The Wisdom of God in a World of Fools; SELF CONTROL  

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

What is self control and why don’t we have it? 

Self-control is godly. 

• 2 Peter 1:6 and knowledge with self-control, and self-control with steadfastness, and steadfastness with godliness, 
• Titus 2:2 Older men are to be sober-minded, dignified, self-controlled, sound in faith, in love, and in steadfastness. 
• Titus 1:8 but hospitable, a lover of good, self-controlled, upright, holy, and disciplined. 
• 1 Peter 4:7 The end of all things is at hand; therefore be self-controlled and sober-minded for the sake of your prayers.

Anger is sin. 

• Proverbs 14:29 – “Whoever is slow to anger has great understanding, but he who has a hasty temper exalts folly.” 
• Proverbs 15:18 – “A hot-tempered man stirs up strife, but he who is slow to anger quiets contention.” 
• Proverbs 29:11 – “A fool gives full vent to his spirit, but a wise man quietly holds it back.”

Anger is dangerous.

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

Self-control is safe. 

• Proverbs 16:32 – “Whoever is slow to anger is better than the mighty, and he who rules his spirit than he who takes a city.”

Self-control begins with the gospel.

Self-control is supernatural.

• 2 Timothy 1:7 for God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control. 

• Galatians 5:22-23 [22] But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, [23] gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. [24] And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. 

Self-control requires self – control.  

• 1 Corinthians 9:24-27 [25] Every athlete exercises self-control in all things. They do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable. [26] So I do not run aimlessly; I do not box as one beating the air. [27] But I discipline my body and keep it under control, lest after preaching to others I myself should be disqualified.

Self-control takes work.

• Colossians 1:29 For this I toil, struggling with all his energy that he powerfully works within me.

Self-control works to be controlled by God’s work. 

• Philippians 2:12-13 work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, [13] for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure

Self-control culminates in Christ-like love! 

QUESTIONS

What areas of your life do you most lack self – control?

Have you ever considered self-control as being a characteristic of godliness? What thoughts or images come to mind when you think about self-control being godly?

How have you sought to excuse ‘self-centered anger’ in yourself and others? [For parents: Why is it dangerous to excuse ‘self-centered anger’ in our kids as something other than sin?  What effects could this have on their life and others?] 

In what ways have you seen the danger of anger? How have you experienced the safety and security of self-control?

Are there ways you are trying to have self – control and deal with anger apart from first turning to Jesus? How would looking to Jesus as your Sovereign Savior, trusting the supernatural work of the Spirit to change you, be better than the way you are dealing with your anger? 

What are ways you can cultivate self-control by being self-controlled before God? 
How does knowing God is working in you to cultivate ‘self – controlled love’ for others change the way you think about people and circumstances in your life? What would it look like for you to engage others in these circumstances as you lean into what He is seeking to accomplish in you?