Scripture Text: 2 Peter 1:1-8
Lesson Aim: To define and explain temperance as a fruit of the Spirit.
Memory Verse: But also for this very reason, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue, to virtue knowledge, to knowledge self-control, to self-control perseverance, to perseverance godliness. 2 Peter 1:5-6
Temperance is defined as self-control (Vine’s Bible Dictionary), something that is difficult to demonstrate without the operation of the Holy Spirit in one’s life. This is important because by exercising this part of the fruit of the Spirit the child of God is able to lead a balanced life. Without temperance, our life’s highs and lows would go beyond their limits.
Self-control implies self-discipline and self-restraint of one’s desires and lusts. It is the control of one’s will. In simple terms, self-control is the ability to keep one’s self in check.[1] God has given us the power of choice, the opportunity to wisely choose the things that are good and acceptable in His sight. He created man with abilities to exercise temperance in decision making and to cooperate with His voice against the temptation of the devil’s suggestions.
As long as we are alive, we will be tempted. As a result, we need God’s self-control every minute of the day in every area of life that we may face temptation. “We need the Spirit’s help in the battle to resist fleshly urges in the common areas of life…like food and drink, purchasing and possession, in all matters that are sensual and sexual in nature, and in self-indulgence of any kind.[2]
What does self-control do? Well, when the fruit of self-control is operating in our lives we will see the following strengths:
- “Self-control controls and checks the self.
- Self-control restrains the self.
- Self-control disciplines and masters the self.
- Self-control holds in and commands the self.
- Self-control says, “NO!” to self.”[3]
However, note the things that self-control does not do:
- “Self-control does not yield to temptation.
- Self-control does not give in to desires.
- Self-control does not participate in sin.
- Self-control does not indulge itself.
- Self-control does not satisfy itself.”[4]
Each of us may have a different list of fleshly temptations, but each battle is won the same way—by calling upon God and relying on His gift of temperance. Some of the ways that we can nurture temperance is:
(1) Begin with Christ. Make sure that He is your Lord and Master. Make sure you have Him on the throne of your heart. Self and Jesus cannot rule at the same time. The flesh has to be crucified.
(2) Monitor your input—what you see and what you hear. David said in Psalm 101:3, “I will set nothing wicked before my eyes.”
(3) Stay occupied with godly things. There is the saying, “An idle mind is the devil’s workshop.” David and Potiphar’s wife shared that same problem. Do the right thing and you won’t be tempted as much to do the wrong.
(4) Just say, “No”!
(5) Pray about every aspect of your life. Submit everything to God.
Interact with God’s Word
- How is Proverbs 25:28 relevant to the discussion of temperance?
- What can happen when one’s mood is not controlled? Numbers 20:6-13
- What can we learn from 2 Samuel 11:1-5?
- What must the older saints do to promote temperance in the church? Titus 2:1-8
- How does the grace of God factor impact us in terms of temperance? Titus 2:11-12
[1] John MacArthur, Jr., Liberty in Christ (Panorama City, California: Word of Grace Communities, 1986), p. 96.
[2] Elizabeth George, A Woman’s Walk with God (Eugene, Oregon: Harvest House Publishers, 2000), 189.
[3] Ibid, 190.
[4] 1. Ibid, 190.