Self Control
self control seems unfasinable in our self focused society
Our obsession with freedom has led to an evolution of freedom.
self control - ability to say no to the wrong things
self discipline - ability to say yes to the right things
Culture has evolved into a culture of autonomy instead of a culture of authority.
Self control is critical to experiencing true freedom
We become defined by our hedonistic desires without the walls of self control to protect us.
so what do we do? mind over matter? grit our teeth and choose not to bad things?
- you may say no, but your heart will still be saying yes
- if you are good at this, it will fuel your pride
- if you are bad at it, you will lead a life of duplicity
self control is a fruit of the spirit. it is the result of my life being rooted in something more profound.
- it is the result of being free
1 Corinthians 9
- a runner wants the prize more than anything
self control is the fruit of a love reordered by the gospel
our biggest problem is disordered love
- sometimes our desires compete with each other
- the supreme desire wins
- a runner gets up to run because they love the prize more
- there is a passion that supersedes all other passions
we cease to be slaves of one appetite only because it has been brought into subordination by another appetite
the secret to spirit-led self control is not "mind over matter", it is loving supreme things supremely
identity - the gospel of Jesus retrains my will by reminding me of who I am in christ
- I am who he says I am
purpose - flows from my identity.
- when I know who I am, I'll know what I have to do