March 6, 2025

THE VIRTUE OF SELF CONTROL (PART 4)

Apst. Emmanuel Osezele

KEY TEXT: HEBREWS 12:11 KJV: “Now no chastening for the present seemeth to be joyous, but grievous: nevertheless afterward it yieldeth the peaceable fruit of righteousness unto them which are exercised thereby."

OVERCOMING FEAR AND ANXIETY:

Self-control helps us overcome fear and anxiety by placing our trust in God rather than succumbing to worry. Through prayer and reliance on His promises, we can find peace and remain composed. "For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind" (2 TIMOTHY 1:7).

SELF-CONTROL IN RELATIONSHIPS:

In relationships, self-control allows us to be patient, kind, and forgiving. It helps us avoid unnecessary conflicts and promotes unity and love among believers. "And above all these things put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness" (COLOSSIANS 3:14).

THE REWARD OF SELF-CONTROL:

Finally, self-control leads to spiritual maturity and eternal rewards. By practicing discipline and living according to God’s Word, we demonstrate our commitment to Him and prepare for the crown of life. "And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible" (1 CORINTHIANS 9:25).

PRAYER:

I receive the grace to always keep under my body, and bring it into subjection, so that I will not end my heavenly journey as a worker of iniquity, but gain my crown of life in Jesus Christ's mighty name. Amen.

REFLECTION:

1 CORINTHIANS 9:27 - "But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway."