WoW 132: On self-control
Show notes
Building Self-Control: The Path to Personal Resilience
In this episode, Josh dives into the importance of self-control using the analogy of a city wall, referencing Proverbs 25:28. He shares his personal journey of seeking God's help not just to eliminate desires but to develop self-control as a foundational character stone alongside faith, integrity, courage, love, and knowledge. Josh emphasizes that self-control is essential for withstanding life's challenges, drawing from observations of Proverbs 25:28. He discusses the defensive and protective nature of self-control, warning that a lack thereof can lead to destruction, either quickly or over years. The episode stresses the importance of preparation and growth in self-control, even during peaceful times, for overall flourishing and safety. It concludes with quotes from Oswald Chambers and Leon Trotsky on the nature of battle and self-control, followed by reflective questions to encourage personal growth and reliance on God's strength.
00:00 Introduction to Self Control and Spiritual Growth
01:01 Exploring Proverbs 25-28: Insights on Self Control
02:12 Inspirational Quotes on Will and Warfare
02:43 Reflective Questions for Personal Growth
03:17 Closing Thoughts: Embracing Resilience and Wisdom
About Josh Kalsbeek, LMFT
• As a Psychoherapist Josh helps people overcome their greatest struggles.
•Founder and CEO of Great Oaks Collective, and it's flagship program Overcome, a 10-Week virtual Intensive Outpatient Program for Christian couples experiencing sexual betrayal and addiction. www.greatoakscollective.com.
• Sign up to receive Josh's weekly email newsletter, Words of Wisdom.
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Links
Oswald Chambers, My Utmost for His Highest
Leon Trotsky, Quoted in Michael Walzer, Just and Unjust Wars: A Moral Argument with Historical Illustrations
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Support this podcast by buying a book through one of the links above.
Transcript
Words of Wisdom 132 On Self Control Like a city wall whose
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:walls are broken through is a
person who lacks self control.
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:Proverbs 25, 28 I used to pray
and plead that God would take
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:away my selfish sexual desire.
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:What I didn't realize at the time
was that God was inviting me to
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:something far greater, the hard
labor of developing self control.
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:You grow resilient only through lifting
and intentionally working on the
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:foundational character stones of faith.
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:Integrity, courage,
love, and true knowledge.
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:Through joyful surrender to God
and taking courageous action,
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:I've seen God develop that last
fruit of the Spirit, self control.
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:Only by building a strong wall
will you be able to withstand
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:the attacks of the evil one.
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:Following are some observations
of Proverbs 25 through 28.
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:You are responsible for your own life.
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:You're the city.
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:Life is war, and you are under attack.
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:Attack can come from any direction.
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:Self control must be comprehensive.
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:Self control, the ability to say no or to
manage my emotions and urges for immediate
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:pleasure, is defensive and protective.
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:There may not be an immediate payoff,
but it allows for the internal
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:life and other virtues to grow.
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:A compromise in self control
leads to destruction.
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:Sometimes the timeline is quick,
sometimes the seeds of destruction
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:take years to bear fruit.
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:But they always do.
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:A compromise in self control in
only one area leads to destruction.
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:Your wall doesn't determine your
worth, but it is critical for
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:your flourishing and safety.
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:In times of peace, prepare for
war by growing in self control.
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:Quotes.
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:The battle is lost or won in the
secret places of the will before God.
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:Never first in the external
world, by Oswald Chambers, in his
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:book, My Utmost for His Highest.
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:You may not be interested in war,
but war is interested in you, by
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:Leon Trotsky, quoted in Michael
Walser's book, Just and Unjust Wars.
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:Questions.
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:What is an area in your life where
you most need to grow in self control?
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:What lies or beliefs do you
need to surrender to God?
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:Are you willing to surrender your
struggle and any strongholds to Him today?
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:How can you glory in God's
love and strength today?
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:Use these questions as a journal prompt
and to guide your prayers this week.
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:And note, it turns out God is
interested in your resilience,
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:not just your avoidance of sin.
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:Live wisely, Josh
