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Learn To Deny Self  We must say “NO” to certain things in life Titus 2:11-12  Self-discipline = a trait to be added to spiritual character 2 Pet 1:6  The fruit of the Spirit Gal 5:23

Learn To Deny Self  Athletes understand this necessity  “Self-control” is not a bad phrase  A short-term sacrifice for a long-term goal  Paul’s argument 1 Cor 9:24-27 (“buffet” or “discipline” means to subdue one’s passions)

Learn To Deny Self  Satan’s lie to us has been successful  “It’s my life…I’ll do what & when I want” Modern PsychologyGospel of Christ God loves me. His Son is my friend who died for me. I’ll please Him. I love me. I’m a good friend to myself. I’ll do what makes me happy.

Learn To Deny Self  When we do what Jesus commands, we’ve learned to deny ourselves to follow Him  After all, it isn’t our life anymore 1 Cor 6:18-20

Teach It To Our Families  Obviously, one cannot teach others what he doesn’t do himself  The reason families have no/little values, self-restraint in life is because parents have no self-discipline

Teach It To Our Families  God expects us to teach discipline to our children 1 Sam 2: :11-13  Children have no restraint  Parents must restrain their children until they learn to restrain themselves

Teach It To Our Families  What is the cultural evidence?  Parents trying to spend their way out of depression instead of reigning in their passions Lk 12:15

Teach It To Our Families  What is the cultural evidence?  Parents buying their children out of suffering consequences for their sinful behavior Lk 15:12-16

Teach It To Our Families  What is the cultural evidence?  Parents of teenage children throwing up their hands and saying “I can’t do anything with him/her!”  Parents saying “What went wrong?!”

Teach It To Our Families  What should we teach our children?  The way they should go Prov 22:6  The boundaries of ethics & decency Eph 6:4

Teach It To Our Families  What should we teach our children?  A reinforcement of our instruction by correcting improper behavior Prov 19:18 22:15 29:15 Heb 12:5-11

Teach It To Our Families  Other concerns that arise… the church  The church will suffer if we are intemperate  We won’t be able to teach lost souls who live out-of-control lives  We’ll have fewer qualified leaders

Teach It To Our Families  Other concerns that arise… the church  We won’t be faithful in disciplining saints who are in error…a future in jeopardy  Corinth is a prime example 1 Cor 5:1-13

Conclusion  When professed believers in Christ learn that commitment to Jesus means total surrender…only then will we begin to bear this fruit of the Spirit

Conclusion  This personal commitment will find its way into our homes & churches…but it must start with ME Prov 16:32  Until one learns to control self, he lives in bondage Rom 6:16

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