The Christian’s Power To Be Self-Controlled
The Holy Word of God contains many admonitions concerning the importance of the Christian being self-controlled. Proverbs 16:32 says, “He that is slow to anger is better than the mighty, and he who rules his spirit than he who takes a city.” Also, Proverbs 25:28 says, “Like a city whose walls are broken down is a man who lacks self-control.” Therefore, a Christian without self-control is always vulnerable to attack from the world’s influences, the devil and as well as his or her own self-destructive desires. Needless to say, that person is defenseless and bound to be defeated.
Christians are warned in 2 Timothy 3:3 that in the last days there will be increasing godlessness. Paul writes, “People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, …without self control…” Certainly, no one would deny this trend today in society. Yet, the Apostle Paul exhorted the Christian, “Let us not be like others, who are asleep, but let us be alert and self-controlled. Let us be self-controlled, putting on faith and love as a breastplate and the hope of salvation as a helmet.” (1 Thes. 5:6). Likewise, the Apostle Peter wrote, “His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of Christ who called us by his own glory and goodness. For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness, and to goodness, knowledge and to knowledge, self-control.” (2 Pet. 1:3-6). Paul told young pastor Timothy, “Discipline yourself for the purpose of godliness as it is profitable for all things, not only in this life but also in the life to come.”
Brothers and sisters in Christ, the Bible teaches us to be self-controlled not to do self-control. It must be an outgrowth of the Spirit’s working in us both to will and to do of His good pleasure (Phil. 2:13). In the biblical sense, self-control consists of the right use of the will under the controlling power and performance of he Holy Spirit who indwells the believer. The Greek word egkrateia means “self-control or continence.” The Greek word egkrateia is derived from another Greek word, kratos. Kratos means “strength.” Kratos is translated power in Eph. 1:19. “…According to the working of his mighty power, which he wrought in Christ, when he raised him from the dead…” (Eph. 1:19-20). Therefore, the power TO BE self-controlled is available for the Christian but AN AVAILABLE RESOURCE (RESURRECTION POWER) DOES NOT GUARANTEE AN APPLIED RESOURCE. One must appropriate this power to be self-controlled by faith.
Several steps are necessary before the POWER TO BE SELF-CONTROL is sustained in the Christian’s everyday life. To illustrate these steps, this message of truth examines the God-given example of Daniel as recorded in Daniel 1:1-15. Dare to be a Daniel should be the Christian’s cry in this “out of control” world in which wrong is right and right is considered wrong. Daniel was a man of God who possessed faith in God’s promises to enable him to live a self-controlled life. This becomes evident as you read this brief excerpt recorded in Daniel 1:1-15:
1. In the third year of the reign of Jehoiakim king of Judah, Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon came to Jerusalem and besieged it. 2. The Lord gave Jehoiakim king of Judah into his hand, along with some of the vessels of the house of God; and he brought them to the land of Shinar, to the house of his god, and he brought the vessels into the treasury of his god. 3. Then the king ordered Ashpenaz, the chief of his officials, to bring in some of the sons of Israel, including some of the royal family and of the nobles, 4. youths in whom was no defect, who were good-looking, showing intelligence in every branch of wisdom, endowed with understanding and discerning knowledge, and who had ability for serving in the king’s court; and he ordered him to teach them the literature and language of the Chaldeans. 5. The king appointed for them a daily ration from the king’s choice food and from the wine which he drank, and appointed that they should be educated three years, at the end of which they were to enter the king’s personal service. 6. Now among them from the sons of Judah were Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael and Azariah. 7. Then the commander of the officials assigned new names to them; and to Daniel he assigned the name Belteshazzar, to Hananiah Shadrach, to Mishael Meshach and to Azariah Abed-nego. 8. But Daniel made up his mind that he would not defile himself with the king’s choice food or with the wine which he drank; so he sought permission from the commander of the officials that he might not defile himself. 9. Now God granted Daniel favor and compassion in the sight of the commander of the officials, 10. and the commander of the officials said to Daniel, "I am afraid of my lord the king, who has appointed your food and your drink; for why should he see your faces looking more haggard than the youths who are your own age? Then you would make me forfeit my head to the king." 11. But Daniel said to the overseer whom the commander of the officials had appointed over Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael and Azariah, 12. "Please test your servants for ten days, and let us be given some vegetables to eat and water to drink. 13. Then let our appearance be observed in your presence and the appearance of the youths who are eating the king’s choice food; and deal with your servants according to what you see." 14. So he listened to them in this matter and tested them for ten days. 15. At the end of ten days their appearance seemed better and they were fatter than all the youths who had been eating the king’s choice food.
