KEY SCRIPTURE: Galatians 5:23 KJV “Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law”.

In our previous study we saw that temperance or self-control, is love’s, expression of freedom from the obscure mastery of the flesh. There are a number of believers who are unfortunately controlled by self, instead of they, controlling it. Some are requesting for more practical ways to control the self. Some of the enquiries are as follows. How do I control my temper? How do I break free from watching pornographic materials? These challenges cut across every category of Christians, church members, church workers and even some Pastors.

In Romans 7:25, apostle Paul gives us how he broke free from the control and impact of the flesh. Rom 7:25 KJV” I thank God through Jesus Christ our Lord. So then with the mind I myself serve the law of God; but with the flesh the law of sin”. Actions and deeds are always cooked up in the mind (Mark 7:21-22). Your mind must be filled with the truth. You must know and accept that because of the death and resurrection of Christ, of which you have been born again, you have been transformed into an holy person. Rom 6:6 KJV” Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin”. Please acknowledge that, that tendency to follow the flesh has been crucified. Say to yourself that you are no more bound to that action, whether bad temper, fornication or over eating.

Continue to tell yourself, always that you are free from that action. Every action is an execution of some instruction, either from God, demons, others or yourself. When you speak to yourself, you are giving your being a prescribed instruction to follow. Say,’ I have self-control and I will, not allow the flesh to dictate to me’. Remember that, the scriptures teach that a very big ship is controlled by a very small compass. The tongue is a small member, yet it can control how one behaves. The one who    speaks the right words acts rightly all the time (James3:2).  Do not allow your mind to hang on those things that led you into sin. When you have suggesting in your mind that instructs you to go that way, just say ‘no, I have control over this lifestyle, I will do what God’s word says. Never allow any negative word or thought to stay without responding with the scripture.

CONFESSION

The Holy Spirit has shared his love abroad in my heart. I have self-control. My flesh or my mind does not lead me in any way. I do what God’s word says always. I have joy, peace and a continual feast. Glory be to God.

FURTHER STUDIES

James 3:2 ISV “For all of us make many mistakes. If someone does not make any mistakes when he speaks, he is perfect and able to control his whole body”.

Romans 8:13 ISV” For if you live according to human nature, you are going to die, but if by the Spirit you continuously put to death the activities of the body, you will live”.