The Power of Restraint
DISCOVER THE BENEFITS OF DIVINE RESTRAINT
Moderation is better than muscle, self-control better than political power. (Proverbs 16:32) MSG
The ability to say no, hold back, postpone pleasure and reward is synonymous with being kingly, nobility, royalty and maturity. It is indeed much more difficult than emotional impulsive surrender to lusts and urges, but that is what distinguishes us from our animal instincts. Jesus is a perfect example of abstinence, restraint and self-discipline – BE empowered in HIM to also reign royally in this LIFE.
In this age of lawlessness and anarchy may we discover the power of His grace working in us the ability to restrain and withhold ourselves, to be temperate and in control of our faculties for His Glory and honour, Amen.
Combating the Spirit of Anarchy or Lawlessness that is fast spreading in our world today we need the restraint of the Holy Spirit to increase in our lives. If we ask in faith, we can believe that the Spirit’s wonderful restraining power will increase in our lives as from today.
Jesus restrained himself from calling the help of Angels – Mat 26:53
It was one of the apostolic topics Paul discussed with Felix – Acts 24:25
4 times it is mentioned as an important quality spiritual leaders should possess – Titus 1:7-8; 2:2; 2:5; 3:2.
It is named under the list of virtues every believer should have – 2 Pet 1:6
It is one of the fruits of the Spirit – Gal 5:23.
Specific areas where restraint should be applied.
Rule over your appetites for food in the presence of Kings – Prov 23:1; 29:11
Restrain form working too hard in search of wealth – Prov 23:4
Rule over your emotions – Prov 25:28
Control and restrain your sexual appetites – Songs 2:16
Ministered unto the Lord in fasting and prayer – Acts 13:1-3
Restraint for the sake of the gospel – 1 Cor 9:22
Be temperate in all things – 1 Cor 9:25
Train and harden your body to bring it under complete control 1 Cor 9:27
Understand your metron of authority and influence – 2 Pet 2:12
How do we do it?
Therefore put to death your members which are on the earth: fornication, uncleanness, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry. Because of these things the wrath of God is coming upon the sons of disobedience, in which you yourselves once walked when you lived in them. But now you yourselves are to put off all these: anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy language out of your mouth. Do not lie to one another, since you have put off the old man with his deeds, and have put on the new man who is renewed in knowledge according to the image of Him who created him. (Read Colossians 3:5-17)
“Put to death” or “put off the old man” = Repent of wrong behavior.
Put on the new man, put on tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, longsuffering, bearing with one-another, put on love! v12 – 15
Let the word of God dwell in you richly v16
Message from Ap Andre Pelser:
Without restraint people perish. It is vital to know the areas that are off limits to us as children of the most High God. When we overstep the boundaries we open ourselves up to the enemy who would think nothing of destroying our lives in an instant. Even though we have the liberty of sons of God, we need to abide by the restraining influence of the Holy Spirit. The Spirit can be grieved by our unwillingness to listen to Him. He may also be quenched eventually if we persist in our stubbornness. Let us ask for mercy today and for forgiveness of grieving the Spirit and let us once again welcome the restraining influence of the Spirit in our lives. Days are becoming more evil than ever before because the enemy knows his time on earth is short. He has come to steal and kill and destroy as many souls as possible; but Jesus has come that we might have life and have it more abundantly. Be under divine restraint of the Holy Spirit guarding your heart, mind and actions. Exercise restraint in eating and drinking, responses to others
Place restraint on expenditure, on how time is spent and where you go
Without restraint people perish: no limits, no boundaries leads to destruction.