BCIC Self-Control Sample

Self-Control

Instant obedience to the initial promptings of God’s Spirit

“And

GALATIANS 5:24–25

A PERFECT OPPORTUNITY FOR REVENGE

“The Lord forbid that I should stretch forth mine hand against the Lord’s anointed: but, I pray thee, take thou now the spear that is at his bolster, and the cruse of water, and let us go.”

I SAMUEL 26:11

SPIRITUAL GIFT:

Teacher

they that are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts. If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.”

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Biblical Character Illustrated Curriculum

Illustrated in

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“The testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple” (Psalm 19:7b). Biblical character is illustrated in this curriculum through both artwork and lessons from the lives of people in God’s Word. We most often benefit from the positive examples of faithful men and women. “For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope” (Romans 15:4). There were also people in the Bible who are representations of poor character, and we can learn from their lives as well. “Now these things were our examples, to the intent we should not lust after evil things, as they also lusted” (I Corinthians 10:6). We would be wise to learn from the testimonies God has given us in Scripture.

Illustrated in Life

“Faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God” (Romans 10:17). Hearing the Word of God causes us to grow in faith. This curriculum offers many practical applications of God’s Word to everyday life. “But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only” (James 1:22). As God enables us to act in faith, our lives as believers will illustrate His character to others.

Character Quality Overview

What Is Self-Control?

Read aloud and discuss what self-control means and how it applies to life.

Theoperational definition of self-control is “instant obedience to the initial promptings of God’s Spirit.” At salvation, a person is indwelt by the Holy Spirit. The Spirit within reminds the Christian of God’s Word, convicts him of sin, and comforts him in trials. The Spirit’s direction will always be in accordance with God’s Word and His ways. Many people in the Bible learned to recognize God’s voice. The Spirit’s promptings are not audible but can be perceived within a believer’s spirit. A Christian develops sensitivity to the Holy Spirit by spending regular time with God and responding immediately when He speaks. The Holy Spirit may prompt a believer to rise right away when his alarm rings, to give a Gospel tract to a stranger, or to respond graciously in a frustrating situation. Although anyone can seemingly control himself for a time, only the person yielded to God’s Spirit can experience freedom from sin. (See Romans 6:22–23.) The indwelling Holy Spirit has the power to transform a Christian’s desires as well as his actions.

The opposite of self-control is self-indulgence. Self-indulgence is a lack of restraint, evidenced by a misuse of the good things God created. For example, God gave us taste buds so that we can enjoy eating our food. However,

this pleasure is misused when a person overeats. God designed rest to rejuvenate the body, but this necessity is abused when a person is slothful. A self-indulgent person does whatever he feels like doing, even if it goes against God’s Word. He lacks the self-discipline to limit and deny himself. Proverbs 25:28 warns: “He that hath no rule over his own spirit is like a city that is broken down, and without walls.” Yielding to one’s natural desires leaves a person vulnerable to spiritual attacks and painful consequences. If children do not learn self-control when young, as adult citizens they will not govern themselves responsibly. Consequently, they will require more oversight by authorities, who will govern with excessive laws and regulations. Self-control safeguards society from corruption, because human desires become harmful when they are indulged, abused, or fulfilled outside of God’s boundaries.

The word self-control might seem to imply that you can control yourself and can do what is right in your own strength. Although a person can learn to outwardly submit to moral rules and regulate his behavior, changed affections and a desire to obey God come only from the Holy Spirit. A Christian cultivates self-control by denying himself and heeding the Holy Spirit. May we pray as Jesus prayed, “Nevertheless not what I will, but what thou wilt” (Mark 14:36).

Without self-control, a child will indulge in more than his rightful share of dessert.

Just as a stoplight directs traffic, the Holy Spirit gives direction so a Christian can know when to stop and when to proceed.

Self-Control in Scripture

As you read and study God’s Word, you will see Who He is! Be willing to be changed by Him so Christ can be seen through your life and others will glorify God.

The Character of God

We see examples of God restraining Himself in the following ways:

• God set a limit for Himself when He promised to never again destroy the earth with a flood.

(See Genesis 9:15.)

• Jesus exercised self-discipline to rise early and pray.

(See Mark 1:35.)

• Jesus followed the leading of the Holy Spirit and fasted.

(See Luke 4:1–2.)

• Jesus quoted Scripture to reject Satan’s temptation to unrighteously satisfy His hunger.

(See Luke 4:2–4.)

• Jesus chose His words wisely and carefully when speaking with His enemies.

(See Luke 11:53–54.)

