Proverbs 25:28. The way to self-control starts from within ourselves. We can try the latest fad diets, smoking patches, and anger management classes, but these self-control fixes will not work until we realize that the fix is within ourselves and with God. One definition of self-control (temperance) is “the virtue of one who masters his desires and passions, especially his sensual appetites” (J.H. Thayer). The virtue of self-control is a moral excellence that starts within ourselves. Proverbs 25:28 says, “He that hath no rule over his own spirit is like a city that is broken down, and without walls”. If we cannot rule over our spirit, we have no self-control. To achieve the moral excellence (virtue) of self-control, we must first yield to God the ultimate moral and spiritual authority. Otherwise, we are at the complete mercy and authority of our flesh and sensual appetites,. Without God's power and purpose in our lives, we will be completely ravaged by our sensual appetites much like a conquering enemy will ravage a city with no walls.

PROVERBS 25 BIBLE SCRIPTURE Proverbs 25:28, “He that hath no rule over his own spirit is like a city that is broken down, and without walls.”

Colossians 3:17. Many of us seek self-control, but Jesus is the only true way to self-control. He is the only human that has walked on this Earth and was perfect. He had perfect self-control. He had no sin in Him. He was perfect and had no sin in Him because besides being human He was God walking on this Earth. He came here to save us from our sin and from being out of the will of God. If we accept His free gift of salvation, we will be saved and can be perfect as He is perfect. He has given us the power and the living example of how to be perfect in this sinful world. Once we accept Him as our Lord and Savior, all we need to do is follow Jesus' example in word and deed to be perfect – to have perfect self-control (Colossians 3:17, “And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him”).

COLOSSIANS 3 BIBLE SCRIPTURE Colossians 3:17, “And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.”

1 Corinthians 9:25. Christians have a higher inspiration to have self-control than a Olympic athlete. An Olympic athlete is inspired by the opportunity to win a gold medal. Many Olympic athletes train for the Olympics for years and they have great self-control and discipline. On the other hand, Christians have a greater inspiration to obtain and maintain self-control and not to sin. Christians run a race just as any Olympic athlete, but Christians are striving in life for a incorruptible crown which is the crown of eternal life (1 Corinthians 9:24-27, "Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain. And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible. I therefore so run, not as uncertainly; so fight I, not as one that beateth the air: But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway").

The race for the incorruptible crown of eternal life does not begin until we accept Jesus as our Lord and Savior. God offers eternal life as a free gift (the incorruptible crown) to everyone, but we must first accept Jesus as our Lord and Savior. Once we accept Jesus as our Lord and Savior, the Christian race of sanctification and eternal life begins. It is race of self-control for us not to sin and be obedient to God at all times. This race of sanctification is hard work, but it is a labor of love to show God that Jesus is really our Lord and not just our Savior. Just as we will do anything for our wife or our children on Earth to show our love, the Christian race of sanctification and self-control is an act of love that we offer to our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

1 CORINTHIANS 9 BIBLE SCRIPTURE 1 Corinthians 9:25, “And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible.”