Q33. Self-Control

[Pastor Ralph]

Q33. What is the difference between temperance and abstinence? How can use of alcohol and drugs disrupt the humble life? Why is self-control so important in the Christian life? How does self-control differ from the idea of “moderation in all things”?

[Brother Clifford wilson]

Q33 Book of Col 2 v 21 Taste not, touch not, handle not. Abstinence in all things un- Godly is essential to faith.  We are in his image but not him.  We practice temperance from that stand point in life. We must have patience in others who are makiing decisions based on the walk of Christ.  The evil that waits to disrupt the man seeking the refreshment of the Christian walk is filled with land mines.  Accepting the straight and narrow is not a absolute, it it a procession.  The fruit of the spirit, its fruits cannot be picked at the discretion of the picker.  The spirit of God blesses  us with the fruits needed to amplify the word of God.  Self control is the first thing the devil up roots in man.  God knows that without self control not one man can apply his fruits properly.  Moderation is the opposite, moderation in things that we can taste, touch and handle.

[Brenda Joy]

Q33. What is the difference between temperance and abstinence? How can use of alcohol and drugs disrupt the humble life? Why is self-control so important in the Christian life? How does self-control differ from the idea of "moderation in all things"?

Temperance means to be self controlled, discipled  in my thoughts actions and deeds reflecting Biblical principles...  That means I am not extreme, but I move it a way that allows me to be disciplined and that provides security...     Abstinence means I refrain from things.      Alcohol and drugs disrupt a humble life because they lead to things such as sin, poor choices, danger.  They also lead to pride because it causes people to lose self control.   Alcohol and drugs causes people to be vulnerable making it easier to fall into sin and opens the doors for addictions. 

Self control is a pathway for discernment so that we can make good Godly decisions.  

Self control is different than moderation because self control is a hard no to ungodly things, while in moderation we may do things in a limited fashion but if we go to  an excessive it can cause us harm, sin, etc.

[Jewells]

Q33. What is the difference between temperance and abstinence? How can use of alcohol and drugs disrupt the humble life? Why is self-control so important in the Christian life? How does self-control differ from the idea of "moderation in all things"?

The difference between temperance and abstinence is temperance is to live within limits and abstinence is to do without.  If one becomes dependent on drugs or alcohol it becomes an idol.  The person will put it at the center of their lives instead of the Lord and his commandments.  Over use of substances becomes and addiction.  It can get to the point of not being able to live without it.  There are dependencies in the brain as well as the body.  It can break down the physical health.  The addictions can become physical and psychological.  This of course would destroy an ability to develop character or to be made into the image of Jesus Christ.  Since addictions put self at the center of everything pride would be the fruit in everything as well.  Self control is important in the Christian life because the fruit of the Holy Spirit is Self Control and the character of Jesus modeled self control in everything as he never sinned or lived in any excess or lack of virtue.  Self control is being led by the Holy Spirit.  The Bible instructs to be filled with the Holy Spirit and to constantly to be filled with the spirit and not much wine.  Moderation is the belief that we can do a little bit of something but not too much.  So it would imply limits but the philosophy in the world suggest we can do all things in moderation and the Bible does not say this.  It does forbid some things completely.  So if we are to be the temple of God we must not grieve the Holy Spirit in things he would not do.  We would not be moderate in murder or gossip.  Always mindful that God is with us and will give us power to retrain when tempted to overindulge in any way.  

[Clelie]

Temperance  means very moderate in the drinking of an alcoholic beverage, to be under control avoiding excess and abstinence is refraining from or not having any.

Alcohol and drugs disrupt physical and spiritual functions to the point that those who are under its influence loose self control.

Self control is being in control of self to live according to the Spirit  not the . 
self. 
we cannot live our Christian life in moderation but fully committed to God and for that we need to exercise self control over things that may be contrary to the call of God. 

[Nicolaas A.P. Mostert]

Q33.

What is the difference between temperance and abstinence?

Temperance is a underlaying part of abstinence, it is a moderated act, while abstinence is a total not doing act.

