Introduction: 1.This morning we showed from Colossians 3 how the Lord's people are to "seek those things which are above." 2.To accomplish this we must set our affection on the proper things. a.We are to set our affection "on things above." b.We are not to set our affection "on things on the earth." 3.This evening we are studying a closely related subject: "temperance." 4.Let us begin by showing that . . .
Discussion:
I."TEMPERANCE"ISANESSENTIALPARTOFCHRISTIANITY
A.This point is made very clearly in Acts 24:24-25. 1.On this occasion Paul was in custody, but Felix the governor wanted Paul to tell him about "the faith in Christ" (vs.24). 2.(vs.25a) Paul used a particular method as he talked with Felix -- Paul "reasoned" with the governor. 3.Paul dealt with 3 subjects as he reasoned with Felix: "righteousness, temperance, and judgment to come." 4.The point: "Temperance" is an essential part of "the faith in Christ." 5.Unfortunately, Felix was not willing to practice "temperance," and he put off doing what he knew he should do. B.Christians must practice "temperance" to go to heaven (1 Corinthians 9:24-27). 1.In these verses, Christians are compared to athletes who compete in a race. a.To be successful, an athlete practices temperance. b.An athlete practices temperance so he can win "a corruptible crown." 2.Why is it necessary for a Christian to practice "temperance?" a.(vs.25b) A Christian practices "temperance" so he can receive "an incorruptible" crown. b.(vs.27b) A Christian also practices "temperance" so his influence will be effective. C."Temperance" is part of "the fruit of the Spirit" (Galatians 5:22-23). 1.We must understand that: a.there is a negative side to "temperance" (Galatians 5:24) b.there is a positive side to "temperance" (Galatians 5:25). 2.The Bible teaches us to sow correctly because we will be rewarded accordingly (Galatians 6:7-8). D."Temperance" is one of "the Christian graces" (2 Peter 1:5-7). 1.Those who lack these graces do not please God (vs.9). 2.Those who strive diligently to develop these graces will be blessed (vs.8, 10). E.These verses clearly show that "temperance" is an essential part of Christianity. F.To help us understand what "temperance" is, let us turn our attention to . . .
II.SOMEILLUSTRATIONS(NEGATIVEANDPOSITIVE)
A.In a negative sense, the Bible tells us about a number of people who failed to practice "temperance." 1.(2 Samuel 11) David committed adultery with Bathsheba, and he paid a high price for a few moments of pleasure. 2.Solomon got caught up in self-indulgence (Ecclesiastes 2:10), but he later realized that everything he had pursued was "vanity and vexation of spirit" (vs.11). 3.These 2 men knew God's will, but they chose not to obey it. B.In a positive sense, the Bible also tells us about a number of people who practiced "temperance." 1.Joseph refused to commit adultery with Potiphar's wife (Genesis 39:7-12). 2.Daniel refused to defile himself by eating the king's food and drinking the king's wine (Daniel 1:5, 8). 3.Jesus refused to give in to Satan's temptations (Matthew 4:1-11). 4.Joseph, Daniel, and Jesus knew God's will, and they chose to obey it -- this is the key to practicing "temperance" (Psalm 119:11).
Conclusion:
1.See Romans 12:1-2. 2.These verses do not contain the word "temperance." 3.However, these verses certainly teach us to practice "temperance." 4.Are you presenting your body as "a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God?"[This is what God wants you to do.] 5.Have you allowed yourself to be "conformed to this world?" a.This is not what God wants you to do. b.The way to overcome it is by "renewing your mind."