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Self Control

/self-kon-TROHL/

Summary

Mastery over one's desires, impulses, and passions—a fruit of the Spirit essential to godly living.

☩Definition

The Greek 'egkrateia' is rendered 'temperance' in KJV but more accurately 'self-control' in the RV. The adjective 'egkrates' means 'self-controlled' and is a qualification for elders. The verb forms describe exercising self-mastery, as the athlete 'exerciseth self-control' in all things to win the prize.

Key verses:Acts 24:25Galatians 5:232 Peter 1:6Titus 1:81 Corinthians 7:91 Corinthians 9:25

☩Biblical Examples

Saul showed self-control when provoked by critics at his coronation—he 'held his peace.' David demonstrated remarkable restraint twice when he could have killed Saul but refused, saying 'I will not stretch forth mine hand against the Lord's anointed.' Jesus exemplified perfect self-control: 'when he was reviled, reviled not again; when he suffered, he threatened not.'

Key verses:1 Samuel 10:271 Samuel 24:1-151 Samuel 26:1-20Matthew 26:62-63Matthew 27:12-14

☩A Fruit of the Spirit

Self-control is listed among the fruit of the Spirit, the result of the Spirit's work in believers. Paul reasoned with Felix about 'righteousness, self-control, and judgment to come'—categories that made the governor tremble. Peter exhorts believers to add self-control to their knowledge.

Key verses:Galatians 5:22-23Acts 24:252 Peter 1:5-6

Related Verses4 mentions

1 Samuel· 3 verses

10:2724:126:1

Matthew· 1 verse

27:12

See Also

Patience
Patience
Rashness
Rashness
Riotous Living
Riotous Living

References

  1. 1.James Orr (ed.), "Self-Control," in International Standard Bible Encyclopedia, vol. IV (Howard-Severance Company, 1915).
  2. 2.James Orr (ed.), "Self-Control," in International Standard Bible Encyclopedia, vol. IV (Howard-Severance Company, 1915).
  3. 3.James Orr (ed.), "Self-Control," in International Standard Bible Encyclopedia, vol. IV (Howard-Severance Company, 1915).
  4. 4.James Orr (ed.), "Self-Control," in International Standard Bible Encyclopedia, vol. IV (Howard-Severance Company, 1915).
  5. 5.James Orr (ed.), "Self-Control," in International Standard Bible Encyclopedia, vol. IV (Howard-Severance Company, 1915).
  6. 6.James Orr (ed.), "Self-Control," in International Standard Bible Encyclopedia, vol. IV (Howard-Severance Company, 1915).
  7. 7.James Orr (ed.), "Self-Control," in International Standard Bible Encyclopedia, vol. IV (Howard-Severance Company, 1915).
  8. 8.James Orr (ed.), "Self-Control," in International Standard Bible Encyclopedia, vol. IV (Howard-Severance Company, 1915).