Sermon

Self-Control

Tim Keller |  June 15, 2008

Download Agreement


By downloading this file, I confirm I understand Gospel in Life's Copyright & Permissions policies and agree to only use this file for personal usage and will not upload it to any third-party platforms.

 

Duration:
33:50
Scripture:
1 Corinthians 9:23-27; 10:11-13
SKU:
RS 202-11

Overview

We’ve been looking at Christian practices, or spiritual disciplines, by which our character changes. Now, instead of looking at one practice, we’ll look at how a number of practices come together to create one particular character quality: self-control.

A self-control problem is when you’re doing something you desperately want to stop, but can’t. There are the classic addictions like drinking and drugs, spending and gambling, overeating and undereating. But we shouldn’t think of self-control just in those terms. We also have trouble controlling our tongues, our thoughts, our time, and our emotions. Because all of us have some problems with self-control, we had better figure out what to do about it. Otherwise, our problems with self-control will strip us of our careers, of our relationships, or even of our physical lives.

These two passages from 1 Corinthians 9 and 10 are Paul’s insight into what the Bible says about self-control. We’ll start to make progress if we grasp three things: 1) the centrality of the heart, 2) the power of the gospel, and 3) the endurance of Jesus.

Related

Sermon

Peace – Overcoming Anxiety

By Tim Keller
Sermon

The Gospel in a Pluralist Society

By Tim Keller
Sermon

Blessed Self-Forgetfulness

By Tim Keller

This Month's Featured Book

Discover how reflecting on the gospel leads to renewal

In Shaped by the Gospel, Dr. Keller shows how gospel-centered ministry is more theologically driven than program-driven. As you read, you’ll discover how reflecting on the essence, the truths, and the patterns of the gospel leads to renewal in your lives, churches and ministries.