Self-Control
Fathers have important role in family. Most fathers do what they can to provide for the needs of their family.
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Most of us are concerned about taking care of our families. Especially when it comes to safety and security.
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Men we really do have some responsibility when it comes to the safety and security of our families.
And safety and security of our families is related to – tied to – our own CHARACTER.
When it comes to Character – a major area for us guys is Self-Control.
Self-control is a sure mark of strong character while lack of self control is an evidence of weakness. The Bible states this truth vividly in
Proverbs 25:28
Like a city that is broken into and without walls
Is a man who has no control over his spirit.
Self- control is to a man what walls were to ancient cities – source of strength and safety.
Today I want to look at areas where self-control is very important for us men.
Women too but especially men.
We Need To Control Our Tempers
An uncontrolled temper is a weakness.
(ILL) The trouble with loosing you temper is no one else wants it either
Here are some things to remember about uncontrolled anger.
(1) Anger Does Not Accomplish What We Want
James 1:19-20
This you know, my beloved brethren. But everyone must be quick to hear, slow to speak and slow to anger; 20for the anger of man does not achieve the righteousness of God.
(ILL) Mother left her four kids with their father – went shopping for the day she came back and asked how it went
“Well to tell the truth I only lost my temper two times
The first time was the first 3 hours you were gone
The second time was the 4 hours before you got back
(2) Anger Causes More Trouble Than It Fixes
Proverbs 29:22 An angry man stirs up strife, And a hot-tempered man abounds in transgression.
Proverbs 19:19 A man of great anger will bear the penalty, For if you rescue him, you will only have to do it again.
(3) Anger Creates More Anger (number 1 reason to get it under control dads)
Proverbs 29:22 An angry man stirs up strife,
Proverbs 30:31 So the churning of anger produces strife.
Proverbs 22:24-25 Do not associate with a man given to anger; Or go with a hot-tempered man, 25 lest you learn his ways; and find a snare for yourself
RATE Yourself
1- 10
1 – short fuse – fly into a rage at the drop of a hat
10 – never raise your voice in anger – nothing ever gets to you
What To Do
First, submit to Christ – as Lord God And Savior – come under His control
Second, humble yourself –
1 Peter 5:6 Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God that He may exalt you at the proper time, 7 casting all your anxiety upon Him because He cares for you.
Third develop the James 1:19 Style.
James 1:19 (style) “But everyone must be quick to hear, slow to speak and slow to anger”
We Need To Control Our Tongues
This may be the most difficult of all to control about ourselves.
James 3:2 For we all stumble in many ways. If anyone does not stumble in what he says, he is a perfect man, able to bridle the whole body as well.
James 3:3-6
Now if we put the bits into the horses’ mouths so that they will obey us, we direct their entire body as well. 4Look at the ships also, though they are so great and are driven by strong winds, are still directed by a very small rudder wherever the inclination of the pilot desires. 5So also the tongue is a small part of the body, and yet it boasts of great things. See how great a forest is set aflame by such a small fire! 6And the tongue is a fire, the very world of iniquity; the tongue is set among our members as that which defiles the entire body, and sets on fire the course of our life, and is set on fire by hell.
James 3:7-8 For every species of beasts and birds, of reptiles and creatures of the sea, is tamed and has been tamed by the human race. 8But no one can tame the tongue; it is a restless evil and full of deadly poison.
This could be the most important area to learn self-control – control the tongue – because it has so much power
Consider The Power Of The Tongue
A Matter Of Life And Death
Proverbs 18:21 Death and life are in the power of the tongue
Proverbs 11:9 With his mouth the godless man destroys his neighbor
Proverbs 11:11 By the blessing of the upright a city is exalted, But by the mouth of the wicked it is torn down.
Proverbs 15:4 A soothing tongue is a tree of life, But perversion in it crushes the spirit.
Proverbs 16:28 A perverse man spreads strife, And a slanderer separates intimate friends.
Proverbs 10:19 When there are many words, transgression is unavoidable, But he who restrains his lips is wise.
RATE Yourself:
1 – everything is negative – critical – painful to those around you the most
10 – never say a negative – critical – harmful word
What Do You Do
(1) Accept Christ as Lord And Savior
Matthew 12:34 For the mouth speaks out of that which fills the heart.
(2) Learn To Think Before You Speak
James 1:19 style – quick to hear – slow to speak
(ILL) Father at football game half time show – trumpet solo – “That’s my son, “ at which point the trumpet solo took a Major turn for the worst “Oh Well maybe not – they all a like from up here!”
Proverbs 29:20 Do you see a man who is hasty in his words? There is more hope for a fool than for him.
Proverbs 15:28 The heart of the righteous ponders how to answer.
Proverbs 16:23 The heart of the wise teaches his mouth and adds persuasiveness to his lips
Proverbs 17:28 Even a fool when he keeps silent is considered wise. When he closes his lips he is counted prudent.
