Cultivating the Fruit of Temperance
by Kaylon D. Jenkins

Foundational scripture - Proverbs 25:28; 16-32
Introduction: Temperance, or self-control as it is more commonly known, is one of the least recognized of the spiritual fruit yet it is a major determining factor in our lives. Whether it is something as seemingly harmless as not being able to eat just one cookie as opposed to eating the whole bag or something as serious as drug addiction, both are the result of a lack of self-control. Temperance is, more often than not, the difference between winning and loosing, success and failure, and ultimately heaven and hell (1Corinthians 9:24-27). The objective of this study is to learn both the benefits of practicing and the hardships of not practicing temperance, as well as to learn biblical strategies on how to cultivate temperance in the midst of a permissive culture.

Lessons from a defenseless city: Read the following scriptures and answer the corresponding questions.

Nehemiah 1:1-11
  1. According to verse 3 what was the condition of Jerusalem and of what significance is it to the people?
  2. What is the point of being made free if you are still vulnerable to captivity?
  3. How does this apply to our lesson on temperance?
Like the exiles who returned to Jerusalem after being in Babylonian captivity, we have been made free in Christ; however we must be careful to fortify our lives with self-control lest we also become vulnerable to every attack.

Nehemiah 2:1-10
  1. According to verse 10 why do you suppose that some were grieved that one would seek the welfare of the children of Israel?
  2. According to verse 19 the children of Israel were ridiculed and despised for attempting to fortify themselves, should we then expect the same? Why or why not?
Someone will always exploit and benefit from those who lack self-control. If we carefully examine our own lives we can possibly see where we have been exploited by others because of our lack of self-control.

Lessons from a strong man made weak: Read the following scriptures and answer the corresponding questions.

Judges 14:1-20; 16:1-21
  1. According to the above scripture references in what area of Samson’s life did he lack self-control?
  2. Explain how Samson’s lack of self control led to his downfall.
  3. Who exploited and benefited from Samson’s lack of self-control?
Samson’s fate could have been avoided if he had control of his passions. Blinded by his own  desire he unwittingly participated in his on demise.  When we are driven by our passions we fail to see the obvious pitfalls before us. As we examine our own lives there may be pitfalls that could have been avoided if we had exercised temperance.

Jesus – The perfect example of temperance: Read the following scriptures and answer the corresponding questions.

Matthew 4:1- 10; 26:36-42
47-54
  1. Identify where Jesus exercised self-control in each scenario of the above scripture references.
  2. Could Jesus have exercised His own will?
  3. How was Jesus able to subdue His own will?
Jesus Christ, for the Christian, is the perfect example for life and ministry. If we model the life and ministry of Jesus Christ we will be victorious in every situation.

Philippians 2:5-8;
Hebrews 12:1-2
  1. According to Philippians 2:5 whose mind set are we to emulate?
  2. According to Hebrews 12:2 who are we to look unto (focus on)?

Notice that we are instructed to emulate and focus on Jesus Christ and not those who profess to be Christians. Although we do have Christian mentors and examples we must be careful neither to make men the focus of our lives nor the standard by which we measure ourselves (see 1 Corinthians 11:1; 2 Timothy 3:1-5; 2 Corinthians 10: 12, 18)
  1. According to Philippians 2:8 what was the mindset of Jesus?
  2. According to Hebrews 12:2 what was the focus of Jesus?
Jesus’ mindset was one of humble obedience to the father and His focus was the eternal joy that awaits all who endure temptation (James 1:1-12). Jesus’ sole purpose in life was to glorify the Father. This in essence was His strength.  If we are to be victorious in conquering our self-will and bring forth the fruit of temperance we must have the same motivation as Christ.

Now that we have the proper motivation let us examine some practical biblical strategies in order to cultivate the fruit of temperance.

Cul-ti-vate

  1. To direct special attention, care, and labor upon with a view to valuable returns. (Luke 13:6-9)
  2. To promote or improve the growth of by labor and attention.
  3. To refine. to promote the growth and development of; foster,
  4. To devote oneself to.

Although spiritual fruit is produced by the Holy Spirit it must be cultivated by the believer.
(2 Peter 1:1-10; Colossians 3:12)

  1. Know that the battle is against and for your soul (1 Peter 2:11; Mark 8:34-37)
  2. Rid your life of any and all things that cause you to stumble and provide an occasion to be tempted to sin (Mark 9:43-48; Romans 13:11-14; Hebrews 12:1-2; James 1:13-15) 
  3. Govern your tongue ( James 3:1-2; 2 Timothy 2:16)
  4. Feast on the word of God daily (Matthew 4:1-4; Proverbs 27:7;  John 4 :1-18)
  5. Don’t be an island (Hebrews 10:24-25; Proverbs 27:17; Ecclesiastes 4:9-12; 1 Peter 5:8-9)
  6. If need be – FLEE!!!( 2 Timothy 2:19-22; 1 Timothy 6:11-12; 1 Corinthians 10:12-14; 6:18)
    Don’t be overly confident in yourself like Samson. Be like Joseph instead (Genesis 39:1-12)
  7. .Even when engaging in things that are lawful, practice restraint (Proverbs 23:1-8; 25:16).