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**EDWARD D. ANDREWS** (AS in Criminal Justice, BS in Religion, MA in Biblical Studies, and MDiv in Theology) is CEO and President of Christian Publishing House. He has authored over 200+ books. In addition, Andrews is the Chief Translator of the Updated American Standard Version (UASV).

Self-Control Includes Delaying Gratification

Self-control is an important aspect of human behavior and is often linked to the ability to regulate one’s thoughts, emotions, and behavior in the face of temptations and impulses. The Bible teaches us that self-control is a fruit of the Holy Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23) and is essential in our journey of faith as we strive to live according to God’s will and purpose.

One of the key components of self-control is the ability to delay gratification. Delaying gratification involves resisting the temptation to satisfy our desires or needs immediately and instead, waiting for a more opportune time. This ability to delay gratification is linked to better outcomes in many areas of life, including academic achievement, financial success, and overall well-being.

In the Bible, we see many examples of individuals who demonstrated self-control and the ability to delay gratification. Joseph, for example, demonstrated remarkable self-control when he resisted the advances of Potiphar’s wife (Genesis 39:6-12). Similarly, Daniel and his friends demonstrated self-control when they refused to eat the king’s food and instead asked for a simpler diet (Daniel 1:8-16). These examples remind us that self-control is not only important in our personal lives but is also critical in our relationship with God.

The Bible also teaches us that self-control is necessary for spiritual growth and maturity. As we strive to live in accordance with God’s will, we must learn to discipline ourselves and resist the temptation to disobey His commands. The Apostle Paul writes in 1 Corinthians 9:27, “But I discipline my body and keep it under control, lest after preaching to others I myself should be disqualified.”

In addition to delaying gratification, self-control also includes the ability to resist temptation and overcome destructive habits and addictions. For example, the Bible exhorts us to flee from sexual immorality and to resist the devil (1 Corinthians 6:18; James 4:7). By exercising self-control, we are able to resist the impulses and desires that can lead us astray and instead follow God’s plan and purpose for our lives.

Self-Control Includes Restraining Impulses

Self-control, as defined by psychologists, refers to the ability of an individual to regulate their emotions, thoughts, and behavior in the face of temptations and impulses. In the Bible, the concept of self-control is closely related to the idea of disciplined living and actively resisting temptation. As such, self-control includes restraining impulses, which refers to the practice of resisting the desire to act impulsively and to engage in behaviors that are in conflict with God’s commandments.

Biblically speaking, self-control is a fruit of the Spirit and is referenced in Galatians 5:22-23, which states: “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Against such things, there is no law.” Self-control, therefore, is not just something that we are capable of achieving in our own strength; it is also a gift from the Holy Spirit when we walk in obedience to God’s word.

The Bible gives us numerous examples of individuals who demonstrated self-control by restraining their impulses. For instance, Joseph is a prime example of a man who exercised self-control in the face of temptation. When Potiphar’s wife tried to seduce Joseph, he refused her advances and fled from the situation (Genesis 39:7-12). Similarly, when Jesus was tempted by Satan in the wilderness, he resisted the devil’s offers and remained obedient to God’s will (Matthew 4:1-11).

In addition to exercising self-control in the face of temptation, the Bible also speaks to the importance of controlling our impulses in our daily lives. Proverbs 25:28 states, “Like a city whose walls are broken through is a person who lacks self-control.” This passage highlights the importance of self-control in all aspects of our lives, including our thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. When we lack self-control, we become vulnerable to the attacks of the enemy and may find ourselves engaging in sinful behaviors that are contrary to God’s will.

Practically speaking, restraining impulses requires that we develop habits of self-discipline through prayer, the study of God’s word, and accountability. We need to be intentional about taming our desires and passions and learning to master them rather than being controlled by them. This involves setting boundaries for ourselves, learning to say “no” to ungodly desires, and seeking the Holy Spirit’s strength to resist temptation.

Self-Control Includes Completing Unpleasant Tasks

Self-control is a fruit of the Spirit that is mentioned in the Bible. It is the ability to control one’s thoughts, emotions, or actions in order to avoid negative consequences or to achieve a desired result. Self-control is essential in the Christian life as it allows us to resist temptation and overcome sin.

