The Biblical Definition of Self-Control: According to the Bible, self-control is the ability to restrain one’s emotions, desires, and actions to align with God’s will. It is a fruit of the Holy Spirit that helps believers resist sin and walk in righteousness.
Key Scriptures on Self-Control
- Galatians 5:22-23 – “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.”
- “Temperance” in this verse refers to self-control, highlighting that it is a mark of a Spirit-led life.
- Proverbs 25:28 – “He that hath no rule over his own spirit is like a city that is broken down, and without walls.”
- A lack of self-control leaves a person vulnerable, just as a city without walls is open to attack.
- 2 Timothy 1:7 – “For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.”
- A “sound mind” reflects discipline and self-control, which come from God.
- 1 Corinthians 9:25 – “And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible.”
- Just as athletes exercise discipline to win a prize, believers must practice self-control to gain eternal rewards.
- Titus 2:11-12 – “For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world.”
- Self-control enables believers to reject sin and live in righteousness.
Why Self-Control is Important?
- It Helps Resist Temptation – Self-control keeps believers from falling into sin and destructive habits (James 1:14-15).
- It Leads to Spiritual Growth – A disciplined life aligns with God’s will and strengthens faith (Hebrews 12:11).
- It Promotes Peace and Stability – Controlling emotions and reactions prevents conflicts and rash decisions (Proverbs 16:32).
- It Honors God – Living a life of self-discipline reflects God’s holiness and sets an example for others (1 Peter 1:15-16).
- It Prepares Us for Eternal Rewards – Exercising self-control in this life prepares believers for the kingdom of God (1 Corinthians 9:25).
Key Prayer Points on Self-Control
- Prayer for Strength to Overcome Temptation: “Lord, help me to resist the desires of the flesh and walk in Your ways.” (Galatians 5:16)
- Prayer for a Disciplined Mind and Heart: “Father, grant me a sound mind and the discipline to follow Your Word.” (2 Timothy 1:7)
- Prayer for Patience and Emotional Control: “Lord, help me to be slow to anger and full of wisdom in my actions.” (Proverbs 16:32)
- Prayer for Spiritual Growth Through Self-Control: “Holy Spirit, develop in me the fruit of temperance so I may live righteously.” (Galatians 5:22-23)
- Prayer for Strength to Flee from Sinful Desires: “Lord, help me to deny ungodliness and live a life that pleases You.” (Titus 2:11-12)
How Self-Control Applies to Faith in Jesus Christ?
Self-control is an essential aspect of faith in Jesus Christ. It enables believers to remain steadfast in their walk with Him, resist sin, and live according to His teachings. Below are key ways self-control applies to faith in Christ, supported by Bible verses from the King James Version (KJV).
1. Self-Control Helps in Obedience to Christ
True faith in Jesus requires obedience to His commandments, which demands self-discipline.
John 14:15 – “If ye love me, keep my commandments.”
Luke 9:23 – “And he said to them all, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me.”
- Application: Self-control enables believers to deny sinful desires and faithfully follow Jesus every day.
2. Self-Control Strengthens Endurance in Faith
Faith in Christ requires perseverance, especially during trials and temptations.
Hebrews 12:1-2 – “Let us run with patience the race that is set before us, Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith.”
James 1:12 – “Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him.”
- Application: Self-control helps believers remain steadfast in their faith despite hardships, keeping their eyes on Christ.
3. Self-Control Guards Against Sin and Worldly Desires
Faith in Christ means living a life set apart from the desires of the flesh and the temptations of the world.
Galatians 5:16 – “This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh.”
1 Peter 2:11 – “Dearly beloved, I beseech you as strangers and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts, which war against the soul.”
- Application: Self-control keeps believers from indulging in sin, enabling them to live holy lives as followers of Christ.
4. Self-Control is Evidence of a Spirit-Filled Life
Faith in Jesus is demonstrated through the fruit of the Holy Spirit, one of which is self-control.
