June 30, 2023
Topic: DOING GOOD TO ALL – Self-Restraint
Text: Proverbs 25:28, Galatians 5:22-23, 2 Peter 1:5-7
Memory Verse: Titus 2:11-12 (NKJV): “For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men, teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly in the present age.”
Believers in Christ Jesus are called to do good to all people, but sometimes that requires self-restraint, the Scriptures call this self-control. Self-restraint means controlling our own desires and impulses, even when it may be difficult or uncomfortable. In other words, learning to control or stem our emotions in the interest of others. 1Cor 8:13 says, if eating meat will cause my brother to stumble, I will never again eat meat.
Proverbs 25:28 says, “Like a city whose walls are broken through is a person who lacks self-control.” Without self-restraint, we leave ourselves vulnerable to temptation and sin, which can harm ourselves and others.
Galatians 5:22-23 reminds us that self-control is a fruit of the Spirit. When we allow the Holy Spirit to work in our lives, He gives us the strength to resist temptation and to live in a way that honours God.
2 Peter 1:5-7 encourages us to add self-control to our faith, along with goodness, knowledge, and other virtues. This means that self-control is an essential part of our Christian walk and enables us to do good to all people.
When we practice self-restraint, we are better able to do good to all people. We are able to resist temptation and to make decisions that honour God and bless others.
Prayer: Dear God, we thank you for the grace that offers Salvation to all people. Help us to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in this present age. May we practice self-restraint and resist temptation, so that we can do good to all people and honour you in everything we do. We ask for your strength and guidance as we strive to live in a way that pleases you. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.