September 1998 - Self-Control
Special Focus: Self-Control
Mark Roberts
"The things that will destroy America are prosperity at any price, peace at any price, safety first instead of duty first, the love of soft living, and the get rich theory of life."
Theodore Roosevelt
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Developing Self-Control
Mark RobertsImagine this: Ed McMahon arrives at a fellow's doorstep with the fabled Sweepstakes check. Ed announces "Sir, you are our winner. But we are offering you a choice. You can have this check for $10 million or you can receive self-control. Which do you want?" If the man takes the money we might expect to find that in a few years most of that money is gone, and that the man's life has changed in many ways, not all for the better. But if he selected self control we might find something completely different. He would say "People thought I was crazy to turn down the money. But with self-control I was able to finally finish my college education and now have a better job to provide for my family. I stopped raging at my wife and kids and saved my marriage. I don't drink any more, and for the first time ever, I've found contentment in serving Christ Jesus. Others respect me, I have my own self-respect, and the Lord can use me. Without any doubt, self-control was worth much more than money!" Think about it: there is value in being able to control yourself, isn't there? We work diligently for money. Will you do the same kind of work to develop self control? more...
Self-Control With Money
Rusty MillerSelf-control is something which affects all aspects of our lives as Christians. Paul thought it so important that he included it in his list of fruits of the Spirit (Gal. 5:23), and Peter considered it one of the building blocks of Christianity (2 Pet. 1:6). Our Savior taught of its necessity for all who would be His followers, saying, "If anyone wishes to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me" (Lk. 9:23). more...
Self-Control With Food
Jeff LankfordWhile checking the oil in my car last week, I noticed the dipstick had these words in large letters stamped on it: do not overfill. A machine that will not operate without oil will also malfunction if given too much oil. Hmm, interesting idea! The God who created us fashioned our bodies as finely engineered machines fueled by eat and drink. The father knows we have need of these things (Matthew 6:31-32) and we should receive them with thanksgiving (I Timothy 4:3-4). However, as with other desires and needs of the body, the engineer has placed some limitations for the benefit of the machine. Moderation in our eating and drinking insists that we be careful that we do not overfill. more...
Self Control With Recreation
Rusty Miller"Bodily discipline is only of little profit, but godliness is profitable for all things, since it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come" (1 Tim. 4:8). more...
Self Control Sexual Desires
Allen DvorakAmericans have generally been scandalized by the sexual escapades of the President of our country. It has become increasingly clear to even the most casual observer that the leader of our country has not controlled his sexual desires. However, this lack of self-control is not a new problem. Some of God's most impressive servants have stumbled in this area. The Scriptures stir our imagination with the stories of Samson's exploits against the Philistines and yet Samson was unsuccessful at times in controlling his sexual desires (Judges 13-16). His visit to a prostitute at Gaza is a shameful chapter in his life. He fell to the Philistines, not in battle, but by the perfidy of a woman in an immoral relationship. I believe that pride was a fundamental reason for Samson's demise, but certainly uncontrolled sexual passions also played a part. more...
Self Control With Time
Pat FarishSelf-control is fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5) and also an important addition to faith to make one productive, prioritized and poised (2 Peter 1:5-11) Self-control must be found in all areas of our lives; Paul wrote in 1 Corinthians 9:25, "And every man that striveth in the games exerciseth self-control in all things". We will have to give account of our self-control in our expenditure of time, surely one of our most precious gifts. more...
The Preacher's Pen
Mark RobertsThis is a fine issue of Abundant Life and I must tell you that I am quite pleased with it. Our writers have addressed a desperate need for Christians today and their work is sure to help disciples please their Master by denying self and following Him (Luke 9:23). more...