Teach the older men to be … self-controlled …
Summary: The reason Christians strive to be self-controlled is that we represent heaven here on earth. We are ambassadors for Christ.
When I think of someone who is “self-controlled,” I think of a person like a diplomat. I imagine a true diplomate is one who is aware that every word they say carries significance. They are also aware that their body language speaks as loudly as their words.
This analogy is not a bad one for a Christian. In his second letter to the church at Corinth, Paul writes, “We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors…” (2 Corinthians 5:20). As an ambassador for Christ, we represent Heaven here on earth.
When we pray the Lord’s Prayer (Matthew 6: 9-13), we pray, “your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.”
What do you suppose it looks like in a place where God’s will is done? Do you think it might be a little different than what we see here on earth?
During our study of John’s Gospel, I was amazed by otherworldliness of Jesus’ words. In John chapter three, Jesus tells Nicodemus, “I have spoken to you of earthly things and you do not believe; how then will you believe if I speak of heavenly things?” (John 3:12) The Jesus that walked the earth in the flesh was not a mere mortal. He, the “he” that existed before his incarnation as a human, was from heaven. He is God’s Son. He was God’s emissary, his ambassador, if you will, from heaven to earth.
Titus is an ambassador to Crete. He comes as a Gentile who has been born again as a brother of Jesus. As someone who represents God, he holds himself to a standard of behavior that reflects where he is from, just as Jesus did. The people he is teaching are people who have also been born into a new life in Christ. The Holy Spirit has entered into them and created a desire to know the ways of God’s people.
How did Paul describe the Cretans before knowing Christ? “Liars, evil brutes, [and] lazy gluttons.” Not a very flattering description, is it? But what a change people must have seen in the believers! Born anew, now children of the living God, they restrained their impulse to tell lies. They submitted their evil natures to God’s will. Instead of being lazy, they became industrious for the Lord’s work. And finally, they gave up being gluttons.
How do we know that they gave up being a glutton? Because gluttony stands in opposition to the principles of servanthood. As Matthew recorded in his Gospel account: “Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be your slave— just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” (Matthew 20:26 b-28)
There are many aspects to self-control. We could discuss how we talk, what we say, who we talk to. We could examine our behavior toward God and others. We could look at our moods and our attitude. There is a lifetime’s worth of material to work on in every person’s life.
Application: Make it part of your daily routine to examine yourself for ways you can be a better ambassador for Christ.
Food for Thought: What are the biggest challenges for Christians when it comes to exercising self-control?
The biggest challenge I believe comes from within. It is when we choose to obey our flesh rather than the Holy Spirit (Romans 6: 12 – 23; Galatians 5: 16 – 26).
Thank you, Rich.
Those are excellent passages.
I agree with Rich, Just took several more minutes to express.
What are the biggest challenges for Christians when it comes to exercising self-control?
I think self-control can easily become confused with self-control.
SELF-CONTROLLED CAN BE DEFINED AS A HUMAN ACT OF DISCIPLINE: the ability to control oneself, in particular one’s emotions and desires or the expression of them in one’s behavior, especially in difficult situations.
SELF-CONTROLLED CAN BE DEFINED AS A STATE OF BEING: He’s always seems very self-controlled,
We are crucified with Christ and raised to a new life:
All believers have been crucified with Christ and now live by faith. Our old self, our flesh no longer has power over us. We have been raised to a new life, life with Jesus, united with Him in Spirit, and seek the things that are above.
Galatians 2:20, Romans 6:6, Romans 14:7, 1 Corinthians. 6:17
We are citizens of the Kingdom:
We have been united with Christ and are no longer children of the devil. When we believed, we were marked in Him with a seal and the promise of the Holy Spirit, sons of God through Jesus Christ. We know and live in this truth as we SUFFER WITH HIM HIS POWER, in order that we may also be glorified with Him.
Romans 6:5, Ephesians 1:13, Ephesians 1:5, Romans 8:16-17
Our biggest problem is getting past ourselves. As believers we have submitted to Christ in repentance, given our lives to Him and received the Holy Spirit of God to become more Christlike as we remain on this earth. Our personal transformation is a unique progressive process, achieved as we surrender to Christ and are transformed by the Holy Spirit. Godly self-control will only come from God. Ask God to give strength to any part of your life that needs attention and yield to His will.
If we seek to please God by achieving our definition of self-control under our own power we set our standard and ignore Gods.
1 Peter 5:7, 1 Peter 5:7, Isaiah 41:10, Philippians 4:13, Philippians 4:8, 2 Timothy 1:7, 1 Corinthians 10:13, Romans 12:1, Matthew 28:18
Ron,
You have given me something to think about today. Thank you!
I am going with one word,..temptation
John,
You make a great point. Nice summary!
What is self-control? I think it is acting in a sober minded, dignified manner, and being temperant in words, actions, attitudes, demeanor. It means keeping power in check and exercising good judgment and discernment in our responses to people, and situations which may be trying or difficult.
I think of two other fruits of the Holy Spirit, patience and gentleness which come in handy in exercising self-control.
Jesus was said to be meek or gentle. He possession great personal power, abilities, ect.
Yet He was kind, gentle, and patient with those to whom He ministered.
He is our example. We need the Holy Spirit work in our lives as well as lots of practice, and maturity to react in godly ways when under trials, temptations, or in dealing with challenging people or situations. I need to reflect God’s grace and mercy to others and in difficult situations. I believe this starts with a proper understanding and attitude of thankfulness as to exactly how gracious and kind the Lord has been us. As we grow to knowhow better and He transforms us more into His likeness it is easier to react properly and hopefully glorify the Lord with our tongue, attitudes, habit patterns, actions, and choices.
Being in the Word, active in prayer, having good attitudes, being thankful, rejoicing and praising the Lord in all circumstances.
A bit of humor on attitudes 🤣. All people can make us happy, some by their coming and visiting; they encourage or give wisdom, or helpful criticism. Others give joy by leaving or going away.
Difficult situations are placed in path, or trials to give us patience and to build our faith. ( James 1:5). James says our attitude should be one of joy when we face these things. Times certainly not a natural human reaction from both personal observation of myself and others.
Intakes a new mindset, and a new perspective, as well as a good deal of experience, practice, and understanding of the character of God to exercise faith and have a good attitude.
The Lord seems quite intent on character development and not just the enjoyment of a carefree, blissful, restful, peaceful, life.
It seems older men are being challenged.
In light of this, I will close with the words of Peanuts cartoonist Charles Schultz, put in the mouth of Snoopy to Woodstock “Remember and learn from the past, Live and enjoy the present, and Look and plan for the future. But afternoon take a nap. 😂
Life balance is important.
Jeff,
Thank you for sharing your thoughts on this topic. Balance is important. So are the fruits of the Spirit that you mention. And your point about character development is spot on. All of these are necessary for godly self-control.