Self-Control Is The Disciplined Life

The Fruit of the HOLY SPIRIT

Podcast Episode: The Fruit of the HOLY SPIRIT – SELF-CONTROL #5

“But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: LOVE, JOY, PEACE, PATIENCE, KINDNESS, GOODNESS, FAITHFULNESS, GENTLENESS, AND SELF-CONTROL. There is no law against these things.” [Galatians 5:22-23 NLT]

Paul Gives Up His Rights

In 1 Corinthians 9:24-27 NLT says, “24 Don’t you realize that in a race everyone runs, but only one person gets the prize? So run to win! 25 All athletes are disciplined in their training. They do it to win a prize that will fade away, but we do it for an eternal prize. 26 So I run with purpose in every step. I am not just shadowboxing. 27 I discipline my body like an athlete, training it to do what it should. Otherwise, I fear that after preaching to others I myself might be disqualified”.

In 1 Corinthians Chapter 9 Verses 24-25 describe Paul’s exhortations in the previous verses – for the Born-Again Christian believers to give up their own rights, to think of others first, to be wholehearted in their focus on bringing others to our Lord Jesus Christ – Called upon the Christians (we) to deny ourselves as we looked forward to future reward. Paul compared this to a race, picturing the ancient “games.” The Olympics were already operating in Paul’s time. Second in popularity only to the Olympic games, the Isthmian games were celebrated every two years at Corinth. Athletes would come from all over Greece, and the winners of the games were accorded the highest honor. To get into the games, and especially to emerge as victors, required that athletes practice strict self-control. Typically, for ten months prior to the games, the athletes-in-training denied themselves many ordinary pleasures. Each put forth his/her greatest effort during the contest, setting aside all else in order to win the prize.

When Paul told the believers to be like those athletes, he did not mean that the believers were all running against each other with only one actually winning. Instead, he wanted every believer to run in such a way that you will win. In other words, every Born-Again Christian believer should be putting out the kind of effort for the reward of God’s Kingdom that an athlete puts out to merely win a wreath.

We as Born-Again Christian believers, therefore, ought to willingly practice self-control with a focus on bringing others to our Lord Jesus Christ because we are running toward an eternal prize. We have all already “won”; the prize is not dependent on how we run the race. Because we already are assured of the prize, we should live for God with as much focus and enthusiasm as did the ancient runners at those games.

In Verses 26-27 describe Paul not only preached the Gospel message and encouraged the believers to self-discipline and self-denial, he also practiced what he preached. He also had to live by the Gospel, and he also practiced self-denial like the athletes just described. Paul did not run the race aimlessly, nor was he like a boxer who misses his punches. Instead, he kept his eyes focused on the goal, running straight for it, with purpose in every step. He did not allow himself to be sidetracked and he did not waste time becoming lazy. He kept on, disciplining and training his body. Paul pictured life as a battle. Believers must not become lazy – for Satan seeks to cause them to stumble, sin continues to buffet, and sorrow and pain are a daily reality (see Romans 7:14-25). Instead of being bound by our bodies, we as Born-Again Christian believers must diligently discipline ourselves in our Christian lives in order to stay “in shape.” Amen!

Discipline is a synonym for self-control.

The Purpose Of Proverbs

In Proverbs 1:1-6 NLT says, “1 These are the proverbs of Solomon, David’s son, king of Israel. 2 Their purpose is to teach people wisdom and discipline, to help them understand the insights of the wise. 3  Their purpose is to teach people to live disciplined and successful lives, to help them do what is right, just, and fair. 4  These proverbs will give insight to the simple, knowledge and discernment to the young. 5  Let the wise listen to these proverbs and become even wiser. Let those with understanding receive guidance 6  by exploring the meaning in these proverbs and parables, the words of the wise and their riddles”.

In Verses 1-4 describe the words – To know . . . instruction – such is the purpose and prize of these writings. The sage begins by answering the student’s question: Why pursue wisdom? Wisdom – Hebrew, khokhmah, has a broad range of meanings: craftsmanship (Exodus 31:3); Shrewdness (2 Samuel 13:3); Practical Problem Solving (2 Samuel 14:2.; 20:16.); and Judicial Insight (1 Kings 3:16-28).

