Titus 2 | Sense and Sensibility

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Slides:

Self-control is the Spirit-fueled foundation for godly living.

What is self-control, and where does it come from?

Gal. 5:22 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. 24 Now those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. 25 If we live by the Spirit, let us also walk by the Spirit.

The Holy Spirit-empowered fruit of one who masters the desires of his flesh, especially his sexual appetites.

Self-control includes:

Temperance – the readiness to act under any circumstance

Sobriety – freedom from worldly intoxication

Courage – a resolute dependence upon God in every circumstance

“Sober mindedness includes at least three elements: clarity of mind, stability of soul, and readiness to act.” Joe Rigney

What is the desire of the flesh? A lustful longing for what is forbidden.

The desire of the flesh…

Mark 4:19 – chokes out the fruit of the word

Eph. 4:22, Titus 3:3 – corrupts & enslaves

1 Tim. 6:9 – plunges men into ruin and destruction

James 1:14-15 – leads to temptation and sin

Rom. 7:8 – is produced by sin

Col. 3:5 – amounts to idolatry and must be put to death

“Be killing sin, or sin will be killing you.” John Owen

So what do we do to become self-controlled people?

Pray.

Apply all diligence.

Depend on the unconditional love, mercy, and forgiveness of God.