If you have the Holy Spirit, you CAN CONTROL YOU using self-control. So start today, destroy the sinful desires, and take control of YOU!

Control; Learn How To Handle Yourself In Better Ways!

STM Bible Snack

Proverbs 4:23 [read Proverbs 4:20-27 (23)]

Above all, be careful what you think because your thoughts control your life. (ERV)

KJV: Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life.

Learn how to control your thoughts and ways

Gain control of your thoughts, think of heavenly things, not the earthly. After all, Jesus said, “You should be kingdom-minded” [Matthew 6:33].

So, do not let sinful thoughts, desires, and/or feelings control you.

Colossians 3:5-6 [read Colossians 3:1-11 (5-6)]

So put to death anything that comes from sinful desires. Get rid of sexual sins and impure acts. Don’t let your feelings get out of control. Remove from your life all evil desires. Stop always wanting more and more. You might as well be worshiping statues of gods. 6 God’s anger is going to come because of these things. (NIRV)

KJV: Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth; fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness, which is idolatry: 6 For which things’ sake the wrath of God cometh on the children of disobedience:

Mortify – G3499 νεκρόω nekroo (ne-kro’-ō) v. 1. to deaden. 2. (figuratively) to subdue. 3. to deprive of power, destroy the strength of. [from G3498] KJV: be dead, mortify.

Take control of YOU!

My dear brothers and sisters learn to take control of YOU! So you will not suffer God’s wrath. You have the power or authority to check or restrain yourself.

Mark 7:21-22 [read Mark 7:1-23 (21-22)]

For from within, out of people’s hearts, proceed evil thoughts, sexual immorality, stealing, murder, extramarital affairs, 22 greedy desires, wickedness, deceit, unrestrained indecency, envy, slander, arrogance and foolishness. (AUX)

KJV: For from within, out of the heart of men, proceed evil thoughts, adulteries, fornications, murders, 22 Thefts, covetousness, wickedness, deceit, lasciviousness, an evil eye, blasphemy, pride, foolishness:

If your thinking is controlled by your sinful self, there is spiritual death. But if your thinking is controlled by the Spirit, there is life and peace. 7 Why is this true? Because anyone whose thinking is controlled by their sinful self is against God. They refuse to obey God’s law. And really they are not able to obey it. Romans 8:6-7 (ERV) [read Romans 8:1-11 (6-7)].

Handle yourself in better ways

New rules & better ways – Hebrews 9:10 [read Hebrews 9:6-10 (10)]

For the old system dealt only with certain rituals—what foods to eat and drink, rules for washing themselves, and rules about this and that. The people had to keep these rules to tide them over until Christ came with God’s new and better way. (TLB)

KJV: Which stood only in meats and drinks, and divers washings, and carnal ordinances, imposed on them until the time of reformation.

Divine training – Hebrews 12:7 [read Hebrews 12:3-11 (7)]

So stay strong during hard times, because God is using them to train you. He’s treating you as his own children. That’s what parents do—they discipline their children. (RAD)

KJV: If ye endure chastening, God dealeth with you as with sons; for what son is he whom the father chasteneth not?

Our personal helper – 2 Timothy 1:7 [read 2 Timothy 1:3-7 (7)]

God didn’t give us a spirit that is timid but one that is powerful, loving, and self-controlled. (CEB)

KJV: For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.

Obey God and not your sinful self

Dear friends, your real home is not here on earth. You are strangers here. I ask you to keep away from all the sinful desires of the flesh. These things fight to get hold of your soul. 1 Peter 2:11 (NLV) [read 1 Peter 2:11-12 (11)].

You must take control of YOU if you want to obey God. So, stop doing what your sinful self wants, use the power/ability God gave you, and be led by the Spirit!

Romans 8:7 [read Romans 8:1-11 (7)]

This is true because if a person’s thinking is controlled by his sinful self, then he is against God. He refuses to obey God’s law. And really he is not able to obey God’s law. (ICB)

KJV: Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be.

Start using discipline in personal and social activities. Hopefully, this snack whets your appetite for more. So I encourage you to continue with the related material mentioned below. I pray that you have enjoyed and will make the most of this Bible snack. Blessings to you and your loved ones—♥ Tim. ☺

Related studies/lessons/snacks for further spiritual growth:

3 Of The Best Reasons To Control Your Actions – an estimated 5-minute read.

Self-control; Take Control Now with This Gift From God – an estimated 19-minute read.

Jesus Prayed For You So Never Worry About The Devil – an estimated 5-minute read.

To Handle Adultery, You Need To Forgive, Not Divorce – an estimated 6-minute read.

Follow 3 Simple Keys for True Followers of Jesus – an estimated 7-minute read.

See what is available on the Sound Truth Ministry website.

I look forward to your feedback via comment at the bottom of the page or by emailing tim@stministry.com. Have a fantabulous day!