Defined here as the pragmatic and skillful use of the best means for the best ends. Wisdom is generally employed in this book for practical piety. Instruction – (KJV, RSV, NASB) or “Discipline” (NIV), here means moral parental teaching acquired by careful listening (cf. Proverbs 4:1; 6:23; 8:33; 13:1). To Perceive . . . Understanding – discretion to distinguish between good and evil. Justice . . . Equity – These are the attributes of one who is righteous and wise in his dealings. Simple – untutored, immature, and naive. Young Man – The youth parallels the simple, for both lack experience and are easily misled. Subtilty – prudence (Proverbs 12:16, 23; 14:15, 18; 22:3); or Shrewdness, Cleverness (Genesis 3:1; Job 15:5; cf. Matthew 10:16). Discretion – the ability to foresee the outcomes of plans and behaviors (negative: “plotting,” Psalm 10:2; Positive: “Foresight,” Proverbs 3:21; 5:21). While Proverbs 1:4 points out the purpose of Proverbs for the simple, Proverbs 1:5 addresses its benefits for the wise.

In Verses 5-6 describe the wise will acquire wisdom’s teachings by carefully listening (“hear”) and integrating its teachings into their practice of living (“increase learning”). Wise Counsels – the guidelines for operating in life (“learning the ropes,” McKane). Proverb – Cf. 1:1. Dark Sayings – sayings that cause a sense of wonder and draw the listener to search for deeper meanings; i.e., “Riddles” (Judges 14:12; 1 Kings 10:1).

In Summary, Self-Control is the opening theme of Proverbs. The writer implies that self-control will make those who honor it effective in four areas:

• Wisdom – Wisdom is not intelligence. Wisdom is that God-given ability to use our intelligence to apply what we know to practical living.
• Discipline – Discipline is the ability to do the things that are good for us, rather than opting for those things that are fun or easy for us. For example, our Lord Jesus’ wilderness temptations involved Satan’s allurements to make our Lord Jesus Christ the Messiah without the ugly necessity of the Cross. But our Lord Jesus Christ was not bought off.
• Understanding – Understanding
• Doing what is right – Many of us have no problem doing this once we have determined what it is. We ought always to pray as Abraham Lincoln did, “Lord, give me the power to do the right, as I can understand what it is.“

Our ministry or service to others is always God’s purpose in our lives. Proverbs takes those four areas of effectiveness and applies them to our actions. These areas of self-control manifest themselves as we minister to others.

Living For God – Love God, Love People, and Make Disciples

In 1 Peter 4:7-9 NLT says, “7 The end of the world is coming soon. Therefore, be earnest and disciplined in your prayers. 8 Most important of all, continue to show deep love for each other, for love covers a multitude of sins. 9 Cheerfully share your home with those who need a meal or a place to stay”.

In Verse 7 gives us the vertical component (how we relate to God) to help us overcome the pressure to sin. Verses 8 and 9 give the horizontal component (how we relate to other people). The fact that God is “ready to judge” (1 Peter 4:5) means that the end of the world is coming soon. These early Christians who faced persecution took great comfort in the fact that their suffering would one day end and that the evil ways of the wicked would be judged. The Lord is ready and waiting, desiring that the Gospel should be preached to all the nations before He returns. Peter, like the other apostles, was always aware that our Lord Jesus Christ could return at any moment (see Romans 13:11-12; 1 Corinthians 7:29; 1 Thessalonians 4:13–5:3; 1 John 2:18). Likewise, Born-Again Christian believers today must always remember that our Lord Jesus Christ can come at any time.

The shortness of time remaining should motivate Born-Again Christian believers to be earnest and disciplined in their prayers. The meaning for today calls for self-discipline when we pray. Rather than merely a quick blessing on our food or a three-minute devotional, we should reserve extended times for sober, direct communication with God. Lack of prayer will render us unprepared for the end times.

