Thoughts on Self-Control

You might be interested to know that I think the dominant problem my generation will face is a deep lack of self-control.

Titus ii.6

Similarly, encourage the young men to be self-controlled

Obs.

1. Paul is instructing Titus on what to teach the Cretans, and he separates the teaching into four categories, distinguishing different things to be taught to different groups. The groups: Older men, older women, young women, young men. That pretty much covers everyone.

2. "Similarly"-- Paul notes that Titus should teach something similar to the young men as he does to the older men, and also the same thing that the older women are to teach the younger women. Self-control is mentioned three times with reference to four groups.

3. Note also that while longer lists of things to be taught are given for the other three categories, the only thing urged on young men is "to be self-controlled." Perhaps indicating that self-control is a particular problem for young men, or that it is an especially important quality for young men to possess. Desire, pride, anger, etc all burn stronger in young men. (Hence, I John ii.14: I write to you, young men, because you are strong)

4. "Encourage"-- That is, to urge on a person through positive and negative words. Titus is to speak strongly and specifically to the young men with the goal of urging them towards the practice of self-control.

5. From cross-reference (Gal. v), we know that godly self-control is an effect of the Spirit's work in a believer's life. It is a "fruit" of the Spirit's presence, the result of a transformed life. What Paul is encouraging is a Spirit-produced and holy control over the desires of the sinful flesh.

Interpretation

1. Holy self-control, an attribute which pleases God, is not at all present in the world, since it is a quality which is produced by the power of the indwelling Spirit. Whatever else the world possesses, it does not have power over itself.

2. Holy self-control is an inevitable fruit of the Holy Spirit's presence. If there is no holy self-control, there is no Spirit.

3. Holy self-control is produced by the Spirit through the use of means. The means in this case is the fullness of our effort. This is why Paul gives an instruction. Self-control is not mystically produced in us as we "let go and let God work." Rather, through the medium of our Word-guided and Spirit-empowered action, we walk into the fullness of godly self-control. Otherwise, why bother instructing someone?

4. Self-control should be taught, especially to the young, in a way that is practical.

A short note on holy vs. worldly self-control

In this, as in all things, our thinking must be guided by the Word.

--We know that true self-control is a fruit of the indwelling Spirit.
--We also know that externally people in the world may appear to have a great deal of self-control. Therefore, what they possess is not produced by the Holy Spirit but some other agency.
--Agents which produce self-control are often placed in the world by the grace of God in order to prevent a recurrence of what the world was like before the flood, since "that every inclination of the thoughts of man's heart was only evil all the time." Without any restraining force in place, the world would be awash in the men's lusts. We are given a taste of this when these forces do actually break down, as in war and other disasters.
--Common causes of worldly self-control: false religion, mutual pragmatism, strong law, fear of punishment, social pressure, family pressure, cultural taboos, etc. These help to restrain sinful impulses. Positive forces producing self-control include desire for success, power, comfort, cultural pressure, family pressure, sense of shame, guilt.
--Holy self-control always involves freedom. True self-control is about the freedom of the Spirit's slavery. All the causes of worldly self-control are slavery.
--Men in the world often seem to be capable of great efforts, before which we stand in awe at their discipline. Read about Kobe Bryant's work-out schedule, Napoleon's reading habits, etc. These, however, have no value towards the real progression of holiness. Holy self-control must be produced by the Spirit, according to the Word, towards the end of holiness.
--Some Christian men, therefore, may imagine that they have self-control, or may be lauded for their self-control, when in fact they possess simply the residue of worldly self-control from their culture, their home environment, etc. Natural drivenness may seem on the outside like self-control, though it is in fact quite different.

Application

1. Self-control, like all activities of the Church, is communal. Let us encourage one another toward it, watch out and guard one another. Actually, this is almost never done. Why?

2. Self-control is about having authority over your flesh. You do not have this authority in yourself, but in Christ you do. The motive for this authority over your flesh is the responsive love of obedience. In self-control, you express love to God through obedience, a conscious choosing. This does not require feeling, but in the exercise causes feeling.

3. Self-control rests in the conscious mind and happens through an exercise of the reason applied to the flesh. The Holy Spirit is the power, the pathways of obedience are the means. Read the Word, and choose obedience.

4. What has power over you? Nothing should. Is it food? Is it sex? Is it leisure? Is it TV? Is it the computer? Is it a person? Is it a relationship? Is it a job? Is it a need for success? Is it an ambition? Is it an emotion? Search yourself, think, apply the Word, and choose the pathways of obedience that are required of you.

5. Self-control is about habits, about discipline, the conscious turning from something desired. Like all of the Spiritual virtues it must be practiced, exercised, and grows stronger as you do.

Final thought, applicable especially to my generation

Here is the test of your self-control. How much have you prayed lately?

I want you to pray two hours a day.

Nay, I want you to pray four hours a day.

Yes, you. If we believe God's Word, we know there is nothing more precious than time in prayer, where we draw near to God and experience in faith the goodness of his presence. Nor is there anything as profitable to our soul and to the life of the Church than to pray. These two things being true, how much are you able to choose the best thing, to say no to the desires of your flesh? Whatever external motivators make you seem self-controlled, let this be your test. The man of prayer is the man who knows the pathways of self-control.

I hope this convicts you as much as it does me.