Devotion Book 3

Devotion 3 – Lesson 3

Devotions Book 3

Lesson 3

Temperance (week 1-4)

The Building Blocks: God’s Principles

“…giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge; And to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness; And to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity. For if these things be in you, and abound, they make you that ye shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.” II Peter 1:5-8

Temperance

(Self-Control)

Temperance (Self-Control) / Week 1

Day 1 / Acts 24:24-27

Felix, a Roman governor, sent for Paul so he could hear about the apostle’s faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. When Paul stood before Felix, he spoke to him about righteousness, self-control and the judgment to come. Felix was frightened and stunned by the seriousness of Paul’s words to him. As a leader of the pagan Roman society, with all its unrighteousness and lack of self-control, he certainly did not want to hear about these things. Paul, on the other hand was a beautiful example of a righteous, self-controlled man.

Do others see me as Paul was seeing Felix? In what areas of my life do I need to exercise self-control?

Day 2 / Romans 12:1-2

The apostle Paul was so concerned about his Christian brothers and sisters that he begged them to present their bodies as living sacrifices to God. As believers today, we too need to do this because we cannot exercise self-control over our bodies unless we have presented them to Him. We must surrender ourselves to His purposes, realizing that we belong to him. Presenting ourselves to Him as living sacrifices is a daily necessity.

Have I presented my body as a living sacrifice to God today?

Day 3 / Romans 6:12-13

We have many “members” in our bodies. The most prominent of these members are the eyes, ears, mouth, hands and feet. With these particular members we see, hear, speak, do things and go from place to place. God wants us to yield these members as “instruments of righteousness” – useful to Him, honorable to Him.

Will I yield my members to God today? If so, prayerfully consider each member of the body and its purpose and submit it to His control.

Day 4 Daniel 1:1-8

After King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon besieged and conquered Jerusalem, he chose the finest young Jewish boys to train for service in his palace. He decided to feed them the best food and drink, so that they would develop into strong physical specimens. Daniel was one of the young Hebrews selected by the king. But Daniel determined that he would not defile his body with the king’s meat and wine. He knew that the meat would be that which had been offered previously to idols, so he would therefore not eat it.

Have I purposed in my heart to practice self-control over what I eat and drink? Over everything that goes into my body?

Day 5 / I Corinthians 6:19

We do not own our bodies. Rather, the owner is the Holy Spirit who lives within us. Our bodies have been brought with the precious blood of the Lord Jesus Christ. He has paid for us in full, and when we believe and receive Him, He indwells us in the person of the Holy Spirit. Understanding all this, our only reasonable response is to live each moment consciously aware of His presence, knowing we belong to Him and are to glorify Him in everything.

What indications are there that the Holy Spirit lives within me?

Day 6 I Corinthians 6:20

God says that our bodies are very special to Him because they are His dwelling place. When one becomes a Christian, God’s Holy Spirit “moves in” and lives in the new believer. But He does not move in as just a “temporary tenant.” Instead, He is the new owner of the “house.” And, since the “house” belongs to Him, the believer needs to be careful about what goes in and out of it. To do anything to damage or dirty the “house” is to do something against God.

As God’s children, we need to “glorify” God in our bodies—do everything possible to honor Him. What am I doing to glorify God in my body? What else can I do?

Day 1 Learn & Live

Bible reading text:________________________

What do I learn from this passage?

____________________________________________________________________________________

Pray & Praise

In light of what I have learned, what do I ask God for today?

____________________________________________________________________________________

Day 2 Learn & Live

Bible reading text:________________________

What do I learn from this passage?

____________________________________________________________________________________

Pray & Praise

In light of what I have learned, what do I ask God for today?

____________________________________________________________________________________

Day 3 Learn & Live

Bible reading text:________________________

What do I learn from this passage?

____________________________________________________________________________________

Pray & Praise

In light of what I have learned, what do I ask God for today?

