1 TIMOTHY 1 A SPIRIT OF POWER & SELF-CONTROL

May 12

1 TIMOTHY 1

 6 For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands, 7 for God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.8 Therefore do not be ashamed of the testimony about our Lord, nor of me his prisoner, but share in suffering for the gospel by the power of God, 9 who saved us and called us to a holy calling, not because of our works but because of his own purpose and grace, which he gave us in Christ Jesus before the ages began, 10 and which now has been manifested through the appearing of our Savior Christ Jesus, who abolished death and brought life and immortality to light through the gospel, 11 for which I was appointed a preacher and apostle and teacher, 12 which is why I suffer as I do. But I am not ashamed, for I know whom I have believed, and I am convinced that he is able to guard until that day what has been entrusted to me. 13 Follow the pattern of the sound words that you have heard from me, in the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus. 14 By the Holy Spirit who dwells within us, guard the good deposit entrusted to you. – 1 Timothy 1:6-14

1 TIMOTHY 1 A SPIRIT OF POWER & SELF-CONTROL

A poem by ILMA inspired by these verses

To be a child of God, one is given many gifts to exercise love

We may not see it or feel it, but it is a favor handed to us

Because we were all made in God’s image, we have his nature

He gave us a mind that is free from fear and full of adventure

He didn’t create us be oppressed but to be bold and have power

There is no need to listen to lies so that we can always have order

The gift of the Spirit was given for us to exercise our calling

It is not for our own benefits but to build up Christ’s body.

As we live in this corrupt world, we become automated to hear the lies of the accuser. We find ourselves doubting our own abilities and gifts that were given to us by God. Just a single painful experience can open doors for the enemy to crush us. In this letter of Paul to his spiritual son, Timothy, he stressed clearly the gifts of God given to every believer. In verse 6, he admonishes the church through Timothy to “fan into flames” the gift of God. He is referring to the Spiritual gift that we have received as soon as we believed in the Lord Jesus Christ. Paul discusses these gifts in detail in Galatians 5:23-24 as love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. 24 And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.

Are you using your spiritual gift to edify the body of Christ or are you hoarding them so you can use it for your own purpose? Some believers do not take this gift very seriously. Some do not even know their calling and the gifts they were supposed to hone. That is why some Christians struggle with depression and anxiety because they have been listening to the lies from the world system through their family of origin and the culture itself. As Christians, we are all called to freedom by using all the gifts given to us so we can glorify God and live self-controlled lives. We do not have to cave in to lies that make us fearful.

REFLECTION

  • Why do some Christians play victims instead of victors while living in this corrupt world?

 TITUS 3 DEVOTE & DISCIPLINE YOURSELVES TO DO GOOD

May 11

TITUS 3

Remind them to be submissive to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready for every good work, 2 to speak evil of no one, to avoid quarreling, to be gentle, and to show perfect courtesy toward all people. 3 For we ourselves were once foolish, disobedient, led astray, slaves to various passions and pleasures, passing our days in malice and envy, hated by others and hating one another. 4 But when the goodness and loving kindness of God our Savior appeared, 5 he saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit, 6 whom he poured out on us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior, 7 so that being justified by his grace we might become heirs according to the hope of eternal life. 8 The saying is trustworthy, and I want you to insist on these things, so that those who have believed in God may be careful to devote themselves to good works. These things are excellent and profitable for people. 9 But avoid foolish controversies, genealogies, dissensions, and quarrels about the law, for they are unprofitable and worthless. 10 As for a person who stirs up division, after warning him once and then twice, have nothing more to do with him, 11 knowing that such a person is warped and sinful; he is self-condemned.

                                                                                           – Titus 3:1-11

 TITUS 3 DEVOTE & DISCIPLINE YOURSELVES TO DO GOOD

A poem by ILMA inspired by these verses

As servants of the Lord, you are called to devote yourselves to do good

Make it a habit to be mindful by purposely having discipline to do so

When you dedicate a set time to regularly apply the gifts of the Spirit

You are sowing seeds of grace that later on reaps a bounty of riches

So, guard your mouth, mind and heart so that only the truth is revealed

Do away with all malice and envy; start living and glorifying Jesus Christ.

