Motivated – Part 9: Self-Control
1 Samuel 24
- Self-Control Protects The Plan God Has For Me.
Why is self-control so difficult?
• Our emotions feel like truth.
• People encourage what God has not approved.
• We naturally react in the flesh rather than respond in the Spirit.
Series Memory Verse: “But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against these things!” Galatians 5:22–23 (p.893)
- Pause before you act.
“But then David’s conscience began bothering him because he had cut Saul’s robe.” 1 Samuel 24:5 (p.229)
“…You must all be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to get angry. Human anger does not produce the righteousness God desires.”James 1:19-20 (p.930)
- Ask: “Is this God’s plan for me?”
“He said to his men, ‘The Lord forbid that I should do this to my lord the king. I shouldn’t attack the Lord’s anointed one, for the Lord himself has chosen him.’” 1 Samuel 24:6 (p.229)
“Better to be patient than powerful; better to have self-control than to conquer a city.” Proverbs 16:32 (p.492)
“…Make every effort to respond to God’s promises…with self-control…The more you grow like this, the more productive and useful you will be in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.” 2 Peter 1:5-8 (p.938)
My Next Step This Week: Identify one “cave” moment where you have the opportunity to do what you want, but God invites you to surrender.