A TREATISE ON SELF-CONTROL

A TREATISE ON SELF-CONTROL

WHAT IS SELF CONTROL?

Self-Control, ability to manage one's own actions, desires, or emotions; it is also the ability to behave calmly and sensibly even when you feel very excited, angry. Self-control or “temperance” can be simply defined as the mastery of oneself, the capacity of individuals to so restrain their own emotions, desires, and impulses that they can serve others. In Galatians 5:23, "self-control" (temperance, KJV) is the translation of the Greek word enkrateia, which means "possessing power, strong, having mastery or possession of, continent, self-controlled" (Kenneth S. Wuest, Word Studies in the Greek New Testament, "Galatians," p. 160). Vincent's Word Studies of the New Testament adds that it means "holding in hand the passions and desires" (vol. IV, p. 168). The word thus refers to the mastery of one's desires and impulses, and does not in itself refer to the control of any specific desire or impulse. If a particular desire or impulse is meant, the context will indicate it. Self-control is comprehensive in practical application to life, but the Bible does not use the word extensively. It is implied, however, in many exhortations to obedience, submission and sinless living. The noun form is used only three times, the verb form twice (I Corinthians 7:9; 9:25) and the adjective form once (Titus 1:8). The negative form of the adjective is used three times. In II Timothy 3:3, it is translated "without self-control [incontinent, KJV]"; in Matthew 23:25, "self-indulgent [excess, KJV]"; and in I Corinthians 7:5, "lack of self-control [incontinency, KJV]."

Another Greek word, nephalios, has the same general meaning, but it generally covers a more specific area of self-control. It is often translated as "temperate" or "sober." Even though its root condemns self-indulgence in all forms, the Bible's writers use it to refer to avoiding drunkenness. Despite self-control's obvious importance, we should not limit our understanding of these words to merely the stringent discipline of the individual's passions and appetites. These words also include the notions of having good sense, sober wisdom, moderation and soundness of mind as contrasted to insanity. e see a good example of self-control implied in Proverbs 25:28: "Whoever has no rule over his own spirit is like a city broken down, without walls." No specific Hebrew word in this sentence means "self-control," but "rule" certainly implies it. In its comments on this verse, the Interpreter's Dictionary of the Bible states:

The picture is that of a city whose walls have been so nearly destroyed as to be without defense against an enemy; so is the man who has no restraint over his spirit, the source of man's passionate energies. He has no defense against anger, lust, and the other unbridled emotions that destroy the personality. (vol. 4, p. 267)

Proverbs 16:32 shows a more positive side of self-control: "He who is slow to anger is better than the mighty, and he who rules his spirit than he who takes a city." Here Solomon uses an entirely different word for "rule," but the sense of self-control remains. A comparison of the two proverbs reveals the great importance of self-control as both an offensive and defensive attribute.[1]

GOD, THE HOLY SPIRIT AND SELF CONTROL

II Timothy 1:6-7 makes a significant statement about the importance of self-control:

Therefore I remind you to stir up the gift of God which is in you through the laying on of my hands. For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.

According to Strong's Concordance, the final word of verse 7, (that is “sound mind”), is a noun meaning "discipline" or "self-control." Most modern translations render it as "self-control," but "sensible," "sobriety," "self-discipline," "self-restraint," "wise discretion" and "sound judgment" are also used. God gives His Spirit to us to begin the spiritual creation that will bring us into His very image. Here, Paul ranks self-control right beside seemingly more "important" attributes of our Creator, such as courage, power and love. Remember, however, that the "fruit" of God's Spirit is written in the singular; it is one fruit, a balanced package needed to make a son of God whole. These verses tell us what kind of men God is creating. Men of courage, power, and love—and men who are self-governing, sensible, sober, restrained and disciplined in their manner of life. These qualities are products of God's Spirit in us. Paul adds more to this concept of self-control in Titus 2:11-14 (Moffatt):

For the grace of God has appeared to save all men, and it schools us to renounce irreligion and worldly passions and to live a life of self-mastery, of integrity, and of godliness in this present world, awaiting the blessed hope of the appearance of the Glory of the great God and of our Savior Christ Jesus, who gave Himself up for us to redeem us from all iniquity and secure Himself a clean people, with a zest for good deeds.

