Virtues: The Virtue of Temperance (Self-control) 

2 Peter 1:5-10; Galatians 5:22-23; 1 Corinthians 9:25 

June 18, 2023 

Dr. Brad Hoffmann, pastor 

Self-control is spiritual.  

 Galatians 5:22-23 ESV 

22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. 

 Self-control is intentional. 

 2 Peter 1:5-10 ESV 

5 For this very reason, make every effort to supplement your faith with virtue, and virtue with knowledge, 6 and knowledge with self-control, and self-control with steadfastness, and steadfastness with godliness, 7 and godliness with brotherly affection, and brotherly affection with love. 8 For if these qualities are yours and are increasing, they keep you from being ineffective or unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. 9 For whoever lacks these qualities is so nearsighted that he is blind, having forgotten that he was cleansed from his former sins. 10 Therefore, brothers, be all the more diligent to confirm your calling and election, for if you practice these qualities you will never fall. 

 Self-control is calculated.  

 1 Corinthians 9:24-27 ESV 

Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one receives the prize? So run that you may obtain it. 25 Every athlete exercises self-control in all things. They do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable. 26 So I do not run aimlessly; I do not box as one beating the air. 27 But I discipline my body and keep it under control, lest after preaching to others I myself should be disqualified. 

 Self-control is a visionary.  

 Proverbs 23:20-21 ESV 

Be not among drunkards or among gluttonous eaters of meat, 21  for the drunkard and the glutton will come to poverty, and slumber will clothe them with rags.  

 Practice Self-control 

 1. Set your goal. 

 2. Make the choice. 

 3. Normalize a routine. 

 4. Be mindful.  

 5. Replace the hindrances. 

 6. Reinforce desired outcomes.  

 Where do you want to begin?