How can use of alcohol and drugs disrupt the humble life?

It is toxic and has an effect on the nerve system that change behavior acts.

Why is self-control so important in the Christian life?

Then you act out of a position of knowing who you are and your reasoning skills is better under control.

How does self-control differ from the idea of "moderation in all things"?

Self-control is part of your character while moderation is a behavior act.

[hanks]

Q33. 
What is the difference between temperance and abstinence? How can use of alcohol and drugs disrupt the humble life? Why is self-control so important in the Christian life? How does self-control differ from the idea of "moderation in all things"? 
Temperance is moderation – avoiding excesses. Whereas abstinence is avoiding completely, totally. Alcohol and drugs will only disrupt the humble life if used in excess – when we lose control of our actions. Today our Christian communities are made up of people from all different backgrounds, cultures, and viewpoints that there is always the danger of conflict. On top of this we live in a pagan and often hostile world. Self-control is needed and is important and we need the wisdom and power of discernment from the Holy Spirit to guide us in all our actions. Self-control includes moderation, but “moderation in all things” cannot be true Christianity, since we are not to be moderate in our devotion to our Lord Jesus as an example. 
 

[Lisa Wolf]

Q33. What is the difference between temperance and abstinence? How can use of alcohol and drugs disrupt the humble life? Why is self-control so important in the Christian life? How does self-control differ from the idea of “moderation in all things”?

Temperance differs from abstinence by some(temperance) to none(abstinence).  My great grandmother was part of the Temperance Union of long ago; her definition of temperance was none.  However, for purposes of this study, self-control is the fruit of the spirit important here.  Use of anything--anything--that becomes an idol takes God's rightful place in our lives, compromising our willingness to be obedient to Him.  Self-control (Galatians 5:22) is integral to the Christian life.  We have a difficult time avoiding things that tempt us, but the Spirit of God helps us in our weakness especially when we ask Him for help!  The idea of “moderation in all things” prevalent in some places in our culture is false.  While this adage may work in some areas such as food and drink, it does not work in areas of evil such as violence...

[Krissi]

Abstinence is negation -- the setting of a zero limit on a behavior or thought; temperance is accepting a low degree of a behavior or thought that is not intrinsically sinful -- the intentional limitation of a behavior or thought. 

(It's important to include thoughts, no?)

There are things in life that are not sinful, if moderated, but quite damaging, if excessively done. The word "indulgence" comes to mind. Most sins, however, are clearly known. A Christian has a check in his or her spirit about behaviors/thoughts that are not of Him.

I think the goal is to glorify God in all thoughts and deeds, even those that are mundane. For many Christians, no drinking, for example, is the best way to glorify God. Drinking, in their mind, is such a potential problem that it should be avoided entirely. For other Christians, moderate drinking such as a glass of wine at dinner, glorifies God in the sense that it enjoys and honors His creation, a part of a good meal. Personally, I do not drink because I came from a family that drank 'liberally' and so turned away from this behavior as a Christian. Still, I do not think less of anyone who drinks in moderation ... drunkenness is sin.

Frankly, if something is a temptation, being moderate is probably not a good idea. If it is a temptation, the best way to deal with it is to get rid of it entirely. Just say no. Furthermore, some people have personalities that tend toward overly indulging in certain ideas or obsessive behaviors. For them, it's probably best to avoid certain things entirely, though not because they are sinful.

Lastly, even ideas and interests that can be obsessive and therefore need to be moderated. When I'm researching something I tend to think about it constantly and even dream about it. For many years I thought about architecture, for example ... ways of building, structural anomalies, etc. Obviously, it is not sinful to think about architecture, but when these thoughts crowded out other thoughts -- like shopping for dinner -- I pushed them aside so I could think about other things. Even today I have to moderate my many interests and passions. Again, the goal is to glorify God in thought, word and deed.

Self-control is self-moderation. It's a limiting practice. Whether the goal is limiting anger, for example, or even drinking, self-control is the act of moderating one's desires and passions. Self-control is the virtue, the internal process. Moderation is the goal of that process.