Self-control, like other Christian virtues, is not easy to maintain. He enjoyed the blessings of nature and man, but abstained from sensual pleasures. Though Jesus was sociable and enjoyed feasting with friends, He set the perfect example of self-control. John followed a strict course of self-control and abstinence, similar in some respects to that of the Essenes. Good examples and wise teachings are made available to Christians in the NT.īoth John the Baptist and Jesus practiced self-control, even though their enemies accused John of having a demon and Jesus of being “a glutton and a drunkard” ( Luke 7:33, 34). He urged self-control as a safeguard against immorality, “lest Satan tempt you” ( 1 Cor 7:5). Consequently, in writing to the church in the large, wicked city of Corinth, he gave specific instructions on this subject, particularly as related to marriage. Paul was keenly aware of the threat of sexual lust. Israel’s beloved king, David, reaped tragic results from lack of self-control in sexual pleasures ( 2 Sam 11:2ff.) and so did his son Solomon ( 1 Kings 11:1-4). His sexual love for ungodly women decreed his doom ( Judg 14:2ff.). The pathetic tragedy of the physically strong man Samson was the result of his intemperance in sensual desires. It builds a wall of defense around him against destructive forces of evil. It is stated in an old proverb that, “A man without self-control is like a city broken into and left without walls” ( Prov 25:28). In temperance man foregoes excesses in acceptable pursuits, as eating, drinking, and conversation. Self-control is man’s insurance against self-indulgence in immorality, drunkenness, brawling, gossiping, conceit, and greed. It is the mastery of self, the exercise of restraint, esp. It is listed in the NT as one of the basic Christian virtues. SELF-CONTROL ( ἐγκράτεια, G1602, self-control, continence, temperance).
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