1. Self-Control ADD TO YOUR FAITH… (2 Pet. 1:5-9)

2. Previous Characteristics faith - conviction of truth of divine things virtue - courage to choose right from wrong knowledge - understanding of God’s word

3. Introduction self-control (  ) – mastery over one’s desires and passions ◦ a war within each of us, spirit against flesh, flesh against spirit (1 Pet. 2:11)(Gal. 5:16-17) ◦ may have some level of faith/virtue/knowledge, yet still slaves of sin (Rom. 7:14-24) there is hope for those in Christ (Rom. 7:25) ◦ set free from sin by the gospel (Rom. 6:17-18)

4. The Role of Self-Control self-control essential in denying oneself and putting God first (Lk. 9:23)(Mk. 12:30-31) ◦ submission is not natural or easy (Mt. 7:13-14) ◦ but we are stronger for it (1 Pet. 5:6-9) also defines whether we give to temptation ◦ how well we are able to control our mind and body will determine our eternal home (2 Pet. 2:19-20)(James 1:12)

5. Growing in Self-Control know self-control is needed and possible ◦ (Mt. 26:41)(Rom. 7:25) set our minds on spiritual things ◦ (Rom. 8:5-8)(Ps. 119:97-104)(Phil. 4:8) do not surround self with stumbling blocks ◦ (1 Cor. 15:33) exercise spirit to choose right (1 Tim. 4:7-8)

6. Conclusion the war for self-control is the struggle to bring the flesh under the spirit’s rule ◦ while we will never be able to fully ignore sin, mastery of self will bring peace to our lives even if we have lost a few battles in the war for our soul, let us not lose hope ◦ there is forgiveness for the child of God and the strength of Christ to help persevere in our fight