Lesson 10 – CODE OF CONDUCT – Self-control

 

 

I.  KNIGHTHOOD REVIEW

 

A.  Vision for manhood – a man is someone who takes action (rejects passivity), accepts responsibility, leads courageously, and expects a greater reward – God’s reward

 

B.  Code of Conduct – how we act when nobody’s looking

 

C.  Lives for a higher cause – God’s glory

 

II.  CODE OF CONDUCT – Self-control - keeping myself from thinking and doing wrong

 

A.  Why is it important to have self-control?

i. Without it we are like a broken down city and vulnerable to attack from the enemy. “Whoever has no rule over his own spirit is like a city broken down, without walls.” Prov. 25:28

ii. We are tempted to say and do things that don’t bring glory to God.

iii. The Bible teaches that God can give strength to gain self-control over temptations.

B. Some ways of not having self-control

i. Our words - “Reckless words pierce like a sword, but the tongue of the wise brings healing. Prov. 12:18

ii. Our thoughts - “Set your mind on things above, not on things of the earth.” Col. 3:2

iii. Our use of time - “Your use of time: See then that you walk circumspectly, not as fools but as wise, redeeming time, because the days are evil.” Ep. 5:15-16

C. Because of our old sin nature we have inner conflict, but power through Christ to what is right

i. Apostle Paul, “I have the desire to do what is good, but I cannot carry it out. For what I do is not the good that I want to do; no, the evil I do not want to do – this I keep on doing” Rom. 7:18-19

III. APPLICATION

 

A. Self-control comes when we deliberately choose to follow God’s teachings and do what is right.

B. “the fruit of the Spirit is… self-control” Gal. 5:22-23

C. We must be transformed (changed) to have minds that desire what God desires. Rom. 12:2

D. Every time you choose what is good and right it is like strengthening your self-control muscle.

E. Are you ready to make some resolutions for your life?

F. Being self-controlled is really a matter of God-control!

 

SCRIPTURE VERSES TO REMEMBER AND APPLY:

 

“Whoever has no rule over his own spirit is like a city broken down, without walls.” Prov. 25:28

 

“the fruit of the Spirit is… self-control” Gal. 5:22-23