What is the Fruit of the Spirit Known as Temperance?

Temperance is translated as self-control when one reads most versions of the Bible. However, in the Geneva and the King James Versions it is translated temperance.  According to the dictionary, temperance is abstaining from something especially food or drink.  Perhaps when speaking of temperance we must consider the fruit of the Holy Spirit would be just that!  The abstinence of our fleshly desires of all kinds that we may be Godly.  Indeed self-control, as most versions translate this, still puts it back upon our self to perform it.  However, this can only be performed with the work of the Holy Spirit within us to squelch those fleshly desires that seek to be fulfilled within us.

2 Peter 1: 1-9: Concerning Temperance

1 Simon Peter, a servant and an apostle of Jesus Christ. To them that have obtained like precious faith with us through the righteousness of God and our Saviour Jesus Christ:

2 Grace and peace be multiplied unto you through the knowledge of God, and of Jesus our Lord,

3 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.

4 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.

5 And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge;

6 And to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness;

7 And to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity.

8 For if these things be in you, and abound, they make you that ye shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.

9 But he that lacketh these things is blind, and cannot see afar off, and hath forgotten that he was purged from his old sins.

TEMPERANCE IN THE SCHEME OF THINGS

Note that as Peter wrote-this kind of control arrives in the Christians life in a step by step fashion.

  1.  Remember who we are in Christ Jesus by Grace through faith, God’s gift of Salvation
  2.  Cling fast to the promises He has given us by virtue of His Righteousness and Substitutionary Death in payment for our sins, we are declared righteous.
  3. We grow in our knowledge of Him. Because, as we study His word, the Holy Spirit reveals His truth.
  4. 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.” Therefore we lack nothing of what is needed to be transformed into His image.  It is His power doing the work.  Sometimes it is  through great trials or suffering He reveals Himself clearly to our hearts.
  5. Because He fills us with His divine nature, we escape the corruption of lust.
  6. Press forward diligently, dying to that self.  Allow the Holy Spirit to fill you with virtue and knowledge of God’s Glory and Righteousness.
  7. As knowledge of God increases, temperance is its byproduct.  The fleshly desires diminish until completely erased.
  8. Temperance teaches us patience
  9.  Patiently waiting upon God adds Godliness to our character.  Because, the Holy Spirit is transforming us from the inside out.
  10. Godliness leads us to brotherly kindness and love.
  11. AND FINALLY
  12. If this transformation is not taking place in the life of the believer, it goes back to number 1.  He has forgotten who he is in Christ Jesus.  If temperance is not a part of your life, either you don’t know Christ or you have forgotten He purged you from all your sin.
    DO YOU KNOW CHRIST AS YOUR SAVIOR?

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    Previous Posts In this series:

    One Fruit of the Spirit: Faith to Overcome Fear

    How to be Meek as a Lamb, Bold as a Lion

    What Really is the Goodness of God?

    A Gentle Spirit in the Face of Contempt. How? 

    What is Patience Really in the Face of Conflict?

    One Failed Peacemaker and a Gracious God

    In a World Divided How Can One Find Peace?

    The Fruit of the Spirit is Joy

    Displaying the Fruit of the Spirit Love. How?

    Perfect in Love Oh How Can it Be?

    Is Your Fruit of Love Sweet or Bitter?

    How Does God Prepare the Soil for Growth?

    What Fruit is the Garden of Your Heart Producing?

    ©Effie Darlene Barba, 2018
    Disclosure of Material Connection: I have not received any compensation for writing this post. I have no material connection to the brands, products, or services that I have mentioned except for my own books. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.

    Footnote and Credits

    Picture courtesy of RoninRon Custom Art

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