Temperance is more than moderation.  It is the power of God to do what you know you should do.  Learn how to get it here.

We live in an interesting day. We have many more conveniences and comforts than any generation in the history of the world, yet people are more unhappy and unfulfilled than they have ever been.

We have come to expect instant gratification in every area of life. Need a meal? Fast food or a microwave oven will have it for you in a flash. Need a friend? Create an account and start collecting them. Have a thought? Post it online and watch the likes and comments roll in. Someone make you angry? Give them a piece of your mind. Then tell anyone who will listen what they did to you. Want something you can’t afford? Swipe the credit card.

The problem is that any joy from instant gratification is short-lived usually followed by lingering guilt and hardship.

Modern comforts have given us an insatiable craving for pleasure. No need to wait, to work, to hope, to save, to dream, to strive. Many believe happiness and comfort are a birthright. Pleasure at any cost is the cry of the masses. “If it feels good, do it; if it’s not fun, don’t” is the motto of this generation.

We are blessed to live in this era of time with its conveniences and comforts. We should thank the Lord for all the tools and opportunities that are available. However, if we are to serve God and follow Christ, we must be able to sort through the noise cutting out what will hinder our divine relationships and service. Not every opportunity is a good one. Every road does not lead to happiness and significance. Countless people, products, places, and toys are calling for your attention with skilled marketing and satanic subtlety. We must learn to say “no” to many things in order to have the time and ability to say “yes” to things that really matter.

[shareable]Your decisions today decide what options are available to you tomorrow. Choose wisely.[/shareable]

There are two Bible words that every Christian should know.

These definitions are from Webster’s 1828 dictionary.

TEMPERANCE

1. Moderation; particularly, habitual moderation in regard to the indulgence of the natural appetites and passions; restrained or moderate indulgence; as temperance in eating and drinking; temperance in the indulgence of joy or mirth. Temperance in eating and drinking is opposed to gluttony and drunkenness, and in other indulgences, to excess.
2. Patience; calmness; sedateness; moderation of passion.
He calm’d his wrath with goodly temperance. [Unusual.]

Temperance is commonly thought of as simple moderation. However, the Bible concept is much deeper.

Temperance is the ability to moderate, or control, appetites, emotions, and attitudes. It is the capacity to resist sin. Furthermore, it is the ability to turn down opportunities for the excess of good things.

1 Corinthians 9:25–27
And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible. I therefore so run, not as uncertainly; so fight I, not as one that beateth the air: But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway.

Here is the second word.

INCONTINENCE
1. Want of restraint of the passions or appetites; free or uncontrolled indulgence of the passions or appetites, as of anger.
2. Want of restraint of the sexual appetite; free or illegal indulgence of lust; lewdness; used of either sex, but appropriately of the male sex. Incontinence in men is the same as unchastity in women.
3. Among physicians, the inability of any of the animal organs to restrain discharges of their contents, so that the discharges are involuntary; also, the involuntary discharge itself; as an incontinence of urine in diabetes.

Incontinence is the inability to control appetites, emotions, and attitudes. It is commonly used in our culture to politely describe those that have lost the ability to hold their bladder. Incontinence in any area of life is messy, embarrassing, and inconvenient.

2 Timothy 3:3
Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good,

The Bible teaches the last days will be characterized by many sins including incontinence. Christ’s disciples living during these days must rise above this sin through the power of temperance. We must be able to say “no” to sin and self in order to serve God faithfully in the midst of countless opportunities to join the sinful crowd. Unfortunately, it seems that many Christians are joining the hedonistic masses just when they need our Lord the most.

Some modern believers even promote sinful practices and lack of restraint in the name of the gospel and an unbiblical definition of grace. God has strong words for such foolishness.

2 Peter 2:13–19
And shall receive the reward of unrighteousness, as they that count it pleasure to riot in the day time. Spots they are and blemishes, sporting themselves with their own deceivings while they feast with you; Having eyes full of adultery, and that cannot cease from sin; beguiling unstable souls: an heart they have exercised with covetous practices; cursed children: Which have forsaken the right way, and are gone astray, following the way of Balaam the son of Bosor, who loved the wages of unrighteousness; But was rebuked for his iniquity: the dumb ass speaking with man’s voice forbad the madness of the prophet. These are wells without water, clouds that are carried with a tempest; to whom the mist of darkness is reserved for ever. For when they speak great swelling words of vanity, they allure through the lusts of the flesh, through much wantonness, those that were clean escaped from them who live in error. While they promise them liberty, they themselves are the servants of corruption: for of whom a man is overcome, of the same is he brought in bondage.

