What Does The Bible Say About Self Control? As followers of Jesus Christ, self-discipline should be part of our qualities. There is much that the Bible says about self-control or self-discipline. Note that self-discipline is essentially the same as self-control. Also, it is one of the nine (9) fruits of the Spirit listed by Apostle Paul in Galatians 5:22-23 – “But the Spirit produces love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, humility, and self-control. There is no law against such things like these,” The KJV translation of the Scriptures uses the word temperance in place of “self-control” which, just like self-disciple generally points to our ability to control or restrain ourselves from all kinds of thoughts, words, actions, feelings, desires, and impulses that are not inline with God’s Will.
In most cases, when we talk of Self-control, we are referring to our ability to control or restrain ourselves from the desire for physical and material comfort, things that can put our relationship with God at peril. It is important to understand here that self-control is an indispensable attribute of the Christian life, especially as our flesh regularly subjects us to ungodly feelings, desires, thoughts, and actions. It was with an understanding of this that Apostle Paul called us to “purify ourselves from everything that contaminates body and spirit, perfecting holiness out of reverence for God” (2 Corinthians 7:1). Likewise, he calls us to “offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God,” and not to be subjected to the pattern of this world (Romans 12:1-2).
What Does The Bible Say About Self Control (Self-Discipline)?
As Christians or followers of Jesus Christ, we’ve all been called to offer our bodies as living sacrifices to God Almighty (Romans 12:1-2). As inhabitants of this world, we all know how challenging it is to subordinate the constant pull of the worldly things so as to please God in spirit and truth. Although not easy, we must strive hard to please God with our bodies, thoughts, words, and actions. Even Apostle Paul struggled with sin and inner challenges as he tells us in Romans 7:15-20 – “What I want to do I do not do…the evil I do not want to do – this I keep on doing…it is sin living in me that does it.” Brethren, keep watch for we are in a battle against sin. It is without doubt that our seemingly insatiable human appetites and wants can easily lead us to sinful excesses if not controlled.
Sad to say but it is rather unfortunate that today, especially in affluent societies, the lack of self-control is rampant. This truth is evidenced by the number of obese people, the extensive use of stimulants, depressants and over-the-counter medications. In addition, the enticement of the material world have greatly caused many people to yearn for and acquire material wealth far beyond their need and even their ability to pay for them. Likewise, many nations of the world have fallen into the same trap. That is, these nations hurry up to borrow trillions of dollars to finance bloated budgets that result from the inability to exercise wisdom and self-control. Lack of self-control makes us susceptible to sin as we are likely never to be contented or satisfied with the blessings of God in our lives.
What does the Scripture say about Self-Discipline?
There is much that the Scriptures say about self-control. Note that lack of self-control hinders our spiritual growth and moves us far away from the presence of God. When we lack self-control, we become easy targets for Satan and his agents (1 Corinthians 7:5). Apostle Paul knew this and that’s why he discussed self-discipline in his letter to the Corinthian church. He also compares a disciplined Christian life with that of an athlete who trains hard on a daily basis with the goal of wining the price or “crown.” 1 Corinthians 9:25 says, “Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training.” When Apostle Paul says that “I beat my body and make it my slave,” he is clearly pointing to the fact that his body is under the dominion and control of his mind.
Apostle Paul points to the importance of self-control in winning the Christian race. Note that self-control is the work of the Spirit in those who are in Christ. Through Christ, this fruit of the Spirit makes us “holy and pleasing to God Galatians 5:22-23).” According to John 15:1-8, we are merely the branches upon which the Vine (Christ) hangs the fruits He produces in His Father’s Vineyard. Get it once and for all that it is the indwelling of the Holy Spirit that gives all Christians the power and ability to exercise self-control. The Spirit does this so that we will not be mastered by the “cravings of sinful man.” 2 Timothy 1:7 says, “God did not give us a Spirit of timidity, but a Spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline.” Christians are controlled by the Holy Spirit (Romans 8:9), which helps us in our weaknesses (Romans 8:26).
What The Bible Says About Self Control
Proverbs 18:21 – “The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit.”
Galatians 5:22-23 – “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.”
2 Timothy 1:7 – “For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline.“
Proverbs 16:32 – “Better a patient person than a warrior,one with self-control than one who takes a city.”
Proverbs 25:28 – “Like a city whose walls are broken through is a person who lacks self-control.”
James 1:19 – “My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry.”
