As we read through the first chapter of II Peter, we see that he adds the neglected character trait of temperance. The word used here literally means “self-control.” This is a discipline we see very little of in our culture. The motto of the time is, “If it feels good, do it.” There is no absolute truth. Each person decides what is right for themselves. This is the opposite of what temperance teaches. Commentator Albert Barnes says, “In the original language, this word denotes the self-rule which a man has over the evil propensities of his nature. Things such as chastity, self-government, and rule of his temper.” Note that having knowledge is not enough unless you use it correctly. Self-control is needed to apply the knowledge correctly.
II Peter 1:6 “And to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness.”
The person who exhibits temperance will not be happy or ok with what is acceptable. He will seek progression in his life: good, better, and best. This attitude takes discipline, and the person who seeks to please Christ, above all else, exercises self-discipline to be the best for Christ. This person is controlled by the Holy Spirit, not the flesh. The flesh will seek to raise and exalt itself, but the person who yields and exercises self-control may stumble and fall, but will not stay down. Their calling is higher and greater than the desire to please themselves.
In Acts 24:25, we find a life of destruction because self-control was not to be found in the life of Felix. When Paul stood before Felix, Felix was living an adulterous lifestyle with Drusilla. He was completely controlled by the desires of the flesh. Self- control did not rule his desires. Felix understood that Paul was innocent, and he and Drusilla even invited Paul to speak to them about faith in Christ, righteousness, self-control, and the coming judgment. Paul’s words deeply alarmed and frightened Felix, but not enough to change. When Paul witnessed to him, he trembled, but instead of repenting, he told Paul to leave.
Acts 24:25 “And as he reasoned of righteousness, temperance, and judgment to come, Felix trembled, and answered, Go thy way for this time; when I have a convenient season, I will call for thee.”
Today, people are no different than Felix. This concept of self-control is foreign to them. It has even infiltrated the life of the average Christian. Their goal is no different from that of those who don’t know Christ. Their goal is to be happy. This person seeks to gain all the happiness available on this earth, and gain heaven at the end. Anything that interferes with their happiness is viewed as an assault from the devil. However, that is not biblical. God may allow many things in our lives that we feel are bad, but they are there to refine us and help us become the best we can be for Him. I Peter 1:7 teaches us that God will test our faith. He will try us to see if our faith is genuine. He is preparing us to receive the praise of the final judge. Those who seek a life free of conflict will not grow in temperance. Their idea of temperance is to live close to the edge, but not fall off. That is the opposite view of the one who truly loves God. Temperance will increase our love for God, not our love of self.
I Peter 1:7 “That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it is tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honor and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ.“
I personally don’t want to be an average Christian. I want to be the best I can be, not to achieve more and gain more in this life, but to discipline myself in a way that promotes the cause of Christ and allows the Holy Spirit to reign in all that I do. I know that is a lofty goal, but a goal that is not sought will never be achieved. I want to continually seek to be the best I can be for Christ.
What about you? What areas of your life do you need self-control in? Do you get in bed a little earlier so you can spend time with God before you rush into the day? Are you more concerned about sleep than about meeting with God? God longs to draw near to you, but you must desire Him more than the pleasures of this life if you are to exercise self-control. Be honest with yourself. God already knows what takes first place in your life. If you are not taking time to study and pray, He is not first in your life. Self-control is possible for all of us; otherwise, God would not command it.
