CENTRAL THOUGHT
Be self-controlled and alert.
TEXT: 1 PETER 5:6-9; 2 PETER 1:5-11; REV. 22:12- 15
INTRODUCTION:
We continue in our study of lack of self-control today by following on its manifestations in the church, its
consequences, and the rewards of self-control.
LESSON OBJECTIVES
- To identify the manifestations of lack of self-control in the church
today - To identify the consequences of lack of self-control
- To understand the rewards of self-control
- To know how to grow in self-control
BIBLE TRUTH:
QUESTION 1) HOW DOES LACK OF SELFCONTROL MANIFEST IN THE CHURCH TODAY?
A. LAWLESSNESS IN LEADERSHIP:
Some Christian leaders are accountable to no one for their actions including the use of church resources. Some feel at liberty to dip their hands into the church account without respect for laid down procedures and thereby bring curse upon themselves like Eli’s sons. Every leader is a servant accountable first to God and then the people he/she leads.
Lawlessness among leaders also extends to their relationship with the opposite sex. Some ministers are
involved in various immoral acts with staff and members of their congregation without any sense of remorse or guilt.
This type of behavior destroys the integrity of the minister and, in some instances, has ruined some congregations.
Leaders must also avoid having a “know-it-all” attitude in order to see the other point of view which may help reach a better decision.
B. LACK OF SELF-CONTROL IN THE HOME:
Some parents live hypocritical lives and expect their children to be saints. Some Christian men still beat their wives or verbally or psychologically abuse them. Even house help/servants are to be treated with consideration.
Some Christian women are busy bodies in other people’s affairs. Some nag their husbands so badly that they stay away from home as much as possible and many have developed hypertension. Many Christian young men and women do not show respect for their parents. The list is endless. Each member of the Christian home must study the word to know the role God expects of him/her and seek God’s help to walk in that role. Our homes were designed to be a foretaste of heaven if we would submit it to the
Lord and exercise self-control in our thoughts, words, and actions.
C. LACK OF SELF-CONTROL IN DRESSING
A dress is meant to cover our nakedness and give us dignity. Clothes that reveal the erogenous parts of the body (eg. Part or most of the female breasts, thighs, lower abdomen), tight dressing that makes a man or women look sexy, or transparent clothes are not befitting of children of God. It is the trend in the world which many believers are actively copying, but we are warned not to “confirm to the fashion of this world” and that to love the world is enmity with God (Rom. 12:2; James 4:4).
QUESTION 2) WHAT ARE THE CONSEQUENCES OF LACK OF SELF-CONTROL?
We open ourselves to the devil to steal, kill, and destroy when we do not exercise self-control in any area of our life.
We lose fellowship with God as He hates sin. We cannot approach God for help and may find that things
don’t go well with us. We open ourselves to the risk of eternal damnation in hell if we do not repent and mend our ways.
Discuss the effects of lack of self-control on our individual lives, families, and the church with practical examples.
QUESTION 3) WHAT ARE THE REWARDS FOR SELF-CONTROL? 1 PETER 5:6-8
(A). PROTECTION FROM EVIL AND THE EVIL ONE (1 PETER 5:8)
The devil usually attempts to control our lives through temptations. Many Christians have ruined their testimonies by giving in to a few moments of lack of self-control. Some have ended up with sexual infections, including HIV/AIDS, others by misappropriating funds have ended up in public disgrace and even prison. We need to be self-controlled and alert always because the devil seeks the times we are off
our guards to devour us. None of us is immune to him, in fact, the more highly placed we are the greater the fall and consequences. We must be alert and exercise self-control.
(B). GOD’S PRESENCE AND PROTECTION
The Lord delights in those who fear Him and control themselves to walk in His ways. His presence is strong upon their lives as He jealously guards the course of their lives and protects them. Daniel and Joseph are examples of men who, in their youth, feared God and hated evil. People around them noticed the evidence of God’s hands upon them and they prospered in whatever they laid their hands on. God does the same today. (C) GOD’S EXALTATIONS/ PROMOTION IN DUE SEASON ON EARTH (1 PETER 5:6)
God promises to exalt those that humble themselves under His mighty hand in due season! Our progress may not seem to be as rapid as that of the ungodly or worldly Christians, but in due season we are promised the kind of promotion that no man could have given us, even if we had compromised.
Who could ever have made Joseph (a slave) to become Prime Minister in Egypt? Or how could Daniel, who was a captive of war in Babylon, remain in government perpetually serving at the highest level under five different kings? What kind of promotion do you desire? The one that comes by licking the boots of men and following the ways of the world, or the one that is a reward for righteousness and waiting patiently under God? There is a reward here on earth for self-control.
(D) ETERNAL REWARDS (2 PETER 1:5-11; REV. 2:7, 17, 26; 22:12-15)
Living lives that please God and not living by the lusts of the flesh or eyes is the prerequisite for being in heaven and playing major roles in the eternal kingdom of our Lord Jesus Christ. The main challenge we face daily is ensuring that we live according to God’s word. To live according to God’s word is self-control, and this will bring rewards in eternity.
QUESTION 4) HOW CAN WE GROW IN SELFCONTROL?
A. BE BORN AGAIN
Self-control cannot be achieved by human strength. It is the fruit of the Spirit. In other words, it is produced when God’s spirit dwells in us and empowers our spirit to do God’s will. This only happens when we have experienced the new birth in John 3:3. Are you born again?
B. COMMIT YOURSELF FULLY TO GOD
Many Christians do God’s will only when it is convenient. When we make up our minds to always follow and obey God and ask for His help, we will receive power by His spirit daily to do His will.
C. BE FILLED WITH THE HOLY SPIRIT
The baptism of the Holy Spirit is God’s means of empowering His people to do His will in life and service.
“And you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you…” Acts 1:8. Each one of us must have this experience and continually receive fresh in-filling, otherwise the Christian walk become a struggle.
D. STUDY GOD’S WORD DAILY
See Josh 1:8; Psa. 1:1-2; 119:9-11; 105; 111–112
E. EXERCISE YOUR WILL, CONTROL YOURSELF (1 PETER 5:8)
We are commanded to be self-controlled and alert! It will not just happen. We must take a stand and refuse to conform to the ways of this world and daily exercise ourselves in walking in righteousness. Everything depends on it. Be self-controlled.
DAILY LIVING APPLICATION:
No child of God gets to any spiritual height or experience when there is lack of self-control. Success today does not ensure the same tomorrow. Remember that Samson started well but ended badly for lack of self-control. Walk daily realizing that heaven watches your thoughts, words, and actions with keen interest. You either attract God’s frown or His warm smile of approval. The choice is yours.
MEMORY VERSE:
1 PETER 5:8
“Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil,
as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may
devour.”
DAILY DEVOTIONAL GUIDE:
MON: Self-controlled in the home. Ephesians 5:21; 6:9
TUE: Self-control in dressing. Phil. 4:5; 1 Peter 3:3-5
WED: Reflect on how to grow in self-control. John 3:3; 1
Peter 5:8
THU: Reward of self-control. 1 Peter 5:6,8
FRI: Self-control has eternal rewards. 2 Peter 1:5-11
SAT: Blessing in doing His commandment. Rev. 22:12-
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