The Priority of Temperance

Temperance should be a priority in your life.  It is a tremendously powerful tool that can change lives.  Why is it that so little attention is paid to this amazing concept?  The enemy of your souls strives to keep this knowledge hidden.  Imagine what your life could be if you had the power of God to do what you know you should do!

Here are a few Biblical reasons that Temperance should be a priority.

Necessary for Leadership

Titus 1:8
But a lover of hospitality, a lover of good men, sober, just, holy, temperate;

A Christian leader must be temperate.  You must lead yourself before you can lead others.  If you don’t have victory in your own life, how can you lead others to it?

Necessary for Christian Growth

2 Peter 1:6
And to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness;

To grow a healthy garden, you must pull the weeds!  Sin will hinder your spiritual walk.  Temperance gives you the power to say “no” to sin so you can say “yes” to God.

Necessary for Following Jesus

Matthew 16:24
Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.

Your flesh will lead you far away from the Saviour’s teaching and example. You must deny your sinful appetites to follow Christ.

Is temperance a priority in your life?  Hopefully, it will be after reading this information.

The People of Temperance

The word temperance only occurs in the New Testament, but the concept is consistent throughout the Bible. Great people of the Bible exercised control of their appetites, emotions, and attitudes.

Job would not let his eyes wander in lust.

Job 31:1
I made a covenant with mine eyes; why then should I think upon a maid?

Sexual sin is rampant.  Lust begins with the eyes.  Achan saw then coveted then took.  Sin will follow the same pattern in your life.  Control your eyes and save yourself a world of hurt.

Esther controlled her desire for self-preservation and risked her life to save others.

Esther 4:16
Go, gather together all the Jews that are present in Shushan, and fast ye for me, and neither eat nor drink three days, night or day: I also and my maidens will fast likewise; and so will I go in unto the king, which is not according to the law: and if I perish, I perish.

Self-preservation is a God-given protection, but selfishness is sinful.  Don’t get them confused.  Our Saviour sacrificed Himself for others.   God expects you to sacrifice for Him.  It may not cost your life to follow Christ today, but it will cost you.

Saul did not punish those who opposed his coronation.

1 Samuel 10:27
But the children of Belial said, How shall this man save us? And they despised him, and brought him no presents. But he held his peace.

It is human nature to fight against our enemies and to punish those who oppose us.  Temperance will help you control the sinful tendencies of anger, jealousy, covetousness, greed, and revenge.

David did not kill King Saul when the opportunity arose.

1 Samuel 24:6
And he said unto his men, The LORD forbid that I should do this thing unto my master, the LORD’s anointed, to stretch forth mine hand against him, seeing he is the anointed of the LORD.

It’s not a good idea to kill people.  You will want to sometimes, but it’s usually not worth it.  Temperance will keep you off Death Row.  🙂

Examples of Intemperance Abound in Scripture Also.

The memorable sins of the great men of the Bible, like Moses striking the rock or David’s sin with Bathsheba, were because of moments of intemperance.

The worst days of your life will be days of incontinence. Stay on the path of righteousness through temperance!

The Path of Temperance

Hopefully, by now you are convinced of your need for temperance and would like to have it.  How do you get temperance?  It’s not complicated.

Temperance begins with a decision.

Daniel 1:8
But Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself with the portion of the king’s meat, nor with the wine which he drank: therefore he requested of the prince of the eunuchs that he might not defile himself.

You must decide to live a holy life. Choose to be like Jesus in your appetites, emotions, and attitudes. Decide now what is acceptable and unacceptable. You are in control of your mind and body. Think through temptations that will come and decide ahead of time how you will overcome.

The decision to live according to God’s Word is vital.  The Bible is your manual for life.  It contains everything that you need to know pertaining to life and godliness.

2 Peter 1:2–4

“Grace and peace be multiplied unto you through the knowledge of God, and of Jesus our Lord, According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue: Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.”

God’s Word is our guide to godliness.  Decide today that you will obey the Bible in every area of your life.  If God says it, do it.

That means that you will have to stop some things that you have been doing and start some things that you haven’t been doing.  That’s Christian growth. Don’t fear positive change.  Yield to God as He moves you out of your comfort zone into greater victory.

Where do you start?  Allow the Holy Spirit to guide you as you read the Bible daily and listen to strong preaching.  He knows what you need.

Temperance continues with Spirit fullness.

Galatians 5:22–23
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.

This is great news! We know that our best intentions and greatest spiritual efforts often fail in the face of adversity and temptation. Your ability to control your appetites, emotions, and attitudes is not based on your strength or will. It is rooted in God’s power!

Ephesians 5:18

“And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit;”

When we surrender to the Holy Ghost, He fills us the power and character of Christ. The power of the Holy Spirit increases our capacity to resist sin and strengthens our resolve.

