Theme of the Week: Godly Masculinity
Bible Verse: “Similarly, encourage the young men to be self-controlled.” Titus 2:6
Scripture Reading: Titus 2:1-8
What do you think, is there a reason that self-control is talked about in three different ways in Scripture? It is a fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23). It is something we are supposed to develop in ourselves (2 Peter 1:5-7). And we need to be taught it (Titus 2:6).
In Titus 2:1-8, three of the four groups of people mentioned are to be taught self-control—old men, young men, and young women are all specifically mentioned to be taught self-control. Old women are the only group in the passage for whom self-control is not specifically mentioned. However, the old women are the ones who are to teach the young women. You can’t teach something you don’t have so . . . no one is off the hook for self-control.
Interestingly, self-control is the only thing young men need to be taught. It’s obviously not the only thing they need, but it is clearly the most pressing thing from Paul’s perspective.
Think about all the opportunities young men have to lack self-control. The possibilities are not simply endless, they seem to be constant.
In this world, we are faced with endless opportunities to indulge ourselves. The lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life tempt us to satisfy urges of all kinds. Self-control is the deepest need of the follower of Christ.
Men, as you face the trials and temptations life assaults you with, remember that self-control is not simply the result of willpower, it is the fruit of the Spirit. Allow him to cultivate His orchard in your life and the self-control that men are called to will grow in you and you can harvest it in the season of temptation.
Prayer: Lord, self-control is difficult. There are temptations everywhere. Please grow the fruit of self-control in me.
Reflection: What area of life do you most need to see self-control grow?
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