Romans 13:14. There is really only one method on how to have self-control in your life and that is through following Jesus' example. We can try all types of quick-fix, multiple-step plans, but the only complete solution for self-control is to follow Jesus. Most of us desire to have self-control in our lives in order to do what is right and not do things that in the long term will hurt us. The problem is that most of us do not achieve complete self-control in our lives. We may have self-control over many aspects of our lives, but there always seems to be one vice that we cannot control. That vice may be drinking, sex, drugs, love of money, overeating, and so on. In the final analysis, Jesus offers the only complete solution for self-control. If we accept Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior, He offers everything we need to be perfect and have self-control. By us putting on the character of Jesus Christ and following His example, His salvation plan gives us the power and the self-control to not make provisions for the flesh, the vices in our lives (Romans 13:14, “But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfil the lusts thereof.;”).

ROMANS 13 BIBLE SCRIPTURE Romans 13:14, “But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfil the lusts thereof.;”

2 Corinthians 10:4. If we are looking for how to have self-control in our lives, most quick-fix plans focus on breaking our habits. Examples of quick-fix plans include smoking patches, diet pills, seminars, and so on. These quick-fix plans focus on our habits, when the real problem is in our mind and thoughts. The Bible teaches us that the real battle for self-control is in our mind . The bad habits that we have are really symptoms of sinful strongholds in our mind. What most of us think are bad habits are also considered to be sin to God. This includes such sins as over-drinking, overeating, swearing, adultery, love of money, and so on. Through God we have the power to pull down these evil stronghold in our minds that produce these bad habits. God has given us the ultimate self-control plan to conquer sin in our lives and that is in the person of Jesus Christ. If we accept Jesus as our Lord and Savior, we have the power to bring into captivity every evil thought that is the source of our bad habits (2 Corinthians 10:4-5, "For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds; Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;").

2 CORINTHIANS 10 BIBLE SCRIPTURE 2 Corinthians 10:4, "For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;

James 4:7. God has given us the power and self-control to resist the devil and his temptations. All we have to do is exercise that self-control when fixing a broken relationship with God. If we resist the devil, He will flee from us. The only self-control we really need to fight temptation is the self-control to submit to God everyday. If we draw close to God, He will draw close to us. He will cleanse us of all of our sins if we submit to Him (James 4:7, "Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded.")

BIBLE SCRIPTURE: James 4:7, "Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded;"

Philippians 4:8. Jesus has revealed to mankind the virtues of God. Christian virtues include truth, honesty, righteousness, purity, love, and goodness. Through Jesus and self-control, anyone can achieve Christian virtues. Self-control is achieved by meditating on these virtues of Christ. Christ has given all Christian believers the power to live out the virtues of God and to sin no more. Philippians 4:8 say to think on “... whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; ...”. By us meditating on Christian Virtues we will start practicing them.

Truth. If we meditate on God's truth in the Bible, we will start acting on His truths. We will stop lying and stop being taken in by lies.

Honesty. If we meditate on honest and faithful things, we will start being faithful and exercise self-control in the things we do. We will offer value in everything we do, we will tell the truth, and not misrepresent ourselves to others.

Righteousness. If we meditate on things that are just and right, we will start to exercise self-control and do right. We will seek to do what is right in God's eyes.

Purity. If we meditate on pure things and do not entertain sinful thoughts, we will exercise self-control and become pure. We will desire to be obedient to God in all things.

Love. If we meditate on things that are lovely, we will began to practice "agape" love. We will love all people with unmerited favor, no matter what they have done or not done to us.

Goodness. If we meditate on the good news of God, we will soon be a living testimony to God as were the elders in the Bible. We will seek God's goodness and not decide for ourselves what is good and what is not good.

PHILIPPIANS 4 BIBLE SCRIPTURE Philippians 4:8, “Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.”