SELF CONTROL - WORD GROUP 2

BEING "SOBER-MINDED" OR
HAVING UNCONFUSED THINKING

• Outline of this Word

• Other Concepts (found within the context of this word)

• Questions

OUTLINE

A. ALL of us are to be "sober-minded" - to have clear thinking about the Lord's return.

• Rather than having false views about the resurrection (and the moral conduct that can accompany such a view).

  1 Corinthians 15:34 Come to your senses [be sober-minded] and stop sinning. [see v. 32b-33]

• Alert, ready for the Lord's return (rather than being asleep, as the pagans are).

  1 Thessalonians 5:6, 8 - Let us be alert and self-controlled (not like others who are asleep and not ready for his return)... Let us be self-controlled [protected, with faith / love as a breastplate and the hope (anticipation) of salvation as a helmet].

B. Specific groups / individuals who are told to be "sober-minded"

• Overseers - 1 Timothy 3:2

• Women (Deacon's wives? - see context) - 1 Timothy 3:11

• Older men - Titus 2:2

• Timothy - a pattern for leadership

  2 Timothy 4:5 - "Keep your head" in all situations, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill the duties of your ministry. [See also v. 2: Preach the Word, etc.]

• [Note: The rest of us are addressed in the first section of this outline!]

C. Clear thinking in regards to our present trials and our future hope:

• A readiness to let Jesus' return and God's holiness influence the way we think and act.

  1 Peter 1:13 - Prepare your minds for action, be self-controlled, focus your hope [anticipation] on the grace you will receive when Jesus returns (= the completion of everything that is a part of our salvation). [v. 14+ Be holy as your Father in heaven in holy...] [Previous verses: You are suffering trials (which are purifying your faith) and you are eagerly looking forward to the future aspects of your salvation.]

• A careful evaluation of the circumstances around us and a proper response to them; a focus on soon-coming events.

  1 Peter 4:7 - The end of all things is near. Therefore be clear minded and self-controlled so that you can pray. [Also: love each other deeply, show hospitality, use the gifts God has given you, etc.; v. 12+ - Don't be surprised by trials...]

• Aware of the enemy's desire to destroy us.

  1 Peter 5:8 - Be self-controlled and alert. The devil - like a roaring lion- seeks to devour us (through our trials - see v. 9+). Also v. 6-7: Humble yourselves; cast your anxieties on God (let him do the "worrying"!) [Note: the word "alert" is the same as used in 1 Thessalonians 5:6. These two concepts go together!]

D. Helping others to come to their senses

• 2 Timothy 2:26 - [v. 24-25: The Lord's servant must... gently correct those who oppose him, in hope that God will grant them repentance...] and that they will come to their senses (and escape the devil's trap...)

Other Concepts (within the context)

[Concepts may be found in the context surrounding the verse references given below.]

A. Concepts that are INCOMPATIBLE with Self-Control

• 1 Corinthians 15:34 - sinning

• 1 Thessalonians 5:6-8 - darkness, drunk, being overtaken by "the day" (all applied metaphorically, referring to being unprepared for the Lord's coming), experiencing God's wrath

• 2 Timothy 4:3-5 - turning away from the truth

B. Concepts that are RELATED to or ASSOCIATED with Self-Control

• 1 Thessalonians 5:6-8 - being alert; faith, love, hope

• 1 Timothy 3:2, 11; 4:1-5; Titus 2:2 - [lists of qualities]

• 2 Timothy 2:26 - repentance, escaping the devil's trap

• 1 Peter 1:13; 4:7; 5:8 - [numerous commands, etc., in context]

QUESTIONS

(You may include verses which are not a part of this study.)

We should have clear, unconfused thinking in all areas of life. But much of the focus in these verses in on clear thinking about trials we experience in this present life and about the things we should expect in the future - Jesus' return and our future hope. Review what the verses say about these things.

• In the verses given, what are some ways in which confused or "fuzzy" thinking about these things can result in wrong actions?

• In what ways can we be "sober" or have clear thinking about the Lord's return? our present circumstances (trials)? our future expectations? Do you ever have confused, uncertain thinking in these areas? What are some things you can work on to change your thinking?

• What are some past instances in which false thinking led you to wrong actions? What are some things you can do to avoid cloudy, false thinking? How can you help others in this matter? [Note: Helping others in this matter is one of the primary obligations of leadership (2 Timothy 2:26), but probably many of us have some situations in which we should do it. See Galatians 6:1, as an example of this.]

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Dennis Hinks © 1996
041130