Self- Control

One of the evidences that the Holy Spirit has taken up residence in a person, that is, that he or she is converted, is one's ability to exercise self-control (Galatians 5:22-23). In fact, as Christ is being formed in us we can expect that his character traits become ours. This might seem an outrageous notion, but it appears to be what is expected of us.

How can this possibly come to pass? It seems a long journey from walking as a "child of wrath" (Ephesians 2:3) to walking as a child "of light" (Ephesians 5:8). In particular, how can we exercise the kind of self-control that Jesus exhibited when he was tempted, whether by the devil, Peter, or Pilate, to overthrow his mission? I suggested on Sunday evening that there are several important steps to exercising self-control.

The first is growing in the knowledge of God's will. Paul writes to the Ephesians "do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is" (5:17). The assumption is that when we know the will of God we will be better able to recognize sin for what it is and be less susceptible to its power. Secondly, we not only have to know the will of God but we must determine to follow it. But this is not an exercise in "doing our darndest" to walk the straight and narrow. A believer is one who has been united to Christ. It is he in us that will give us the strength we need to walk in the light. Next, we need to be in vital relationships with other believers. "Submitting to one another out of reverence for Christ" (Ephesians 5:21) is one of the means that God has provided for us to exercise self-control. Lastly, we are not to place ourselves in situations that cause us to stumble. Paul instructs, "Do not present your members to sin as instruments for unrighteousness, but present yourselves to God as those who have been brought from death to life, and your members to God as instruments for righteousness" (Romans 6:13). I mean that just makes sense, doesn't it?
Self-control is not always easy to exercise. Sin is tempting because it is appealing and turning away from something that is appealing is easier said than done. That being said, pursuing it is our God-given goal, and with his help, a God-given possibility.