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Text: 2 Peter 1:5-11 Introduction:
I. In our study of these qualities that is to be supplied
in our faith, we turn our attention today to
temperance (in the King James translation).
II. What is temperance? What role does it play in our
service to the Lord? What if it is lacking in my life
- how can I develop it?Body:
I. "Temperance" defined.
A. The word "temperance" means "self-control" and it
is translated in most translations.
1. It has to do with control of our tongues, our
tempers, our minds, our appetites - ourselves
generally.
2. The person who exercises self-control rules his
tongue, he is not ruled by his tongue, he rules
his temper, not ruled by his temper, etc.
B. Scriptures:
1. Proverbs 16:32; 25:28.
2. James chapter 3 gives a picture of a
uncontrolled tongue (verses 6-10).
3. 1 Corinthians 6:12. II. Why so vital in our service to the Lord?
A. It is vital because it affects our power to
determine the direction of our own lives.
B. There is a constant vying for our affections in
spiritual realms.
1. On the one hand there is the devil - 1 Peter
5:8. But while he is a roaring lion, he doesn't
come in the appearance of such - he comes
pretending to be a friend, he holds before us
enticements, he promises pleasure, popularity, a
good time - his way is attractive - the wide
gate (Matthew 7:13), the broad way - but the
discerning person sees that the devil's way is a
way to a ruined life and to hell - and so he
looks for an alternative.
2. And there is an alternative, it is the way of
the Lord. Matthew 11:28-30; Revelation 3:20 -
While there are wonderful blessings that far
outweigh the difficulties - friends who are real
friends, fellowship with God, self-respect,
forgiveness, freedom from guilt - and at the end
of life, heaven for the faithful.
3. Again the discerning person has no problem
choosing - the Lord's way is the right way.
C. But now the problem comes - who is in control of
myself? Do I have control so as to be able to give
myself to the Lord or am I ruled by something else,
something else that is an obstacle to giving myself
to Him.
D. Many are ruled by:
1. Habit - They have used profanity so long; or
they have been wasteful for so long; or they
have gambled for so long, that they do not rule
themselves; they are ruled by their habits.
2. Narcotics - Alcohol is king in the lives of so
many; so is nicotine; so with various drugs.
The person doesn't rule self - he is enslaved by
whatever drug it might be. (illustration: ABC
20/20, I think, showed a woman who was a heroin
addict, who said that she knew that the heroin
would one day kill her, but she would keep on
taking it until then)
3. Passions - Ruled by anger, hate, jealousy,
sexual desires - Such people will do things in a
fit of rage or a fit of jealousy or when driven
by their lusts, which they did not intend to do.
4. Social pressure - John 12:42-43 - Resolutions of
young people.
5. Family.
6. Love of money - 1 Timothy 6:10 - Dollar marks in
front of their eyes all the time.
E. Person in his mind says, "I will serve the Lord,"
but the real ruler in his life says, "No you won't,
I am in control here."III. Is there a solution?
A. There must be, for self-control is commanded in
this passage - it is to be added to our faith.
B. It is a fruit of the Spirit - Galatians 5:22-23.
That is, one of the qualities that the Spirit in
produce in our lives - produced through the word
- when a person determines to follow the will of
the Spirit as revealed through the word, there can
be produced in that person's life: love, joy peace,
etc. including self-control.
C. What then can we do to gain self-control.
1. Struggle - Determine to struggle, to wage a
fight against whatever it is that enslaves you -
suppose traders were gathering up people to be
enslaved, as took place in Africa years ago -
They were closing in on you - What a struggle!
We ought to make the same struggle toward those
things that enslaves us - "Diligence".
2. Pray - Ephesians 6:18 - In praying, we seek the
Lord's help - Paul in control of self - shown by
his contentment - How? Philippians 4:13.
3. Seek help from others.
a. Christians can help one another.
b. Confide in a person in whom you have
confidence.
c. Talk about it, ask him to help, ask for his
regular evaluation of your progress.
Galatians 6:2.
4. Rely on the Lord's forgiveness.
a. Seek it now.
b. Continue to rely on it.
c. Sometimes these things are totally overcome
in a day.
d. We struggle, but sometimes the flesh wins out
over the Spirit, and we sin.
e. This is the basic difference in person trying
to be saved by law rather than by grace.
Romans 7:14-25.Conclusion: Have seen people overcome all these things that enslave through the Lord's help - Now exercising self-control. You can do it, too. Top of the page |