This beautiful passage of Scripture vividly outlines the steps to be self-controlled in your Christian life. Praise the Lord for The Word of God! First, the power to be self-controlled comes from understanding your responsibility to WATCH AND PRAY. “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure” my mom used to say. As Christians desiring to live godly in Christ Jesus, you must EXPECT and ANTICIPATE the peace of God in your life to be besieged and in anticipation of the attack, WATCH AND PRAY. The Bible records that Daniel was a man of prayer. Over and over in Scripture the Christian is admonished to watch and pray – it is your first line of defense to living a self-controlled life.
Listen to Daniel 1:1: “In the third year of the reign of Jehoiakim king of Judah, Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon came to Jerusalem and besieged it.” Jerusalem literally means, “possession of peace.” Babylon, on the other hand, is often associated with darkness, Satan, confusion, etc. Notice that the king of Babylon came to Jerusalem [the “possess of peace”] and besieged it. Besieged comes from Hebrew root word meaning to “cramp, confine.” It means to beset, cast distress upon or enclose. Ask yourself this question: “Is there a constant encroachment upon the Christian trying to live godly lives today?” Have you felt that happening to you? Have you felt your possession of peace constantly besieged in this world that seems continually given over to its own fleshly desires?
Like Nehemiah in the Old Testament, you must realize you are as a Christian to do a great work for the Lord. The enemy will ridicule the work because it is a great work. God has given you the high honor to be used by Him to change lives. However, you must follow Nehemiah’s strategy in Nehemiah 4:9: “But we prayed to our God, and because of them we set up a guard against them day and night.” Prayer that focuses your attention on God is the great protector of peace in your life. The words of the prophet Isaiah are well remembered here: “Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusted in thee.” Paul’s exhortation to the churches at Phillippi applies to you: “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your request be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, shall guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:6,7) It is interesting that Paul uses a military term to depict the image of the Lord standing guard protecting your possession of the peace. What a wonderful image of your High Priest protecting for you the peace that passes all understanding!
Second, the power to be self-controlled comes from realizing GOD IS IN CONTROL AND YOU ARE GOD’S VESSEL (vs. 2). Satan will always try to undermine God’s power and/or your identity in Christ. But notice in verse 2, “The Lord gave Jehoiakim king of Judah into his hand, along with some of the vessels of the house of God; and he brought them to the land of Shinar, to the house of his god, and he brought the vessels into the treasury of his god.” The enemy wants to bring you into the house of his gods and possess you as his own. But remember, God is sovereign and has all authority and power in heaven and earth. Nothing happens without God’s knowledge for He is omniscient or due His lack of His power for He is omnipotent.
