Hunger Mountain Christian Assembly
The Seven Pillars of Character - No. 1 Self-Control
Galatians 5:22-23 (NLT)
But when the Holy Spirit controls our lives, he will produce this kind of fruit in us: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23gentleness, and - self control. Here there is no conflict with the law.
Introduction: I have been bringing you a series of teachings from the book “The Elephant in the Room” by Dr. Robb Thompson. It is a book on the subject of “ethics” which is a study on “character” and the qualities that make up our character. Having finished that, I now embark on a series upon which our character rests and that is “pillars.” A pillar is something that is foundational or which braces something up or supports something. There are seven pillars of character and this morning I want to speak to you about the first pillar and that is “self-control.”
Dr. Thompson likens everything in life to that like a computer in that it runs on an “operating system.” And our life is like that of a computer in that if we have a faulty operating system we break down. Dr. Thompson says this: “Someone might seem like a person of good character on the outside yet show a completely different side of themselves when he or she goes home. When a person is one way on the outside and another on the inside, they have no integrity. It is only a matter of time before their faulty operating system will crash.”
The character key (pillar) that unlocks our operating system- a quality of character that governs and directs every other quality of excellent character is that of “self-control.”
1. Self-control is control of one’s emotions, desires, or actions by one’s own will.
2. Romans 8:14 (NIV) Those who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God.
3. If we are led by anything other than the Holy Spirit we will sin.
4. The greatest giant one will ever face in themselves.
5. A lack of self-control is the greatest enemy to the pursuit of excellence.
How do we establish the pillar of self-control and unlock a new operating system in our lives?
1. A person must recognize that his or her outer flesh and their inner conscience are at war with one another.
• Reading God’s Word, prayer, coming to church, going to home groups, and meditating on God’s principles will give the inner man (our spirit) the incentive, strength, and tools it needs to
consistently win this ongoing battle.
• There is always going to be a struggle.
2. Each of us should continually evaluate our actions, thoughts, and words on the basis of the definition of self-control.
• 1 Cor. 11:31 (NIV) But if we judged ourselves, we would not come under judgment.
• Whatever we refuse to fight and conquer will ultimately conquer us.
We are responsible to establish our own set of standards.
1. Self-control begins by recognizing there is a consequence for every action.
2. Tears of sorrow can never wash away the consequence for wrongdoing.
3. Crying and wishing things were different will not change a person’s life. Changing one’s character changes one’s life.
4. The integrity of a person’s character is tested and tried by the fire of adversity.
5. Self-control begins when we expose our thoughts and feelings to the guidelines of proven principles.
Conclusion: Self-control is a pillar of character. It is the foundational gift of the Gifts of the Spirit and it is the same for our character. Self-control is Spirit led. When we are led by our emotions, feelings, and actions we will sin. If we are led by God’s Spirit we will be pleasing to Him and our character will have the support it needs to be sustained. To maintain self-control will be a battle and we need to examine ourselves to see and understand our weaknesses. But it is a battle that can be won. Today is the day to examine ourselves and get the help that we need so that our character is as His is.
Close: Proverbs 25:28 (NLT) A person without self-control is as defenseless as a city with broken-down walls.