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Ask, and it shall be given to
you; seek, and you shall find; knock, and it shall be opened to
you. Matt.
7:7 |
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"TEMPERANCE"
Temperance is one of those words that is
not used a great deal in our daily conversations. It's defined as
"self - restraint in conduct, expression; moderation."
Self-indulgence corrupts society. Self-control exhibits qualities
characteristic of God's children.
Consequences of
Self-Indulgence:
- Leads to futility.
Solomon's experiments proved in vain (Ecclesiastes
2:10-11).
- Develops dissatisfaction.
Israel scorned the manna from heaven (Numbers
11:5).
- Encourages carnality. the
rich farmer was too occupied with pleasure to remember (Luke
12:19).
- Results in barrenness. No
fruit brought to perfection by those choked with cares, riches and
pleasures of this life (Luke 8:14).
- Ends in destruction. A
man without control is like a city with no defense (Proverbs
25:28).
Values of Self-Control:
- Promotes health. Fear,
worry and unrestrained emotion lead to all manner of illnesses
(Daniel 1:15).
- Encourages
self-confidence. Why do you suppose Esther proclaimed a fast?
(Esther 4:16).
- Strengthens faith. Why
did the Lord fast before His temptation ? (Matthew
4:2).
- Develop piety. John the
Baptist was great in the sight of the Lord and filled with the
Holy Ghost (Luke 1:15).
- Leads to mastery. Winners
must practice temperance (Corinthians 9:25).
Self-Control.
can be developed with proper attitudes and activities. It must be
exercised over both mind and body. Self-Control is both
constructive and Christ-like and is sound
doctrine.
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