Consecrated 4
Romans 12:2
Have you ever seen a rat trap or seen those rat traps in Tom and Jerry? Notice how you just need a little cheese or bread to lure the rat in? Demonstrating self-control involves the rat resisting immediate temptations for the sake of the rat being alive. It sounds hard for the rat to avoid what it likes best, but it knows that if it takes it might be endangering its life.
Galatians 5:22-23
New King James Version
22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,
23 gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law.
Self-control can often feel challenging, especially when faced with desires or situations that strongly pull at our emotions. As believers, self-control is a fruit of the spirit and essential to our Christian walk.
2 Corinthians 5:17
New King James Version
17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.
Romans 12:2
New King James Version
2 And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.
The believer has entered into a fresh, new, and unprecedented position. The old is gone and all things are new. When he says old, he is referring to the propensities and desires that we had before salvation. But now we are changed and set apart from the world. This has to be reflected in our attitude towards others and actions.
Matthew 5:39
New King James Version
39 But I tell you not to resist an evil person. But whoever slaps you on your right cheek, turn the other to him also.
This is a profound demonstration of self-control and non-retaliation. It goes against the human instinct to seek revenge or repay evil. By turning the other cheek, we display humility, grace, and a willingness to absorb offenses without seeking retaliation.
James 3:15-16
New Living Translation
15 For jealousy and selfishness are not God’s kind of wisdom. Such things are earthly, unspiritual, and demonic.
16 For wherever there is jealousy and selfish ambition, there you will find disorder and evil of every kind.”
Jealousy alters how you see and interact with others, as well as your perception of God. It can be likened to a virus, causing great torment and unhappiness in its host, frequently leading to other acts of wickedness such as strife, malicious gossip, theft, adultery, and even murder. Jealousy occurs when we object to God’s goodness in the lives of others while ignoring His goodness in our own, which is correct.
Proverbs 14:30
New King James Version
30 A sound heart is life to the body, But envy is rottenness to the bones.
As believers, we must prevent jealousy from settling in our hearts, as it’s listed among the works of the flesh in Scripture. Addressing jealousy proactively is essential to avoid its harmful effects. The initial step involves acknowledging and openly discussing our struggles with jealousy instead of concealing them.
Another action that is not consistent with God’s word is greed, It is wanting anything good for yourself at the expense and to the detriment of others. It is the love of money or worldly things above all else, overshadowing our devotion to God and distorting our priorities.
Luke 12:15
New King James Version
15 And He said to them, “Take heed and beware of covetousness, for one’s life does not consist in the abundance of the things he possesses.
Jesus warns against greed, emphasizing that life is not measured by the abundance of possessions. It is a temptation that can consume our hearts.
Listen, as believers we have to watch and be careful about our attitude and our actions, even in our day-to-day interactions. We have to repent and correct ourselves when we notice that our flesh is beginning to take over our actions. We should be deliberate about practicing self-control.
Prayer Point:
Heavenly Father, in a world filled with fleshly desires and distractions, give me strength and guidance in practicing self-control in every aspect of my life.