One reason God has given us grace is for us to express self-control. It is hard to imagine a Christian, preparing for the Kingdom of God, who does not strive for continual and resolute self-government, that is, one who allows his passions, tastes and desires unbridled freedom to express themselves. That is what the world does! When we witness such a demonstration, it gives strong evidence that the person is unconverted. Blind passion is not meant to be our guide. If men live guided by their animal passions, they will land in the ditch because "God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap" (Galatians 6:7).

Paul writes in Galatians 5:17, "For the flesh lusts against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; and these are contrary to one another, so that you do not do the things that you wish." Sometimes we seem to consist of a whole clamorous mob of desires, like week-old kittens, blind of eye with mouths wide open, mewing to be satisfied. It is as if two voices are in us, arguing, "You shall, you shall not. You ought, you ought not." Does not God want us to set a will above these appetites that cannot be bribed, a reason that cannot be deceived and a conscience that will be true to God and His standards? We must either control ourselves using the courage, power and love of God's Spirit, or we will fall to pieces.

Adam and Eve established the pattern for mankind in the Garden of Eden. All of us have followed it, and then, conscience-smitten, we rankle under feelings of weakness. They were tempted by the subtle persuasions of Satan and the appeals of their own appetites for forbidden fruit that looked so good. To this they succumbed, and they sinned, bringing upon themselves the death penalty and much more evil besides. What is the use of appealing to men who cannot govern themselves, whose very disease is that they cannot, whose conscience cries out often both before and after they have done wrong, "Who shall deliver me from this body of death?" It is useless to tell a king whose subjects have overthrown him to rule his kingdom. His kingdom is in full revolt, and he has no soldiers behind him. He is a monarch with no power.

A certain Bishop Butler said, "If conscience had power, as it has authority, it would govern the world." Authority without power is nothing but vanity. Conscience has the authority to guide or accuse, but what good is it if the will is so enfeebled that the passions and desires get the bit between their teeth, trample the conscience and gallop headlong to the inevitable collision with the ditch?

The solution to this lies in our relationship with Christ:

Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling; for it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure. (Philippians 2:12-13)

This is the only thing that will give us complete self-control, and it will not fail.

In Luke 11:13, Jesus makes this wonderful promise of strength to those who trust Him:

If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him!

Trust Jesus Christ, and ask Him to govern. Ask Him for more of God's Holy Spirit, and He will help you to control yourself. Remember, II Timothy 1:7 says this is a major reason that He gives us His Spirit. He will not fail in what He has promised because the request fits perfectly into God's purpose of creating sons in His image.

Self-control is an attribute of our Creator that Jesus exemplified in His life and that Paul strongly exhorts us to exercise in ours. If we are to be made in our Father's image, we will yield to God in this matter to glorify Him with our moderation in all things and rigid resistance to sin.

SELF CONTROL AS A NEED FOR RIGHT CHRISTIAN LIVING

Self-Control as the fruit of the Spirit is of great important in Christian life. For without self-control we would not be able to become good ambassadors of Christ. If we don’t have self-control we will die and be lost because of the folly, our lives might become just defenseless city with broken-down walls, we can easily fall prey to temptations, adultery, fornication, and sensualists, quarrels or drunkards which may result in losing the joy of our salvation which has been given to us through the precious sacrifice of our Lord and Saviour Christ Jesus.