In Verse 8 describes mutual love, support, and encouragement would also be a great defense. No Born-Again Christian believer is an island; no one is alone. When believers experience deep love from the fellowship, they have the human network of support that can help them through any crisis. The same thought as love covers a multitude of sins is found in Proverbs 10:12: “Hatred stirs up quarrels, but love covers all offenses.” Peter may have been quoting from this or from a proverb of his day that was based loosely on this verse. This does not mean that love ignores, overlooks, or tries to hide sin. Instead, Peter probably was thinking back to his words in 1 Peter 4:1-2 that the believers should live the rest of their lives according to God’s will and not human desires. As Born-Again Christian believers, we should stop sinning. The “covering of sins,” then, is the ability that we as Born-Again Christian believers have to forgive one another because our Lord Jesus Christ has forgiven us. Love works as a shock absorber, cushioning and smoothing out the bumps and irritations caused by fellow Born-Again Christian believers.

In Verse 9 describes that to cheerfully share one’s home is different from social entertaining. Entertaining focuses on the host – the home must be spotless; the food must be well prepared and abundant; the host must appear relaxed and good-natured. Sharing the home, in contrast, focuses on the guests. Their needs – whether for a place to stay, nourishing food, a listening ear, or acceptance – are the primary concern. This can happen in a messy home. It can happen around a dinner table where the main dish is canned soup. Born-Again Christian believers should not hesitate to share with those who need a meal or a place to stay just because they are too busy or not wealthy enough to entertain. Hospitality is a strong expression of love, which Peter already commanded the believers to show (1 Peter 4:8).

A Good Servant Of Our Lord Jesus Christ

In 1 Timothy 4:11-16 NLT says, “11 Teach these things and insist that everyone learn them. 12 Don’t let anyone think less of you because you are young. Be an example to all believers in what you say, in the way you live, in your love, your faith, and your purity. 13 Until I get there, focus on reading the Scriptures to the church, encouraging the believers, and teaching them. 14 Do not neglect the spiritual gift you received through the prophecy spoken over you when the elders of the church laid their hands on you. 15 Give your complete attention to these matters. Throw yourself into your tasks so that everyone will see your progress. 16 Keep a close watch on how you live and on your teaching. Stay true to what is right for the sake of your own salvation and the salvation of those who hear you.”

In Verse 11 describes Timothy may have been somewhat shy. Paul encouraged Timothy to take charge as he told Timothy to teach these things and insist that everyone learn them, probably referring to all the matters in this letter. To people like the false teachers and their disciples, Timothy would have to issue commands. It was also his responsibility to continually train the believers in Ephesus.

In Verse 12 describe The Greek word neotes (translated young) could refer to anyone up to the age of forty. By this time, Timothy was probably in his thirties. Although he was not a youth, he may have been considerably younger than some believers in his congregation. After serving under Paul, they may have looked down on this younger man who was put in charge of their church. Timothy could not control anyone’s prejudice about his age, but he was not to be intimidated. Instead, he should be an example to all believers. He must not give anyone ammunition to use his youthfulness against him. Timothy’s character, and not his age, would determine his authority to lead.

Timothy was not left to ponder how Paul expected him to be an example. Rather than offering general motivation to be an example, the old apostle issued a checklist.

1. What you teach – Our words create impressions that either facilitate or complicate all other communication. Timothy was to teach with gentle authority while avoiding useless or argumentative conversation (see 1 Timothy 4:11; 5:1; 6:3-4, 20).
2. The way you live – Our lifestyle as well as our specific behaviors must be consistent with the Gospel. Timothy was to conduct himself as a representative of our Lord Jesus Christ even in the details of daily living (see 1 Timothy 6:6-10).
3. Love – When we say the right words and live the right way but lack love, we are demonstrating a legalistic view of God’s expectations (see 1 Corinthians 13:1-7). After words and actions have had their say, love makes the message ring true or false.
4. Faith – Sooner or later, people around us will need to understand what motivates our speech, life, and love. A genuine combination of the above will present to others a way of life filled with hope. Faith finally speaks clearly when speech, life, and love have created a hearing.
5. Purity – Paul ended this list with a rarely used term for virtue and chastity. As used here, the word implies integrity and consistency and reinforces the entire list. Perhaps Paul even had the idea of transparency in mind. The above qualities were to be developed, not just for public display, but as the uniform texture of Timothy’s life.