In this letter, Paul reminds Titus of the old nature that was transformed now by the new creation when they believed in the Lord Jesus Christ. He compares the key differences in this transition from old to new. In verse 3, he discusses our old ways from that sinful nature that loves to gratify its flesh, is foolish, disobedient, malicious, quarrelsome, envious and haters. Whereas the new nature in Christ is totally the opposite of those old tendencies. 

Paul encourages them to be obedient and submissive to every authority that Christ has given to them as if it was to Christ that they were actually submitting to. They must be busy and mindful to discipline themselves to do good works at every occasion that they are presented with. Verse 2 presents a key aspect of this charge to the believers: they are not to slander anyone, gossip or quarrel and create division among themselves. Instead, they are to be gentle and compassionate and show kindness to everyone. By being accountable to the Lord, they will devote and discipline themselves to do good at all times and on every occasion.

REFLECTION

  • Why must a Christian be purposeful in making a lifestyle or discipline themselves to do good?

1 PETER 1 CALLED TO SELF-CONTROL & HOLINESS

May 10

1 PETER 1

13 Therefore, preparing your minds for action, and being sober-minded, set your hope fully on the grace that will be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ. 14 As obedient children, do not be conformed to the passions of your former ignorance, 15 but as he who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, 16 since it is written, “You shall be holy, for I am holy.” 17 And if you call on him as Father who judges impartially according to each one’s deeds, conduct yourselves with fear throughout the time of your exile, 18 knowing that you were ransomed from the futile ways inherited from your forefathers, not with perishable things such as silver or gold, 19 but with the precious blood of Christ, like that of a lamb without blemish or spot. 20 He was foreknown before the foundation of the world but was made manifest in the last times for the sake of you 21 who through him are believers in God, who raised him from the dead and gave him glory, so that your faith and hope are in God. 22 Having purified your souls by your obedience to the truth for a sincere brotherly love, love one another earnestly from a pure heart, 23 since you have been born again, not of perishable seed but of imperishable, through the living and abiding word of God; – 1 Peter 1:13-23

1 PETER 1 CALLED TO SELF-CONTROL & HOLINESS

A poem by ILMA inspired by these verses

A servant of Christ is called to live in self-control and holiness

An unrestrained life will lead to destruction and wickedness

Do not give in to your lusts or conform to the systems of this world

Instead, catch where your mind goes and bring it to obey God’s word

Prepare for spiritual battles that stealthily visits but are not usually seen

Do not ever remove your focus on Jesus; if you do, you will inevitably sin

Be holy for your God himself is holy, embrace a life of restraint and order

But also live in the freedom that Christ has given you so you’ll be the victor.

How would you react or what would you think when you know a believer having explosions of rage and uncontrollable lusts and dependency on substance or someone? Would you not be confused? Yes, it is very perplexing to watch a dysregulated believer explode especially when they are around unbelievers. Why is that? Because as Christians we are supposed to bring the gospel without words to the unbelieving world. What are we telling them when we do not walk our beliefs? We are not going to be witness to who Jesus is and they might think that he is not worth believing or knowing. We are sending the message that Christians are hypocrites. This will give the Christians a bad taste to other unbelievers and we will lose opportunities in bringing the gospel and being light for the Lord. Instead, we are not giving the Lord the glory that he so deserves. Many unbelievers wouldn’t want anything to do with Christianity because of our inconsistencies with practicing our faith.

Peter calls all believers to live a life of discipline and holiness. By holiness, we don’t mean perfection but being pure and undefiled from the world’s corruption so we can live a disciplined life for Jesus.

REFLECTION

  • What might be some reasons why some Christians struggle with discipline and holiness?

