Written by Paul J Bucknell on June, 22, 2023

2 Peter 1:6a Exercise Self-control

PURSUING HIS EXCELLENCE #7

“⁵ Now for this very reason also, applying all diligence, in your faith supply moral excellence, and in your moral excellence, knowledge, ⁶ and in your knowledge, self-control, and in your self-control, perseverance, and in your perseverance, godliness,” (2 Peter 1:5-6, NASB).

Self-control, also a fruit of the Holy Spirit (Galatians 5), is the fourth of eight qualities. Peter’s list focuses on how various qualities relate to each other rather than on the source, as in Paul’s list. Self-control is the ability to master one’s passions and desires, which requires knowledge and the development of new behavior and thought patterns. However, it takes more than just knowing the right thing to do; one must also practice it consistently. This is where self-control plays a vital role.

The Holy Spirit enables us to exercise self-control by choosing what is right instead of giving in to our feelings or impulses. We often face situations where we have to decide between pleasing ourselves or God, following our fleshly desires or the Spirit's desires. Self-control is the key to prioritizing God’s principles over our own emotions and desires, and choosing to live a virtuous life.

In today’s society, people are often swayed by their feelings and the opinions of those around them rather than by what is right. Nevertheless, with the guidance of the Holy Spirit, we can make the necessary changes to live righteous and virtuous lives. This is the essence of Peter's message. 2 Peter 1:3 says, “Seeing that His divine power has granted to us everything pertaining to life and godliness, through the true knowledge of Him who called us by His own glory and excellence.”

Let’s observe three things needed to implement real change in our lives.

1. Observes the Need for Change

The first step takes place when we observe the need for change. Peter refers to this insight when he says, “in your knowledge, (add) self-control” (1:6).

Faith allows us to look at this world differently and provokes a change in our behavior. If we don’t positively change, we will counter what we know is right. When a person becomes a Christian, sudden improvements occur in his or her lifestyle. One’s new-found faith brings moral excellence because our knowledge of God’s Word is still very shallow. Our conscience first goes to work on our lives to produce moral excellence, but Peter clearly states that this is inadequate, begging for improvement.

We add knowledge to that moral excellence. This is knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ primarily through the Word of God that tells us what Jesus Christ is like. We can also gain this from observing other Christians as they closely follow Jesus Christ. This produces a knowledge that goes far beyond the commonly accepted standards, for it does not speak of what is generally accepted by men but by God. Let me give you a few examples.

Today, the world says we should be tolerant. The Christian, however, looks at Christ and His teaching. When we look closely at Jesus’ life, we will find that love did not mean a lack of discernment. Instead, He could be very outspoken; His standards came from the Father. This new knowledge counters the world’s tolerance and a non-judgmental attitude.

This is why we must go beyond the conscience of our surrounding society or friends. As Christians, we might feel very uncomfortable with what we are doing or saying. We sense we need to make a change in our lives and values. By knowing Jesus Christ more, our hearts are humbled.

Many of us know several things we could do to improve our lives. Why wait? If we just made those needed changes, life would be much better! But still, believers have a tough time making the needed changes.

2. Decides to Make a Change

Changes are not easy to make. A change of behavior often marks a former deficiency. Sometimes one needs to change friends and stop going to certain places. If gambling is one's problem, one must not go where they are always betting. A person is often aware of this deep down inside but doesn’t want to face it.

But what leads this person to change?

According to the scriptures, it’s essential to hold onto the truth we’ve learned and not shy away from uncomfortable situations or feelings. For example, the teachings of Jesus Christ emphasize the importance of self-control. Simply trying to alleviate guilt won’t lead to long-lasting change. Once the guilt is gone, the person will likely revert back to their old ways. Avoiding negative consequences isn’t enough to motivate ongoing change. A Christian changes because he recognizes the need to follow Jesus’ example to grow in his faith. He strives to better himself rather than just avoiding adverse outcomes.

Real change comes from acknowledging past mistakes, confessing them, and humbly accepting God’s guidance. Determining to improve and align one’s life with what’s right is crucial for lasting change. Through God’s grace, change is possible, but it requires perseverance and self-control.

Application

Has God pointed out anything that should change in your life? Do you know it is just as important to find out what He wants to replace it with? God is leading you to put on Christ, that is, to be more like Him. You are called to follow Jesus Christ.

