1. Studies In
Christianity

2. First Steps
Spiritual Maturity #3

3. Every Christian
starts off as a
babe in Christ.

4. There are practical steps we can take to grow.
I Peter 1: 5
Now for this very reason also, applying all diligence, in your faith supply moral excellence,

5. This lesson will address diligence & self-control.
II Peter 1: 5a – Now for this very reason also, applying all diligence, in your faith supply moral excellence, and in your moral excellence, knowledge.
II Peter 1: 6a – and in your knowledge, self-control, and in your self-control, perseverance, and in your perseverance, godliness.

6. as a result of diligent efforts.
I. Spiritual growth is accomplished
as a result of diligent efforts.

7. Spiritual growth is something must diligently work at.
YOU
must diligently work at.

8. Diligence is obviously important; the
Apostle mentioned it twice in context
II Peter 1: 5a – Now for this very reason also, applying all diligence, in your faith
II Peter 1: 10 –
Therefore, brethren, be all the more diligent to make certain about His calling and choosing you; for as long as you practice these things, you will never stumble;

9. Peter again emphasizes diligence in closing.
II Peter 3: 13
But according to His promise we are looking for new heavens and a new earth, in which righteousness dwells. 14 Therefore, beloved, since you look for these things, be diligent to be found by Him in peace, spotless and blameless, 15 and regard the patience of our Lord as salvation;

10. II Corinthians 8: 22 – We have sent with them our brother ( Titus ), whom we have often tested and found diligent in many things, ….
Romans 12: 11 – give preference to one another in honor; 11 not lagging behind in diligence, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord;
II Timothy 2: 15 – Be diligent to present yourself approved to God as a workman who does not need to be ashamed, accurately handling the word of truth.

11. a life that is always under control.
II. The mature Christian leads
a life that is always under
control.

12. Adolescent or adult, all come into the family of God as newborn babes.

13. Ephesians 2: 1
And you were dead in your trespasses and sins, 2 in which you formerly walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, of the spirit that is now working in the sons of disobedience. 3 Among them we too all formerly lived in the lusts of our flesh, indulging the desires of the flesh and of the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, even as the rest.

14. Before Christ we were all enemies of God.
Philippians 3: 18
For many walk, of whom I often told you, and now tell you even weeping, that they are enemies of the cross of Christ, 19 whose end is destruction, whose god is their appetite, and whose glory is in their shame, who set their minds on earthly things.
Compare … Romans 5: 9-10

15. II Peter 1: 6a – and in your knowledge, self-control, and in your self-control, perseverance, and in your perseverance, godliness.
I Corinthians 9: 24 – Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but only one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may win. 25 Everyone who competes in the games exercises self-control in all things. They then do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable.

16. There are many areas in which we need self-control :
1. Eating Spending
2. Tongue Alcohol
3. Anger Time

17. We need self-control over our thoughts.
II Corinthians 10: 5
We are destroying speculations and every lofty thing raised up against the knowledge of God, and we are taking every thought captive to the obedience of Christ,
Matthew 5: 28
But I say to you that everyone who looks at a woman with lust for her has already committed adultery with
her in his heart.

18. developing self control.
There are obstacles to
developing self control.
Romans 12: 2
Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect.
( Prove = dokimazō = try to learn )

19. Some of the obstacles to self-control :
1. Not ready to accept radical change
2. Folks don’t want to surrender.
3. People love their pet sins too much.
4. I tried and failed so I gave up hope.
5. Don’t want to exercise self-control

20. exercise self-control ?
III. How does one successfully
exercise self-control ?

21. How does one exercise self-control ?
1. One must really want it.
2. Honestly evaluate to identify needs.
3. There must be a turning point.
4. We must change our desires.
5. We must change our value system.

22. Our conviction will deepen as our goals clarify.6.
I Corinthians 9: 24
Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but only one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may win. 25 Everyone who competes in the games exercises self-control in all things. They then do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable. … 27 but I discipline my body and make it my slave, so that, after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified.

23. How does one exercise self-control ?
7. Reach the point of anger at sin
8. More attainable when near God.
Matthew 6: 24
Then Jesus said to His disciples, "If anyone wishes to come after Me, he must deny himself, and take up his cross and follow Me.

24. must approach it constructively.
IV. Whoever will have self-control
must approach it constructively.

25. A man who is in control must have walls.
Proverbs 25:28
Like a city that is broken into and without walls is a man who has no control over his spirit.

26. To achieve self-control one He should share his plan
needs a plan, a strategy.
James 5
He should share his plan
with others who will
hold him accountable.

27. Our commitment to gain self-control must be an outgrowth of our faith.
II Peter 1: 5
Now for this very reason also, applying all diligence, in your faith supply moral excellence, and in your moral excellence, knowledge, 6 and in your knowledge, self-control, and in your self-control, perseverance,

28. What has your faith produces in your life?
1. Has it produced diligence ?
2. Is it a fountain of moral excellence ?
3. Does it motivate you to seek knowledge.
4. Is your faith strong enough to motivate
you to take full control of your life and
then turn it over to Jesus.

29. Self-control is a fruit of the Spirit
so it must be a goal for each of us.
Galatians 5: 22
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.
What does this means to us ?
If the Spirit of God has sway in our life, He should be producing self-control within us.

30. For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until He comes.
I Corinthians 11: 26

31. G
You are loved.