Holy living is not about “trying harder.”  You can’t live like Jesus in your own power.  You will crash and burn in failure if you fight sin in your own strength.  The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.  Don’t live in the power of the flesh when God’s power is available and abundant!

Temperance is not a skill you learn.  It is a by-product of the Spirit-filled life.

The Parts of Temperance

Now that we understand the concept of temperance we can study the Bible to see what areas of our lives we need it.  I have chosen some examples below.  What other areas of your life need temperance?

Appetites

Appetites are the desires of life – the cravings of our body and soul.

Food

Proverbs 23:2
And put a knife to thy throat, if thou be a man given to appetite.

Proverbs 23:21
For the drunkard and the glutton shall come to poverty: and drowsiness shall clothe a man with rags.

Hunger is a primal urge.  Food is necessary for life and health.  However, it is one of the most abused appetites.  Stop eating more than you need.

This is a good area to begin practicing temperance.

Pleasure

Some sins are intrinsically evil, while others are corruptions of God’s creation.

God gave us the pleasures of life.  However, the good gifts of God become sin when experienced at the wrong time or with the wrong people.

Temperance protects of from sinful pleasure.

Sex

1 Corinthians 7:5
Defraud ye not one the other, except it be with consent for a time, that ye may give yourselves to fasting and prayer; and come together again, that Satan tempt you not for your incontinency.

The pleasures of the marriage bed are a gift from God to those bound by the covenant of marriage. It is a terrible sin committed outside of marriage. The consequences of fornication and adultery far outweigh its pleasures.

Liquor

Proverbs 23:20
Be not among winebibbers; among riotous eaters of flesh:

Proverbs 23:30–31
They that tarry long at the wine; they that go to seek mixed wine. Look not thou upon the wine when it is red, when it giveth his colour in the cup, when it moveth itself aright.

Proverbs 31:4
It is not for kings, O Lemuel, it is not for kings to drink wine; nor for princes strong drink:

Many people use booze as an escape from reality.  It is the cause of so much pain and heartache. The statistics are astounding.  Some stats show alcohol and drugs are implicated in an estimated 80% of offenses leading to incarceration in the United States.  Eliminate alcoholic beverages from your life.

Control the urge to use substances to cope with difficulties.  The grace of God is much more effective than drugs and alcohol.

Rest

Proverbs 6:6–9
Go to the ant, thou sluggard; consider her ways, and be wise: Which having no guide, overseer, or ruler, Provideth her meat in the summer, and gathereth her food in the harvest. How long wilt thou sleep, O sluggard? when wilt thou arise out of thy sleep?

Rest and relaxation are necessary for life; however, if the desire for rest and comfort is not controlled it becomes laziness.  God blesses hard work.

Emotions

Emotions are powerful ways in which we experience the world. Feelings are fleeting and untrustworthy. You must learn to process them in productive ways, or you will live as a slave to them. With God’s help, we can process the destructive emotions and trade them for productive ones.

Proverbs 16:32
He that is slow to anger is better than the mighty; and he that ruleth his spirit than he that taketh a city.

Ephesians 4:30–31
And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption. Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice:

1 Timothy 6:4
He is proud, knowing nothing, but doting about questions and strifes of words, whereof cometh envy, strife, railings, evil surmisings,

Titus 3:3
For we ourselves also were sometimes foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving divers lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful, and hating one another.

Attitudes

Attitude is your disposition toward life. How do you see life? Your perspective informs your behavior. How do you interact with others? Are you positive or negative? Hopeful or Cynical? Patient or Angry? Proud or Humble? Encouraging or Demoralizing? Joyful or Bitter? Happy for another’s success or Envious? Cheerful or Depressed?

Attitude is your approach to life. It is your mindset and mood dictated by your beliefs.  Your attitude determines your altitude. You cannot control your circumstances, but you can control your spirit.

Proverbs 16:18
Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall.

Proverbs 16:19
Better it is to be of an humble spirit with the lowly, than to divide the spoil with the proud.

Proverbs 16:32
He that is slow to anger is better than the mighty; and he that ruleth his spirit than he that taketh a city.

Proverbs 25:28
He that hath no rule over his own spirit
Is like a city that is broken down, and without walls.

Romans 13:13
Let us walk honestly, as in the day; not in rioting and drunkenness, not in chambering and wantonness, not in strife and envying.

Temperance will change your life!

Temperance is a Bible word that ever Bible Christian should know.

It is the Spirit-empowered ability to control, appetites, emotions, and attitudes.

It is the capacity to resist sin.

It is the ability to turn down opportunities for the excess of good things.

Temperance will help you say “no” to the sins, temptations, and distractions of this life so you can reach your potential for God and fulfill your purpose for life.

Make Temperance a priority in your life and you will reap the blessings of being more like the Master.