photo #6534083

Together in Christ: 'Unprotected!' — Proverbs 25:28 Thursday, May 23, 2024 A person without self-control is like a city with broken-down walls. — Proverbs 25:28 NLT Key Thought In the ancient world, a city without walls or with deteriorating walls that had openings was unprotected and vulnerable. It was susceptible to attack; its people were open targets for bandits and enemies. Their riches and their way of life were susceptible to vandalism and disruption. Chaos lurked around every opening in walls. The Holy Spirit used this vivid imagery to help us understand that when we abandon our self-control, then we carelessly tear down our own protection from our enemy, Satan! When we try to live without self-control, we are vulnerable and open targets because we are similarly unprotected. We do not have defenses against our enemies. We plunder, dissipate, and destroy our energies, wealth, and relationships. We become our own worst enemies as we soon fall prey to distractions and addictions that waste our time and ruin our lives. Not only must we be self-controlled, [1] but we must also avoid people without self-control! [2] Paul's instructions to Titus are a fitting reminder for us as we seek to apply the truth of today's proverb: For the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people. It teaches us to say "No" to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in this present age, while we wait for the blessed hope — the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, who gave himself for us to redeem us from all wickedness and to purify for himself a people that are his very own, eager to do what is good. These, then, are the things you should teach. Encourage and rebuke with all authority. Do not let anyone despise you. [3] [1] Self-control is evidence of the Holy Spirit's fruit in our lives (Galatians 5:22-23). Even though Paul didn't always use the term "self-control," he regularly challenged new followers of Jesus to live in ways that require self-control (1 Corinthians 9:24-27; 1 Thessalonians 5:6-11; 2 Timothy 4:3-5). [2] 2 Timothy 3:3-5. [3] Titus 2:11-15 NIV. TODAY'S PRAYER Righteous and holy God, my Abba Father, forgive me. While You know I love You and seek to honor and obey You, I have sometimes neglected the discipline and commitment necessary to grow my self-control. You know my heart and my actions, O God. When I improve my self-control in some areas of my life, I seem to slip in other areas. So, dear Father, as I did when I first came to Jesus and surrendered my life to Him as Lord, I now surrender again, accepting His grace and power afresh. Jesus, continue to pour the Holy Spirit into my spirit to empower me toward greater self-control. [A] As I seek to be more fully conformed to You, help me grow in my self-control. I ask this prayer, knowing that Jesus' authority and the intercession of the Holy Spirit will make my request heard with power. Amen.

[A] John 7:37-39; 2 Timothy 1:7 NIV.

2 Corinthians 3:17-18.

RELATED SCRIPTURE READINGS

2 Timothy 3:1-7

Galatians 5:13-26