1 Corinthians 10:13 – “No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it.”
2 Peter 1:5-7 – “For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness, and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance, and to perseverance, godliness, and to godliness, mutual affection, and to mutual affection, love.”
Group 1 – What The Bible Says About Self Control
Romans 12:2 – “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.”
Titus 2:11-12 – “For the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people. It teaches us to say “No” to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age.”
Proverbs 12:16 – “Fools show their annoyance at once, but the prudent overlook an insult.”
1 Thessalonians 5:6 – “So then, let us not be like others, who are asleep, but let us be awake and sober.”
2 John 1:8 – “Watch out that you do not lose what we have worked for, but that you may be rewarded fully.”
Job 31:1 – “I made a covenant with my eyes not to look lustfully at a young woman.“
Proverbs 29:11 – “Fools give full vent to their rage, but the wise bring calm in the end.“
1 Corinthians 9:27 – “No, I strike a blow to my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize.”
1 Corinthians 9:25 – “Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last, but we do it to get a crown that will last forever.”
Group 2 – What The Bible Says About Self Control
Galatians 5:22-23 – “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.”
Proverbs 25:28 – “A man without self-control is like a city broken into and left without walls.”
Proverbs 4:27 – “Do not turn to the right or the left; keep your foot from evil.”
Ephesians 6:12 – “For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.”
2 Timothy 1:7 – “For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.”
2 Peter 1:5-7 – “For this very reason, make every effort to supplement your faith with virtue, and virtue with knowledge, and knowledge with self-control, and self-control with steadfastness, and steadfastness with godliness, and godliness with brotherly affection, and brotherly affection with love.”
1 Corinthians 10:13 – “No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.”
Group 3 – What The Bible Says About Self Control
1 Peter 4:7 – “The end of all things is at hand; therefore be self-controlled and sober-minded for the sake of your prayers.”
1 Corinthians 9:27 – “But I discipline my body and keep it under control, lest after preaching to others I myself should be disqualified.”
Proverbs 16:32 – “Whoever is slow to anger is better than the mighty, and he who rules his spirit than he who takes a city.”
1 Corinthians 9:24-27 – “Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one receives the prize? So run that you may obtain it. Every athlete exercises self-control in all things. They do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable. So I do not run aimlessly; I do not box as one beating the air. But I discipline my body and keep it under control, lest after preaching to others I myself should be disqualified.”
1 Peter 5:8 – “Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.”
Titus 2:11-14 – “For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people, training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age, waiting for our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, who gave himself for us to redeem us from all lawlessness and to purify for himself a people for his own possession who are zealous for good works.”
Titus 1:8 – “But hospitable, a lover of good, self-controlled, upright, holy, and disciplined.”
Group 4 – What The Bible Says About Self Control
Galatians 5:23 – “Gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.”
Romans 12:1-2 – “I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.”
Titus 2:12 – “Training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age,”
1 Corinthians 7:9 – “But if they cannot exercise self-control, they should marry. For it is better to marry than to burn with passion.”
Romans 12:2 – “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.”
1 Corinthians 13:4-5 – “Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast, it is not arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful;”
1 Corinthians 9:25 – “Every athlete exercises self-control in all things. They do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable.”
Group 5 – What The Bible Says About Self Control
Galatians 5:21 – “Envy, drunkenness, orgies, and things like these. I warn you, as I warned you before, that those who do such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.”
1 Corinthians 7:5 – “Do not deprive one another, except perhaps by agreement for a limited time, that you may devote yourselves to prayer; but then come together again, so that Satan may not tempt you because of your lack of self-control.”
Philippians 4:8 – “Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.”
1 Corinthians 6:18 – “Flee from sexual immorality. Every other sin a person commits is outside the body, but the sexually immoral person sins against his own body.”
James 1:19 – “Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger;”
Philippians 4:13 – “I can do all things through him who strengthens me.“
Matthew 6:33 – “But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.”
Ephesians 6:12 – “For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.”
Group 6 – What Does The Bible Say About Self Control?
Titus 2:2 – “Older men are to be sober-minded, dignified, self-controlled, sound in faith, in love, and in steadfastness.”
James 3:1-18 – “Not many of you should become teachers, my brothers, for you know that we who teach will be judged with greater strictness. For we all stumble in many ways. And if anyone does not stumble in what he says, he is a perfect man, able also to bridle his whole body. If we put bits into the mouths of horses so that they obey us, we guide their whole bodies as well. Look at the ships also: though they are so large and are driven by strong winds, they are guided by a very small rudder wherever the will of the pilot directs. So also the tongue is a small member, yet it boasts of great things. How great a forest is set ablaze by such a small fire! ...”
