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Self-control is the resisting of unhealthy desire.  It is the opposite of excess, gluttony, lust, greed, indulgence, and lawlessness.  Jesus is a model of self-control, choosing His actions deliberately, unswayed by temptation, enjoying the blessings of life without being enslaved to them.  Read Luke 4:1-13; Jesus is led by the Spirit into the wilderness where He resists the temptation to comfort, power, and security.

Self-control is love giving itself entirely to that which is loved. (1) Self-control is the fruit of the Holy Spirit’s gracious work (2) in our lives, and is the means by which we are freed from worldliness. (3) A wise and godly person will always exercise restraint. (4) Self-control includes patience, tranquility, chastity, moderation, and gentleness.

Patience - resisting the urge to act rashly in the present. (5)

Tranquility - even-tempered, not given to wild emotional swings, fits of rage or despair. (6)

Chastity - resisting inappropriate sexual desires. (7)

Moderation - enjoying good things without overindulging; food, drink, recreation, etc. (8)

Gentleness - acting with great care to avoid mental, spiritual, or physical harm to others. (9)

Self-Control: Imitating God

The self-control of Jesus, His ability to resist evil and temptation, came from the simple act of a Son imitating His Father. (10) Will we imitate God and resist evil? (11)

Self-Control: Being Gentle with Others

Jesus did not act rashly with others and did not allow his passions to overtake him in his interaction with others; he recognized when people were vulnerable and acted tenderly towards them even in confrontation. (12) Do I think before speaking and act towards others with restraint? (13)

Self-Control: A Sacrificial Lifestyle

Jesus did not live for Himself, but for God and for others; He was willing to lay down His life as an act of power. (14) Do I live for myself, or for God and His Kingdom? (15)

Self-Control: Temperance and Moderation

Jesus did not allow His desires and passions to rule Him, even in compassion for others He was not led by the needs of others, rather He was led by the Spirit. (16) Am I the master over my natural desires, or am I enslaved by them? (17)

Disciplines focused on Self-Control:

Fasting

Secrecy

Sabbath

Silence