Self-control is an essential virtue in the life of every believer. It is the ability to govern one’s desires, emotions, and actions in alignment with God’s will. Self-control is not merely about willpower; it is a fruit of the Spirit that God produces in us as we yield to Him.
Galatians 5:22-23 (NKJV) says:
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law.”
The good news is that self-control does not come from our human strength alone. Instead, it is birthed and developed through the working of the Holy Spirit in our lives. As we submit to God and allow His Word to guide us, we grow in self-discipline, which is vital for victory in our spiritual walk, relationships, and personal growth.
1. Submit to God’s Word
Psalm 119:11 (NKJV): “Your word I have hidden in my heart, that I might not sin against You.”
The first step to walking in self-control is submission to God’s Word. The Bible is not just a guidebook; it is the living Word of God, which equips us to make wise, disciplined choices. When we fill our hearts and minds with Scripture, it empowers us to resist sin and align our lives with God’s will.
- Case Study: Jesus’ Temptation in the Wilderness (Matthew 4:1-11)
When Jesus was tempted by the devil in the wilderness, He responded with the Word of God. Each time the enemy tried to provoke Him to act outside of God’s will—whether to turn stones into bread, throw Himself down, or worship Satan—Jesus resisted by saying, “It is written.” His knowledge of and submission to Scripture gave Him the self-control to overcome temptation.
Lesson: When we hide God’s Word in our hearts and live by it, we can overcome the urges, temptations, and distractions that seek to derail us.
Practical Application:
- Memorize Scriptures that address areas of personal struggle.
- Spend time daily meditating on God’s Word to renew your mind (Romans 12:2).
- Let the Word shape your actions, responses, and decisions.
2. Rely on the Holy Spirit
2 Timothy 1:7 (NKJV): “For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.”
Self-control is a work of the Holy Spirit. As believers, we are not left to rely on our limited human strength. The Holy Spirit empowers us with:
- Power: To resist temptation and walk in obedience.
- Love: To live selflessly, denying sinful desires for the sake of honoring God and loving others.
- A sound mind: To make wise decisions, rejecting impulsive and harmful actions.
- Case Study: Samson’s Lack of Self-Control (Judges 16)
Samson was a man with a great calling and extraordinary strength, yet his lack of self-control led to his downfall. His repeated indulgence in his fleshly desires, particularly his relationships with ungodly women like Delilah, caused him to lose his strength, his vision, and his freedom.
Lesson: When we fail to rely on the Spirit and instead follow the flesh, we become vulnerable to destruction. However, when we yield to the Holy Spirit, we gain the strength to live in self-control and fulfill God’s purpose for our lives.
Practical Application:
- Pray daily for the Holy Spirit to guide and strengthen you.
- Pause before acting or speaking impulsively—seek the Spirit’s counsel.
- Develop spiritual habits such as prayer, fasting, and worship to deepen your reliance on the Holy Spirit.
3. Practice Accountability
Hebrews 10:24-25 (NKJV): “And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching.”
Accountability within a community of believers or church family is key to fostering self-control. God designed us to live in fellowship, encouraging one another to grow in godliness. When we are honest and open about our struggles, we receive support, encouragement, and correction, helping us stay on track.
- Case Study: David and Nathan (2 Samuel 12:1-13)
After David sinned by committing adultery with Bathsheba and arranging the death of her husband, Uriah, the prophet Nathan confronted him. David’s lack of self-control in this instance led to grave consequences, but accountability brought him to repentance.
Lesson: God often uses others to challenge and restore us when we are veering off course. Accountability is a safeguard against the consequences of unchecked behavior.
Practical Application:
- Build relationships with fellow believers who can speak truth into your life.
- Join small groups or Bible studies where you can encourage and be encouraged.
- Do not be proud in heart. Be humble and willing to accept correction when necessary (Proverbs 27:17).
4. Fix Your Eyes on the Eternal Prize
1 Corinthians 9:25 (NKJV): “And everyone who competes for the prize is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a perishable crown, but we for an imperishable crown.”
The Apostle Paul compares the Christian life to a race, where self-control is essential to winning the eternal prize. Just as athletes exercise strict discipline in training to achieve a temporary reward, believers must practice self-control in all areas of life to honor God and receive eternal rewards.
- Case Study: Joseph’s Self-Control (Genesis 39:7-12)
Joseph demonstrated remarkable self-control when he refused to sin with Potiphar’s wife, even though she persistently tempted him. His words, “How then can I do this great wickedness, and sin against God?” (Genesis 39:9). This mind-set reflect his focus on honouring God above fleeting pleasures.
Lesson: When we fix our eyes on God’s eternal promises, we are empowered to say no to sin and remain steadfast in self-control.
Practical Application:
- Keep an eternal perspective by remembering that our ultimate reward is in heaven.
- Ask yourself before making decisions: “Will this honor God and bring me closer to Him?”
- Celebrate small victories in self-control as evidence of God’s grace at work in your life.
Summary: Walking in self-control is not a matter of human effort alone; it is a supernatural fruit of the Holy Spirit. By submitting to God’s Word, relying on the Holy Spirit, practicing accountability, and fixing our eyes on eternity, believers can grow in self-discipline and experience victory in their spiritual journey.
As Titus 2:11-12 (NKJV) declares:
“For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men, teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly in the present age.”
Let us commit ourselves to walk in self-control, knowing that it honours God, strengthens our witness, and brings us into alignment with His perfect will for our lives, in Jesus Name, Amen.
Altar call: For anyone reading this article who is not saved and wants to be part of the family of God or you want to re-dedicate your life back to Jesus, please repeat this out loud. “Lord Jesus, I acknowledge that I have sinned against you. Lord Jesus forgive me of my sins. I repent of my sins. Lord Jesus come into my life and be my Lord now and forever in Jesus Name
Feast of Light Word Ministry
