I Peter 2:9-10 - All Christians are a chosen race and a royal priesthood. There is no clergy/laity distinction before God.

I Peter 2:18 - We are to be submissive to our masters even if they are unreasonable.

Because of your good deeds (I Peter 2:12

How much good are we doing? We can’t just refrain from evil - we must actively do good.

Daniel 6:4 - We should be like Daniel in the sense that people can find no wrongdoing in us.

Follow in His steps (I Peter 2:21

Now is the time to follow in Jesus’ footsteps!

Like newborn babies (I Peter 2:2

We should all long for God’s word like newborn babies long for milk.

Ecclesiastes 3:11 - The Bible gives answers to man’s questions about the universe.

The effect of the “milk” is to help us grow in respect to salvation.

Strategies for retaining self-control (continued)

Learn/grow/get better (I Corinthians 9:27

What are the practical benefits of a Christian truly exercising self-control?

It shows others that Christians have what it takes to deal with the world and makes us better examples to others.

It helps us to serve God better and practice not being selfish.

Conclusion (Galatians 5:19-6:1

How would all of these qualities come into play when helping one who is caught up in sin?

Love - John 10:17 - Love would take the initiative in trying to help one who needs it.

Joy - Acts 11:22-23 - When people see our joy in serving God, it will make them more likely to turn back to Him.

Peace - II Peter 1:1-2 - People should be able to see that we live in peace as we serve God.

Patience - Acts 18:1 - Paul showed much patience in how much time he spent with the Corinthians. We must show the same kind of patience and remember how much we have needed God’s patience in the past.

Psalms 37:1-9

Godly people knew how to wait.

Genesis 6:3 - Noah worked and waited for the flood to come.

Genesis 12:2-5 - Abraham waited 25 years for Isaac.

I Samuel 16:1 - David waited many years to take the throne after he was anointed.

Luke 2:25-32 - Simeon and Anna patiently waited to see Jesus come into the world.

Physical relations (“waiting until marriage”)

II Samuel 11 - David and Bathsheba

I Corinthians 7:1-5 - Physical relations are to stay inside marriage.

James 1:14-15 - Temptation and lust lead to sin.

Material possessions

I Timothy 6:6

Hebrews 11:24-26 - Moses looked past the pleasures in Egypt to the greater reward.

Philippians 3:17-20

Why must we have self-control in the following areas? (continued from last week)

Desires (Romans 6:12

God gave us permissible outlets for our desires. We must make sure we use only those to be free from sin.

Strategies for maintaining self-control

When possible, leave the situation (Genesis 39:12

Use righteous outlets (I Peter 5:7

Trust in God as the final judge (Romans 12:19