The Self-Controlled Saint

2 Peter 1:5,6 (NKJV)
5But also for this very reason, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue, to virtue knowledge, 6 to knowledge self-control, to self-control perseverance, to perseverance godliness

Notice the succession. We start our relationship with Christ in faith. We need to display this faith in virtue and purity. The virtue that we show needs to be displayed in godly knowledge and wisdom in order for people to see the Christ in us. Peter now says that this knowledge needs self-control added to it. This is incredible for someone like Peter to be saying this. If there was anyone who jumped at opportunities impulsively, opened his mouth and stuck his foot in it or did the wrong thing without thinking, it was Peter. But, under the inspiration of the Spirit of God, he wrote this epistle. Who else would know more about self-control than someone who has had problems with it?

What is self-control? It is one of the aspects of the fruit of the Spirit. “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”, (Galatians 5:22-23, NKJV). The Greek word for “fruit” is a word that is used for the fruit of a tree or plant and it is also used for the result of work, actions or deeds. In each case we see that one small amount creates a much larger result later. One seed creates many, many more fruit later when the plant is mature. One action creates many results from that action later.

It is interesting that the ability of self-control is directly related to being Spirit controlled. The Spirit controlled life is only accomplished by using God’s direction book (His word) to implement such actions. It is also accomplished by spending time with Him. When we spend time with moral people the product tends to be goodness and morality. When we spend time with the wicked, the only product can and will be corruption. So, the more time we spend with the very God of heaven Himself in prayer, praise, supplication, listening to Him and enjoying Him in every way. It is then that we will become more and more like Him. The battle of self control is one of the most difficult battles of the Spirit controlled believer. The battle may be long, difficult or painful, but the result of godly fruit is always worth it.

We all have issues of self-control in which we are weak. Some of these areas of weakness are controlling our tongue, our money, our emotions, our time, our ability to say yes or no, our lusts, our choices and many other matters can have problems of control. Many aspects of self-control are own responsibility, like doing the right thing or not going to the place of temptation. But, some matters of self-control involve a extended amount of time and determined commitment to God, allowing Him to mold us and cleanse us of ingrained bad habits. What do we want in our walk with the Lord? Do want an average, unproductive faith or a committed walk of the shining beauty that shows that we have spent time with Christ.

Thoughts, comments, objections, prayer requests.



Daniel A. Smith