How can women today be "self-controlled" as instructed in Titus 2:5? Setting the Scene “...to be self-controlled, pure, workers at home, kind, and subject to their own husbands, so that the word of God will not be maligned.” – Titus 2:5 Paul places “self-controlled” first in the string of qualities. When that virtue is in place, purity, kindness, and orderly homes naturally follow. Defining Self-Control • Biblical self-control is Spirit-empowered mastery over thoughts, emotions, words, and actions. • It is not repression but willing submission to Christ’s rule. • Galatians 5:22-23 names self-control as fruit produced by the Holy Spirit within the believer. Why It Matters • Protects God’s reputation: living under control “so that the word of God will not be maligned” (Titus 2:5). • Guards the heart: “Like a city whose walls are broken down is a man who lacks self-control” (Proverbs 25:28). • Models Christ to the next generation (Titus 2:3-4). Practical Areas for Self-Control Mind • Capture runaway thoughts (2 Corinthians 10:5). • Reject anxious forecasting; instead, “set your hope fully on the grace” ahead (1 Peter 1:13). • Feed the mind with Scripture before scrolling news or social media. Speech • James 1:19 urges quick listening, slow speaking. • Choose edifying words; silence can be the highest form of self-control (Proverbs 17:27-28). Emotions • Anger, resentment, or envy must yield to the Spirit’s peace. • Psalm 37:7 encourages quiet trust; vent to the Lord before venting to people. Time & Priorities • Plan the day prayerfully; leave margin for interruptions God sends. • Guard rest and Sabbath rhythms to prevent burnout. Body • 1 Corinthians 9:25 commends disciplined athletes; stewardship of sleep, nutrition, and exercise equips long-term service. • Avoid substances or habits that dull spiritual alertness (Ephesians 5:18). Finances & Possessions • Contentment curbs impulse buying; Hebrews 13:5 calls for lives “free from the love of money.” • Budget to give generously first; spending then follows conviction, not craving. Relationships • Practice restraint in romance: purity inside and outside marriage (1 Thessalonians 4:3-4). • Show meekness rather than control in conflicts (Colossians 3:12-13). Digital Life • Set limits on screen time; technology is a tool, not a master. • Refuse comparison traps on social media; focus on serving real people God placed nearby. Power to Live Self-Controlled • The Holy Spirit supplies strength: “For God has not given us a spirit of timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline” (2 Timothy 1:7). • Abide in Christ through daily prayer and Word; fruit grows organically from that union (John 15:4-5). Encouragement and Accountability • Older women intentionally mentor younger ones (Titus 2:3-4). • Celebrate progress, however small; God delights in faithful steps. • Fellowship provides gentle correction and shared victories (Hebrews 10:24-25). Living self-controlled honors the Lord, blesses families, and shines an attractive testimony to a watching world. |
    |