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

God instructs us to be living sacrifices. Too many drag this change out over decades, thereby self-limiting the process of sanctification.

Self-justification is a common impediment to overcoming sin. We tend to excuse ourselves for what we say and do, making it harder to become like God.

Christ's fifth letter in Revelation 2-3, written to Sardis, calls its recipients 'dead.' Do they have any hope? Are our works lively, our faith living?