The Psalmist assures us, “The Lord reigns, He is clothed with majesty; The Lord has clothed and girded himself with strength; Indeed, the world is firmly established, it will not be moved” (93:1). And Jesus states, “…All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth.” (Matthew 28:18) Furthermore, Scripture assures the Christian you are God’s vessels – you are His hands and feet and voice on earth: “But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the surpassing greatness of the power may be of God and not from ourselves;” (2 Corinthians 4:7)
Third, the power to be self-controlled comes from seeing, YOU ARE COMPLETE IN CHRIST AND AS A MEMBER OF HIS FAMILY YOU HAVE GREAT POTENTIAL FOR SERVING WITH HIM. Verses 3 and 4 expand on the Christian’s identity in Christ for it is so essential to understanding your position and purpose in this world system which seems so foreign: “Then the king ordered Ashpenaz, the chief of his officials, to bring in some of the sons of Israel, including some of the royal family and of the nobles, youths in whom was no defect, who were good-looking, showing intelligence in every branch of wisdom, endowed with understanding and discerning knowledge, and who had ability for serving in the king’s court; and he ordered him to teach them the literature and language of the Chaldeans.” Like Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael and Azariah you are members of the royal family – the family of God. The apostle Peter says, “you also, as living stones, are being built up as a spiritual house for a holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ…1 Peter 2:5.” And the apostle John said, “and He has made us to be a kingdom priests to His God and Father; to Him be the glory and the dominion forever and ever. Amen…Revelation 1:6.”
Further, like Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael and Azariah, you have “no defect” in Christ and need nothing more than Christ. The enemy would have you believe that God has short changed you but the Christian is COMPLETE IN HIM. The apostle Paul mentions this truth to the Christian’s at Colossae: “and in Him [meaning Jesus] you have been made complete, and He is the head over all rule and authority” (Colossians 2:10). Likewise, this completeness provides the Christian with GREAT POTENTIAL FOR SERVING WITH THE LORD. “Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were entreating through us; we beg you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God…and working together with Him, we also urge you not to receive the grace of God in vain” (2 Cor. 5:20 & 2 Cor. 6:1).
Once you understand God’s unchanging character and your identity and purpose as His child, you must continue to watch and pray. The Scripture exhorts the Christian to pray without ceasing (1 Thessalonians 5:17). Satan will be unceasing in his efforts to diffuse your potential and use it for himself so the Christian must be unceasing to watch and pray. Since the Garden of Eden, the enemy’s tactics have not changed and, therefore, it is important you understand them. Satan’s strategy is TOTAL INDOCTRINATION. He wants the follower of Christ as his trophy, his hostage and his servant. Notice the steps he employed in his attempt to indoctrinate Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael and Azariah. If you read closely, you will see he uses the same tactics today:
First, Satan will TRY TO DISRUPT YOUR COMMUNICATION LINES WITH GOD AND THE THINGS OF GOD. What happened to Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael and Azariah? Were they not separated from their homeland, their family, and their synagogue and teachers of Scripture? Were they not isolated in a land that did not speak their language? Their daily routine and way of life was surely disrupted to the point they felt isolated and lonely. Doesn’t Satan take the same pleasure today in tempting Christians to do other things than go to church on Sunday? Isn’t it subtle how you can miss one Sunday, then another and before long you are in the habit of not going to church at all? The enemy loves to disrupt your communication lines. He takes great pleasure in hearing people talk about the separation of church and state? What joy it must bring him to know many Christians believe their faith is a private activity or that they only participate in worship on Sunday, if then. Likewise, Satan loves to play on your weariness and convince your body and mind you are too tired to pray, to read the Bible or go to church? Has Satan ever told you: “You worked hard all week and deserve some time to yourself. He wants the Christian to focus on self while Christ wants the Christian to esteem others more highly than self.
Brothers and sisters be aware of the evil one’s deceptive schemes. Follow the advice of the apostle Peter: “Be of sober spirit, be on the alert. Your adversary, the devil, prowls about like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour” (1 Peter 5:8). You may feel you are in control but if you are falling down in your church attendance, prayer life, bible study and making yourself available for God’s use, Satan has disrupted your main communication lines to God and is trying to lure you away from the things you should cherish most.
Second, Satan will SUBSTITUTE HIS OWN TEACHINGS. Notice again in verses 4 & 5 what the King ordered done for Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael and Azariah “… and he ordered him to teach them the literature and language of the Chaldeans. 5. The king appointed for them a daily ration from the king’s choice food and from the wine which he drank, and appointed that they should be educated three years, at the end of which they were to enter the king’s personal service.” Nebuchadnezzar, king of Babylon, wanted Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael and Azariah for his own personal service. He wanted them to learn his language, his way of thinking and the way of his world. Does not the prince of the power of the air, of the spirit that is now working in the sons of disobedience in our society, offer you a similar LIFE VOID OF GOD? Under his spell and influence, does not the secular media and Hollywood refer to his substitute teachings, “The Good Life!” or “The Secret to Happiness”?
