We plan to accomplish great things. But, are we first able to practice self-control and deal with issues like anger and bitterness?
Proverbs 16:32 KJV
He that is slow to anger is better than the mighty, and he that ruleth his spirit than he that taketh a city.
Sacrifices offered during Old Testament times are usually dead animals. We are called to offer our bodies as a living sacrifice to God. This requires spiritual discipline and godliness every day, in every area of our lives.
Romans 12:1 KJV
I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.
A city that has no walls and is broken down is vulnerable to attacks and so is a person without self-control. This person becomes a target for the enemy, the devil.
Proverbs 25:28 KJV
He that hath no rule over his spirit is like a city that is broken down, and without walls.
Our talk without walk will often result in little or nill positive impact on God's kingdom. Sometimes, action speaks louder than words.
Titus 2:6-8 KJV
Young men likewise exhort to be sober minded. In all things shewing thyself a pattern of good works: in doctrine shewing uncorruptness, gravity, sincerity, Sound speech, that cannot be condemned; that he that is of the contrary part may be ashamed, having no evil thing to say of you.
God desires to make us more like Christ and so should we. If we cooperate with God, He can accomplish great things in and through us. God uses sanctified vessels.
1 Corinthians 9:25 KJV
And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown, but we an incorruptible.
Titus 2:11-12 KJV
For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world;
Ephesians 4:26-27 KJV
Be ye angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath: Neither give place to the devil.
1 Thessalonians 4:3-7 KJV
For this is the will of God, even your sanctification, that ye should abstain from fornication: That every one of you should know how to possess his vessel in sanctification and honor; Not in the lust of concupiscence, even as the Gentiles which know not God: That no man go beyond and defraud his brother in any matter: because that the Lord is the avenger of all such, as we also have forewarned you and testified. For God hath not called us unto uncleanness, but unto holiness.
Galatians 6:9 KJV
And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap if we faint not.