1 Timothy 4:7 – “Have nothing to do with irreverent, silly myths. Rather train yourself for godliness;”
Ephesians 5:18 – “And do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery, but be filled with the Spirit,”
Matthew 5:28 – “But I say to you that everyone who looks at a woman with lustful intent has already committed adultery with her in his heart.”
1 Corinthians 9:24-25 – “Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one receives the prize? So run that you may obtain it. Every athlete exercises self-control in all things. They do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable.”
Group 7 – What Does The Bible Say About Self Control?
1 John 2:16 – “For all that is in the world—the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride in possessions—is not from the Father but is from the world.”
1 Corinthians 6:19 – “Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own,”
Luke 4:1-13 – “And Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, returned from the Jordan and was led by the Spirit in the wilderness for forty days, being tempted by the devil. And he ate nothing during those days. And when they were ended, he was hungry. The devil said to him, “If you are the Son of God, command this stone to become bread.” And Jesus answered him, “It is written, ‘Man shall not live by bread alone.’” And the devil took him up and showed him all the kingdoms of the world in a moment of time, …“
Titus 2:11-12 – “For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people, training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age,”
1 Thessalonians 5:22 – “Abstain from every form of evil.”
Proverbs 16:9 – “The heart of man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps.”
1 Corinthians 5:11 – “But now I am writing to you not to associate with anyone who bears the name of brother if he is guilty of sexual immorality or greed, or is an idolater, reviler, drunkard, or swindler—not even to eat with such a one.”
Group 8 – What Does The Bible Say About Self Control?
Ephesians 6:1 – “Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right.”
Titus 2:6 – “Likewise, urge the younger men to be self-controlled.“
1 Timothy 2:9 – “Likewise also that women should adorn themselves in respectable apparel, with modesty and self-control, not with braided hair and gold or pearls or costly attire,”
Job 31:1 – “I have made a covenant with my eyes; how then could I gaze at a virgin?”
Psalm 141:3 – “Set a guard, O Lord, over my mouth; keep watch over the door of my lips!”
Isaiah 28:7 – “These also reel with wine and stagger with strong drink; the priest and the prophet reel with strong drink, they are swallowed by wine, they stagger with strong drink, they reel in vision, they stumble in giving judgment.”
1 Thessalonians 5:6 – “So then let us not sleep, as others do, but let us keep awake and be sober.”
Proverbs 29:11 – “A fool gives full vent to his spirit, but a wise man quietly holds it back.”
Romans 12:1 – “I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship.”
Group 9 – What Does The Bible Say About Self Control?
Hebrews 4:15 – “For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin.”
1 Corinthians 6:12 – “All things are lawful for me,” but not all things are helpful. “All things are lawful for me,” but I will not be enslaved by anything.
Galatians 5:16-17 – “But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. For the desires of the flesh are against the Spirit, and the desires of the Spirit are against the flesh, for these are opposed to each other, to keep you from doing the things you want to do.”
Romans 8:13 – “For if you live according to the flesh you will die, but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live.“
Proverbs 13:3 – “Whoever guards his mouth preserves his life; he who opens wide his lips comes to ruin.”
1 Peter 1:13 – “Therefore, preparing your minds for action, and being sober-minded, set your hope fully on the grace that will be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ.”
Matthew 12:36 – “I tell you, on the day of judgment people will give account for every careless word they speak,”
Acts 24:25 – “And as he reasoned about righteousness and self-control and the coming judgment, Felix was alarmed and said, “Go away for the present. When I get an opportunity I will summon you.””
Group 10 – What Does The Bible Say About Self Control?
Proverbs 20:1 – “Wine is a mocker, strong drink a brawler, and whoever is led astray by it is not wise.”
Romans 12:19 – “Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.””
Romans 8:5-6 – “For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit set their minds on the things of the Spirit. For to set the mind on the flesh is death, but to set the mind on the Spirit is life and peace.“
1 Corinthians 6:10 – “Nor thieves, nor the greedy, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God.”
Genesis 39:1-23 – “Now Joseph had been brought down to Egypt, and Potiphar, an officer of Pharaoh, the captain of the guard, an Egyptian, had bought him from the Ishmaelites who had brought him down there. The Lord was with Joseph, and he became a successful man, and he was in the house of his Egyptian master. His master saw that the Lord was with him and that the Lord caused all that he did to succeed in his hands. So Joseph found favor in his sight and attended him, and he made him overseer of his house and put him in charge of all that he had. From the time that he made him overseer in his house and over all that he had the Lord blessed the Egyptian’s house for Joseph’s sake; the blessing of the Lord was on all that he had, in house and field. ...”