How sad to examine the history of our finest educational institutions in this country. What becomes evident is the founding educational institutions in this country moved from being God fearing and biblically based to being alienated and hostile toward the things of God. America is under a strong satanic influence when it says, “In God We Trust” on its currency but refuses to allow any reference to the Ten Commandments or prayer in our public schools. The public school system is presenting teachings to our children void of God and some of the instructional material is that which God calls an abomination. Therefore, is not the enemy’s truth being taught? Satan has succeeded in substituting his own teachings in America?
Third, SATAN WILL TEMPT YOU. He sets you up for the fall then tempts you. Once he has disrupted your communication lines with God and substituted his own teachings for God’s, he seizes the opportunity and tempts you. Notice again in verse 5, “The king appointed for them a daily ration from the king’s choice food and from the wine which he drank”. This must have been very enticing to young men like Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael and Azariah. The king’s richest food would appeal to the lust of the eyes, the lust of the flesh and the boastful pride of life. The King offered them the finest his kingdom had to offer but, like in the Garden of Eden, his motive was deceptive and evil. Is this not the same tactic the enemy uses today? Does he not appeal to our flesh and entice us with the sweet wine of this world? He uses the finest this world system has to offer for the sole purpose of bringing you into bondage (“the king’s personal service”). The Christian must not forget Jesus’ admonition: “Truly, truly, I say to you, everyone who commits sin is the slave of sin” (John 8:34).
Finally, SATAN WILL TRY TO CHANGE YOUR IDENTITY: Look what happens to Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael and Azariah in verses 6 and 7: “Now among them from the sons of Judah were Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael and Azariah. 7. Then the commander of the officials assigned new names to them; and to Daniel he assigned the name Belteshazzar, to Hananiah Shadrach, to Mishael Meshach and to Azariah Abed-nego.”
The names Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael and Azariah represented the true and living God. However, their names were changed to represent the pagan gods of Babylon.
Daniel’s name meant, “God is my judge.” His name was changed to Belteshazzar, which meant “keeper of the hidden treasures of Bel.” Hananiah’s name meant “the grace of the Lord.” His name was changed to “Shadrach” which meant “the inspiration of the sun.” The Chaldeans worshipped the sun. Mishael’s name meant, “he that is the strong God.” His name was changed to “Meshach” which meant “of the goddess Shack.” The goddess Shack was the name under which Venus was worshipped. Azariah’s name meant, “The Lord is a help.” His name was changed to “Abed-nego” which meant “the servant of the shining fire.” The message is clear: Satan’s goal is total indoctrination. He desires your very name of Christian be taken away from you. He [Satan] is unrelenting until you are no different than any other citizen of his kingdom. Until you speak his language, think his way and fill yourself daily with his choices foods and wines, he is not contented.
As alarming as this foe against your identify is, he may attempt to change your name but he cannot change your nature. Dare to be a Daniel! God can give you the victory! To have THE POWER TO BE SELF-CONTROLLED, you must expect, anticipate, pray, know who God is and who you are in Christ and know the enemy’s tactics. Then, you must do as Daniel in verse 8: RESOLVE TO BE HOLY. Verse 8 says, “Daniel made up his mind that he would not defile himself with the king’s choice food or with the wine which he drank; so he sought permission from the commander of the officials that he might not defile himself.” Daniel resolved not to defile himself. The word “made up his mind” means to be “resolved or purposed”. It is a decided resolution. It is an attitude of looking forward with no intention of turning back. You cannot flirt with the Satan, the World or the Flesh; they are your enemies. You cannot have one foot in the church and another in the world and hope to have power to be self-controlled.
