Self-Control (1 Corinthians 9:24-27)
Paul in the passage for this lesson gives us an important topic for the day and age that we live in. The subject of temperance and controlling one’s self is needed in all walks of life, but it is especially important when it comes to serving God. Here we will glean some helps thoughts for learning to control our selves.
Two Important verses for self-control:
There are two verse found in the book of Proverbs that speak of having rule over our spirit. This is directly connected with self-control. Let us note these verses.
Proverbs 16:32 “He that is slow to anger is better than the mighty; and he that ruleth his spirit than he that taketh a city.”
Proverbs 25:28 “He that hath no rule over his own spirit is like a city that is broken down, and without walls.”
In these verses we see the contrast of one that rules his spirit and one that does not rule his spirit. Which one do you think is better based on these verses?
Questions we must ask ourselves:
When it comes to the subject of self-control we must ask ourselves some basic questions and answer them honestly in order to see how we are doing when it comes to controlling one’s self.
1) How often do I say things that should not be said or speak out of anger and then regret what I have said?
2) How often do I do things that I know I should do but do not want to do, without being forced?
3) How often do I tell myself no regarding sin that no one will know about?
What did Paul say about self–control?
1) Reason for self-control (verse 25)
- We must remember that we are striving for the mastery, we are not living for ourselves but for the Lord.
2) Training for self-control (verse 26-27)
- Self-control does not come naturally we must train ourselves which takes discipline.
- Note that being a castaway was Paul’s fear, lack of self-control can cause us to be a castaway.
3) Purpose of self-control (verse 24)
- The goal is to gain the prize, which is why we run.
Self-Control (1 Corinthians 9:24-27)
Handout
1) What are two verse from Proverbs that show us self-control?
2) What are three question that we can ask ourselves in order to gauge our self-control?
3) What can we learn from the passage regarding self-control?