Read I Peter 1:5-8. What does Peter say is the result of selfcontrol in theses verses?
Since selfcontrol is a fruit of the Spirit, shouldn’t self-control be easy? Why or why not? (Galatians 5:23)
Thursday
Read I Corinthians 9:24-27. How did the Apostle Paul gain self-control?
Read I Thessalonians 4:7. What is the relationship between
God’s call on our life and self-control?
What is your strategy to defeat sin in your life?
Read Titus 2:11-12. What is our provision for self-control in these verses?
Why do people often procrastinate when it comes to taking control of their choices?
Friday
How is it possible to take an honest inventory of where we lack self control and not deceive ourselves?
Why is blaming others useless when it comes to self-control?
Which Name of the Lord do you find as your strong fortress?
What can you do to reduce the temptation to be out of control?
Saturday
What steps to you need to take today to gain self-control?
Prayers: For continued recovery for those who have had surgeries and health issues.
WISDOM from
7/19/15
PROVERBS “
Proverbs 25:28
I. The PICTURE of no self-control (Proverbs 25:28)
“A person without self-control is like a city with broken-down walls.”
A. The proverb writer is saying, the moment we lose selfcontrol we are like a city without any kind of protection.
B. The concept of “self-control” implies a battle for control.
Self-control requires great strength because the hardest person to say “no” to is yourself.
C. Self control means to restrain, to stand firm. “It’s the ability to choose the right thing over the wrong thing at any given moment. The most important things are wanted most , and the less important things are desired less.
” Tim Keller
II. The PROBLEM of self-control (Proverbs 23:19-21)
“Listen, my son, and be wise, And direct your heart in the way. Do not be with heavy drinkers of wine, Or with gluttonous eaters of meat; For the heavy drinker and the glutton will come to poverty, And drowsiness will clothe one with rags.“
A. We either practice self control, or we are out of control.
Too often we see people who are out of control in their:

Eating, drinking, spending, immorality, technology
B. It’s the Genesis 3:7 issue. ”...
and they knew that they were naked; and they sewed fig leaves together and made themselves loin coverings.
” Anything other than God that makes us feel, lovable, acceptable, capable and not alone is only a temporary fig leaf.

III. The PRACTICE of self-control (Proverbs 16:32)
“He who is slow to anger is better than the mighty, And he today’s message.
who rules his spirit, than he who captures a city.”
Monday
A. We employ self-control as a defensive strategy. “SelfRead Proverbs 25:28. How is the lack of self-control described control is necessary because we are at war with our own sinful in the Bible? desires. This may not sound very spiritual, but neither does
Paul’s exclamation, ‘I beat my body and make it my slave.’ How does the image of a broken down wall help us
Jerry Bridges understand self-control?
B. Take control today and make no exceptions. "All What are some reasons that we as Christians should have worthwhile men have good thoughts, good ideas, and good self-control? intentions, but precious few of them ever translate those into action." John Field

Learn to say yes and no at the right times - Titus 2:11-
What reveals a lack of self control?
12
Tuesday
Is self-control, temperance, power over oneself, really
C. Take an honest self inventory.
“The prudent understand where they are going, but fools deceive themselves.” Pr. 14:8 possible? Why or why not?
 Where are your choices taking you? Where is self
Is self-control generally easy or difficult for you?
Does “self-control” mean we are on our own or will God help control needed, in your body, thoughts or emotions?
D. Refuse to blame others.
“Some people ruin themselves by their own stupid actions and then blame the L ORD .” Pr. 19:3

Who are you blaming for your problems? us?
What do we have to do to enlist God’s help in this area?
E. Go to God.
“The name of the L ORD is a strong fortress; Why do we often seek things that make us feel lovable, acceptable, capable and not alone rather than God? the godly run to him and are safe.” Pr. 18:10

The name of the Lord is the character of God
Wednesday
What elements are involved in producing self-control?
F. Focus on the right things. “ Be careful how you think; your life is shaped by your thoughts.” Pr. 4:23

What gets your attention gets you! Reduce
What is the relationship of sin and lacking control of self? temptations. Paul addresses how many try to gain self control in Colossians 2:20-23
What does the Holy Spirit have to do with self-control?
Daily Meditations