Self-control is the ability to tell yourself “no” when you’re tempted to do something wrong and “yes” when you don’t feel like doing something right. Jesus provides us with sterling examples of what godly self-control looks like in the real world. Rather than fleeing pain and pursuing pleasure, we should develop our self-control muscle so that we can live like Jesus.

Proverbs 25:28 Self-control is limiting your spirit—your impulses. It is exercising dominance over your desires. It is telling yourself “no” when you’re tempted to do something wrong and “yes” when you don’t feel like doing something right.

Proverbs 16:32 Anger is an area where self-control is extremely important. Uncontrolled anger is one of the most self-destructive forces in the world.

1 Corinthians 7:5, 9 Lust is another area where you must exercise self- control. This applies both to those who are married as well as singles.

John 6:11-15 Jesus resisted the temptation of fame and power when he fed the 5,000. Although his PR agent might have had disagreed, Jesus knew that the mob was fickle and untrustworthy.

Mark 14:55-61; Isaiah 53:7 When facing the false accusations about destroying the temple, Jesus remained silent before the high priest.

Mark 15:29-32; Matthew 26:51-54 On the cross, suffering in agony, Jesus was continually mocked and falsely accused by his opponents. They dared him to come down and prove he was the Messiah. Jesus had to control himself the whole time.

1 Corinthians 9:24-27 Like with athletes in training, self-control requires persistence and intensity. It’s like a muscle strengthened through use.