Category: Self Control

1 Corinthians 9:25 (NKJV) 25 And everyone who competes for the prize is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a perishable crown, but we for an imperishable crown.

We are running in a race. And in doing so, we are competing for a prize.

When athletes compete, they are “temperate”. This means that they are self-controlled and very disciplined in making sure that they are in the best possible condition so they stand a better chance of winning whatever sport it is that they compete in.

They do this by eating properly, getting the right amount of rest and performing specific exercises each day to build themselves up and maintain what they have worked hard to attain.

Now, if athletes do this in order to compete for a prize that’s temporal, how much more should we, the children of God, also be “temperate”, self-controlled and disciplined, since we are pursuing a prize that’s eternal?

Here are some other words that will help us better understand “temperate” as Paul used it in the verse above: self-restrained, moderate, controlled, disciplined, and get this one; self-denying.

Kind of makes you think, doesn’t it?

How often can we say that we practice self-denial?

Jesus did this on a regular basis. Remember, He said He came to serve, not to be served.

Mark 10:45 (NKJV) 45 For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many.”

And if it’s good enough for Jesus, it’s good enough for you and for me.

The athletes that competed in Paul’s day were given a wreath that literally withered away within a day or two. The incentive for us is in remembering that we don’t work for a prize that lasts only a short time.

We run toward the goal in pursuit of a prize that’s above all other prizes; eternity with our loving, merciful, holy God.

Our discipline should be with reading and studying His word, treating others properly, honoring and loving God, being a light to others, sharing God’s love with those we come in contact with, etc.

Temperate, self-restrained, moderate, controlled, disciplined, and self-denying.

Hebrews 12:1 (NKJV) 1 Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us…

Pastor Curt & Pastor Ellie

Seven Seas Ministries
P.O. Box 272
Bradford, RI 02808

401-315-0902

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