1 THESSALONIANS 5 BE SOBER FOR CHRIST

May 9

1 THESSALONIANS 5

4 But you, brothers and sisters, are not in darkness so that this day should surprise you like a thief. 5 You are all children of the light and children of the day. We do not belong to the night or to the darkness. 6 So then, let us not be like others, who are asleep, but let us be awake and sober. 7 For those who sleep, sleep at night, and those who get drunk, get drunk at night. 8 But since we belong to the day, let us be sober, putting on faith and love as a breastplate, and the hope of salvation as a helmet. 9 For God did not appoint us to suffer wrath but to receive salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ. 10 He died for us so that, whether we are awake or asleep, we may live together with him. 11 Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing. – 1 Thessalonians 5:4-11

1 THESSALONIANS 5 BE SOBER FOR CHRIST

A poem by ILMA inspired by these verses

When you were called by the Lord Jesus Christ

You were given his Spirit so you can live in the light

There is no more reason for you to live in darkness

Be sober for Christ since he freed you from sinfulness

You no longer have to follow your desires and longings

You are now a slave of righteousness and not of sinning

In the world, there is much chaos and anxiety

Only in Jesus will we have peace and sobriety.

God had a lot to say about sobriety in the bible. Ephesians 5:18 says that we do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery, but be filled with the Spirit instead. In Proverbs 20:1 says that wine is a mocker, strong drink a brawler, and whoever is led astray by it is not wise. Luke 21:34 cautions us with “But watch yourselves lest your hearts be weighed down with dissipation and drunkenness and cares of this life, and that day come upon you suddenly like a trap.”

From God’s view about being sober, Paul reminds us to walk in the light and no longer in the darkness. Part of that light is walking in sobriety or self-control. When he talks of sobriety, it is not just referring to drunkenness with wine but also dysregulation with anything we do or use. If we love something or someone too much and we don’t have self-regulation, we will be obsessive compulsive about that person or substance or habit. Alcohol addiction is just one form of addiction, but we can also be addicted to other things like to our family, work, food, social media, pornography, sex and love and many more. What Paul is cautioning the church in Thessalonica is that we no longer are people who indulge in out-of-control behaviors and obsessions because we are not serving the world system anymore but we are now slaves of Christ. In other words, we do things that will please God and that will glorify him. Anything that is out of balance has no order or boundaryless.it will create anxiety, addiction, chaos or confusion.

REFLECTION

  • Why do you think Paul calls all believers to sobriety and how should we develop such virtue?

1 PETER 4 LOVE LEADS TO SELF-CONTROL

May 7

1 PETER 4

7 The end of all things is at hand; therefore, be self-controlled and sober-minded for the sake of your prayers. 8 Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins. 9 Show hospitality to one another without grumbling. 10 As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace: 11 whoever speaks, as one who speaks oracles of God; whoever serves, as one who serves by the strength that God supplies—in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ. To him belong glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.12 Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. 13 But rejoice insofar as you share Christ’s sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed. 14 If you are insulted for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you. – 1 Peter 4:7-14

1 PETER 4 LOVE LEADS TO SELF-CONTROL

A poem by ILMA inspired by these verses

If you know the Lord your God, you will be a loving person

Love is kind and not boastful; it doesn’t keep a record of wrongs

Love is patient and does not envy and doesn’t insist on its own way

In loving others, you will think less of yourself and you’ll give grace

Love is the only path to avoid conflicts and relationships breakdown

Out of love, God gave his only Son so we can receive our freedom.

In this letter, Peter warns the believers of the end times that is coming soon. He wants them to be prepared for it by exercising self-control, sober-mindedness and loving one another earnestly. How does loving someone earnestly look like? It is a sacrificial love that isn’t transactional. It is a kind of love that doesn’t make the “self” get something back in return. It is a persistent act of giving without expecting anything back. No wonder Peter gives this formula for leading a life of discipline.

Let’s go to 1 Corinthians 13, which is the love chapter. In this letter of Paul to the Corinthians, we are described as a love that is so different from the world system. It defines love as patient and is kind, it is not arrogant or rude or boastful. It’s not irritable or resentful. It doesn’t rejoice in wrongdoing but in truth. Love bears all things, believes all things and endures all things. It never gives up. Now, let’s look at how the world views love. It is self-focused and self-serving. It will only do good if others do them good. It is very transactional and expects to be repaid back for what they’ve done or given. It becomes impatient when it doesn’t get what it wants or it keeps a record of what was done wrong to them. The worldly person walks away and gives up if he or she doesn’t get the result they want. The worldly system’s concept of love is based on feelings, attractions and comfort. So, when troubles come, they walk away and dispose of the other person. There is no room for second-chances or forgiveness. They want perfection, comfort and no problems.