Christians have to live sober and chaste lives. In the first and second chapters of the Epistle to Titus, the Apostle admonishes bishops, young women, and married folks to be chaste and pure. Self-Control as the fruit of the Spirit helps us to deny one’s own will and agendas and humbly accept the will, plan and direction of the Lord Almighty. Christ himself has given us the example of self-control by praying to God, “Not my will but thy will be done.” We have been blessed by the fruit of self-control because: we have been set free from the dominion of sin, we have the aid of God through His indwelling Spirit, we even have the assurance of forgiveness when we fall, knowing that as long as we are willing to repent and try again, there is help from God!
The fruit of the Spirit Self-Control helps us to; become patient, defeat the temptations that come our way, overcome the works of the flesh, help us grow as we should in Christ, bear the fruit of the Spirit, Look forward to the special blessings that will come to us at the return of Jesus Christ and achieve eternal life.
Saints all the Fruits of the Spirit are the distinct nature of God. God our Lord wants us to become just as He is loving, caring, compassionate, merciful, long-Suffering, forgiving, low, meek and considerate. Through the fruits of the Spirit Lord also teaches us to check on ourselves that whether we are following in his footsteps or not, that we are keeping ourselves in the love of God by keeping his commandments, that just as God our Lord has worked with us with compassion, love and mercy are we doing the same with the fellow brothers and sisters in Christ Jesus or not, that are we the healthy tree that produces good fruit of which Christ has spoken in Matthew 7- For if we are unable to glorify the Lord our God through the fruit of the Spirits then it will just be the matter of time that He will cut down and throw the fruitless tree in the fire (Joshua - Ashish Macwan). Self-control is a discipline, but it cannot be imposed from an outside source. Self-control cannot be achieved by training rather self-control is a fruit of the Holy Spirit. The spiritual Christian has this quality, not as a result of will power or effort but as a result of the work of the Holy Spirit in his lives. Jesus exercised much self-control during his earthly life. A spirit-controlled Christian has self-control in all aspects of his/her life. He has self-control in his thoughts, words, deeds, emotions. He knows well how to handle his emotions and thoughts. He is an emotionally mature person.[2]

WHAT MOTIVATES SELF CONTROL

There must be a strong reason for enhancing our motivation to cultivate self control. "As His divine power has given to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him who called us by glory and virtue, by which have been given to us exceedingly great and precious promises, that through these you may be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust" (2 Peter 1:3-4). That is how St. Peter in his second epistle sums up the reason for developing self-control. The cause of corruption comes from within us because of our earthly desires. However, the cure from it lies in the love that we develop for God. We can then say that the biggest motivation to exercise self-control, which is not an easy task, is mainly love for God. If we really love God from all our heart, we will be ready to sacrifice all desires even the desire to live. An instance of sacrificing life for the love of God is what the martyrs did and are still doing following the example of St. Paul who professed "nor do I count my life dear to myself, so that I may finish my race with joy, and the ministry which I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God" (Acts 20:24).

The best analogy that well describes the marathon spiritual journey of a Christian is what St. Paul offers in 1 Corinthians 9, comparing a believer to an athlete who in his desire to win a race sets before his eyes a clear goal and that is winning the race. To achieve that, he controls his food, sleep, and amount of exercises. While an athlete does it for a perishable crown, we as Christians have our spiritual goal for an imperishable crown. "Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may obtain it. And everyone who competes for the prize is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a perishable crown, but we for an imperishable crown" (1 Corinthians 9:24, 25). Self-Control is clearly a prerequisite for winning that imperishable crown lest we become disqualified.[3]

SELF CONTROL AS A FRUIT OF THE HOLY SPIRIT

There are twelve fruits of the Holy Spirit and self-control is a very integral aspect of this. The term “fruit” should not be confused with the term “Gifts”. The second term refers to those qualities that are bestowed on the child of God by virtue of his living and walking in the Holy Spirit. The second refers to the those qualities that necessary arise, the term “necessary”, should be emphasized, when one enters into deep rapport with the Holy Spirit. In communication with the Spirit, gifts are bestowed, still yet in communication with the Spirit, fruits are born. A self-controlled individual is one who lives and moves in the spirit, having the spirit as his/her one true standard of life.