____________________________________________________________________________________

Day 4 Learn & Live

Bible reading text:_______________________

What do I learn from this passage?

____________________________________________________________________________________

Pray & Praise

In light of what I have learned, what do I ask God for today?

____________________________________________________________________________________

Day 5 Learn & Live

Bible reading text:________________________

What do I learn from this passage?

____________________________________________________________________________________

Pray & Praise

In light of what I have learned, what do I ask God for today?

____________________________________________________________________________________

Day 6 Learn & Live

Bible reading text:________________________

What do I learn from this passage?

____________________________________________________________________________________

Pray & Praise

In light of what I have learned, what do I ask God for today?

____________________________________________________________________________________

Temperance (Self-Control) / Week 2

Day 1 / I Corinthians 9:18-27

The apostle Paul was fully qualified to write about self-control. He repeatedly subjected himself to rigorous trials and sufferings in order to do God’s will. He had learned to do without those things that would hinder his endurance in the Christian life. He compared himself to a runner preparing for a race, exercising self-control in all areas of life so that his performance would not be adversely affected. In every possible way, he brought himself into subjection.

In what ways do I need to bring myself into subjection? (In my thoughts, words, attitudes, actions, reactions, etc.)

Day 2 / James 3:2

We all stumble in many ways, doing things that are wrong. For example, we all say things that are wrong. James says that a person who never makes a slip of the tongue is perfect – completely mature, able to control every area of life. One important thing this reveals is that the more we control what we say, the more we control other areas of life.

In what specific ways will I try to control what I say today?

Day 3 / James 3:3-6

The tongue is a very little member of the body, but it wields great influence. It is like the bit which turns the horse or the helm that guides the ship. And, more sobering, it is like the spark which can ignite a forest fire. How vital it is to control the tongue!

Have I started any “fires” with a spark from the tongue recently? What should I do to make it right?

Day 4 / James 3:7-12

Have you ever visited a zoo? There you see the huge elephant, the mighty lion, and the awesome gorilla. These once powerful animals have been tamed by man. However, there is one “creature” that man has never been able to harness and tame: his own tongue. As James says, “the tongue is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison” (v.8). It is like a poisonous snake, coiled and ready to strike.

What can I do to tame my tongue this week?

Day 5 / James 1:26

A Christian who fails to tame the tongue, yet thinks himself spiritual is guilty of self-deceit. James says that such a person’s religion is worthless.

Did I fail in any way to tame the tongue yesterday? What spiritual need does this failure point out to me?

Day 6 / Proverbs 21:23

Taming the tongue is beneficial in so many ways. It brings God’s blessings. It causes us to praise God. It prevents spiritual troubles.

How has taming the tongue benefited and caused me to praise God this week?

Day 1 Learn & Live

Bible reading text:________________________

What do I learn from this passage?

____________________________________________________________________________________

Pray & Praise

In light of what I have learned, what do I ask God for today?

____________________________________________________________________________________

Day 2 Learn & Live

Bible reading text:________________________

What do I learn from this passage?

____________________________________________________________________________________

Pray & Praise

In light of what I have learned, what do I ask God for today?

____________________________________________________________________________________

Day 3 Learn & Live

Bible reading text:________________________

What do I learn from this passage?

____________________________________________________________________________________

Pray & Praise

In light of what I have learned, what do I ask God for today?

____________________________________________________________________________________

Day 4 Learn & Live

Bible reading text:_______________________

What do I learn from this passage?

____________________________________________________________________________________

Pray & Praise

In light of what I have learned, what do I ask God for today?

____________________________________________________________________________________

Day 5 Learn & Live

Bible reading text:________________________

What do I learn from this passage?

____________________________________________________________________________________

Pray & Praise

In light of what I have learned, what do I ask God for today?

____________________________________________________________________________________

Day 6 Learn & Live

Bible reading text:________________________

What do I learn from this passage?

