Topical Studies
What the Bible says about
Lack of Self Control
(From Forerunner Commentary)
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Proverbs 23:20
God considers gluttony a character trait of an evil person, and so He tells us to avoid those who eat and drink too much. In this verse, meat represents food in general since meat partaken in a meal usually indicates a substantially filling meal. Since associating with gluttons could entice us to eat too much, it is wise to avoid close associations with them, as with any willfully sinning person. Familiarity with sin rubs off on us and wears us down.
Martin G. Collins
Gluttony: A Lack of Self-Control (Part Two)
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Romans 14:20-21
If we are gluttonous and encourage or cause others who are weak to be gluttonous, part of the responsibility of their sin rests on us. This puts a great amount of pressure on us to be our brother's keeper, looking after his welfare without judging him.
Martin G. Collins
Gluttony: A Lack of Self-Control (Part Two)
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1 Corinthians 11:20-22
While the Passover is an annual observance—happening just once each year—the issue here is the congregation occasionally gathering as a church for a meal. The text implies that their "com[ing] together as a church" was a frequent occurrence rather than an annual one. The event he speaks of, then, was not the Passover, despite his mentioning it in the midst of his admonition. The congregational gathering was an occasion for food, fellowship, and fun—perhaps akin to the "love feasts" of Jude 12. Yet we can tell that Paul took great exception to what occurred during those feasts because his admonition is quite stern. He describes blatant self-centeredness, lack of self-control, and general despising of God's church through some shaming and despising others on account of their personal situations. Following this, in verses 23-26, the apostle brings up the Passover for a couple of reasons. First, some were confused, thinking that any church gathering was a time to commemorate the Passover. Thus, Paul had told them in verse 20 that when they came together, it was not to eat the Lord's Supper. He feels a need to give them a brief refresher on what the Passover is. Second, the Passover is a powerful, motivational teaching tool to get his point across about their shortcomings. So, in verse 27, he underscores the matter's seriousness: "Therefore whoever eats this bread or drinks this cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner will be guilty of the body and blood of the Lord." We must understand this is within the context of their behavior in the congregation, where some were only looking out for their own interests, and others were being despised and shamed. That context does not end until the chapter's end in verse 34. The apostle is warning them about taking the Passover while they continued to perpetrate this social and spiritual violence against their brethren. Observing the Passover in such an unworthy way will make an offender guilty of Christ's body and blood. This matter of worthiness is so crucial that he instructs church members to perform an examination—an evaluation—of our spiritual state before we partake of the Passover: "But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of the bread and drink of the cup" (I Corinthians 11:28). God will not look favorably on those who mistreat the ones for whom Christ died.
David C. Grabbe
What Does 'Discerning the Lord's Body' Mean? (Part One)
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2 Timothy 3:1-5
The reason we have such a lack of courtesy in today's world can be found in II Timothy 3:1-2, where the apostle Paul writes: “But know this, that in the last days perilous times will come: For men will be lovers of themselves. . . .” He goes on to list about eighteen more traits people will exhibit in the end time, but he leads the list with “lovers of themselves.” If we are first and foremost in our lives a lover of ourselves, then we are never wrong. We are always first, and, we think, deservedly so! The left lane is ours! We are the direct opposite of “humble.” We could not be courteous if we tried. Consider verses 2-5 from the Contemporary English Version. Remember that Paul is speaking of the last days, and note how each of these traits relate to courtesy: People will love only themselves and money. They will be proud, stuck-up, rude, and disobedient to their parents. They will also be ungrateful, godless, heartless and hateful. Their words will be cruel, and they will have no self-control or pity. These people will hate everything that is good. They will be sneaky, reckless, and puffed up with pride. Instead of loving God, they will love pleasure. Even though they will make a show of being religious, their religion won't be real. Don't have anything to do with such people. Powerful words, indeed. Perhaps the reader thinks that I am making too much of the lack of courtesy around us. Maybe so. But it is something foundational, something basic, to a Christian life. A humble and God-fearing person will naturally be courteous. If we esteem others greater than ourselves, we will be courteous. If we are striving to live in accordance with God's laws, we will be courteous. So, does this mean that by simply saying “please” and “thank you,” we will be in God's Kingdom? No, it is not quite that easy, but it is a start! Conversely, it is probably safe to say that those who are impolite and rude will not like their reward at all. As the sign says, “Keep Right.”
Mike Ford
Courtesy
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