Self-Control

I wrote a previous study about Hannah that included a point that Hannah did not respond to her rival in anger when she was being provoked.  Controlling one’s anger is a big part of self-control, the only point that I’d ever really paid attention to. However, the Bible doesn’t only make the connection between anger control and self-control, but it also makes the reference in general.

Proverbs 16:32 (AMP)

He who is slow to anger is better and more honorable than the mighty [soldier],
And he who rules and controls his own spirit, than he who captures a city.

Mastering oneself is an idea that is given in multiple religions.  The first quote that comes to mind is from Buddhist scripture that says pretty much the same thing as the above verse.  It’s a truth that permeates schools of thought and ways of life that have been around for hundreds of years. Specifically, Solomon and David both write about self-control in several locations stating that self-control is better than losing control.  In other Biblical scriptures, self-control in all things is shown as something needed for us to participate in the struggle of life.

1 Corinthians 9:25

25 Now every athlete who [goes into training and] competes in the games is disciplined and exercises self-control in all things. They do it to win a [a]crown that withers, but we [do it to receive] an imperishable [crown that cannot wither]. 26 Therefore I do not run without a definite goal; I do not flail around like one beating the air [just shadow boxing]. 27 But [like a boxer] I strictly discipline my body and make it my slave, so that, after I have preached [the gospel] to others, I myself will not somehow be disqualified [as unfit for service].

I like the comparison between our race for eternal life and a physical race for which the athlete trains vigorously.  As do boxers as mentioned. Paul takes it a bit farther by stating that he disciplines his body to make it his slave. In other translations, the verse said that he “beats” his body.  It is a good example to follow. Not necessarily because we need to hurt ourselves, but we do have to be determined to control ourselves in all things.  

2 Peter 1:5-7

5 For this very reason, applying your diligence [to the divine promises, make every effort] in [exercising] your faith to, [a]develop moral excellence, and in moral excellence, knowledge (insight, understanding), 6 and in your knowledge, self-control, and in your self-control, steadfastness, and in your steadfastness, godliness, 7 and in your godliness, brotherly affection, and in your brotherly affection, [develop Christian] love [that is, learn to unselfishly seek the best for others and to do things for their benefit].

In this passage, we see self-control listed as a type of a step to acquire love.  It is in a list of qualities to strive for “applying diligence,” making every effort to reach these milestones of Christianity.  Being one of these qualities, I see that self-control leads to steadfastness. Other translations, like the NASB uses the word “perseverance” as the follow on to self-control.  This suggests that learning self-control gives us the ability to persevere through trials and temptations. In Ephesians, there is instruction to put on our spiritual armor to stay in Christ.

Ephesians 6:10-17

10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might. 11 Put on the full armor of God, so that you will be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil. 12 For our struggle is not against [a]flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places. 13 Therefore, take up the full armor of God, so that you will be able to resist in the evil day, and having done everything, to stand firm. 14 Stand firm therefore, having girded your loins with truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, 15 and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; 16 [b]in addition to all, taking up the shield of faith with which you will be able to extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. 17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.

There is mention of a spiritual battle for our souls.  This passage is encouragement to stand firm against the “forces of wickedness” by taking up the armor of God which includes faith, truth, the gospel, and righteousness.  These are all things that we need to have inside of us to help us remain self-controlled and standing firm against the attacks of the Devil. There is another list in the Bible that I think pertains to the idea of controlling oneself.

Philippians 4:8-9

8 Finally, [a]believers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable and worthy of respect, whatever is right and confirmed by God’s word, whatever is pure and wholesome, whatever is lovely and brings peace, whatever is admirable and of good repute; if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think continually on these things [center your mind on them, and implant them in your heart]. 9 The things which you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, practice these things [in daily life], and the God [who is the source] of peace and well-being will be with you.

We are to focus and whatever is good and holy.  We are to think on things that bring peace or that are worthy of praise.  In this manner, we can keep our minds under control and “take captive every thought” as stated in 2 Corinthians 10:5.  In the Amplified translation, it says “taking every thought and purpose captive to the obedience of Christ” telling us that our thoughts are to be captive to Christ and his purposes.  Focusing on things that are good is essential to completing this task. God helps us attain this kind of self-control.

2 Timothy 1:7(AMP)

7 For God did not give us a spirit of timidity or cowardice or fear, but [He has given us a spirit] of power and of love and of sound judgment and personal discipline [abilities that result in a calm, well-balanced mind and self-control].

In this translation, “personal discipline” is defined as things that produce calm, a balanced mind, and self-control.  God gave us a spirit that will allow us or assist us in living a self-controlled life in Christ.  

Galations 5:22-23

22 But the fruit of the Spirit [the result of His presence within us] is love [unselfish concern for others], joy, [inner] peace, patience [not the ability to wait, but how we act while waiting], kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, self-control. Against such things there is no law.

The result of the presence of the Holy Spirit is self-control among other things.  The act of baptism and receiving the spirit God gives us will award us the self-control that comes with it.  We will fall and falter, but the Spirit will help us to regain our footing and continue producing the fruit.

God requires us to be self-controlled in all things.  However, he gives us the ability and the support to have that kind of control through the same spirit that intercedes for us when we do fall short.