Group 11 – What Does The Bible Say About Self Control?
Isaiah 5:11 – “Woe to those who rise early in the morning, that they may run after strong drink, who tarry late into the evening as wine inflames them!”
Titus 2:1-12 – “But as for you, teach what accords with sound doctrine. Older men are to be sober-minded, dignified, self-controlled, sound in faith, in love, and in steadfastness. Older women likewise are to be reverent in behavior, not slanderers or slaves to much wine. They are to teach what is good, and so train the young women to love their husbands and children, to be self-controlled, pure, working at home, kind, and submissive to their own husbands, that the word of God may not be reviled. …”
Romans 13:14 – “But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to gratify its desires.”
Luke 4:1-44 – “And Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, returned from the Jordan and was led by the Spirit in the wilderness for forty days, being tempted by the devil. And he ate nothing during those days. And when they were ended, he was hungry. The devil said to him, “If you are the Son of God, command this stone to become bread.” And Jesus answered him, “It is written, ‘Man shall not live by bread alone.’” …”
1 Corinthians 15:33-36 – “Do not be deceived: “Bad company ruins good morals.” Wake up from your drunken stupor, as is right, and do not go on sinning. For some have no knowledge of God. I say this to your shame. But someone will ask, “How are the dead raised? With what kind of body do they come?” You foolish person! What you sow does not come to life unless it dies.”
Group 12 – What Does The Bible Say About Self Control?
1 Timothy 2:11-15 – “Let a woman learn quietly with all submissiveness. I do not permit a woman to teach or to exercise authority over a man; rather, she is to remain quiet. For Adam was formed first, then Eve; and Adam was not deceived, but the woman was deceived and became a transgressor. Yet she will be saved through childbearing—if they continue in faith and love and holiness, with self-control.”
Hosea 4:11 – “Whoredom, wine, and new wine, which take away the understanding.”
Proverbs 18:21 – “Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruits.”
Jeremiah 4:22 – “For my people are foolish; they know me not, they are stupid children, they have no understanding. They are ‘wise’—in doing evil! But how to do good they know not.”
Colossians 3:16 – “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God.”
Romans 6:12 – “Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, to make you obey its passions.”
Group 13 – What Does The Bible Say About Self Control?
Genesis 26:17-22 – “So Isaac departed from there and encamped in the Valley of Gerar and settled there. And Isaac dug again the wells of water that had been dug in the days of Abraham his father, which the Philistines had stopped after the death of Abraham. And he gave them the names that his father had given them. But when Isaac’s servants dug in the valley and found there a well of spring water, the herdsmen of Gerar quarreled with Isaac’s herdsmen, saying, “The water is ours.” So he called the name of the well Esek, because they contended with him. Then they dug another well, and they quarreled over that also, so he called its name Sitnah. …”
Nahum 1:3 – “The Lord is slow to anger and great in power, and the Lord will by no means clear the guilty. His way is in whirlwind and storm, and the clouds are the dust of his feet.”
1 Corinthians 9:24 – “Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one receives the prize? So run that you may obtain it.”
Acts 24:24-25 – “After some days Felix came with his wife Drusilla, who was Jewish, and he sent for Paul and heard him speak about faith in Christ Jesus. And as he reasoned about righteousness and self-control and the coming judgment, Felix was alarmed and said, “Go away for the present. When I get an opportunity I will summon you.””
Group 14 – What Does The Bible Say About Self Control?
Ecclesiastes 7:9 – “Be not quick in your spirit to become angry, for anger lodges in the bosom of fools.”
Hebrews 12:1 – “Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us,”
Proverbs 25:26 – “Like a muddied spring or a polluted fountain is a righteous man who gives way before the wicked.”
James 1:19-20 – “Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger; for the anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God.”
Jeremiah 17:9 – “The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately sick; who can understand it?”
2 Timothy 3:3 – “Heartless, unappeasable, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not loving good,”
Lamentations 3:31-32 – “For the Lord will not cast off forever, but, though he cause grief, he will have compassion according to the abundance of his steadfast love;“
2 Corinthians 10:4-5 – “For the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh but have divine power to destroy strongholds. We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ,”
Group 15 – What Does The Bible Say About Self Control?
