Virtue: Self-Control
Scripture: John 18:28-19:16; Isaiah 53:7-12
Jesus, the King of all the universe, the one who created all things with a word, the one who healed the blind, lame, and leprous, who cast out demons, who raised the dead, who calmed the storms and sea with a word, who fed more than 5,000 people with 5 loaves of bread and two fish… this Jesus stands through trial, beatings, mockings, and humiliation that will lead to His death and says or does nothing to stop it. This is self-control.
Self-Control has to do with having the ability to do an action, but choosing not to. In John 19:11, Jesus says, “You would have no power over me if it were not given to you from above.” Jesus knows that His Father is the one in control, the one with full ability in each situation. He can choose not to act because of His trust in His Father’s love. He doesn’t need to take control. He doesn’t need to save Himself. He doesn’t need to correct, rebuke, change, or challenge any other person in these situations. He trusts.
That’s the center of self-control: trust. When we cannot maintain self-control, it reveals an inability to trust God. But, when we are in relationship with God, we trust His plans, His ways, and His promises. Living in deep trust of God allows us to maintain self-control during difficult situations.
Questions:
1. What do the verses from Isaiah add to your understanding of the relationship between self-control and trust?
2. Who do you know that has exhibited trusting self-control in difficult situations?
3. What situations do you have that you need to release to God in trust?
Action:
Remember, a virtue is not something we can just will ourselves into. It is the excellence of God on display in us by the power of the Holy Spirit.
Invite the Holy Spirit to help you through this action, and join with other believers to do this action with:
One of the primary actions of self-control within the tradition of scripture and the Church is Fasting. Fasting is the intentional laying down of an appetite/desire in order to re-direct your desires toward God.
As a group or on your own, decide on something to give up between today and Easter in order to spend some time connecting to God. Maybe it’s the television for a night to read the Bible and pray together. Maybe a meal. Be creative.
Prayer:
Lord Jesus, I trust you. I belong to you. You are the way, the truth, and the life. I trust your way; I trust your truth; I trust your life. When I am tempted or go through difficult situations, allow me the grace to live in trust, exhibiting self-control to allow you to work.
Amen
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