HOW TO DEVELOP AND EXERCISE SELF-CONTROL

Submit to the Holy Spirit
In order to develop Self Control we have to find out about its source. Self Control is a fruit of the Holy Spirit. Therefore, obtaining the former entails submission to the latter. When I submit my flesh to the spirit and my spirit to the Spirit of God, I will have set my foot on the threshold of Self Control. Henceforth the Holy Spirit will have leadership over my life and His fruit and actions will become mine. That is why it is essential to let the Holy Spirit control every aspect of our lives in order that He may direct our minds and actions changing us and transforming us into the likeness of Christ. Double mindedness or half submission will only grieve the Holy Spirit and quench His work in us and will not lead to developing Self Control in us.

1. Develop the chain of virtues
   In the chain of the eight prerequisites mentioned in 2 Peter 1:5-7, Self Control falls predominantly at the center acting as a pivotal point for all the other Christian fundamentals which are placed in a strictly orderly, interdependent, interrelated manner. This is because our faith will not be manifested nor proved without virtue which in turn will require faith to stand before all challenges and adversities. To exercise virtue, we need knowledge and appreciation of Gods Word and His will in our lives. This knowledge is only attainable through the exercising and practicing of virtues. The most important of these virtues is self control over our senses, habits and desires. However, Self Control takes time and effort which is called perseverance. This perseverance however, should by no means be mere stoical endurance, but flowing from and supported by God Himself. Once God supports us, we will be in a position to achieve godliness. Having set our foot on the road of godliness, brotherly kindness will be a by product of it and an offspring of the Love of God which the Holy Spirit will have poured in our hearts "because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us" (Romans 5:5).

Thus the chain of requirements or Christian fundamentals has no end and no beginning; for it ends where it has seemingly started and starts where it has seemingly ended with no definite end nor definite beginning.

Faith Virtue Knowledge Self Control Perseverance Godliness Brotherly Kindness Love.

2. Acquire Spiritual Friendship
   Spiritual friendship has its roots in brotherly kindness. When we surround ourselves with friends who have spiritual maturity, they will become a source of support and enhancement for spiritual growth and maturity. Married couples can become spiritual friends to each other so that any time any of the two weakens or falls away, the other member will help restore his/her partner. Those who are not married can still have spiritual friends with whom they may hold prayer and fellowship meetings during which they pray, read the Holy Bible, and support each other emotionally and spiritually. St. Paul stresses the importance of spiritual friendship in Galatians 6 where he explains the importance of living by the spirit, crucifying the flesh, without self conceit, nor envy of one another. He stresses the importance of a support system; "Brethren, if a man is overtaken in any trespass, you who are spiritual restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness" (Galatians 6:1) not neglecting the importance of vigilance over oneself, "considering yourself lest you also be tempted" (Galatians 6:1).
3. Set a Clear Goal
   Any successful endeavor is unequivocally preceded by a clear goal. Our Lord Jesus Christ had a clear goal before Him which was our salvation. The clarity of the goal has facilitated the means (the Cross) and procured the joyful end result expressed in His Words of triumphant accomplishment: "It is finished" (John 19:30). Likewise, St. Paul had his goal clear before him: "For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain" (Philippians 1:21). Not wasting his time aimlessly, and eliminating any confusing factors, he declared, "Therefore I run thus: not with uncertainty. Thus I fight: not as one who beats the air" (1 Corinthians 9:26), until he could boldly and successfully say: "Finally, there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness" (2 Timothy 4:8).
4. Exercise Spiritual Practices
   "But I discipline my body and bring it into subjection, lest, when I have preached to others, I myself should become disqualified" (1 Corinthians 9:27). How has St. Paul set about doing that? By:
• Fasting is a very beneficial exercise and powerful tool for developing Self Control. Fasting is the ability to say NO to the desire for food. This ability will eventually develop Self Control and strengthen the will to say NO to sin. Our Lord instituted fasting by practicing it Himself. The need for fasting is equivalent to the need for Self Control. God does not benefit from our fasting, nor is it a law to fast. It is us who benefit from fasting. Fasting and prayer are those which the righteous pursued and they lived in the mountains, desert and holes in the ground because of their great love for the king (Fraction of the Holy Great Fast). Fasting should also be carried out in the proper way and not according to our convenience. When we fast according to our own rules, we are exhibiting lack of Self Control. Three important corners of fasting are:
  