Galatians 5:22-23 – “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.”
- Application: A believer’s faith is evident when they exercise self-control, showing spiritual maturity and Christ-like character.
5. Self-Control Helps in Spiritual Warfare
The Christian life involves a battle against spiritual forces, and self-control is crucial in resisting the enemy’s attacks.
1 Peter 5:8 – “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour.”
Ephesians 6:11 – “Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.”
- Application: Self-control keeps believers spiritually alert, preventing them from falling into the enemy’s traps.
6. Self-Control Prepares Us for Christ’s Return
Believers must remain watchful and prepared for Christ’s second coming, which requires discipline and self-control.
Matthew 24:42 – “Watch therefore: for ye know not what hour your Lord doth come.”
Titus 2:12-13 – “Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world; Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ.”
- Application: Self-control helps believers stay spiritually prepared and faithful as they await Jesus’ return.
Self-control is an essential part of faith in Jesus Christ. It enables believers to obey His commands, endure trials, resist sin, live by the Spirit, engage in spiritual warfare, and prepare for His return. As followers of Christ, practicing self-control reflects a true, living faith that honors God.
Prayer Points for Strengthening Self-Control in Faith
1. Prayer for the Holy Spirit to Develop Self-Control
Scripture: Galatians 5:22-23 – “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.”
- Prayer: Heavenly Father, I thank You for the gift of the Holy Spirit. Fill me with Your Spirit so that I may bear the fruit of self-control. Help me to discipline my thoughts, words, and actions according to Your will. Strengthen me to resist sin and walk in righteousness. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
2. Prayer for Strength to Overcome Temptation
Scripture: 1 Corinthians 10:13 – “There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.”
- Prayer: Lord, You have promised that no temptation will be too great for me to bear. Give me the strength and wisdom to resist every temptation that comes my way. Help me to focus on You and flee from anything that draws me away from my faith. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
3. Prayer for Discipline in Following Christ Daily
Scripture: Luke 9:23 – “And he said to them all, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me.”
- Prayer: Father, help me to deny my selfish desires and follow Jesus every day. Give me the discipline to pray, read Your Word, and seek Your presence consistently. Keep me focused on the path of righteousness. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
4. Prayer for Victory Over the Desires of the Flesh
Scripture: Galatians 5:16 – “This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh.”
- Prayer: Lord, I desire to walk in the Spirit and not be ruled by the desires of the flesh. Give me self-control over my emotions, thoughts, and actions. Help me to reject anything that does not honor You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
5. Prayer for Soberness and Vigilance in Spiritual Warfare
Scripture: 1 Peter 5:8 – “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour.”
- Prayer: Father, I ask for spiritual alertness and self-control to resist the enemy’s attacks. Help me to stand firm in faith and put on the whole armor of God. Strengthen me to overcome distractions and remain focused on Your will. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
6. Prayer for Self-Control in Speech and Reactions
Scripture: Proverbs 16:32 – “He that is slow to anger is better than the mighty; and he that ruleth his spirit than he that taketh a city.”
- Prayer: Lord, help me to control my words and emotions. Let my speech be filled with grace and wisdom. Teach me to be patient, slow to anger, and quick to listen. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
7. Prayer for Endurance in Faith During Trials
Scripture: Hebrews 12:1-2 – “Let us run with patience the race that is set before us, Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith.”
- Prayer: Father, give me the endurance to remain faithful in times of trial. Help me to trust in You and not be discouraged by difficulties. Strengthen me to keep my eyes on Jesus and finish my race with faith. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
8. Prayer for Readiness for Christ’s Return
Scripture: Matthew 24:42 – “Watch therefore: for ye know not what hour your Lord doth come.”
- Prayer: Lord, keep me spiritually alert and prepared for Your return. Help me to live in holiness, self-control, and obedience to Your Word. Let my life be a testimony of faith and righteousness. In Jesus’ name, Amen.