Self control “25 Every man that strives in the games exercise self control in all things. Now they do it to receive a corruptible crown but we an incorruptible” 1 Corinthians 9:25

The battle is fierce Revelation 12 Romans 3:9-23

The Struggle and shame of sin “11 withhold not your tender mercies from me O God let your lovingkindness (mercy) and truth continually preserve me. 12 For innumerable evils have compassed me about; my sins have overtaken me so that I am not able to look up; they are more than the hairs of my head and my heart has forsaken me” Psalms 40:11-12

The Broken hearted Publican “13 But the publican, standing afar off, would not lift up so much as his eyes unto heaven, but smote his breast, saying, God be merciful to me a sinner” Luke 18:13 See Psalms 51

Peter’s broken heart Denies Jesus three times “61 the Lord turned and looked upon Peter. And Peter remembered the word of the Lord, how that he said unto him, before the cock crows this day you will deny me three times. 62 And he went out and wept bitterly” Luke 22:61-62

The Seriousness of sin “29 And if your right eye cause you to stumble pluck it out and cast it from you: for it is profitable for you that one of your members should perish and not your whole body be cast into hell. 30 And if your right hand causes you to stumble, cut if off, and cast it from you: for it is profitable for you that one of your members should perish and not your whole body go into hell” Matthew 5:29-30

Why do I fall in defeat to sin? James 1:12-15

How can I overcome sin? Self Control and Discipline “12 Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body that you should obey the lusts thereof (Romans 6:12) See Romans 6:15-18

You must rule over sin “7 If you do well shall not your countenance be lifted up? And if you do not well sin couches at the door and unto you shall be its desire; but you must ruler over it” (Genesis 4:7)

I must ruler over anger “32 He that is slow to anger is better than the mighty; and he that rules his spirit than he that takes a city” Proverbs 16:32 “Anger doesn’t solve anything. It builds nothing, but it can destroy everything”

I must rule over lust “37 keep me from looking at worthless things. Let me live by your word” Psalms 119:37 “25 Lust not after a woman’s beauty in your heart; neither let her take you with her eyelids. 26 For on account of a harlot a man is brought to a piece of bread” Proverbs 6:25-26 “28 I say unto you that every man that looks on a woman to lust after her has committed adultery with her already in his heart” Matthew 5:28

I must rule over vain glory “Glory is only temporary, the way you choose to live your life, lives on in eternity” “29 no flesh should glory before God” 1 Corinthians 1:29

I must rule my language “3 He that guards his mouth keeps his life” Proverbs 13:3 “29 Let no corrupt speech proceed out of your mouth but such as is good for edifying as the need may be that it may give grace to them that hear” Ephesians 4:29

I must rule my heart “23 keep your heart will all diligence for out of it are the issues of life” Proverbs 4:23 “21 Out of the heart of men evil thoughts proceed, fornications, thefts, murders, adulteries, 22 covetings, wickednesses, deceit, lasciviousness, an evil eye, railing, pride, foolishness: 23 all these evil things proceed from within, and defile a man” Mark 7:21-23

Overcoming Sin “41 Watch and pray that you enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed is willing but the flesh is weak” Matthew 26:41

Overcoming Sin Forethought – know yourself / struggles “14 But put on the Lord Jesus Christ and make no provision for the flesh to fulfill the lust thereof” (Romans 13:14)

Overcoming Sin Deny self! – Peter’s foul words after making the great confession Matthew 16:21-28 Deny – alcohol, lust, drugs, foul language, pride, glory, anger and all things contrary to God’s will

Conclusion “28 Those who do not exercise self control are like a city whose walls are broken down” Proverbs 25:28 Tonight I will get my life right with God!