In Verse 13 describes Paul hoped to visit Timothy and the believers in Ephesus soon (see also 1 Timothy 3:14-15). Besides carefully observing his private life to keep it above reproach, Timothy was also to give attention and preparation to his public ministry in three main areas, which are then described. Timothy was to focus on reading the Scriptures to the church, a practice begun in Old Testament times (see Exodus 24:7; Deuteronomy 31:11; Joshua 8:35; 2 Kings 23:2-3; Nehemiah 8:1-18) and continued in the synagogues (Luke 4:16; Acts 15:21; Colossians 4:16; 1 Thessalonians 5:27). He was also to be encouraging the believers, through preaching. Timothy was to exhort, that is, to warn, advise, and urge his listeners regarding the words of Scripture, helping them apply those words to their daily lives. Teaching refers to training in Christian doctrine. The people needed to know, understand, and constantly be reminded of the great truths of the Christian faith.

In Verse 14 describes others should not look down on Timothy (1 Timothy 4:12), and neither should he look down on himself. Paul reminded Timothy that he had the necessary requisites to do the difficult work in Ephesus. Among them was a spiritual gift from God. Though Paul did not define the gift specifically, he was concerned that Timothy might hesitate or fail to use it. When we see abilities of all kinds (spiritual, relational, technical) as gifts from God, we will be in a better position to see His hand at work through people’s efforts.

Timothy’s commission as a church leader was received through the prophecies spoken to him and when the elders of the church laid their hands on him (see also 1 Timothy 1:18). Timothy’s gift had been publicly recognized. This should help Timothy’s wavering confidence. Timothy could do the task because God had called him to do it, had equipped him to do it, and would be with him through it.

In Verse 15 describes Paul called Timothy to give complete attention to the matters about which Paul had been writing, making them his number one priority. As Timothy did so, progress would be seen both in his personal life and in the church and/or fellowship, and this would end any questioning about Timothy’s maturity or credibility.

In Verse 16 In conclusion, Paul advised Timothy to keep a close watch on his private life and his public ministry to the church and /or fellowship his teaching. His conduct in both areas must be above reproach. If he stayed true to what is right, it would benefit him and everyone else. His example would facilitate the salvation of his hearers. Of course, God alone can save, but Paul’s words focus on the responsibility of spiritual leaders. By paying attention to his personal spiritual life, Timothy would work out his own salvation (in the sense described in Philippians 2:12), and by paying attention to his teaching, he would help others do the same.

Preach The Word Of God

In 2 Timothy 4:2-8 NLT says, “2 Preach the word of God. Be prepared, whether the time is favorable or not. Patiently correct, rebuke, and encourage your people with good teaching. 3 For a time is coming when people will no longer listen to sound and wholesome teaching. They will follow their own desires and will look for teachers who will tell them whatever their itching ears want to hear. 4 They will reject the truth and chase after myths. 5 But you should keep a clear mind in every situation. Don’t be afraid of suffering for the Lord. Work at telling others the Good News, and fully carry out the ministry God has given you. 6 As for me, my life has already been poured out as an offering to God. The time of my death is near. 7 I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, and I have remained faithful. 8 And now the prize awaits me – the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give me on the day of His return. And the prize is not just for me but for all who eagerly look forward to His appearing”.

In Verse 2 describes that first and foremost, Timothy was to preach the word of God – the message of the Gospel. The word suggests vigorous proclamation! Paul wanted Timothy to be bold and passionate. It was up to Timothy to preach the Gospel so that the Christian faith could spread throughout the world.

Timothy should always be persistent, whether the time is favorable or not. Paul, soon to die, may have looked back on his life realizing how short the time had been. Paul urged Timothy to make the most of the time he would be allotted on this earth. Timothy would need to patiently correct those who were in error by explaining the truth, helping them to understand and accept it. He should rebuke those who were sinning by explaining their sin and their need for repentance. He should encourage those who were growing, for even those growing in the faith need instruction and guidance. Patience should always characterize Timothy’s attitude as he dealt with the people in his church; good teaching (or doctrine) should be the basis for his words.

In Verses 3-4 describe when Paul spoke about false teaching, he usually focused on the evil intentions of the false teachers. However, false teachers could not flourish if they had no audience. Here Paul was pointing out the fault on the part of the listeners. They would no longer listen to right teaching because it said what they didn’t want to hear, convicting them and making demands they didn’t want to follow. So these people would turn to others who would tell them what was more palatable. Like the false prophets of Old Testament times, these false teachers would teach what their audience wanted to hear. These people would turn away from the truth taught by Timothy, wandering off into the false teachers’ strange myths (1 Timothy 1:4). What they would hear made sense, seemed true, and made them comfortable. So wandering away from the difficult truth was easy.

