SPEAKER_00: Let's talk about self-control for a moment.
SPEAKER_00: If I were to ask you to quote a Bible verse about self-control, I'll bet most of you would go straight to Galatians 5, 22, and 23 and start quoting the fruit of the Spirit because you remember that self-control is one of them.
SPEAKER_00: But the Bible has a lot to say about self-control.
SPEAKER_00: I actually searched online and found a website called Bible Verses About Self-Control, where 27 scripture passages were listed.
SPEAKER_00: Another way of saying self-control is to say self-discipline.
SPEAKER_00: 2 Timothy 1.7 mentions this when it says, the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love, and self-discipline.
SPEAKER_00: Isn't that great news?
SPEAKER_00: And immediately when I think of verses on self-discipline, I think of temptation and the fact that it takes self-control to fight against it.
SPEAKER_00: The longer you live, the more temptations you will face in this life.
SPEAKER_00: But when you've read and meditated on Scripture, it's amazing how God brings to mind just the right verses to give you strength when you're tempted.
SPEAKER_00: I know this from personal experience and it keeps me from giving in.
SPEAKER_00: But it does more than that.
SPEAKER_00: It convicts me to the core.
SPEAKER_00: The word of God is alive and active, sharper than any double-edged sword, it says in Hebrews.
SPEAKER_00: And that's the honest to goodness truth.
SPEAKER_00: The word never feels more sharp than when it is convicting me of sin.
SPEAKER_00: But self-control is a good thing.
SPEAKER_00: It keeps me from harm.
SPEAKER_00: But temptation is so hard, you might say.
SPEAKER_00: And I hear you.
SPEAKER_00: But just think of the promise at the end to 1 Corinthians 10 13 when it says that God will provide a way of escape so that you will be able to endure it.
SPEAKER_00: I'm Dan Stevens, and I want to thank you for joining me for this devotional thought on self control.
SPEAKER_00: Have a great day.