If we walk the love that God made us for, then we will all be sacrificial and gracious to one another just as God loves us and gives us grace constantly. There will be no clamor for more but only thankfulness.

REFLECTION

·       Why do you think people have a hard time manifesting self-control in our world today?

1 PETER 5 SENSIBLENESS & WATCHFULNESS LEAD TO SELF-CONTROL

May 6

1 PETER 5

6 Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you, 7 casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you. 8 Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. 9 Resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same kinds of suffering are being experienced by your brotherhood throughout the world. 10 And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you. 11 To him be the dominion forever and ever. Amen. – 1 Peter 5:6-11

1 PETER 5 SENSIBLENESS & WATCHFULNESS LEAD TO SELF-CONTROL

A poem by ILMA inspired by these verses

Be on guard when you are called in the kingdom of the Lord

Remember that you have an enemy seeking to devour you

As you live in this corrupt world, be firm in your trust in Him

This will keep you protected from temptations to sin

Seek the word of God so you will have sensibleness

It will make you discern wickedness versus righteousness

Watch your mouth, mind and heart; align it with God’s will

Always be connected to the Lord and all his chosen people.

Peter reminds the believers of the adversary who is constantly at work to steal, kill and destroy the people of God and derail them from serving God and his kingdom. The first thing he mentions in this account has to do with humility and trusting in him alone. It is easy to forget to lean on the Lord when we are so busy living in this corrupt world system. We are bombarded with noise, distractions and accusations that hinder our maturity in our faith. We live in a chaotic and disorderly world where boundaries are not kept and so there is so much confusion and anxiety perpetuated on us humans.

Peter brings us back to the early Christians’ dilemma. They are not far from our troubles and challenges as believers. He instructs the believers to first have humility and trust in the Lord, then obey his laws so that in that obedience, there is no open door for the devil to get in. In verse 9, he reminds us not to let the enemy isolate us into thinking that we are alone in what we are going through. That’s one of Satan’s tactics. He will detach us from reality and then accuse us, distracting us from leaning on the Lord and shifting it to our own strength. As soon as we allow him to do this to us, we have just let him into our consciousness. That little opening is all he needs so that he can destroy any progress we have done to keep in the path of righteousness and stay faithful to serving God. In verse 10, he emphasizes the importance of going through the adversities and suffering as it will make us endure and stronger so that we will be established in God’s grace alone. Then we can have self-control as a result of this sensibleness, and watchfulness to be mature in our faith and be salt and light to this world.

REFLECTION

  • Why is it important for us to have a soldier mindset in order to have self-control?

MARK 9 CUT OFF WHAT WILL MAKE YOU SIN

May 5

MARK 9

42 “Whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in me to sin, it would be better for him if a great millstone were hung around his neck and he were thrown into the sea. 43 And if your hand causes you to sin, cut it off. It is better for you to enter life crippled than with two hands to go to hell, to the unquenchable fire. 45 And if your foot causes you to sin, cut it off. It is better for you to enter life lame than with two feet to be thrown into hell. 47 And if your eye causes you to sin, tear it out. It is better for you to enter the kingdom of God with one eye than with two eyes to be thrown into hell, 48 ‘where their worm does not die and the fire is not quenched.’ 49 For everyone will be salted with fire. 50 Salt is good, but if the salt has lost its saltiness, how will you make it salty again? Have salt in yourselves, and be at peace with one another.”– Mark 9:42-50

MARK 9 CUT OFF WHAT WILL MAKE YOU SIN

A poem by ILMA inspired by these verses

When you serve the Lord Jesus Christ, you can’t be out of control

You are accountable for every deed you do and every word you utter

You are responsible for shining your light especially to children

You will be judged and punished if you cause these little ones to sin

So, remove anything in you that will make you disorderly

The Spirit guides you to choose the path that is true and holy

If your tongue makes you sin, meditate and memorize Scriptures

If your mind devises sinful thoughts, make it obedient to Jesus Christ

Cut off right away what will make you sin at its onset

If you allow it to grow, it will insatiably satisfy the flesh.