However, self-control does not just involve avoiding sinful behavior or temptation. It also involves doing things that are unpleasant but necessary. This includes completing tasks that we may not enjoy, such as household chores, work responsibilities, or studying for exams.

In Colossians 3:23-24, the apostle Paul writes, “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.” This verse emphasizes the importance of completing tasks with diligence and excellence, even if they are not enjoyable.

Additionally, in 2 Timothy 2:15, Paul instructs Timothy to “Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth.” This verse implies that part of being a faithful Christian includes being a diligent and responsible worker. This includes completing tasks that we may not enjoy or find difficult.

Completing unpleasant tasks also requires discipline and perseverance, which are both essential components of self-control. In Hebrews 12:11, the author writes, “For the moment all discipline seems painful rather than pleasant, but later it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it.” This verse emphasizes that discipline, which includes completing unpleasant tasks, may not be enjoyable in the moment but leads to positive outcomes in the future.

In conclusion, self-control involves more than just avoiding sinful behavior. It also involves completing unpleasant tasks with diligence and excellence in order to honor God and fulfill our responsibilities. While these tasks may not be enjoyable in the moment, they are essential for personal growth and development. Thus, as Christians, it is important to exercise self-control in all areas of our lives, including completing unpleasant tasks.

Self-Control Includes Putting Others Before Self

Self-control, also known as self-discipline, is the ability to control one’s thoughts, emotions, and actions in order to achieve a particular goal or to act in accordance with one’s values and beliefs. Self-control is an important aspect of personal growth and spiritual maturity and is valued in many different cultures and religions, including Christianity.

In the Bible, self-control is often linked with the concept of putting others before oneself. Jesus himself emphasized the importance of loving others and serving them, even at the expense of one’s own comfort or needs. In Mark 10:45, he says, “For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” This idea of self-sacrifice and placing the needs of others first is a central component of Christian teaching.

The book of Galatians in the New Testament lists self-control as one of the fruits of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23). This means that self-control is not something that we can achieve on our own, but rather it is a trait that is developed through a close relationship with God and through the work of the Holy Spirit within us. As believers, we are called to live in a way that honors God and reflects his love to others, and self-control helps us to do this by enabling us to put our own desires and needs aside in order to serve others.

One way that self-control includes putting others before self is through the practice of hospitality. In Romans 12:13, Christians are encouraged to “share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality.” This means that we should be willing to open our homes and our hearts to others, even if it means inconveniencing ourselves or making sacrifices. Practicing hospitality requires self-control as it involves setting aside our own preferences and desires in order to serve others.

Another way that self-control involves putting others before self is through the practice of forgiveness. In Matthew 18:21-22, Peter asks Jesus how many times he should forgive someone who has sinned against him, and Jesus responds by saying, “I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times.” Forgiveness requires self-control because it often involves letting go of our own hurt and anger in order to extend grace and mercy to others.

Self-Control Helps Us to Resist Temptation

Self-control is a biblical principle that dictates that people should strive to resist temptation, even if the temptation promises short-term rewards. In the Bible, self-control is described as a fruit of the Spirit, which is cultivated in the lives of believers by the Holy Spirit. The Apostle Paul writes in his letter to the Galatians, “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.” (Galatians 5:22-23)

Throughout the Bible, there are many examples of people who demonstrated remarkable self-control when faced with temptation. Joseph is one such example. When Potiphar’s wife tried to seduce him, Joseph resisted her advances, saying, “How then can I do this great wickedness and sin against God?” (Genesis 39:7-9). In another example, Daniel and his friends refused to eat the king’s food and wine, choosing instead to eat only vegetables and drink only water. This was a test of their self-control, and they passed with flying colors (Daniel 1:8-16).

The Bible makes it clear that there are both short-term and long-term rewards for resisting temptation. Proverbs 25:28 says, “A man without self-control is like a city broken into and left without walls.” In other words, people who lack self-control are vulnerable and are easily overcome by their own desires. However, those who exercise self-control are able to resist temptation and avoid the negative consequences that come with giving in to sinful desires.

