Self-Control

In reading about the lives of great people, the first thing you find is that the first victory that won was over themselves.

A reporter once asked the great evangelist, D.L. Moody, which people give him the most trouble. He answered immediately, “I’ve had more trouble with D.L. Moody than any man alive.”

A classic Jack Paar line: “Looking back, my life seems to be one long obstacle course, with me as the chief obstacle.”

Sign in an office: “If you could kick the person responsible for most of your troubles, you wouldn’t be able to sit down for a week.”

The Greek word for self-control comes from a root word meaning “to grip” or “to take hold of.” This word describes people who are willing to get a grip on their lives and take control of areas that will bring them success or failure.

“A man without self-control is as defenseless as a city with broken-down walls.” (Proverbs 25:28)

Anything uncontrolled can harm your relationships:
*Uncontrolled anger – Proverbs 29:11
*Uncontrolled lust – Proverbs 6:26
*Uncontrolled spending – Proverbs 21:20
*Uncontrolled drinking – Proverbs 23:29-35
*Uncontrolled ambition – Proverbs 23:4

My Time With God

Preparation Time
Abraham Lincoln said, “I will get ready and then perhaps my chance will come.” Too often, the disciplines have not been developed and an opportunity is missed.

Begin spending your time with God by listing the areas in your life that are not developed:

Waiting Time
During your waiting time let God…

Love You.
“God, I feel your love today, especially in the area of…”

Search You.
“God, You have permission to reveal any undisciplined areas in my life.”

Show You.
“God, is there anything that I need to know as I enter this day?”

Confession Time
Right now, determine to take responsibility for the undisciplined areas of your life.
Begin to confess to God those areas where you lack self-control.

Bible Time
We can never pray out of God’s will when we pray God’s Word.

…Read Galatians 5:19-26 slowly a couple of times.
…Close your eyes & allow a main truth to surface in your heart.
…Pray the Scripture and allow God to minister to you.

Meditation Time
After praying the Scriptures, write down the thoughts that God has impressed upon your mind.

I would be true, for there are those who trust me;
I would be true, for there are those who care;
I would be strong, for there are those who suffer;
I would be brave, for there is much to dare;
I would be friend of all – the foe, the friendless;
I would be giving, and forget the gifts;
I would be humble, for I know my weakness;
I would look up, and laugh, and love, and lift.

Intercession Time – Praying for Others
Begin this time with a prayer of blessing and thanksgiving for the people for whom you will now intercede.
Name Request

Petition Time – Praying for Yourself

How to Petition God Properly
Talk to Him about the “little things”
Be honest with God
Pray “Thy Will be Done”

Prayer Requests

Application Time
The smallest obedient act is better than the greatest intention.

Q: What is the main thing that God has impressed on me today?

Q: What am I going to do about it?

A self-discipline strategy:
…List your 3 weakest areas
…Which one hurts you the most?
…Work on that area daily
…Have someone hold you accountable
…Chart your progress

All worthwhile people have good thoughts, good ideas, and good intentions, but precious few of them ever translate those into action.


Faith Time
Faith is our positive response to what God has said. Spend a few moments praying, through your eyes of faith. Tell God the positive things you see happening because of His goodness!

Praise & Thanksgiving Time

Praise God by recognizing WHO HE IS!

Thank God by recognizing WHAT HE HAS DONE!

This Week’s Memory Verse: (2 Peter 1:5-8)

This Week’s Time Alone With God

Monday – This Lesson

Tuesday – Friday
For the next 4 days, study and respond to…
John Wesley’s Four Questions:

1.) What known sins have you committed? If there is such, what do you plan to do about it?

2.) What temptations have you faced?

3.) How were you delivered from these temptations?

4.) What have you thought, said or done, of which you are uncertain whether it was sin or not?