Titus 2

We started out our discussion this month recognizing that self-control is a fruit of the spirit. It yields great things, the most powerful and wonderful being personal freedom. How do we bear such good fruit?

You have died with Christ, and he has set you free from the evil powers of this world. So why do you keep on following rules of the world, such as, “Don’t handle, don’t eat, don’t touch.” Such rules are mere human teaching about things that are gone as soon as we use them. These rules may seem wise because they require strong devotion, humility, and severe bodily discipline. But they have no effect when it comes to conquering a person’s evil thoughts and desires. Colossians 2.20-23 NLT

Avoid man-made laws. They do not thoroughly conquer the flesh. They may give boundaries and allow us to use the strength of our own will to accomplish a goal, but they do not produce Holy Spirit fruit. In our day and age there are some pretty convincing counterfeits available, but when I am hungry I don’t want someone to point me to that bowl of plastic fruit sitting on your table as a centerpiece. I prefer the real thing, thank you.

But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to fulfill its lusts. Romans 13.14 NKJV

“Flee temptation,” James says. Make no provision — in other words, don’t provide for your lusts! Remove the temptation, get out of there, don’t have that ice cream in the freezer or that TV in your house. You know what you can and can’t handle at any given point. If you’re an alcoholic, I don’t suggest hanging out at the nearest bar to do your evangelizing. If you can’t control your spending, don’t go to TJ’s or that gourmet food store alone. Prone to flirtatious behavior? Maybe you need to consider some different clothes for now, or having a friend with you at all times to keep you accountable. There is a way to avoid the temptation. Find it and stick with it until victory is yours! Be honest with yourself and then get serious about those trouble spots in your life!

I strain to reach the end of the race and receive the prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us up to heaven. Phiippians 3.14 NLT

I like this translation of this familiar verse. All of our favorite versions convey a similar image of great effort: I press on, I run straight toward the goal, I pursue as my goal, etc. So if you want exert energy, skip the pursuit of rules and regulations designed to be self-serving and self-fulfilling, and pursue Him instead. He is the goal — loving Him, adoring Him, and worshiping Him. Let your heart be set on Him, not your own ambitions.

Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth. For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God.
To reiterate, live to please the Lord. Colossians 3.2,3 KJV

If you want to be truly free to exercise self control over something, stop loving it. Love Him instead. This begins by looking at Him, learning who He is, and knowing Him more and more. Nothing will hold your heart’s affections when you are truly beholding His glory and great love. So practice setting your affection above by spending time with Him.

Turn your eyes upon Jesus.
Look full in His wonderful face.
And the things of earth will grow strangely dim,
In the light of His glory and grace.

As we conclude this month’s study of the Titus 2 requirement “not given to much wine” I leave you with this final thought.

“Therefore, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.” 1 Corinthians 10.31 NKJV