• Galatians 5:22-24
    But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law. And those who are Christ's have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.
     
  • Romans 12:1-8
    I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God. For I say, through the grace given to me, to everyone who is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think soberly, as God has dealt to each one a measure of faith. For as we have many members in one body, but all the members do not have the same function, so we, being many, are one body in Christ, and individually members of one another. Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, let us prophesy in proportion to our faith; or ministry, let us use it in our ministering; he who teaches, in teaching; he who exhorts, in exhortation; he who gives, with liberality; he who leads, with diligence; he who shows mercy, with cheerfulness.
     
  • 1 Corinthians 9:24-27
    Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may obtain it. And everyone who competes for the prize is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a perishable crown, but we for an imperishable crown. Therefore I run thus: not with uncertainty. Thus I fight: not as one who beats the air. But I discipline my body and bring it into subjection, lest, when I have preached to others, I myself should become disqualified.
     
  • 2 Corinthians 10:3-5
    For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh. For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ,
     
  • 1 Peter 2:18-23
    Servants, be submissive to your masters with all fear, not only to the good and gentle, but also to the harsh. For this is commendable, if because of conscience toward God one endures grief, suffering wrongfully. For what credit is it if, when you are beaten for your faults, you take it patiently? But when you do good and suffer, if you take it patiently, this is commendable before God. For to this you were called, because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that you should follow His steps:
    "Who committed no sin,
    Nor was deceit found in His mouth"; who, when He was reviled, did not revile in return; when He suffered, He did not threaten, but committed Himself to Him who judges righteously;
     
  • Titus 2:2-3
    that the older men be sober, reverent, temperate, sound in faith, in love, in patience; the older women likewise, that they be reverent in behavior, not slanderers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things—
     
  • Titus 2:6-10
    Likewise, exhort the young men to be sober-minded, in all things showing yourself to be a pattern of good works; in doctrine showing integrity, reverence, incorruptibility, sound speech that cannot be condemned, that one who is an opponent may be ashamed, having nothing evil to say of you. Exhort bondservants to be obedient to their own masters, to be well pleasing in all things, not answering back, not pilfering, but showing all good fidelity, that they may adorn the doctrine of God our Savior in all things.
     
For more scripture references, please see Bible verses for Self Control


Resources

Self-Control

Bible Study by Martin G. Collins

Self-control is a vital fruit of the Spirit, representing power over oneself and mastery over passions. It involves holding appetites in check, controlling rational will, and regulating conduct without being swayed by sensuous desires, with moderation as a key element. A lack of self-control is evident in sins such as lust, …


The Fruit of the Spirit: Self-Control

'Personal' from John W. Ritenbaugh

In a world that often feels out of control with its fast-paced lifestyles and myriad distractions, self-control emerges as a vital attribute for Christian living. Self-control, listed as the ninth and last of the fruits of the Spirit in Galatians 5:22-23, holds undeniable importance. A Christian cannot be uncontrolled in their …


Self Control

Sermonette by James Beaubelle

Self-control helps us to restrain ourselves from harmful lusts of the flesh, including gluttony, intoxication, sex outside of marriage, and drug abuse.


The Essence of Self-Control

Sermon by Martin G. Collins

In a nation marked by unrestrained behavior, self-control is a scarce virtue, as people refuse to govern themselves, giving in to raw lusts and desires, thus casting off all restraint. Sin, at its core, is out of control behavior, and without self-government, no structure, however perfect, can provide justice or peace. Taking …


Addiction and Self-Control

CGG Weekly by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

In addressing the pervasive issue of addiction, the importance of self-control emerges as a critical principle. God strongly advises healthy self-control to prevent succumbing to the effects of substances like alcohol, which can lead to addiction. Solomon counsels in Proverbs 20:1 that wine is a mocker and strong drink a …


Gluttony: A Lack of Self-Control (Part Two)

Article by Martin G. Collins

At the root of gluttony lies a profound lack of self-control, a weakness that is challenged incessantly by the barrage of advertisements for food and drink that surround us daily. This absence of restraint reveals itself when we consume more than is healthy for our bodies and minds, mirroring the struggle of someone unable to …


True Self-Control

Sermon by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

Self-control is a vital element in personal development and spiritual growth. It is the ability to direct the focus of our attention so that our decisions are not swayed by wrong thoughts. Through conscious effort, self-control can be learned by engaging in mental transformation, changing how we think about temptations to alter …


Liberty Through Self-Control

Sermon by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

In this atmosphere of declining freedoms, self-control emerges as a vital aspect of Christian liberty. Without a godly standard to impose boundaries on behavior, lack of restraint leads to chaos and confusion, not true liberty. People may feel free to indulge in their wildest desires, but this results in anarchy and license, not …



For more resources, please see the library topic for Self Control