Mortality and Divinity: Self-Control

Embark on a journey through “Mortality and Divinity,” where each step uncovers the transformative power of Christian Virtues, beyond mere ideals, into the essence of a life shaped by Jesus’ love and grace. Delve into faith, hope, love, and more as we explore living as accurate reflections of God’s image. These virtues are concepts and invitations to deepen our relationship with our Creator and those around us. Together, let’s discover how these virtues weave into the fabric of our lives, guiding us to shape our communities and the world with the love of Christ.

“His divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of him who called us to his own glory and excellence, by which he has granted to us his precious and very great promises, so that through them you may become partakers of the divine nature, having escaped from the corruption that is in the world because of sinful desire. For this very reason, make every effort to supplement your faith with virtue, and virtue with knowledge, and knowledge with self-control, and self-control with steadfastness, and steadfastness with godliness, and godliness with brotherly affection, and brotherly affection with love. For if these qualities are yours and are increasing, they keep you from being ineffective or unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. For whoever lacks these qualities is so nearsighted that he is blind, having forgotten that he was cleansed from his former sins. Therefore, brothers, be all the more diligent to confirm your calling and election, for if you practice these qualities you will never fall. For in this way there will be richly provided for you an entrance into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.” (2 Peter 1:3–11, ESV)

We’ve been exploring the transformative process of becoming partakers in God’s divine nature, a journey illuminated by our growing knowledge of Jesus Christ. Up to this point, our discussions have focused on the essential moral virtues that must be woven into the fabric of our faith. We’ve delved into the importance of virtue, understood as moral courage, and the indispensable value of knowledge. Today, we’re expanding our exploration into temperance, or as it’s more accurately rendered in contemporary translations, self-control.

The Greek term ‘enkrateia’ roots itself in power or lordship, specifically the mastery one exercises over oneself or one’s desires (TDNT II:339). University of Chicago Press. In the philosophical discourse of the first century, particularly within pagan ethics, enkrateia was a highly prized virtue. It symbolized a mastery over one’s desires, manifesting in restraint and moderation, particularly concerning food, sexuality, and speech. This ethos often veered towards ascetic practices, though it’s crucial to note that the biblical understanding of ‘egkrateia’ diverges from purely ascetic interpretations.

Turning to the Scriptures, self-control is a non-negotiable aspect of the Christian life (1 Corinthians 9:25-27). It’s an attribute that isn’t necessarily fostered through our educational systems, except perhaps in athletics. Interestingly, contemporary parenting styles often shy away from instilling this virtue through traditional means like discipline, instead opting to shield others from the potential chaos unleashed by a lack of self-control in children. This shift has led to a societal acceptance of behaviors that starkly contrast with the self-controlled life called for in Scripture.

Within the Christian life, self-control is paramount in several key areas. Managing one’s anger is one such area, as the Proverbs and other Scriptures vividly illustrate the destructive consequences of uncontrolled temper (Proverbs 14:17,29; 29:20; Ecclesiastes 7:9, among others). Similarly, the control of one’s speech is highlighted by James as a marker of broader spiritual mastery (James 3:2). Sexual integrity is another critical arena, with the apostolic writings urging believers to flee sexual immorality and pursue purity (1 Corinthians 6:18; 1 Thessalonians 4:3-5). Lastly, the Scriptures speak to the importance of sobriety, cautioning against the sinful nature of drunkenness and advocating for a life of alertness and self-restraint (Galatians 5:21; 1 Peter 4:1-3).

As we reflect on Paul’s discourse with Felix about righteousness, self-control, and the coming judgment (Acts 24:25), it becomes clear that the cultivation of self-control is not just a personal virtue but a communal necessity. As followers of Christ, we are called to embody self-control, not as an end in itself, but as a means through which we participate more fully in the divine nature and bear witness to the Gospel’s transformative power in our lives.

‌‌~PW 🌮🛶