____________________________________________________________________________________

Pray & Praise

In light of what I have learned, what do I ask God for today?

____________________________________________________________________________________

Temperance (Self-Control) / Week 3

Day 1 / Titus 1:4-9

Paul was the “spiritual father” of Titus. He had been instrumental in this young man’s conversion and referred to him as “his own son after the common faith” (v.4). Titus accompanied Paul on his missionary journeys and assisted him as a messenger. Obviously, Paul had great confidence in Titus because he placed him in charge of the church on the island of Crete, a difficult assignment.

This letter deals first of all with the spiritual qualifications for church leaders. Of course, every believer ought to be motivated to possess these qualities.

Which of these qualities are evident in my life: blameless character, not overbearing, not shot-tempered, not a drinker, not greedy, hospitable, lover of good, discrete, fair-minded, holy, self-control?

Day 2 / II Corinthians 10:3-6

Though we live in the world, we are waging battle on the spiritual level. Our weapons in this warfare are spiritual weapons, (faith, truth, right living, the Word of God, prayer) capable of demolishing that which sets itself against God. One objective of our “battle strategy” is to use our weapons to capture our thoughts and make them obedient to Christ.

How can I use my spiritual weapons to capture and control thoughts and make them obedient to Christ?

Day 3 / Romans 12:2

We are not supposed to let this world force us into its mold. Rather, we are to allow God to remake us, daily renewing our mind, so that we may experience and prove in our lives what is His perfect will.

In what practical ways can I allow God to remake me by renewing my mind?

Day 4 / I Peter 1:13-14

In Jesus’ day, men wore loose-fitting robes that were held in place by large belts. Whenever they had to do a hard job, they would tighten up their belt. The phrase, “gird up the loins” refers to this practice. So, to “gird up the loins of your mind” means to prepare your mind for spiritual action, to harness or discipline your thoughts.

How can I harness or discipline thoughts for spiritual action?

Day 5 / Isaiah 26:3

Our nail-biting generation will try anything for peace. Transcendental meditation…illegal drugs…group therapy…psychiatric treatment…legal drugs…and numerous other avenues of escape from reality. But there is no peace without the Prince of Peace living within. Only He can bring real peace. As we think on Him and trust in Him, He keeps us in “perfect peace.”

In what ways have I tried to gain peace? Am I now experiencing “perfect peace”? Is my mind (thoughts) stayed on the Lord?

Day 6 / Proverbs 14:29

Whether we lose our temper quickly, or are “slow to wrath” is an important matter. It is important because the way we handle the upsetting things of life reveals our level of spiritual maturity. When we let the Holy Spirit control anger, it shows that we have spiritual understanding. On the other hand, when we are quickly riled, we invite trouble.

How would God rate my temper “ speed”? Slow? Fast ? Very fast? Supersonic? What steps should I take when difficult circumstances arise which would allow the Spirit to control my temper?

Day 1 Learn & Live

Bible reading text:________________________

What do I learn from this passage?

____________________________________________________________________________________

Pray & Praise

In light of what I have learned, what do I ask God for today?

____________________________________________________________________________________

Day 2 Learn & Live

Bible reading text:________________________

What do I learn from this passage?

____________________________________________________________________________________

Pray & Praise

In light of what I have learned, what do I ask God for today?

____________________________________________________________________________________

Day 3 Learn & Live

Bible reading text:________________________

What do I learn from this passage?

____________________________________________________________________________________

Pray & Praise

In light of what I have learned, what do I ask God for today?

____________________________________________________________________________________

Day 4 Learn & Live

Bible reading text:_______________________

What do I learn from this passage?

____________________________________________________________________________________

Pray & Praise

In light of what I have learned, what do I ask God for today?

____________________________________________________________________________________

Day 5 Learn & Live

Bible reading text:________________________

What do I learn from this passage?

____________________________________________________________________________________

Pray & Praise

In light of what I have learned, what do I ask God for today?