  (a) Abstaining for some time (at least till noon or according to the spiritual fathers direction).
  (b) Controlling the quantity of food.
  (c) Controlling the quality of food
  
  Establishing these three cornerstones of fasting will definitely lead to discipline and to bringing the body to subjection which is, in essence the core of Self Control. Nobody is exempted from fasting except the very sick. In such cases, the church does give permission to those who cannot fast.
• Abstention from sexual pleasures: St. Paul urged married people not to indulge in their marital relations during the Church fasting in order that the couple may dedicate themselves to worship. However, St. Paul urges that abstention from marital relationship should be done under two conditions;
  (a) by agreement on both sides
  (b) for sometime
  
  The reason for these two conditions is to not allow Satan to tempt either side because of lack of Self Control. "Do not deprive one another except with consent for a time, that you may give yourselves to fasting and prayer; and come together again so that Satan does not tempt you because of your lack of self-control" (1 Corinthians 7:5).
• Prostration: which is an exercise of disciplining the body is also another spiritual exercise. Come let us kneel...is what we start the Prime Prayers with. Unfortunately prostration has gradually disappeared from our worship. Nonetheless bowing and kneeling to the ground is essential to practice lowliness and subjection to the Holy Spirit. Prostrating, either at the beginning of or in the midst of praying saying: God have mercy on me I am a sinner at least ten times (or according to the spiritual fathers direction) is a good practice. Some people erroneously think that prostration is harmful to the back. On the contrary, it will bring about a lot of blessings and fruit of Self Control.
• Body posture in prayer: Teach us how to stand before You at the time of praying and offer you the appropriate doxology is what we ask God when we are about to pray the Midnight Prayers. Standing upright in a respectful manner is required while praying. It shows reverence and respect to the One we are praying to "I desire therefore that the men pray everywhere, lifting up holy hands, without wrath and doubting" (1 Timothy 2:8).
• Serving others: "If anyone desires to be first, he shall be last of all and servant of all" (Mark 9:35). This is our Lords precept concerning true greatness. Serving others helps reduce our self conceit, love of praise, and selfishness. We never read in the Holy Bible about our Lord being served. He said, For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve (Mark 10:45). Whoever wants to be Christ-like has to follow His footsteps, imitate His lifestyle and adopt His mission. Whenever it becomes difficult we need to remind ourselves of the reality that "without Me you can do nothing" (John 15:5).

Thus is the importance and place of Self Control in the life of a Christian who has his a clear goal in life, wants to get to know and be liberated by the Truth and looks at this life as a journey that prepares for the everlasting life. Such a person will always seek to control his mind, thoughts and senses knowing that: "A man without self control is like a city broken into and left without walls" (Proverbs 25:28).[4]

CONCLUSION

Self control is nonetheless an important prerequisite in the life of man. It is already contained in man as a creature made in the image and likeness of God. But man possesses this thing to a small degree; it is only by virtue of the Holy Spirit that man is able to fully weld this power of the Holy Spirit. We cannot withstand the tide of temptation and sin with the limited degree or what I will call a “human degree”, of self control. It is only by the power of the Holy Spirit, in daily rapport with Christ, through prayer and the reading of the Word, that the fruit of self control is borne in man.

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[1] http://www.cgg.org/index.cfm/fuseaction/Library.sr/CT/PERSONAL/k/230/Fruit-Spirit-Self-Control.htm

[2] http://cristina327.hubpages.com/hub/Fruits-of-the-Holy-Spirit--Nine-Virtues-of-CHRIST

[3] http://suscopts.org/resources/literature/197/self-control-the-virtue-among-virtues/

[4] http://suscopts.org/resources/literature/197/self-control-the-virtue-among-virtues/