Self Mastery, Self Control! : A Must
1 Corinthians 9
KJV
27+ But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway.
The greatest “war or battle “ that must be fought and won in life is the “battle or war “ against the “flesh”.! Yes!
Read how Paul sums it up ;
Galatians 5
KJV
17+ For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would.
Paul identified this as the greatest battle the brethren at Rome were engaged in which was affecting their growth spiritually, hence he appealed to them; Read it
Romans 6
KJV
19+ I speak after the manner of men because of the infirmity of your flesh: for as ye have yielded your members servants to uncleanness and to iniquity unto iniquity; even so now yield your members servants to righteousness unto holiness.
His plea was that at one time you gave in to your fleshy (evil) desires, now that you’ve become believers transition to a new phase! It is this process of transitioning that we call the war against the flesh.
Paul admitted how tough this “ war” is when he said ;
Romans 7
KJV
15+ For that which I do I allow not: for what I would, that do I not; but what I hate, that do I.
19+ For the good that I would I do not: but the evil which I would not, that I do.
Romans 7:15,18-19
NIV
[15] I do not understand what I do. For what I want to do I do not do, but what I hate I do.
[18] For I know that good itself does not dwell in me, that is, in my sinful nature. For I have the desire to do what is good, but I cannot carry it out.
[19] For I do not do the good I want to do, but the evil I do not want to do---this I keep on doing.
This is Paul making his own confession, a confession we can all identify with! This “civil war” within each of us is a lifelong war that we fight till we drop dead!
However, to win or bring this “ war” under control will depend on how “far” or “closer” we walk with Jesus ( His Words)! This is the only way to win this battle.
It is a daily war so we must walk daily with Him ( Words ) this is why we encourage daily reading and meditation on His Word. At least read a verse each Day and you’ll be winning every day.
Master yourself. Control your passions and desires, be the one in charge and not these! Do everything possible to rein in your desires!
Proverbs 25
KJV
28+ He that hath no rule over his own spirit is like a city that is broken down, and without walls.
Thoughts to share with you