THE RICHES OF SELF-CONTROL
Rev.Michael Benson Ajayi
Titus 2:11-12 " For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world;"
The greatest tragedy of the modern church is the misconception of the doctrine of grace and the perfect law of liberty. This misconception is behind the instability and destruction of Christian communities.Ironically, nations where religion isn't permitted seem more developed and organized than those who profess to know God, this is because once logic is expunged from the doctrine of faith, it becomes a time- bomb waiting to go off leaving carnage it its path .Faith is logical and reasonable.
The misconception of grace indirectly insinuates that God has given the new creature the right to be lawless. Preachers who's primary objective is to fill up their cathedrals and bank accounts find this form of teaching very appealing because it suits their purpose of creating the enabling environment for social deviants to congregate . However, this is contrary to what the scriptures says in Romans 6: 1 "What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound?"
The primary purpose of the gospel is to save humanity from the harmful effects of sin or the lack of self -control. If a nation boasts of having over twenty million Christians, it should translate to twenty million anti-corruption crusaders and should be at the top of the transparency index among the committee of nations. With that much number of Christians their shouldn't be militancy, institutional corruption in governance, electoral violence which are more prominent in christian domains shouldn't be the case. It is the ignorance of the spiritual consequences of their actions that leads many into indulging in them. Christians are not supposed to be easily moved by others, the scriptures says in 1cor.15:58 "Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord".
The preacher who's yardstick for success is material aggrandizement , power and fame would end up raising monsters. God's people are peace makers and motivated by the sacrificial love of Jesus Christ (Titus2:13-14). We are expected to exercise self-control and reject all forms of ungodliness.(Titus 2:11-12) by exercising restrain in our speeches while asking God for strength to control our tongues (Prov. 20:19) This is easier when we are walking in the light of scriptures. Through scriptures we understand that if we abuse power, someone stronger will execute fierce judgment against us in future, whether we repent or not. This is the law of divine justice (Luke.12:47-48, Gal.6:7-8)
Self-control starts with the control of one's thinking (2Cor.10:5) good thoughts brings about happiness and the lack of self control through uncontrollable thoughts brings about misery, Proverbs 25:28 says "He that hath no rule over his own spirit is like a city that is broken down, and without walls.". A person who keeps himself in check is considered wise the opposite is the person who vents anger "Proverbs 29:11 NLT says "Fools vent their anger, but the wise quietly hold it back. " Self-control is a fruit of the Holy Spirit and accessible by every christian(Gal.5:22-23) it is a gift from God (2Tim.1:7). As you read this now receive grace for self-control in Jesus name.
Prayer / counseling + 2348098536911 + 2348035536911 Email : Michaelbensonajayi@gmail.com
Titus 2:11-12 " For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world;"
The greatest tragedy of the modern church is the misconception of the doctrine of grace and the perfect law of liberty. This misconception is behind the instability and destruction of Christian communities.Ironically, nations where religion isn't permitted seem more developed and organized than those who profess to know God, this is because once logic is expunged from the doctrine of faith, it becomes a time- bomb waiting to go off leaving carnage it its path .Faith is logical and reasonable.
The misconception of grace indirectly insinuates that God has given the new creature the right to be lawless. Preachers who's primary objective is to fill up their cathedrals and bank accounts find this form of teaching very appealing because it suits their purpose of creating the enabling environment for social deviants to congregate . However, this is contrary to what the scriptures says in Romans 6: 1 "What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound?"
The primary purpose of the gospel is to save humanity from the harmful effects of sin or the lack of self -control. If a nation boasts of having over twenty million Christians, it should translate to twenty million anti-corruption crusaders and should be at the top of the transparency index among the committee of nations. With that much number of Christians their shouldn't be militancy, institutional corruption in governance, electoral violence which are more prominent in christian domains shouldn't be the case. It is the ignorance of the spiritual consequences of their actions that leads many into indulging in them. Christians are not supposed to be easily moved by others, the scriptures says in 1cor.15:58 "Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord".
The preacher who's yardstick for success is material aggrandizement , power and fame would end up raising monsters. God's people are peace makers and motivated by the sacrificial love of Jesus Christ (Titus2:13-14). We are expected to exercise self-control and reject all forms of ungodliness.(Titus 2:11-12) by exercising restrain in our speeches while asking God for strength to control our tongues (Prov. 20:19) This is easier when we are walking in the light of scriptures. Through scriptures we understand that if we abuse power, someone stronger will execute fierce judgment against us in future, whether we repent or not. This is the law of divine justice (Luke.12:47-48, Gal.6:7-8)
Self-control starts with the control of one's thinking (2Cor.10:5) good thoughts brings about happiness and the lack of self control through uncontrollable thoughts brings about misery, Proverbs 25:28 says "He that hath no rule over his own spirit is like a city that is broken down, and without walls.". A person who keeps himself in check is considered wise the opposite is the person who vents anger "Proverbs 29:11 NLT says "Fools vent their anger, but the wise quietly hold it back. " Self-control is a fruit of the Holy Spirit and accessible by every christian(Gal.5:22-23) it is a gift from God (2Tim.1:7). As you read this now receive grace for self-control in Jesus name.
Prayer / counseling + 2348098536911 + 2348035536911 Email : Michaelbensonajayi@gmail.com
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