Lesson 5

But Lord, It's Tough Being Temperate!

2 Peter 1:6

I don't know 'bout you, but when I read II Peter 1:6, I start to sweat! This list of "ingredients" which will produce a fruitful Christian life seems to get tougher with each new item.

Let's see - I must start with faith. To faith I must add virtue (excellent morals). Next comes knowledge. But notice verse 6! Temperance and patience and godliness! Uh-Oh! I'm in trouble.

Temperance and patience and godliness. It won't be possible to consider these three all in one sermon, so we'll just have to deal with them individually. But I've got to warn you. These three are the toughest ones, at least for me.

In fact, I've almost been dreading actually preaching on temperance because I knew I'd have to think about it in my own life and do something about it.

The Nature Of Temperance

I suppose, we need to start simply by seeking to get a grip on temperance - it's definition and it's nature.

Just what is temperance? The English word "temperance" itself is sort of an old-fashioned word and not part of our everyday vocabulary. The dictionary defines temperance as "moderation in actions, thoughts, and feelings; habitual moderation in the indulgence of a natural appetite or passion." Historically, "temperance" has been particularly associated with abstaining from alcoholic beverages. In fact, in the early 1900's, the "Temperance Movement" led to the legal prohibition of alcohol. But the word is much broader than just that one application. It means self-control. That's a good word for temperance. It is self-control of any passion or natural appetite which one might possess. It would include any number of actions, thoughts and feelings.

There is another Bible word expressing the opposite idea. It is the word "incontinence". We, generally, limit the use of this word to a medical condition - when someone loses control of basic body functions, but the Bible uses it with a spiritual definition (sometimes translating it "excess"), referring to a lack of self control, unrestrained living. According to II Timothy 3:3, incontinence is a sign of the times and an indicator that we living in the last days.

When I lose my temper, it is a lack of self-control, a lack of temperance. (The problem is that I don't lose my temper, that is, I still have one. I wish I could "lose my temper!") When I fail to bridle my tongue, and say cruel and rude and critical and sarcastic and cutting words, it is a lack of temperance, a lack of self-control. Fussing and cussing is intemperance. When I fail to exercise discipline over my body - when I overeat or if I were to have a habit that takes the control of my body away from me and gives it to some substance (drugs or tobacco or alcohol) it is a lack of self-control, a lack of temperance. If I give myself to indulgence or to excess, I am showing a lack of temperance, a lack of self-control. An addiction to gambling or to pornography, really any addiction physical or psychological is really simply the sin of incontinence. Paul used the word "incontinence" in connection with a temptation to commit sexual sins in I Corinthians 7:5.

God has given us a body which is a vehicle of expression. It is a wonderful thing, but can be used for wrong as well as for right. Like fire, or water, or a automobile,

the body is a good servant but a miserable master. When my body masters me, it is a lack of self-control, a lack of temperance.

Peter is saying that in order to be a fruitful Christian, self-control must be added. Thus, that it needs to be "added" means that it is not naturally part of us. By nature, we have these carnal cravings that can and will dominate us and steal from us self-control, Romans 7. Some people seem to have more self-control than others, but by nature none of are truly temperate.

The Need Of Temperance

Temperance is commanded by God. This text, commands us, instructs us to "add temperance" to our knowledge. To the Thessalonians, Paul wrote, (I Thessalonians 4:4) "That every one of you should know how to possess his vessel (body) in sanctification and honour." You see, God expects His people to demonstrate self-control. Further, one of the requirements for serving in church leadership as a bishop (pastor; overseer, elder) is temperate. "A bishop must be ... temperate" according to Titus 1:7-8. A little further in the letter, Paul told Titus to teach the older men in the churches to be temperate, Titus 2:1-2.

Temperance is a testimony to others. Temperance with regard to the tongue is an indication of pure religion, James 1:26. James goes on to say that the one who can bridle his/her tongue is able to control his/her entire body, James 3:2. My life should be a testimony of what God's power can do. By the power of the Holy Spirit who lives within me, I can overcome the carnal cravings of my fleshly nature. I can control my tongue. I can possess my body. "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me."

Thus, in order to be an obedient Christian and in order to establish a clear testimony of the power of God in my life, I need temperance and self-control. It is important and needful that a Christian show self-control.

Self-control is a sign of strength while lack of temperance indicates weakness. Proverbs 25:28 He that hath no rule over his own spirit is like a city that is broken down, and without walls. In other words, without self-control you are totally vulnerable to temptation and attacks from the enemy. Proverbs 16:32 He that is slow to anger is better than the mighty; and he that ruleth his spirit than he that taketh a city. Real strength is not the ability to conquer a city. It is being able to control yourself.

The Neglect Of Temperance

A lack of self control can be devastating. Just think of the sorrow and ongoing grief and animosity that came from Esau's lack of self control, Genesis 25:27-34. For sure, Jacob was not innocent in that deal. He took advantage of brother for personal gain, but the whole thing hinged on Esau's lack of self-control. He had to have something to eat and he had to have it immediately. There was no ability to wait, no self-denial at all and it devastated his life.

That's what happens where there is a lack of self-control. No girl ever intended to become a prostitute. But her downfall may have started on the dance floor. No one ever purposely becomes an alcoholic. But the drunk couldn't harness his appetite. The thief was at first 'only covetous'. The murderer's downfall began with a spark of uncontrolled hatred and violent temper. The cancer patient wouldn't say no to smoking. Mental institutions, hospitals, and jails are full of people who could not control themselves.

We must add temperance to our lives. But how? How is it possible to gain control of one's temper or tongue or appetite or passion. Can we grit our teeth and muster up enough willpower to defeat all those carnal cravings? It is by self-effort? Is it in the strength of the flesh that we gain self-control?

Listen, willpower only works for a while. It is limited both in time and in scope. You might be able for a while to control one part of your flesh by enough self-imposed rules. But the flesh cannot be controlled by law. The flesh always finds a way to manifest itself. That was the problem with the Pharisees. They were trying to control their carnal cravings with rules and regulations.

So how do we add temperance to our lives?

I want show you two passages of Scripture that are key to this principle.

· Galatians 2:22-25 lists "the fruit of the Spirit" and last on that list is "temperance." True temperance can only come as a result of the Holy Spirit's work in your life. That means that in order to be temperate, you must first possess the Holy Spirit. You must first be saved. Genuine self-control is only possible where is Spirit control. Notice verses 24-25 - "And they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts. If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit." Self-control comes when we live and walk in the Spirit and when we crucify the flesh. This means that a Christian cannot feed his fleshly appetites. When fleshly appetites are fed, it only increases the intensity of desire - the desire is lessened only after the appetite is denied. In fact, Jesus said that one must "deny himself." Paul wrote to the Romans (13:14) But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfil the lusts thereof.

· I Corinthians 9:24-27 also speaks of temperance with an athletic analogy. There is a course to be run, vs. 24-26. There is a crown to be won, v. 25. There is a condition to be shunned, v. 27.

Temperance (self-control) is possible only through living and walking in the Spirit. By yielding to the Spirit we deny our flesh, we starve the flesh into submission.

Beloved add to your knowledge temperance.