In Verse 5 describes Timothy should keep a clear mind in every situation as he interacted with people by not reacting quickly. Keeping his head would make him morally alert to temptation, resistant to pressure, and vigilant. He should not be afraid of suffering, for the suffering, hardship, persecution, and struggles would only intensify in the days and months ahead. Many in Timothy’s ministry would look to Timothy as their example. Timothy would have to endure for he must continue to work at bringing others to our Lord Jesus Christ. That work was to proclaim the Gospel to all people at all times, calling on them to repent and be saved. Whatever the obstacles, opposition of false teachers, problems of church administration, distractions, or discouragements, Timothy was not to allow any of them to keep him from his appointed task. Finally, he must complete the ministry God had given him. Nothing should deter Timothy from carrying out his duties until the day when his ministry would be completed (that is, at his death).

How can we know when we have fully carried out our ministry? By defining ministry in terms of lifelong goals rather than temporary jobs, positions, and opportunities. Then, when life ends, we will be able to say with Paul, “I have fought a good fight, I have finished the race, I have remained faithful” (2 Timothy 4:7).

In Verse 6 describes Paul viewed his life as an offering, poured out before God. He knew that his death was near. Paul’s commitment was total; thus, sacrificing his life to build others’ faith seemed to him a joyous reward.

In Verse 7 describes Paul’s three phrases, in the perfect tense, convey finality. Paul knew this was the end. He had called Timothy to “fight the good fight” (1 Timothy 6:12); his own fight was over. The fight had been worthwhile, and he had fought well.

Paul’s race was finished, or at least the end was clearly in sight. It is important to note that Paul made no claim to having won the race; he was content with having finished it. Marathon runners know the exhilaration of finishing the grueling miles of that race – they are thankful just to cross the finish line. Completion is a significant accomplishment, revealing incredible endurance and determination.

I have remained faithful means Paul had guarded and preserved the Gospel message. Paul had called Timothy to “guard what God has entrusted to you” (1 Timothy 6:20). Paul had remained faithful to the message that had been entrusted to him; this also had been entrusted to Timothy. Paul had never wavered in his faith and trusted that soon he would experience all the promises on which he had based his life and ministry.

In Verse 8 describes that in Roman athletic games, a laurel wreath was given to the winners. A symbol of triumph and honor, it was the most coveted prize in ancient Rome. This is probably what Paul was referring to when he spoke of a prize. Waiting for Paul, laid up for him, was a reward – the crown of righteousness. This phrase could be taken to mean that righteousness itself is the reward (as in James 1:12 and Revelation 2:10, where the “crown of life” is the reward of eternal life), or that the crown is the reward for righteousness (see 2 Timothy 3:16). In either case, Paul knew that a reward awaited him.

Paul would receive his reward from the Lord, the righteous Judge. Soon to be condemned to death for his faith, Paul would ultimately be vindicated by God Himself. Paul’s reward would be given on that great day of His return. This crown of righteousness, this reward, was not for Paul alone. It is promised to all who eagerly look forward to His glorious return. What an encouragement to Timothy, to the loyal believers in his church, and to all Born-Again Christian believers. Whatever we may face – discouragement, persecution, or death – we know our reward is with our Lord Jesus Christ in eternity.

Personal discipline over a lifetime always wins the crown of righteousness. But self-control is not the kind of discipline that hurries us from one holy agenda to the next. The key is pacing. Those who pace their self-control tend to live longer, and their longevity presents to God effective, faithful years of service instead of hurried, neurotic-driven good deeds.

Pacing our lives should never bypass joy. Our discipline is not to be one of grieving and grudging. The joy of our discipline ought to possess us from day to day and manifest itself in our worship. Amen!

Self-control is rarely the virtue of the proud. Security breeds indulgence and death – both personal and national death. Still, believers are called to live lives of self-denial in times of cultural decadence, corruption, debauchery, depravity, dissolution, and self-indulgence.

Prayer is the key that unlocks and reveals faith. Effective prayer needs both an attitude of complete dependence and the action of asking. Prayer demonstrates complete reliance on God. Thus, there is no substitute for prayer, especially in situations that seem impossible.

