WEBVTT

00:00:02.720 --> 00:00:05.519
<v SPEAKER_00>Let's talk about self-control for a moment.

00:00:05.919 --> 00:00:20.800
<v 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.

00:00:21.120 --> 00:00:24.879
<v SPEAKER_00>But the Bible has a lot to say about self-control.

00:00:25.280 --> 00:00:36.320
<v SPEAKER_00>I actually searched online and found a website called Bible Verses About Self-Control, where 27 scripture passages were listed.

00:00:36.640 --> 00:00:41.439
<v SPEAKER_00>Another way of saying self-control is to say self-discipline.

00:00:41.759 --> 00:00:51.920
<v 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.

00:00:52.159 --> 00:00:53.920
<v SPEAKER_00>Isn't that great news?

00:00:54.159 --> 00:01:04.159
<v 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.

00:01:04.400 --> 00:01:08.959
<v SPEAKER_00>The longer you live, the more temptations you will face in this life.

00:01:09.280 --> 00:01:19.120
<v 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.

00:01:19.760 --> 00:01:24.640
<v SPEAKER_00>I know this from personal experience and it keeps me from giving in.

00:01:25.040 --> 00:01:26.640
<v SPEAKER_00>But it does more than that.

00:01:26.879 --> 00:01:29.120
<v SPEAKER_00>It convicts me to the core.

00:01:29.359 --> 00:01:36.000
<v SPEAKER_00>The word of God is alive and active, sharper than any double-edged sword, it says in Hebrews.

00:01:36.400 --> 00:01:38.959
<v SPEAKER_00>And that's the honest to goodness truth.

00:01:39.280 --> 00:01:44.560
<v SPEAKER_00>The word never feels more sharp than when it is convicting me of sin.

00:01:45.120 --> 00:01:47.280
<v SPEAKER_00>But self-control is a good thing.

00:01:47.519 --> 00:01:49.359
<v SPEAKER_00>It keeps me from harm.

00:01:49.840 --> 00:01:52.879
<v SPEAKER_00>But temptation is so hard, you might say.

00:01:53.200 --> 00:01:54.560
<v SPEAKER_00>And I hear you.

00:01:54.959 --> 00:02:05.040
<v 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.

00:02:05.519 --> 00:02:11.360
<v SPEAKER_00>I'm Dan Stevens, and I want to thank you for joining me for this devotional thought on self control.

00:02:12.000 --> 00:02:13.759
<v SPEAKER_00>Have a great day.