Paul speaks of this “decided resolution” when he told the Christians at Colossae: “Set your mind on the things above, not on the things that are on earth. For you have died an your life is hidden with Christ in God…Therefore consider the members of your earthly body as dead to immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and greed, which amounts to idolatry.” (Colossians 3:2,3 5) Likewise, the Christian is exhorted by the apostle Peter in 1 Pet. 1:13-16 to nail down your commitment once for all: “Therefore, gird your minds for action, keep sober in spirit, fix your hope completely on the grace to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ. As obedient children, do not be conformed to the former lusts which were yours in your ignorance, but like the Holy one who called you be holy yourselves also in all your behavior because it is written, “You shall be holy, for I am holy.”
Finally, to sustain the power to be self-controlled, you must BY FAITH WITH AN ATTITUDE OF GENTLENESS KEEP SEEKING THE GOAL OF HOLINESS. You must trust God is working for you and persevere until God makes a way possible. Remember, He is the God of the impossible! Verses 8-15 reveal that Daniel possessed faith in God he believed could do the impossible: “so he [Daniel] sought permission from the commander of the officials that he might not defile himself.” 9. Now God granted Daniel favor and compassion in the sight of the commander of the officials, 10. and the commander of the officials said to Daniel, "I am afraid of my lord the king, who has appointed your food and your drink; for why should he see your faces looking more haggard than the youths who are your own age? Then you would make me forfeit my head to the king." 11. But Daniel said to the overseer whom the commander of the officials had appointed over Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael and Azariah, 12. "Please test your servants for ten days, and let us be given some vegetables to eat and water to drink. 13. Then let our appearance be observed in your presence and the appearance of the youths who are eating the king’s choice food; and deal with your servants according to what you see." 14. So he listened to them in this matter and tested them for ten days. 15. At the end of ten days their appearance seemed better and they were fatter than all the youths who had been eating the king’s choice food.”
Daniel’s courageous request, however, to the commander of the officials was denied. The commander feared he would lose his head. But Daniel knew God was in control and orchestrating his circumstances. Therefore, Daniel persisted and persevered. Daniel approached the overseer whom the commander of the officials had appointed over them and proposed the test outlined in verses 12-13. Again, God granted Daniel favor with the commander of the officials. He listened and agreed to test Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael and Azariah for ten days. God gives the victory to his trusting children in verse 15 when at the end of ten days their appearance seemed better and they were and fatter than all the youths who had been eating the king’s choice food. Daniel maintained a spirit of gentleness because he knew God was fighting his battles. Further, this passage implies that Daniel explained the reason for his dietary laws to his overseers which would be a witness for his God to these unbelievers.
Brothers and sisters we are exhorted in Scripture to do the same. Listen to these words from the New Testament: “For the eyes of the Lord are upon the righteous, and his ears attend to their prayer, but the face of the Lord is against those who do evil.” And who is there to harm you if you prove zealous for what is good? But even if you should suffer for the sake of righteousness, you are blessed. And do not fear their intimidation, and do not be troubled, but sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts, always being ready to make a defense to everyone who asks you to give an account for the hope that is in you, yet with gentleness and reverence” (1 Peter 3:12-15). And in so doing this, you must remember God’s wonderful promise to you: “No temptation has overtaken you but such as is common to man; and God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will provide the way of escape also, that you may be able to endure it.” (1 Corinthians 10:13).
God has made adequate provision for you to be self-controlled in this world of sin and temptation. Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael and Azariah are wonderful examples of this truth. God has recorded this event in Scripture to encourage you. The Bible says, “For whatever was written in earlier times was written for our instruction that through perseverance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope” (Romans 15:4). How joyful to know you serve the God of Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael and Azariah. He is the same yesterday, today and forever. How sad Christians sometimes falsely assume that in order for you to “get ahead in this world” or to “be accepted” you have to compromise your principles and values. Dare to be a Daniel! Don’t have a couch potato faith! God honoring convictions yield God-given rewards. After all, was in high office 70 years. Jesus paid it all, all to Him we owe. Give Him the Glory!
