Self Control - Begin with Surrender - 07/04/2021
This week we begin a new section of focus as we seek spiritual maturity modeling after 2 Peter 1: 5-7:
5 For this very reason, make every effort to supplement your faith with virtue, and virtue with knowledge, 6 and knowledge with self-control, and self-control with steadfastness, and steadfastness with godliness, 7 and godliness with brotherly affection, and brotherly affection with love.
For the next several weeks we will talk about self-control and how it impacts our journey toward spiritual maturity.
Self control can be defined as restraint exercised over one's own impulses, emotions and desires.
The key is that self control is exercised. It is active. Another thing to keep in mind is that this is not a condemnation of impulses, emotions and desires. This is a reminder to keep these in check with the knowledge and virtues of faith. Because we live in a sinful world and are subject to a sinful nature, our impulses, emotions and desires may not always seek to glorify God. Self control calls on an examination and surrender of the heart to God.
The first step to self control is surrender. This does not mean giving up all sorts of physical things. Although that could be the case with some things. It is more of a matter of returning to God that which is His.
When we sin, we give power and ownership of our heart over to a sinful nature. It is not our ownership to give, our heart was created by God and belongs to Him. When we try to hold on to our heart as our own, we are enslaved by this and unable to proclaim victory in Jesus Christ.
Surrender is acknowledging that we need Jesus. It requires an active choice and as these choices are guided by the Holy Spirit, self control will supplement our faith.
Next time you come to worship or sit down to pray or read The Word, consider first surrendering to God with these simple steps.
1. Tell God that you are there to worship Him.
2. Ask Him what He is going to teach you and be willing to be changed by the power of His response.
He is with you. He will guide you. Surrender to Him and be set free.
Celebrate this freedom...Victory in Jesus... as you celebrate the birth of our nation this week.
Here is this week's sermon:
Surrender and be blessed,
Ashli Moore
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