2 Peter 1, Part 5

 Self-control 

"For this very reason, make every effort to supplement your faith with virtue, and virtue with knowledge, and knowledge with self-control, and self-control with steadfastness, and steadfastness with godliness, and godliness with brotherly affection, and brotherly affection with love. For if these qualities are yours and are increasing, they keep you from being ineffective or unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. For whoever lacks these qualities is so nearsighted that he is blind, having forgotten that he was cleansed from his former sins. Therefore, brothers, be all the more diligent to confirm your calling and election, for if you practice these qualities you will never fall. For in this way there will be richly provided for you an entrance into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ." 2 Peter 1:5-11

Welcome to our study on 2nd Peter, chapter 1. We are currently walking through this passage.

"For this very reason, make every effort to supplement your faith with virtue, and virtue with knowledge, and knowledge with self-control,"

The last time we talked about true knowledge, is actually wisdom. It is the knowledge of God's wisdom and the ability to apply it in your life. One of the ways we can and need to apply it is through "self-control."

What is self-control?

"The ability to manage one's impulses, emotions, and behaviors to achieve long-term goals"

What does the Bible say about self-control?

"A man without self-control is like a city broken into and left without walls." Proverbs 25:28

Picture rage. Anger. Lashing out and destroying things. What happens after? You are left with broken pieces and hurt loved ones. Ever get so mad you start yelling and saying things you know will be hurtful? You are saying those things to hurt on purpose. Have you ever destroyed the object of your anger? A phone, remote, car even, whatever? Congrats, you took your vengeance out on it and it is no more. But then? It is not more. What did you actually achieve?

I remember one time my truck kept breaking down. Over and over. I would think it was fixed, 4 times, by the way, only to break down in minutes. I could have got out and punched the truck. I would have a broken hand, and I would still have a truck that would not work. I could have taken a bat to it. Thought about it. Not going to lie. But then what would have happened? I would not have a truck at all. Trust me, it was all I could do to just pray about it and give it to God.

Look here at what Titus 1:7-8 says

"For an overseer, as God's steward, must be above reproach. He must not be arrogant or quick-tempered or a drunkard or violent or greedy for gain, but hospitable, a lover of good, self-controlled, upright, holy, and disciplined." Titus 1:8

Who was Titus? Titus was one of at least two younger men that Paul discipled and was an early church leader, a trusted companion of the Apostle Paul, and a faithful servant of the Lord. Titus was a Gentile, like us, saved by grace through faith in our Lord Jesus.

A little bit later, in Titus chapter 2, he tells older men, older women, and young men to have self-control. Starting in verse 11, we read this.

"For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people, training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age, waiting for our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, who gave himself for us to redeem us from all lawlessness and to purify for himself a people for his own possession who are zealous for good works."

It is impossible for you to have self-control, without God. We are creatures of the flesh. We all do the deeds of the flesh. These are the things we crave. We desire. Remember,

"For to set the mind on the flesh is death, but to set the mind on the Spirit is life and peace. For the mind that is set on the flesh is hostile to God, for it does not submit to God's law; indeed, it cannot. Those who are in the flesh cannot please God." Romans 8:6-8

Therefore?

"Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect." Romans 12:2

Why? Because of what it can produce.

"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things, there is no law." Galatians 5:22-23

Life is far too short to live with hate and anger. Impulsiveness and reckless living can and will wreck your life. If you can learn to let that go, and give it to God, you will start being more and more able to live peacefully and start receiving more of the fruit of the Spirit, instead of the works of the flesh.

"Now the works of the flesh are evident: sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality, idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, rivalries, dissensions, divisions, envy, drunkenness, orgies, and things like these. I warn you, as I warned you before, that those who do such things will not inherit the kingdom of God." Galatians 5:19-21

These are the things your flesh desire. The things your earthly, flesh-based, secular friends and family see as normal and fun. Desirable even. Without God, you did and will again. You cannot receive the fruit of the Spirit, without the Spirit.

"A fool gives full vent to his spirit, but a wise man quietly holds it back." Proverbs 29:11

We are no longer to live in the flesh. We have been made new, and we are to walk in the Spirit. Here is something for you to keep in mind. Why is it even more important for you, as a child of God, to be wise and in control of yourself? You are an example. You are the light. Look here at what Paul says.

"But I discipline my body and keep it under control, lest after preaching to others I myself should be disqualified." 1 Corinthians 9:27

Do you want to be called a hypocrite? Are you a hypocrite? Are you good at quoting the Bible and telling others how they should live, yet you live as you will? Are you quick to point out others' sins and ignore your own? This is not how we should live.

If you supplement your faith with virtue, and virtue with knowledge, and knowledge with self-control, then, and only then, will you be able to truly stand firm. Then and only then, will you have true steadfastness in your walk with God. This is what we will be discussing next time.

Do you know Jesus as your Savior? Have you been adopted into the Family of God? If not, say this Prayer. Right now. Wherever you may be. Say it in your own words, and do not doubt in your heart. God will hear you. He will send the Spirit of Life to you. Let us Pray.

"Oh heavenly Father, Lord God. I am a sinner. I know this. I know there is nothing I can do to change that. But I know you can. I accept Jesus's sacrifice for me. I believed He rose from the dead. I repent my sins. Please send the Spirit of Adoption into my life. Help me to get to know the real you. Save me. Please. In the name of Jesus, Amen!"

That's it. It really is that simple. Now go tell someone what you have just done. "That if you shall confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in your heart that God hath raised him from the dead, You shall be saved." Romans 10:9. You need to find a Church that God leads you to and be Baptized the way Jesus said to be. You are now a Child of God. A New Creature. You "have put off the old man with his deeds, and have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him."Colossians 3:10

If you want to tell me, comment, questions, give testimonials, or just say "Hi," the Email is opntalk@gmail.com

The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, God's love, and the Holy Ghost's communion be with you all. Amen. 2 Corinthians 13

Until next time, be blessed, be a blessing, and Jesus is Lord!!