Topical Encyclopedia
Definition and ImportanceSelf-control, also known as temperance, is a virtue that involves the ability to regulate one's emotions, thoughts, and behaviors in the face of temptations and impulses. It is a critical aspect of Christian character and spiritual maturity, often associated with the fruit of the Spirit. Self-control is essential for living a life that is pleasing to God and is a mark of true discipleship.
Biblical ReferencesThe concept of self-control is woven throughout Scripture, emphasizing its importance in the life of a believer. In
Galatians 5:22-23, self-control is listed as one of the fruits of the Spirit: "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Against such things there is no law" . This passage highlights self-control as a divine attribute that believers are to cultivate through the Holy Spirit's work in their lives.
In
2 Peter 1:5-6, self-control is part of a progression of virtues that believers are encouraged to develop: "For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith virtue; and to virtue, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness" . This sequence underscores the interconnectedness of self-control with other aspects of Christian growth and maturity.
Examples and IllustrationsThe Bible provides numerous examples of self-control, both in its presence and absence. Joseph, in
Genesis 39, exemplifies self-control when he resists the advances of Potiphar's wife, choosing to honor God rather than succumb to temptation. His decision to flee from sin demonstrates the power of self-control in maintaining integrity and righteousness.
Conversely, the lack of self-control is evident in the life of Samson, whose impulsive actions and desires led to his downfall (Judges 16). His account serves as a cautionary tale about the consequences of failing to exercise self-discipline and restraint.
Theological SignificanceSelf-control is not merely a human effort but is deeply rooted in the transformative work of the Holy Spirit. It is a reflection of God's character, as seen in His patience and restraint. Believers are called to emulate this divine attribute, recognizing that self-control is both a gift and a responsibility.
The Apostle Paul, in
1 Corinthians 9:25-27, uses the metaphor of an athlete to describe the discipline required in the Christian life: "Everyone who competes in the games trains with strict discipline. They do it for a crown that is perishable, but we do it for a crown that is imperishable. Therefore I do not run aimlessly; I do not fight like I am beating the air. No, I discipline my body and make it my slave, so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified" . This passage illustrates the rigorous nature of self-control and its necessity for spiritual victory.
Practical ApplicationIn practical terms, self-control involves setting boundaries, making wise choices, and relying on God's strength to overcome temptations. It requires vigilance and intentionality in areas such as speech, thoughts, and actions. Believers are encouraged to seek God's wisdom and strength in cultivating self-control, recognizing that it is essential for personal holiness and effective witness.
Self-control is also vital in relationships, as it fosters patience, understanding, and forgiveness. By exercising self-control, believers can reflect Christ's love and grace to others, promoting harmony and unity within the body of Christ.
ConclusionWhile self-control is a challenging virtue to develop, it is an integral part of the Christian life. Through the power of the Holy Spirit, believers can grow in self-control, becoming more like Christ and bringing glory to God in all they do.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
(
n.) Control of one's self; restraint exercised over one's self; self-command.
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia
SELF-CONTROLself-kon-trol' (egkrateia): Rendered in the King James Version "temperance" (compare Latin temperario and continentia), but more accurately "self-control," as in the Revised Version (British and American) (Acts 24:25Galatians 5:232 Peter 1:6); adjective of same, egkrates, "self-controlled" (Titus 1:8 the Revised Version (British and American)); compare verb forms in1 Corinthians 7:9, "have.... continency"; 9:25, the athlete "exerciseth self-control." Self-control is therefore repeatedly set forth in the New Testament as among the important Christian virtues.
Greek
1466. egkrateia -- mastery,self-control... mastery,
self-
control. Part of Speech: Noun, Feminine Transliteration: egkrateia
Phonetic Spelling: (eng-krat'-i-ah) Short Definition: self-mastery,
self...1467. egkrateuomai -- to exerciseself-control
... to exerciseself-control. Part of Speech: Verb Transliteration: egkrateuomai Phonetic
Spelling: (eng-krat-yoo'-om-ahee) Short Definition: I exerciseself...
4995. sophronismos --self-control
...self-control. Part of Speech: Noun, Masculine Transliteration: sophronismos Phonetic
Spelling: (so-fron-is-mos') Short Definition:self-control, self-discipline...
4997. sophrosune -- soundness of mind,self-control
... soundness of mind,self-control. Part of Speech: Noun, Feminine Transliteration:
sophrosune Phonetic Spelling: (so-fros-oo'-nay) Short Definition: sanity...
193. akrates -- powerless, impotent
... powerless, impotent. Part of Speech: Adjective Transliteration: akrates Phonetic
Spelling: (ak-rat'-ace) Short Definition: lackingself-control, inclined to...