• The Holy Spirit does not speak His Own words but speaks only what God the Father directs Him to say.

(See John 16:13.)

• The Spirit bears the fruit of self-control.

(See Galatians 5:22–23.)

SELF-CONTROL KEY VERSE

“And they that are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts. If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.” GALATIANS 5:24–25

Self-Control in My Life

Now let’s examine some ways God wants us to live out self-control daily.

• How can I display self-control when when I am irritated?

(See Proverbs 14:29.)

• What may result from failure to control my thoughts and actions?

(See Proverbs 25:28.)

• What has God provided to replace the inclinations of my flesh?

(See Ephesians 4:22–24.)

• How will self-indulgence be manifested in the last days, and how am I to respond?

(See II Timothy 3:1–5.)

• What are the consequences of speaking whatever comes into my mind?

(See James 1:26.)

• What qualities, along with self-control (temperance), will produce spiritual fruitfulness in my life?

(See II Peter 1:5–8.)

• How can I find power over my selfishness?

(See Romans 13:14, Galatians 5:24–25.)

Set My Own Limits 2

For your well-being, God has placed adults in your life to help you set limits on your pleasures and freedoms. Having parents and teachers who help you learn how to act responsibly is a privilege. As you become an adult, you will have to make more decisions yourself. Begin now to learn what honors the Lord. Daniel set limits in his youth: he “purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself . . .” (Daniel 1:8). Setting limits now can guide you to success in the future. For example, finish your schoolwork before you play. Follow your parents’ guidelines for electronic devices. Decide to eat only one piece of dessert. Respecting those boundaries for yourself now will build discipline to resist self-indulgence in the future. Know why you set boundaries and keep those reasons in mind.

SELF-CONTROL

Instant obedience to the initial promptings of God’s Spirit

A Perfect Opportunity for Revenge

A Perfect Opportunity for Revenge

Becauseof King Saul’s disobedience, God directed the prophet Samuel to anoint young David as the future king of Israel. Furious and jealous, King Saul determined to kill David. For years, King Saul pursued David. On one occasion, King Saul entered a large cave, unaware that it was the same cave where David and his men were hiding. What a perfect opportunity for David to kill his attacker and secure the kingdom! Yet, because of his deep reverence for God, David refused to harm the king whom God had appointed. Instead, David quietly cut off a small piece of King Saul’s robe and remained hidden until Saul left the cave. When

David called out and showed the king the cloth, Saul wept, realizing David had spared his life. David and King Saul then went their separate ways. Shortly afterward, some people told Saul where David was hiding. With this information, the king rallied a trained army of three thousand soldiers to hunt down David. If David had another chance to kill King Saul, would he take it? Would David change his mind since King Saul had failed to keep his word? Or would David trust God and honor his resolve to respect the Lord’s anointed?

Let’s read the Bible story in I Samuel 26:3–12 and then discuss the following questions.

1. Who bravely accompanied David into King Saul’s camp? (See I Samuel 26:6.)

What gives you courage and the ability to control your fears? (See Psalm 27:1–3.)

2. What did David and Abishai see that they easily could have used to kill King Saul?

(See I Samuel 26:7.)

Although a computer, phone, or other items may be readily accessible, why is it important that you use them with self-control?

3. What did Abishai encourage David to do?

Why? (See I Samuel 26:8.)

When should you not follow your friend’s suggestion but instead respect the limits God has given you? (See Proverbs 1:10.)

4. What was David’s reply to Abishai?

(See I Samuel 26:9.)

What boundaries do you have? Why is it vital to set limits? (See Proverbs 22:24–25, Romans 14:14–15.)

5. Whom did David trust to take care of the situation? (See I Samuel 26:10.)

Why is it better to trust God to act on your behalf rather than sin to get what you want?

(See Proverbs 10:2, Romans 12:19–21.)

6. What did David and Abishai do next?

(See I Samuel 26:11–12.)

Why is it important to flee from sin instead of remaining near a temptation?

(See Psalm 1:1, 6; Proverbs 4:14–15, 19.)

7. When calling out to the king, what reason did David give for his self-restraint?

(See I Samuel 26:22–23.)

What motivations for your actions and limits please the Lord? (See Romans 14:17–19, Hebrews 11:6.)

8. Who praised David for handling the situation wisely? (See I Samuel 26:25.)

What will happen when you handle a matter wisely? (See Proverbs 16:20.)

Revealing the character of Christ through the stories in His Word.

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Biblical Character Illustrated 49-Booklet Set

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Power for True Success

Insightful, Biblical studies on all 49 character qualities

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Companion hymns for each character quality

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