Apply your diligence in your faith to develop… self-control… – 2 Peter 1:6
Coach Peter has taught us a few things – strive to always do the right thing and be wise. Now Peter wants to teach us self-control.
Coach Peter makes it seem like a breeze, but it’s quite challenging. Sometimes I wonder if in those times they also had so many temptations waiting for them on the front porch. These days, it’s so easy to click on an interesting link, throw a finger at the driver, or mumble an ugly word to your parents.
Like any good coach, Peter knows what he’s talking about when he says we shouldn’t let sin take over our lives. He encourages us to put all his lessons together so that we can live a life that pleases God.
We get tested daily whether we have self-control. In small things and big things. We are human. Our nature is to sin and fall for the lies Satan whispers in our ears. Fortunately, we know for sure that we don’t have to fight him alone. On the contrary! God has already conquered Satan in every area that exists. Pornography. Lies. Gossip. Mistrust. Ugly thoughts.
Relying solely on willpower can be challenging for self-control. It’s too hard and sin is sometimes just too good. Sin may bring temporary pleasure, but it also brings death (Romans 6:23). Without self-control, we easily sin. Therefore, with every choice we make, we must apply self-control.
The Holy Spirit lives in us; without Him, we cannot apply self-control. Only in the Spirit can we be certain that the right things will be done.
Do What The Coach Says: Stay In Control!
Prayer: Heavenly Father, it’s so hard to say no to certain things. Holy Spirit, abide with me against the wrong things, for I cannot do them in my own flesh. Amen.
Challenge: Write down the things where you know you usually lose self-control. Confess to God that these areas are difficult for you and pray His name over every area and that it will be broken. When you surrender the battlefield to God, He will be able to overcome it.
