How To Live Faithfully - Temperance

 

From: TFTW Bible College

Temperance is “self-control.” This is where we take the knowledge of what we have learned from God’s word and we let that knowledge take control of our lives. Instead of just acting or reacting how we might have done in the past, we let the word of God and the example of Jesus dictate our actions.

We need to believe it is possible not to sin! Since we are human, we may accept the idea that we are sinners but incorrectly allow that to excuse future sins or be lazy about avoiding sin. This is a defeatist attitude and we get the idea that we will fail before we even get started! Jesus was human and had the same freewill to sin as we do. Yet, He showed it was possible not to sin, just as it was possible to sin. Every chance to sin is also a chance NOT to sin! “There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.” (1 Corinthians 10:13) With every temptation, there is a way of escape. We just have to choose to take it.

We need to have a predetermined commitment that whatever is right is what we will choose. In other words, we need to take the choice out of the choice! When faced with the temptation to sin, we need to react as if the decision has already been made, and that decision is to let God choose! If we let God choose our actions and let His word dictate our actions, then we will do what is right.