Mark, the writer of this account, is a close companion to Paul and Barnabas during their missionary journey. He narrates Jesus’ words very clearly and with such boldness. When he talked about little ones, he was referring to the early and new Christians. These words were cautionary so that the people of God are responsible for maturing the faith of those who are new believers instead of being a stumbling block for their growth.

Jesus boldly presents the importance of living an uncompromised life. We are shown that whatever part of us compromises our purity or holiness, we need to remove it right away. What happens when we don’t? We will feed the desires of the flesh since that is human nature. Mark is stressing the importance of cutting it in the bud before it grows full blown. It may sound literally cruel to cut off a part of your body, but it is symbolic of the spirit that Mark is referring to. In the book of James, he mentions that our tongue comes from hell itself. We use it to praise God and also to curse someone. That is just how sin has imprinted our flesh with such corruption. If we are in Christ, there is hope for man because the Holy Spirit corrects us when we tend to feed the cravings of our flesh. We must therefore cut off anything that will compromise our path to righteousness. If we allow even a tiny inch, we will be eaten up.

REFLECTION

·       Why is it important to cut off evil desires as soon as it manifests itself?

PROVERBS 4 THE PATH TO SELF-CONTROL

May 4

PROVERBS 4

Hear, my son, and accept my words, that the years of your life may be many.
11 I have taught you the way of wisdom;    I have led you in the paths of uprightness.
12 When you walk, your step will not be hampered,   and if you run, you will not stumble.
13 Keep hold of instruction; do not let go;  guard her, for she is your life.
14 Do not enter the path of the wicked,  and do not walk in the way of the evil.
15 Avoid it; do not go on it; turn away from it and pass on.
16 For they cannot sleep unless they have done wrong;
    they are robbed of sleep unless they have made someone stumble.
17 For they eat the bread of wickedness and drink the wine of violence.
18 But the path of the righteous is like the light of dawn,

  which shines brighter and brighter until full day.
19 The way of the wicked is like deep darkness;

    they do not know over what they stumble. – Proverbs 4:10-19

PROVERBS 4 THE PATH TO SELF-CONTROL

A poem by ILMA inspired by these verses

Walk in the way of righteousness and you’ll have prudence

You won’t be catering to your cravings or gratify your flesh

Meditate on God’s word and make sure you accept and do it

It will protect you from the enemy’s schemes, plots and tactics

Walk in love and you will be on your progress to self-regulation

This is your protection from being provoked with unruly emotion

Love is patient, it is kind, it is not rude or arrogant, it builds up

Love is the only way to have self-control, so don’t stray from this path.

We live in a world that is corrupt and self-focused. Each person wants attention and there is not much room for thinking of other people’s needs. In these following sayings, the writer advises the readers to walk the path of righteousness in order to live a life of integrity. So many things can stir and provoke us to be dysregulated, frustrated or angry, but the word of God leads us away from such reactions.

Solomon gives us wisdom on how to have self-control in these following verses. In verses 11-12, he gives an antidote to the corruption of this world. If they accept the word of God and follow it, they may not be free from the temptations of the system, but they will have wisdom to know how to discern the spirits working in each incitement. In verse 13, he warns the readers to ensure that they cling to the word and guard it with their lives because it is the source of life itself. In verses 14-17, Solomon exposes the tactics of the wicked. He shamelessly discloses their ways so that it could be avoided at all cost. This will give them strength and courage to face all trials and tribulations with much confidence and boldness. In verse 18, he shows them the way to go, the path of the righteous which shines so bright.

REFLECTION

·       Share insights how the word of God can make sure you aren’t derailed by the wicked.