3. Implements the Steps for Change

Many have never understood how the Lord encounters us in our sins and does not leave us there. This understanding is instrumental in implementing change because change requires self-control. It is from the Spirit that we gain self-control. “For you were called to freedom, brethren; only [do] not [turn] your freedom into an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another” (Gal 5:13).

The Lord never takes us on the wrong road. We might meet Him on the wrong road, but this does not mean He led us there. Fortunately, wherever we find Him, He can lead us forward from that point on.

Faith initiates this whole sanctification process. But the person who truly understands the Word of God is changed by it. The knowledge of Jesus Christ humbly leads one to the place where change is needed. And in that knowledge, he responds with self-control.

What is self-control?

The ability to exercise self-control involves the determination and motivation to change one’s actions, thoughts, and words as needed. While knowledge can help to identify and pinpoint a problem, it alone cannot bring about a solution. It’s like a mountain climber who discovers a crack in the rock and taps a nail into it for better grip. But to climb higher, one needs to trust the rope’s clip and put weight on it. Likewise, many people may know what it takes to overcome a challenge, but they lack the willpower to act on that knowledge. It’s important to acknowledge the negative forces that try to prevent us from achieving our goals and resist their pull.

The notion of powerlessness in a given situation is a deceptive lie known as a stronghold. As a Christian, it’s vital to remember that God’s power is greater than any obstacle; He wills to work through our lives. However, putting these principles into practice can be challenging due to temptations. Self-control is essential to following God’s guidance and making choices that align with His will. By prioritizing a Christ-centered mindset, we can resist temptation and overcome our inner battles. Many believers fail to do so because they prioritize their desires over God’s purpose. It’s crucial to recognize the significance of self-control and apply it to all aspects of our lives, including our relationships with loved ones.

Three kinds of changes but only one bring good long-lasting results.

Summary

As we strive to cultivate self-control, let’s remain mindful of the teachings we’ve learned.

1) Knowledge

We need to get daily direction and confidence from God’s Word. He leads us to the path of life and joy. Once we have this confidence, we can attempt to understand where He is taking us. This is the knowledge of Jesus Christ and the hope for change in His likeness.

2) Confession

We confess our sins when we have not done what we should have. He is faithful and righteous to forgive our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness (1 John 1:9). Confession gives you the necessary resolve to exercise self-control. Without confession, you will flounder in your waywardness. But when you confess, the blood of Jesus covers your sin, and the Spirit of God will lead you triumphantly.

3) Change

As you carry hope in your hearts, you prepare yourselves for positive change. These steps may prove arduous, often requiring us to apologize and seek forgiveness from those we have wronged. Yet, we hold on to the hope that God works miraculously. “Hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us (Rom 5:5).” We do not rely on guilt for motivation as it is temporary. Instead, we begin our journey toward godliness with grace and love.

Self-control is key to living according to the Spirit’s guidance. Rather than simply reading passages that condemn pride, we seek the Spirit’s teachings on humility. We accept any criticisms of pride and strive for restoration and better approaches to situations.

Prov 25:28 aptly describes our current state, “Like a city that is broken into and without walls is a man who has no control over his spirit.” External factors control people, especially the young, who are easily swayed by media and peers. We must take care not to become like Felix in Acts 24:25, who was too afraid to confront his own shortcomings. We cannot keep saying “Go away for the present” forever.

Many of us may know God’s truth but lack self-control and a connection to Him. We must allow God’s grace to work in our hearts instead of simply filling our minds with knowledge and thinking that is enough. This is where God starts to lead us on a transformative journey, a spiritual pilgrimage.

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But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. (Galatians 5:22-23).

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“⁵ Now for this very reason also, applying all diligence, in your faith supply moral excellence, and in your moral excellence, knowledge, ⁶ and in your knowledge, self-control, and in your self-control, perseverance, and in your perseverance, godliness, ⁷ and in your godliness, brotherly kindness, and in your brotherly kindness, love. ⁸ For if these qualities are yours and are increasing, they render you neither useless nor unfruitful in the true knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. ⁹ For he who lacks these qualities is blind or short-sighted, having forgotten his purification from his former sins. ¹⁰ Therefore, brethren, be all the more diligent to make certain about His calling and choosing you; for as long as you practice these things, you will never stumble; ¹¹ for in this way the entrance into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ will be abundantly supplied to you” (2 Peter 1:5-10).