SELF CONTROL  - In A Nutshell - Bro. Prithivi Raj
Channel: Tamil Christian Sound Doctrine Resources-King of King's Christ Jesus Vision Inscribed InTouch
Date: 26/09/2018

SELF CONTROL  - In A Nutshell - Bro. Prithivi Raj
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David was called as a man after God’s own heart but in 2 Sam 11:27, we read about him as “The Lord considered what David had done to be evil.” This refers to the cost David had to pay for his failure in controlling lust. Lust is a huge problem in our world and society and is probably the greatest contributor to the destruction of relationships.  
Like gravitational force, the lust inside us experience pull by the attractions of the world. The things we see, hear, smell, touch, taste has the potential to trigger the lust in us. We call this as temptation. Temptations can be material temptation - the lust for things, personal temptation - the lust for status or special recognition, sensual temptation – the lust for another person. In 1 John 2:14, we read that the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life comes from the world, diminishing the love of God in us. James 1:14 says each person is tempted when they are dragged away by their own evil desire and enticed. The lust may be a sinful desire, a desire to take revenge, a desire to control others or some legitimate ones like the desire to be loved, desire to be valued, etc. 
We allow lust because we choose to do so, by being attracted by the pleasures it offers. We entertain lust out of curiosity. What started as experimental slowly takes control of our life. We allow lust because it is enjoyable. Lust affects us emotionally, physically and spiritually. 
Satan is tempter. He is in the business of sowing doubts or seducing suggestions that will keep us away from God, driving us into temptation and deception. When the attractions of the world capture our attention, Lust is aroused. When we do not control the lust, it will end up taking the position of controlling us. Soon it will influence our habit and our behavior. 
Exercising control over lust is self-control. In Proverbs 25:28, we are told that a man without self-control is like a city broken into and left without walls. In 1 Cor 9:25-27, Paul says that Christians need to exercise self-control like the athletes. Col 3:5 talks about putting lust to death, meaning deactivating the lust. Self control means the ability to control one’s emotions and behavior in the face of temptations and impulses. 
Temptation is not sin. It will become sin when we fall in temptation. God allows temptations to make us spiritually stronger. Root grows stronger when wind blows against the tree. Every time we overcome a temptation, we develop self-control and it strengthens our spiritual life. Exercising self control over lust is essential for our spiritual growth. 
In order to develop self control, we need to realize that we are victims of lust and need change. We must accept our fault. When our lust is triggered, the quickest way to neutralize it is to think something else. Identifying the typical pattern of temptation and taking steps to avoid such tempting things, places and persons will help. When we fail in temptation, it is important not to give up in our struggle against lust.  We need to depend on God for the strength to overcome lust. Being led by the indwelling Holy Spirit produces self control in us. 

By 
Building Bridges that Evangelize the Lost and Extend the Love of Christ 
LORD Jesus Christ's disciples making disciples
Know the Truth and Spread the Truth 
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Let us stand together for Christ, 
Missions Coordinator 
King of Kings Christ Jesus' Vision Inscribed Team
Saying Yes Jesus:
Many people believe they are Christians because they were born in a Christian culture, go to Church regularly, try to do their best, or live a good life. However, the Bible teaches that these things cannot make you a Christian. You become a Christian by taking the following two important steps:
1. Acknowledge that you (along with all people) have sinned and fallen short of God’s standards.
https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Romans%203%3A23&version=NIV;ERV-TA
2. Personally believe that Jesus Christ, who was God in human flesh, died for your sins on the cross and rose again. 1 Corinthians 15: 3 – 4
https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1+Corinthians+15%3A+3+–+4&version=NIV;ERV-TA
You may express your belief through prayer, asking Jesus to come into your life, and receiving Him as God’s gift to you. John 1: 12; Romans 6: 23 and Revelation 3: 20

https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John+1%3A+12&version=NIV;ERV-TA
https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Romans+6%3A+23+&version=NIV;ERV-TA
https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Revelation+3%3A+20&version=NIV;ERV-TA

For it is by grace you have been saved through faith…it is the gift of God not by works, so that no one can boast. Ephesians 2: 8 – 9
https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Ephesians+2%3A+8+–+9&version=NIV;ERV-TA
Walk with the LORD Jesus and proclaim Him wherever He leads!