Self-Control
Bible Study by Martin G. CollinsAs a fruit of God's Spirit, self control may be the single hardest to master over the course of a lifetime, yet we need it to do our parts in God's Kingdom.
The Fruit of the Spirit: Self-Control
'Personal' from John W. RitenbaughHas anyone, other than Jesus Christ, really exhibited self-control? In the end, however, this is the ultimate aim of growing in the character of God.
Self Control
Sermonette by James BeaubelleSelf-control helps us to restrain ourselves from harmful lusts of the flesh, including gluttony, intoxication, sex outside of marriage, and drug abuse.
True Self-Control
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughSelf-control is the ability to focus our attention so that our decisions will not be directed by wrong thoughts. If we change our thoughts, we change our behavior.
Gluttony: A Lack of Self-Control (Part Two)
Article by Martin G. CollinsAt its base, gluttony is nothing more than a lack of self-control. But there is also a more spiritual side to this prevalent sin.
Liberty Through Self-Control
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughOnly by using God's Spirit can we gain the self-discipline, self-mastery, and self-control to put to death the carnal pulls, giving us freedom from sin.
The Essence of Self-Control
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsA lack of self-control, as well as the cultivation of self-indulgent perversions, will characterize large segments of our society living at the end times.
Control and Self-Control
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughParadoxically, when we yield to God's sovereignty, He wants to cede control over to us, teaching us to develop self-control as an ingrained habit.
Addiction and Self-Control
CGG Weekly by Richard T. RitenbaughGod does not view addictions as 'diseases' or 'genetic predisposition,' which absolve the individual of responsibility. Addictions are the result of sinful choices.
Our Part in the Sanctification Process (Part Ten): Cultivating the Fruit of Self Control
Sermon by David F. MaasIt is impossible to cultivate self-control unless one uses God's Spirit to reprogram the desires of the heart from self-centeredness to submission to God.
Sanctification, Teens, and Self-Control
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John W. RitenbaughYoung people are responsible for the spiritual knowledge that they have learned from their parents, as well as the custodianship of spiritual blessings.
The Rare Virtue of Self-Mastery
CGG Weekly by Richard T. RitenbaughThe virtue of self-control or self-mastery is rare in the world and is the key problem in drunkenness and alcoholism. The world glorifies letting go.
Overcoming (Part 5): Self-Denial
Bible Study by Martin G. CollinsA key to overcoming our sins is learning when to deny ourselves. Christ plainly declares that those who desire to follow Him must deny themselves.
God and Self-Government
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughThe New Covenant, wherein God writes His law on the heart and gives His Spirit, empowers God's people to obey without the need for external control.
Self-Government (Part Two)
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)If we govern ourselves, God will take care of us. Government of any kind will not work unless people govern their own nature. Self-control enables us to show love.
Flee From Idolatry (Part One): Self-Discipline
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughThough Paul's spiritual credentials outstripped all of his coworkers, Paul used none of his rights as an apostle, but gave his life as a sacrifice.
Self-Discipline
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughProtestant theology recognizes that Christian self-discipline presents a major logical difficulty in its keystone doctrine of 'by grace alone.'
Time for Self-Evaluation
'Ready Answer' by John O. ReidPrior to the Days of Unleavened Bread, we are told to examine ourselves. How can we do that? Here are a few pointers on doing a thorough, honest once over.
Self-Government
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughSubmitting to a human government is a work that requires self-government. Paul thoroughly disciplined his body as he followed the example of Jesus Christ.
Self-Government (Part One)
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)Regardless of whether one submits to God, government, or community, self-government is the best means to having a safe, smooth course toward an objective.
Self-Government and Responsibility (Part Three)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughJacob's Trouble, or the Great Tribulation, comes about because people are not meeting their God-given responsibilities: keeping His Commandments.
Self-Government and Responsibility (Part One)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughWe need free moral agency to be transformed into God's image. Unless one has God's Spirit, he cannot exercise the internal control to be subject to the way of God.
Self-Government and Responsibility (Part Two)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughOur experiences prepare us to be a better judge or king. Though we may exercise righteous judgment, we dare not pass judgment nor justify sin in ourselves.
Controlling the Gap (Part Two)
CGG Weekly by Bill OnisickSpiritual conditioning involves prayer, study, meditation on God, and occasional fasting, refining our judgment of—and hence our response to—trying situations.
Controlling the Gap (Part One)
CGG Weekly by Bill OnisickControlling the gap between stimulus and response is a Christian responsibility. We must recognize its existence and learn to use this moment properly.
Optimus Modus
Sermonette by Mike FordProverbs 25:16 stresses that moderation is the best policy. Of all the fruits of God's Holy Spirit, self-control is the most difficult to attain.
The Small and Great Standing Before God
Sermonette by Martin G. CollinsThe greatest, according to Jesus Christ, can be determined by the one who serves the most with an attitude of humility, generosity, and other-centeredness.
Perfect, Gentle Courtesy (Part 2)
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsGood manners are not just an accomplishment, but a duty that everyone must practice in order for society to move smoothly.
Eating: How Good It Is! (Part Six)
'Personal' from John W. RitenbaughIn the West, both food and information are readily available. We need self-control and a dedication to truth in order to live a godly life.
If You Do These Things, You Shall Never Fall
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Mark SchindlerGod has not set up us for failure, but if we can't control our inordinate pride, we could destroy our own chances of fulfilling God's purpose for us.
Essential Characteristics of Our Calling
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsDoctrine and practice be evenly balanced. If the behaviors are detached from principle and doctrine, the weightier matters of the law will be neglected.
