Kingdom Virtues: Temperance
Series:
Summary
Kingdom Virtues: Temperance
Pastor Aaron Sutherland
God’s temperance gives us victory over our temptation so we can stop seeking that which is fading and instead hold onto that which lasts.
I. TEMPERANCE TRAINS OUR PRIORITIES
1 Corinthians 9:19-24
Though I am free and belong to no one, I have made myself a slave to everyone, to win as many as possible. To the Jews I became like a Jew, to win the Jews. To those under the law I became like one under the law (though I myself am not under the law), so as to win those under the law. To those not having the law I became like one not having the law (though I am not free from God’s law but am under Christ’s law), so as to win those not having the law. To the weak I became weak, to win the weak. I have become all things to all people so that by all possible means I might save some. I do all this for the sake of the gospel, that I may share in its blessings.
Temperance invites us to change what doesn’t matter in order to make room for what does matter.
II. TEMPERANCE TRAINS OUR DESIRES
1 Corinthians 9:24-25
I do all this for the sake of the gospel, that I may share in its blessings. Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last, but we do it to get a crown that will last forever.
Temperance invites me to exchange temporary desires for eternal desires.
III. TEMPERANCE TRAINS OUR WEAKNESS
1 Corinthians 9:26-27
Therefore, I do not run like someone running aimlessly; I do not fight like a boxer beating the air. No, I strike a blow to my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize.
Luke 9:24
For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will save it.
Often it is the mountains inside of us that God is most interested in moving.
Discussion Questions:
1. When have you seen positive examples of power being more effective while under control?
2. How have you seen the virtue of temperance expressed as an outflow of your relationship with Jesus?
3. What areas of weakness might Jesus be inviting you to apply His temperance to today?
Aaron Sutherland
Lead Pastor
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