The Lord Will

Self-Control in the Christian Life

Self-control (enkrateia in Greek) holds an essential place in the Christian life, for it stands among the fruit of the Holy Spirit listed in Galatians 5:22-23. It is not mere human willpower nor cold stoicism, but the inward work of the Spirit who dwells in the believer and enables him to govern his impulses, passions, and desires according to the will of God. The apostle Peter places it in a chain of virtues to be added to faith: "and knowledge with self-control" (2 Peter 1:6). Far from being a withdrawal into self, self-control protects the believer from the destruction that unrestraint brings and makes him available for effective service. Paul gives a striking example in 1 Corinthians 9:27: "I discipline my body and keep it under control," like an athlete who disciplines himself for the race. Scripture thus presents self-control not as a joyless deprivation but as the freedom to choose the best rather than merely the good. It is cultivated through prayer, communion with the Spirit, the practice of spiritual disciplines, and the company of a community that encourages faithfulness. It is a received grace that grows as the believer yields each day more fully to the leading of the Lord.

Key verse snapshot

“Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed.”

Bible Verses about Self-Control in the Christian Life

6 Scripture passages on this theme

1 Peter 2:24

“Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed.”

1 Corinthians 4:3

“But with me it is a very small thing that I should be judged of you, or of man’s judgment: yea, I judge not mine own self.”

Exodus 32:13

“Remember Abraham, Isaac, and Israel, thy servants, to whom thou swarest by thine own self, and saidst unto them, I will multiply your seed as the stars of heaven, and all this land that I have spoken of will I give unto your seed, and they shall inherit it for ever.”

John 5:30

“I can of mine own self do nothing: as I hear, I judge: and my judgment is just; because I seek not mine own will, but the will of the Father which hath sent me.”

John 17:5

“And now, O Father, glorify thou me with thine own self with the glory which I had with thee before the world was.”

Philemon 1:19

“I Paul have written it with mine own hand, I will repay it: albeit I do not say to thee how thou owest unto me even thine own self besides.”

Frequently Asked Questions

What is self-control according to the Bible?
Galatians 5:22-23 places self-control among the fruit of the Spirit. It is the ability to govern one's impulses, emotions, and desires under the leading of the Holy Spirit. Paul illustrates it in 1 Corinthians 9:27: "I discipline my body and keep it under control," like a disciplined athlete.
How does one develop self-control?
Self-control develops through prayer and communion with the Holy Spirit, through the practice of spiritual disciplines such as fasting and meditation on the Word, through shared accountability with other believers, and through the wisdom to recognize and avoid situations that weaken self-mastery.
Is self-control simply human willpower?
No. Although effort plays a part, the Bible presents it as a fruit produced by the Spirit who dwells in the believer. Galatians 5:16 invites us to "walk by the Spirit" so as not to gratify the desires of the flesh. True self-control is born of dependence on God, not of personal discipline alone.

Apply These Verses to Your Life

Scripture comes alive when we meditate on it and apply it daily. Read these verses in full context, pray for understanding, and ask God how they speak to your situation with self-control in the christian life.

Author:
The Lord Will Editorial Team
Reviewed by:
Ugo Candido
Last updated:
Category:
Scripture Guidance