One of the keys to developing self-control is to cultivate a strong relationship with God. Prayer, Bible study, and fellowship with other believers can all help believers to stay grounded in their faith and to resist temptation when it arises. Additionally, it is important to be intentional about avoiding situations that may lead to temptation. For example, if someone struggles with alcohol addiction, they should avoid going to bars or parties where alcohol will be present.

Matthew 5:37

Matthew 5:37 is part of Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount and reads, “But let your ‘Yes’ be ‘Yes,’ and your ‘No,’ ‘No.’ For whatever is more than these is from the evil one.” This verse is part of Jesus’ teaching about keeping one’s promises and not making vows that cannot be kept. In the context of the time, many people would use oaths to back up their statements, which led to a lack of trust and honesty in communication. Jesus is encouraging his followers to speak truthfully and simply without the need for extra oaths or pledges. This verse emphasizes the importance of being straightforward and honest in communication without the need for elaborate promises or exaggerated language. Jesus is calling his followers to a higher standard of integrity and honesty in all their dealings.

Galatians 6:7

Galatians 6:7 in the Bible says, “Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows.” This verse is a reminder to believers that their actions have consequences. Paul, the author of Galatians, is warning the Galatian Christians not to be fooled into thinking that they can live their lives without consequences. In this verse, “sowing” means the actions and choices that a person makes, while “reaping” refers to the consequences or results of those actions.

The principle of sowing and reaping runs throughout the Bible. This verse emphasizes that God cannot be mocked or fooled and that a person will ultimately experience the natural consequences of their actions. It is a reminder that we are responsible for our own choices and actions and that we should strive to make wise decisions that honor God.

This verse applies to every aspect of a believer’s life, including relationships, finances, and spiritual growth. It is a call to be intentional about the choices we make and to consider the long-term consequences of our actions. Ultimately, our sowing and reaping will be judged at the final judgment, and we will reap what we have sown.

Philippians 1:10

Philippians 1:10 reads: “so that you may approve the things that are excellent, in order to be sincere and blameless until the day of Christ.”

This verse is part of the opening section of Paul’s letter to the Philippians, where he expresses his thanksgiving for the believers in Philippi and prays for their continued growth in faith. In verse 9, he prays that their love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, and in verse 10 he explains why: so that they may be able to approve or discern what is excellent, and thus be sincere and blameless until the day of Christ.

The Greek word translated here as “approve” (dokimazo) can also mean “test” or “examine.” In this context, it refers to the ability to distinguish between what is excellent and what is mediocre or inadequate. The goal of such discernment is to be able to make wise choices that reflect the values of the kingdom of God.

Paul goes on to explain that the ultimate purpose of such discernment is to be “sincere and blameless until the day of Christ.” The word translated as “sincere” (eilikrines) means “pure” or “unmixed,” and carries the connotation of being free from any defect or impurity. The word translated as “blameless” (aproskopos) means “without stumbling” or “without offense,” suggesting that the goal is to live in a way that is beyond reproach or scandal.

Taken together, Philippians 1:10 can be understood as a call to grow in discernment and to use that discernment to make wise choices that reflect the values of God’s kingdom. The ultimate goal of this discernment is to live a life that is pure, blameless, and pleasing to God until the day of Christ.

John 13:15

John 13:15 reads: “For I have given you an example, that you also should do just as I have done to you.” This verse is a part of Jesus’ discourse with His disciples after washing their feet. It is an example of Jesus teaching by demonstration, showing His followers that they should emulate His actions.

Exegetically, this verse can be understood in the context of Jesus’ larger teachings on humility and servant leadership. Jesus had just performed the task of a lowly servant by washing the feet of His disciples, despite being their master and teacher. This act was intended to teach the disciples the importance of serving others with humility and putting the needs of others before their own.

The phrase “just as I have done to you” emphasizes the importance of following Jesus’ example in serving others. It is not enough to simply believe in Jesus, but true discipleship requires putting His teachings into practice, by serving others with humility and love.

Overall, John 13:15 serves as a reminder to Christians to follow Jesus’ example of servant leadership, putting the needs of others before their own and serving with humility and love.