There is a mean streak to authentic self-control. Underneath what seems to be the placid demeanor of those who are not ruled by their desires is the heart of a warrior. Self control is not for the timid. When we want to grow in it, not only do we nurture an exuberance for Jesus Christ, we also demand of ourselves a hatred for sin.

Jesus did not die to increase our self-esteem. Rather, Jesus died to bring glory to the Father by redeeming people from the curse of sin.

Sanctification is like a clumsy, slow walk rather than a light switch that we turn from off to on.

We spend too much time wondering what others may have thought about our outfit or the comment we made in the small group meeting. We see opportunities to testify about Christ, but we avoid them. We are more concerned about looking stupid (a fear of people) than we are about acting sinfully (fear of the Lord).

God is God, He is not tame and domesticated like we sometimes (try to) make Him.

If our failure to consistently worship the true God is the key feature of sin, we are sinners all.

We are more concerned about looking stupid (fear of people) than we are about acting sinfully (fear of the Lord).