

 

Crumbs from the Master ‘s Table 33 : Temperance

The word translated temperance, self control, self restraint or continence is only used three times in the New Testament. They are quoted in the passages below from the NIV

Acts 24:25 As Paul talked about righteousness, self-control and the judgment to come, Felix was afraid and said, “That’s enough for now! You may leave. When I find it convenient, I will send for you.” Appearing before the governor Paul goes to the fundamentals of the Gospel; that of morality and judgment. How we live, matters to God. Lack of self control makes us vulnerable to temptation. The development of the other aspects of the fruit of the Spirit is weakened

Galatians 5:22-23 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. At the time of our Lord salvation was sought by fulfilling the law, avoiding breaking it in any way. It is now the work of the Spirit to produce a character of goodness described by the fruit of the Spirit. It is no longer simply avoidance but an active seeking of virtue. These virtues are the very nature of and desired characteristics that God longs to see in His children

2Peter 1:5-6 For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; 6 and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; The step of faith is but the gateway to the path through life accompanied by Christ. Then comes change and development. One of the stages of this growth, this maturing is in part the emergence of self control.

Queries ( for private thought or joint discussion)

1. Why is self control so important?

2. What areas of our life and character are affected by the growth of self control. ?

3. What kind of people is God changing us into ?

 Please note that this is also published on my blog along with poems and other items on https://pmgsblog.blogspot.com