1 Timothy 2:8 – “I desire then that in every place the men should pray, lifting holy hands without anger or quarreling;”
1 Thessalonians 1:1-10 – “Paul, Silvanus, and Timothy, To the church of the Thessalonians in God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ: Grace to you and peace. We give thanks to God always for all of you, constantly mentioning you in our prayers, remembering before our God and Father your work of faith and labor of love and steadfastness of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ. For we know, brothers loved by God, that he has chosen you, because our gospel came to you not only in word, but also in power and in the Holy Spirit and with full conviction. You know what kind of men we proved to be among you for your sake. …”
Matthew 5:38-39 – “You have heard that it was said, ‘An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.’ But I say to you, Do not resist the one who is evil. But if anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also”
2 Timothy 2:20-23 – “Now in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and silver but also of wood and clay, some for honorable use, some for dishonorable. Therefore, if anyone cleanses himself from what is dishonorable, he will be a vessel for honorable use, set apart as holy, useful to the master of the house, ready for every good work. So flee youthful passions and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace, along with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart. Have nothing to do with foolish, ignorant controversies; you know that they breed quarrels.”
Group 16 – What Does The Bible Say About Self Control?
James 3:18 – “And a harvest of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace.”
Deuteronomy 28:1-68 – “And if you faithfully obey the voice of the Lord your God, being careful to do all his commandments that I command you today, the Lord your God will set you high above all the nations of the earth. And all these blessings shall come upon you and overtake you, if you obey the voice of the Lord your God. Blessed shall you be in the city, and blessed shall you be in the field, Blessed shall be the fruit of your womb and the fruit of your ground and the fruit of your cattle, the increase of your herds and the young of your flock. Blessed shall be your basket and your kneading bowl. …”
1 Samuel 24:1-7 – “When Saul returned from following the Philistines, he was told, “Behold, David is in the wilderness of Engedi.” Then Saul took three thousand chosen men out of all Israel and went to seek David and his men in front of the Wildgoats’ Rocks. And he came to the sheepfolds by the way, where there was a cave, and Saul went in to relieve himself. Now David and his men were sitting in the innermost parts of the cave. And the men of David said to him, “Here is the day of which the Lord said to you, ‘Behold, I will give your enemy into your hand, and you shall do to him as it shall seem good to you.’” Then David arose and stealthily cut off a corner of Saul’s robe. And afterward David’s heart struck him, because he had cut off a corner of Saul’s robe. …”
Group 17 – What Does The Bible Say About Self Control?
Matthew 26:52-54 – Then Jesus said to him, “Put your sword back into its place. For all who take the sword will perish by the sword. Do you think that I cannot appeal to my Father, and he will at once send me more than twelve legions of angels? But how then should the Scriptures be fulfilled, that it must be so?”
Daniel 1:6-8 – “Among these were Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah of the tribe of Judah. And the chief of the eunuchs gave them names: Daniel he called Belteshazzar, Hananiah he called Shadrach, Mishael he called Meshach, and Azariah he called Abednego. But Daniel resolved that he would not defile himself with the king’s food, or with the wine that he drank. Therefore he asked the chief of the eunuchs to allow him not to defile himself.”
Matthew 6:1-34 – “Beware of practicing your righteousness before other people in order to be seen by them, for then you will have no reward from your Father who is in heaven. “Thus, when you give to the needy, sound no trumpet before you, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may be praised by others. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward. But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your giving may be in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you. “And when you pray, you must not be like the hypocrites. For they love to stand and pray in the synagogues and at the street corners, that they may be seen by others. …”
Group 18 – What Does The Bible Say About Self Control?
1 Timothy 3:2 – “Therefore an overseer must be above reproach, the husband of one wife, sober-minded, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach,”
Romans 6:16 – “Do you not know that if you present yourselves to anyone as obedient slaves, you are slaves of the one whom you obey, either of sin, which leads to death, or of obedience, which leads to righteousness?”
Daniel 3:17 – “If this be so, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and he will deliver us out of your hand, O king.”
Nahum 3:1-4 – “Woe to the bloody city, all full of lies and plunder— no end to the prey! The crack of the whip, and rumble of the wheel, galloping horse and bounding chariot! Horsemen charging, flashing sword and glittering spear, hosts of slain, heaps of corpses, dead bodies without end— they stumble over the bodies! And all for the countless whorings of the prostitute, graceful and of deadly charms, who betrays nations with her whorings, and peoples with her charms.”
