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Self-control - Meaning of the term

The Greek word is ἐγκρατείᾳ (enkrateia) which means "continence, temperance, self-mastery". The English dictionary definition is: "control of oneself, or of one's own emotions, desires, actions, etc." (Webster). Vine comments, "The various powers bestowed by God upon man are capable of abuse; the right use demands the controlling power of the will under the operation of the Spirit of God." The caption from the 1995 Pirelli advertisement featuring sprinter Carl Lewis in stiletto heels says, "Power is nothing without control."

Self-control - Fruit of the Spirit

Self-control is one of the nine aspects of the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22). Therefore, it is not a matter of self-will, autogenic training or various mental tricks (Colossians 2:20-23). God alone can give us the power to control ourselves - so self-control grows with the knowledge of Him (1 Peter 4:1-5).

Self-control - The discipline of the athlete

Self-control is not an end in itself, but rather serves, like athletic training, to prepare us for life's challenges (1 Corinthians 9:24-27). Self-control is a requirement for church elders (Titus 1:8). One of the most important aspects of self-control is not letting anger run wild (Proverbs 14:29; 19:11; 25:15). The absence of self-control is like a city lacking defenses (Proverbs 25:28), but with self-control we can overcome many obstacles (Proverbs 16:32).

Self-control - Keeping the tongue at bay

One of the key aspects of self-control is the use of language (James 3:1-12). Moderate words are the fruit of a calm spirit (Proverbs 17:27,28). We must not only steer clear of certain words and subjects (Ephesians 5:3,4) but also learn to use language in a positive manner (Ephesians 4:29). It is important to refrain from boasting and to allow others to make their own opinions about us based on the facts (2 Corinthians 12:1-6). We must also avoid idle criticism of people we may not even know (Romans 14:4).

Self-control - The response to God’s requirements

Paul talked to Felix about righteousness, self-control, and the judgment to come (Acts 24:24,25). The right response to God's requirement for righteousness is self-control (Titus 2:11-13). One aspect of the spirit of our time is a lack of self-control (2 Timothy 3:1-5), but believers must choose to let God control their lives.

Biblical examples of self-control

Samson - the man without restraint

Even though the law prohibited it, he chose to marry a Philistine woman (Judges 14:1-3) and succumbed to the bride's false tears (Judges 14:17). He went to see a prostitute in Gaza, putting his life in jeopardy (Judges 16:1-3). He didn't take his consecration as a Nazirite seriously and ended up losing both his strength and freedom (Judges 16:16-21). Samson's lack of self-control made him a negative example.

Joseph - the man who knew how to resist and escape

He did not yield to the request from his master’s wife to come to bed with her because he feared God (Genesis 39:7-10). When he found himself in a difficult position, he was able to escape temptation (Genesis 39:11,12). He didn't take revenge on his brothers when he saw them again after many years, but instead took care of them (Genesis 45:4-15).