The Nanny Church (Part Two)
CGG Weekly by David C. GrabbeThe problem of Nannyism does not lie only with those in authority; the actions of the people may invite the government to assume the people's responsibility.
Displaying Virtuous Character
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsSelf-control has both an inward and outward dimension, the latter concerned with human relationships, manners, and reflecting God's orderly mindset.
The Patience of God
CGG Weekly by Ronny H. GrahamPatience is sometimes misunderstood. Many think that it is just sitting and waiting, but exercising patience takes work and sometimes great self-control.
The Meek
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughMeekness is the opposite of weakness, exemplifying self-control under immense pressure, demonstrated by Jesus refusing to retaliate.
Paul's Letter to Titus (Part 2)
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsThe last two chapters of Titus emphasize the importance of sound doctrine to neutralize the negative worldly aspects of culture and the attending heresies.
Ground Hog Day - Again?
Sermonette by Bill OnisickIf we become stiff-necked, like our ancestors at Sinai, we are not submitting to God's Holy Spirit, sabotaging our overcoming and our path to salvation.
Christians in the Spotlight
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughWe must let our lights shine by our moderation, self-control, attitude, and behavior, realizing that we are reflecting the characteristics of God Almighty.
Displaying Gentle and Patient Conduct
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsGod's people must follow the spirit of the law regarding the treatment of others, being humble, sincere, and gentle, esteeming others before themselves.
Eternal Servant Leadership
Sermon by Mark SchindlerOur responsibility should be to learn to serve rather than to emulate the pompous gentile leaders who love to domineer over their subjects.
The Meekness and Gentleness of Christ
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsJesus demonstrated His meekness in His treatment of many with whom He interacted. Balancing firmness and gentleness, He seeks to save rather than destroy.
Five Teachings of Grace
'Personal' from John W. RitenbaughProtestantism unthinkingly presents grace as "free." However, Scripture shows that God expects a great deal of effort from us once we receive it—it is costly.
Patience (2019)
Sermonette by Ronny H. GrahamPatience, a fruit of God's Spirit and a trait He abundantly displays, is not a passive turning away, but an active effort to control bursts of anger.
Maintaining Good Health (Part 11)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughHuman nature takes chances, assuming the day of reckoning will come later, not sooner. We cannot ignore truth or God's laws without paying a horrific price.
How to Have a Great Feast
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughThe Feasts of God are not vacations, but are holy convocations when God assembles His family for the purpose of enabling us to learn to fear and honor Him.
Blessed Are the Meek (2014)
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughIn Paul's listings of virtues, meekness always appears near the end, reflecting its difficulty. Meekness is the gentle, quiet spirit of selfless devotion.
Remaining Unleavened
Article by John O. ReidWe tend to put matters behind us once we are finished with them, but we cannot afford to do this with the lessons we learn from the Days of Unleavened Bread.
Elite, Special Spiritual Forces Training
Sermonette by Bill OnisickLike a muscle, God's Spirit must be continually used to overcome Satan's attacks in our minds which are, without discipline, hostile to God's laws.
Delusions of Perfection
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughWe need to exercise humility and forbearance when we deal with the weaknesses of our brethren, restoring them in love as we would expect them to do for us.
Modesty (Part One): Moderation and Propriety
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Martin G. CollinsWe must avoid the world's extremes and sensual excesses in matters of dress and fashion, adopting instead humility, chastity, decency, morality, and self control.
Prepare for Your Future Now
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John O. ReidWe have been base and ignoble, but Christ has enabled us to be cleaned up and transformed or shaped into offspring of God to be joint heirs with Christ.
Prepare to Teach
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Martin G. CollinsWe will be kings and priests, responsible for those coming out of the tribulation. We must prepare now to fill the entire earth with the knowledge of God.
Abstinence - Asceticism or Christian Living?
'Ready Answer' by Martin G. CollinsSome equate abstinence with religious asceticism, but abstinence is broader. Christians may need to abstain from more than just sinful actions.
Our Part in the Sanctification Process (Part Nine): Cultivating the Fruit of Gentleness
Sermon by David F. MaasBiblical meekness brings strength under control, enabling God's called out ones to tame the temper, calm the passions, managing the unruly impulses.
Our Reasonable Service
Sermonette by Bill OnisickOne really cannot have proper spiritual health without maintaining a physical regime of diet, exercise, and rest. We have a responsibility to educate ourselves.
Dystopia? Utopia?
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughThe Great Tribulation is the ultimate dystopia. The return of Christ will avenge all the crimes committed against God's people, as God's Kingdom is restored.
Sanctification and the Teens
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughYoung people in the church must realize that they are not invincible. Not only is God's law no respecter of persons, but also sanctification can be lost.
Unity (Part 8): Ephesians 4 (E)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThe group that one fellowships with is less important than the understanding that there is one true church, bound by a spiritual, not a physical unity.
Facing Times of Stress: Hopeless Regrets
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsIt sometimes appears that people outside the church have fewer problems and anxieties, having been spared Satan's onslaught of temptation and deception.
Humanism's Flooding Influence (Part Three)
Commentary by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)James Madison and the other founding fathers realized that a democratic republic would only work in a godly, moral, or Christian administration.
Loyalty and Submission (Part 3)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughAs wives are admonished to emulate the ideal of the Proverbs 31 woman, husbands must emulate the sacrificial spirit of Jesus Christ.
The Covenants, Grace, and Law (Part Twenty-Two)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThe Gnostics criticized by Paul in Colossians 2:16-17 were guilty of bringing in ritualistic ascetic discipline to propitiate demons.
Titus 2:11-14
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughWe are obligated to dress and keep what is placed in our care, improving what He has given to us. We dare not stand still, but must make effort to grow.