2 PETER 1 COMMIT TO PURSUE SELF-CONTROL

May 3

2 PETER 1

3 His divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of him who called us tohis own glory and excellence, 4 by which he has granted to us his precious and very great promises, so that through them you may become partakers of the divine nature, having escaped from the corruption that is in the world because of sinful desire. 5 For this very reason, make every effort to supplement your faith with virtue, and virtue with knowledge, 6 and knowledge with self-control, and self-control with steadfastness, and steadfastness with godliness, 7 and godliness with brotherly affection, and brotherly affection with love. 8 For if these qualities are yours and are increasing, they keep you from being ineffective or unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. 9 For whoever lacks these qualities is so nearsighted that he is blind, having forgotten that he was cleansed from his former sins. 10 Therefore, brothers, be all the more diligent to confirm your calling and election, for if you practice these qualities, you will never fall. 11 For in this way there will be richly provided for you an entrance into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ– 2 Peter 1:3-11

2 PETER 1 COMMIT TO PURSUE SELF-CONTROL

A poem by ILMA inspired by these verses

The believer’s walk is a constant battlefield as we live in the world

This is why God gave us His own Son, his Spirit and his precious word

He did not leave us to be defeated by the corruption around us

He filled our hearts with much promises, hope and wisdom

Let us then commit to pursue a life of discipline and control

Without such training, we will fail to defeat this spiritual battle

Seek God, make him first and meditate on his word day and night

In everything, rely on God and pray in the Spirit at all times.

In this account, Peter discusses what it takes to confirm our calling and our election. He reminds the believers that it is God’s divine power that allows us to face our sinful desires with courage and strength. In verse 4, he focuses on the promises that God has given to all those who are part of his covenant. These promises allow us to escape the corruption of the world. Like any healthy prescription for the body, Peter prescribes us to have virtues couple our faith. Just like the book of James tells us that faith without actions is dead in James 2:17 and 2:26.

Peter gives us his spiritual supplement for our bodies in this letter as the following:

  • Do your best to act out your faith by good works
  • Commit to pursue self-control with knowledge and wisdom
  • Rejoice in trials and press on to walk in righteousness & godliness
  • Show brotherly affection and walk constantly in love

By taking the spiritual supplement for our bodies, we will be able to walk in the calling given to us.

REFLECTION

  • Why is it important for us to commit to a self-controlled life as Christians?

TITUS 2 TRAINING FOR SELF-CONTROL

May 2

TITUS 2

6 Likewise, urge the younger men to be self-controlled. 7 Show yourself in all respects to be a model of good works, and in your teaching show integrity, dignity, 8 and sound speech that cannot be condemned, so that an opponent may be put to shame, having nothing evil to say about us. 9 Bondservants are to be submissive to their own masters in everything; they are to be well-pleasing, not argumentative, 10 not pilfering, but showing all good faith, so that in everything they may adorn the doctrine of God our Savior.11 For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people, 12 training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age, 13 waiting for our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, 14 who gave himself for us to redeem us from all lawlessness and to purify for himself a people for his own possession who are zealous for good works.

                                                                                        – Titus 2:6-14

TITUS 2 TRAINING FOR SELF-CONTROL

A poem by ILMA inspired by these verses

When you were chosen by your Lord Jesus Christ

You have been regenerated and given a new life

You no longer crave for the old things you used to love

The Holy Spirit changed all your desires into pleasing God

He also showed your undisciplined and unruly tendencies

God gave you his word so you can see all your iniquities

The Lord God gave you the ability to say “yes” to his Spirit

Obey the word and you will be able to resist the devil.

In this letter to Titus, Paul urges his spiritual son to train for self-control so he could pass on the same training of the older men to the younger men in the church. It is teaching by example that Paul counsels Titus to do so. What did this self-control training look like? He gave them some pointers to follow to regularly grow in this fruit of the Spirit by the following guidelines:

  • Show yourself as an example of good works in all respects
  • In teaching, they must exhibit integrity and dignity
  • Be of sound speech so no one can find fault in them
  • Bondservants are to be submissive to their masters in everything
  • Be well-pleasing and avoid quarreling
  • Renounce ungodliness and worldly passions

Sounds like a lot of work, doesn’t it? But this training is not just for Titus and the early Christian believers but for all Christians now. It should not be viewed as work to do because it is the Spirit working in our hearts and not us. Our part is to lean on God’s leading towards our maturity of faith.

REFLECTION

  • Which of the guidelines do you still struggle with as you train for self-control and share details?