____________________________________________________________________________________

Day 6 Learn & Live

Bible reading text:________________________

What do I learn from this passage?

____________________________________________________________________________________

Pray & Praise

In light of what I have learned, what do I ask God for today?

____________________________________________________________________________________

Temperance (Self-Control) / Week 4

Day 1 / Galatians 5:22-25

Paul frequently wrote about the contrasts between the Spirit and the flesh. Most of his letters include teachings on this subject; and perhaps the most well-known passage is this one in Galatians. The highlight of these verses is a list of qualities called “the fruit of the Spirit.” These qualities are characteristics of a life controlled by God.

Which of these qualities are evident in my life: love, joy, peace, lone-suffering, gentleness, goodness, meekness, faithfulness, self-control?

Day 2 / Proverbs 16:32

Many of the proverbs are based on comparisons. This proverb, for example, compares one who is slow to anger with a mighty warrior. It also compares one who rules his spirit with the conqueror of a city. These comparisons show how highly God values self-control.

How can I rule (control) my spirit (attitudes)?

Day 3 /John 5:30-32

Jesus totally yielded His will to the Father. He lived for nothing but what the Father desired for Him and of Him. He chose to do this. He was not forced or tricked into submitting Himself. So it is with us as believers. God will not force or trick us into submitting to His Lordship. It is something we choose on our own. If we are to be yielded to the Father’s will, we must personally decide to do so.

Am I living for myself or for my Heavenly Father? Will I voluntarily submit my will to God?

Day 4 James 1:19

No verse in the Bible is more practical than this one, for it tells how to listen, how to speak, and how to handle our emotions.

Am I quick to listen? Slow to speak? Slow to become angry? What am I going to do to become a better listener and controlled in my speed and in my emotions?

Day 5 / Ephesians 5:18-20

One who is full of strong drink is not in control of himself, nor is the Spirit in control of him. God tells us very clearly, do not get drunk! Instead, “be filled with the Spirit” — spiritually stimulated and controlled by His indwelling presence. When He fills the life, there is music in the soul. And there is an attitude of thanksgiving flowing from the heart.

What evidences are there in me that I am filled with the Spirit?

Day 6 / I Peter 4:7-11

Self-control should be a natural result of realizing that Jesus is coming again. As we focus on His soon return, we are sobered in realizing that we must stand before Him and give an account of our lives. “He that hath this hope in him, puifieth himself, even as he is pure.” (I John 3:3) And Peter makes it clear that such self-control enables and motivates us to pray earnestly and effectively.

Do I really believe Christ is coming soon? Have I been focusing on His soon return? Has my prayer life this week been earnest? Hs it been effective?

Day 1 Learn & Live

Bible reading text:________________________

What do I learn from this passage?

____________________________________________________________________________________

Pray & Praise

In light of what I have learned, what do I ask God for today?

____________________________________________________________________________________

Day 2 Learn & Live

Bible reading text:________________________

What do I learn from this passage?

____________________________________________________________________________________

Pray & Praise

In light of what I have learned, what do I ask God for today?

____________________________________________________________________________________

Day 3 Learn & Live

Bible reading text:________________________

What do I learn from this passage?

____________________________________________________________________________________

Pray & Praise

In light of what I have learned, what do I ask God for today?

____________________________________________________________________________________

Day 4 Learn & Live

Bible reading text:_______________________

What do I learn from this passage?

____________________________________________________________________________________

Pray & Praise

In light of what I have learned, what do I ask God for today?

____________________________________________________________________________________

Day 5 Learn & Live

Bible reading text:________________________

What do I learn from this passage?

____________________________________________________________________________________

Pray & Praise

In light of what I have learned, what do I ask God for today?

____________________________________________________________________________________

Day 6 Learn & Live

Bible reading text:________________________

What do I learn from this passage?

____________________________________________________________________________________

Pray & Praise

In light of what I have learned, what do I ask God for today?

____________________________________________________________________________________

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