192. akrasia -- want of power
... and 2904 , "prevail") -- properly, without prevailing (taking dominion), ie the
inability to maintain control; (figuratively) withoutself-control and hence...
4993. sophroneo -- to be of sound mind, ie to be temperate
... Part of Speech: Verb Transliteration: sophroneo Phonetic Spelling: (so-fron-eh'-
o) Short Definition: I am sober-minded, exerciseself-control Definition: I am...
4102. pistis -- faith, faithfulness
... love, joy, peace,. patience, kindness, goodness, (4102), 23 gentleness,.
self-control; against such things there is no law.". 2 Thes 1...
857. apheidia -- unsparing treatment
... 857 -- (from 1 "not" and 5339 , "to spare") -- properly, severity, referring to
a " form ofself-control" based on an ascetic, unsparing attitude" (, 1, 88.90...
Library
Self-Control.
... THE VALUE OF A PRAYING MOTHER CHAPTER IX.SELF-CONTROL.... She felt that the time was
opportune to plant the seed ofself-control within the young heart....
Self-Control. October 28.
...Self-Control. October 28. Settle it in your minds, young people, that the
first and the last of all virtues and graces which God...
Self-Control. April 13.
...Self-control. April 13. A well-educated moral sense, a well-educated
character, saves from idleness and ennui, alternating with...
Letter ii.Self-Control and Self-Culture.
... LETTER II.SELF-CONTROL AND SELF-CULTURE. My Dear Daughter:"One great... or
useful lives. It is the lesson ofself-control. Parents and...
An Unwalled City
... The need for continual vigilance andself-control comes from the very make of
our souls, for our nature is not a democracy, but a kingdom....
The Acquirement of Spiritual Power
... Dispassion argues superiorself-control; sublime patience is the very hall-mark
of divine knowledge, and to retain an unbroken calm amid all the duties and...
The "Gates of Hades" and the "Gates of Zion" Contrasted.
... gates of Zion may be conceived as opposed to the gates of death, so that there is
one gate of death, dissoluteness, but a gate of Zion,self-control; and so a...
The Fifth Word from the Cross
... Afterwards also, in spite of the ever-increasing pain, He preserved absolute
self-control.... Hisself-control was not proud or sullen....
Christian Asceticism
... we have 'the same mind' as the suffering Christ, we shall put on the armour for
war to the knife with these in society, and for the rigidself-control of our...
James iii. 1, 2
... He shows how hard it is, to observe the just measure, to exercise the proper
self-control, in the use of speech; what injury may proceed from a single word...
Thesaurus
Selfcontrol... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia
SELF-
CONTROL. self-kon-trol' (egkrateia):
Rendered in the King James Version "temperance" (compare
...Self-control (14 Occurrences)
Self-control.Selfcontrol,Self-control. Self-controlled . Noah Webster's
Dictionary...Selfcontrol,Self-control. Self-controlled . Reference Bible.
Godliness (16 Occurrences)
... 2 Peter 1:6 and in knowledge,self-control; and inself-control patience; and
in patience godliness; (WEB KJV ASV DBY WBS NAS RSV NIV)....
Endurance (31 Occurrences)
... is. (WEY DBY YLT NAS). 2 Peter 1:6 along with knowledge,self-control; along
withself-control, power of endurance; (WEY DBY YLT). 2...
Maintain (50 Occurrences)
... Maintain (50 Occurrences). Acts 19:36 These facts, then, being unquestioned, it
becomes you to maintain yourself-control and not act recklessly. (WEY)....
Steadfastness (15 Occurrences)
... mercy. (See RSV). 2 Peter 1:6 and in knowledge,self-control; and in
self-control patience; and in patience godliness; (See RSV). 2...
Passion (82 Occurrences)
... word a slight sexual reference, but this must not be overstressed; the warning probably
includes any violent over-emotion that robs a man of hisself-control....
Control (88 Occurrences)
... (See NIV). 1 Corinthians 7:9 But if they don't haveself-control, let them
marry.... (WEY). Galatians 5:23 gentleness, andself-control....
Exercise (35 Occurrences)
... duties. (WEY). 1 Corinthians 7:9 But if they don't haveself-control, let them
marry. For it's better to marry than to burn. (See RSV)....
Sermon (1 Occurrence)
... in lands and houses, in social position, in intellectual attainments, but in the
wealth of the inner life, in moral strength, inself-control, in spiritual...
Resources
The Fruit of the Holy Spirit What is self-control? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does the Bible say about self-discipline? | GotQuestions.orgHow can I control sinful impulses? | GotQuestions.orgBible Concordance •
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