Berean Studies: Ber04 - Temperance And Self-Control

Berean Studies / Ber04 - Temperance And Self-Control

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Single Click a triangle below to see the references CT Russell selected for the associated question. The study questions (with the references) are also included as an attached Adobe PDF file at the bottom of this page.

1. What is the importance of self-control?

2. Is self-control necessary in the interest of others?

3. Are we to be ‘temperate in all things’?

4. Does self-control imply purification of the thoughts and intents of the heart?

5. Does temperance or self-control apply to our language?

6. Does self-control extend to business affairs?

7. Why is temperance necessary in our eating and drinking?

8. Should we be temperate in our joys as well as in our sorrows?
R2355 col. 1 ś6, col. 2 ś1; R3530 col. 1 last ś

R2355 c1 p6, c2 p1

The Christian should be temperate in his joys. He should not set his chief affections upon the earth, or earthly things--pleasure, wealth, influence, popularity, etc. He is to remember that very much of the present order of things is wholly contrary to righteousness, and he is to seek to use even approved things of this world temperately, utterly rejecting those things which are contrary to righteousness, truth, goodness, purity: he is to find his pleasure in another quarter-- in serving righteousness--in the service of the Lord, in the Word of the Lord, in the promises of the Lord, in the spirit of the Lord.

The Christian is to be temperate in his sorrows. He "sorrows not as others who have no hope," but he believes that Jesus died for the sins of the whole world, that he rose again in order to justification of those who believe and obey him, and that either now or in the age to come all mankind shall have a full opportunity to know of divine grace, and to accept and share therein, under the terms of the New Covenant. Thus may the Christian, living up to his privileges under divine grace, be temperate in his sorrows:--

"He'll bear unmoved the world's dread frown,

Nor heed its scornful smile;

Him seas of trouble cannot drown,

Nor Satan's arts beguile."

R3530 c1 last p

The tear of sympathy is not to be understood as a sign of weakness. Our Master's tears proved this, and additionally we have his exhortation that we should be moved with a sympathy for others in their sorrows as well as in their joys. He himself has bidden us weep with those who weep and rejoice with those who rejoice. The cold, stoical hearts which neither weep nor rejoice are not after the fashion of our great Pattern. Let us be more and more like to him and permit our sympathies to have some reasonable measure of expression. Nevertheless let us remember that great wailing and weeping are not appropriate to us, for, as the Apostle says, "We sorrow not as others who have no hope;" our blessed hope, confidence and trust moderate our expressions of both earthly sorrows and joys as well.

9. Is it possible to be intemperate in studying the Scriptures and in attending religious meetings?

10. What is the relation of the ‘new will’ toward the control of the flesh?

11. What is the duty of the Church toward those ‘new creatures’ who are lacking in self-control?

12. Why is self-control an essential qualification in an Elder ?

13. Why is it important that parents exercise self-control?

14. How can suggestion be applied in teaching children self-control?

15. How can we cultivate self-control?

16. What other most important grace will naturally be developed by attaining a large measure of self-control?