Session 4

There is freedom in self-control

From Titus: An 8-Day Devotional

Imagine for a moment we are living in a world where adults are not potty trained. Eww. We all need to be grateful that as we grew up someone told us we needed self-control in this area and took the time to teach us how to practice it.

Paul reminds us in Titus 2:1-6, growing up in Christ requires the same kind of instruction. We all come to Jesus with areas of our lives over which we do not exercise self-control. Rather, we yield to impulses. It could be substance abuse, fits of temper, gossip, sexual practices, or destructive thought patterns. No matter what it is, a fleeting impulse can lead to a permanent problem.

Self-control does not limit us. To the contrary, it frees us to follow Jesus more closely.

When we ask Jesus into our lives, one of the Holy Spirit’s gifts is self-control (Galatians 5:22-23). Self-control does not limit us. To the contrary, it frees us to follow Jesus more closely.

Those who are mature in the faith are responsible for training younger believers—teaching them how to tap into and grow in self-control and helping them prepare for Jesus' return. "Therefore, prepare your minds for action; be self-controlled; set your hope fully on the grace to be given you when Jesus Christ is revealed" (1 Peter 1:13).

Reflect:

• What is the area over which you have the most trouble exercising self-control? Don't try to overcome it on your own. Who can you connect with to mentor you in this area?
• Are you making yourself available to mentor younger Christians?
• What is one step you can take today to be intentional about mentoring someone this week?