Our Lord Jesus Christ said that prayer and devotion to God are the real evidences of a robust inner faith. Self-control is the first step of spiritual discipline. We must practice and prepare ourselves for the coming battles.

So, let our hearts and minds in tune with God, in the power of God, the Holy Spirit. Let’s continuously and persistently pray for God’s perfect will be done. We as Born-Again Christians have been tried and cleansed, we have moved freely into a relationship with our Lord Jesus Christ that is more powerful than it was before our trials. We are at home in the presence and fellowship of God, for we are heirs with our Lord Jesus Christ, more like Him that we could ever have dreamed possible. So, let’s continuously and persistently pray for God’s perfect will be done. Amen!

So our worship centers on our self-control. But then so does our entire world of relationships. Our self-control finds the energy to be consistent in its driving desire to bring pleasure to our Heavenly Father.  

The principle is that no one has anything of value to bring to God in order to deserve salvation, mercy, justification, or even a second glance from God. The proud will be humbled, but the humble will be honored. Acceptance before God cannot be achieved by good deeds, piety, or any amount of self-proclaimed righteousness.

Let’s never get over the effect of God’s saving transformation on people’s lives. People who were lost in sin, filled with anger and bitterness, give up their hatred and become approachable as we have studied and learned last time. That is, of course, why we minister to others. Those of us who minister are not people to whom gentleness and self-control comes naturally. We are people who have been remodeled by grace. We thankfully leave our old natures far behind as we embrace gentleness and self-control and in our treatment of others.

Sunday by Sunday as we come to worship, let me encourage our brothers- and sisters-in-Christ, and I want my readers and listeners to be both strong in the faith and sensitive to others’ needs. Because all, we as Born-Again Christian believers are strong in certain areas and weak in others, we constantly need to monitor the effects of our behavior on others.

In these SELF-CONTROL Series of Podcast, we will learn the following PURPOSES of this fruit of the HOLY SPIRIT:

1. Learned and knew the Path of Coming to Maturity – Podcast Self-Control #1
2. Learned To Say No To Our Appetites – Podcast Self-Control #2
3. To Receive Freedom From Permissiveness – Podcast Self-Control #3
4. To Manage Our Moods – Podcast Self-Control #4
5. The Disciplined Life – Podcast Self-Control #5
6. The Mark of Obedience – Podcast Self-Control #6
7. Remembering Who We Are In Relationship With Christ – Podcast Self-Control #7

Three (3) Questions we can answer from these Sources: The Bible and Guidance of the Holy Spirit

Observation: What do these passages say to you?

Interpretation: What do these passages mean to you?

Application: How do the meaning of these passages apply to you or to your situation?

If you are not sure that you are Born-Again Christian believer, please take a look of one of our ministries, “An Invitation To Meet Our Lord Jesus Christ” at https://homefellowshipchurches.org/an-invitation-to-meet-our-lord-jesus-christ/

Suggested Prayer: Father God, we come into your presence in our Lord Jesus Christ name, and in the power of the Holy Spirit. Thank you Lord Jesus Christ for Your agape love and forgiveness you have done on the Cross of Calvary, and continue to intercede for us in prayer. Thank you Holy Spirit as our Helper and Comforter. Thank you for the wisdom, knowledge, understanding, courage and strength. We cling, yield, plug-in and tune-in to you Holy Spirit to help us understand God’s Words, obey them, receive Your divine revelation, know the Truth that sets us free, and apply them in our lives, in our Lord Jesus Christ name, Amen!

God bless you all and our families!

In Malachi 3:10-12 AMPC says, “10 Bring all the tithes (the whole tenth of your income) into the storehouse, that there may be food in My house, and prove Me now by it”, says the Lord of hosts, “if I will not open the windows of heaven for you and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it.” [Malachi 2:2.] 11 “And I will rebuke the devourer (insects and plagues) for your sakes and he shall not destroy the fruits of your ground, neither shall your vine drop its fruits before the time in the field,” says the Lord of hosts. 12 “And all nations shall call you happy and blessed, for you shall be a land of delight”, says the Lord of hosts.

If the people would obey God, giving as they should, God would flood His people with blessings. There would be an overabundance of God’s blessing if He was given what He requested.