When my father was teaching me to drive, he taught me the importance of self-control.

I needed to concentrate on driving safely. Staying in my lane! Stopping at red lights! Obeying the speed limit!

When Jesus began his public ministry, his Heavenly Father reminded him of similar basics.

Jesus was full of the Spirit of the LORD. (Luke 4:1).

Nevertheless, he needed self-control to resist temptations. (Luke 4:2).

What types of self-control do we need today to resist temptations?

We need self-control to resist the temptation to manipulate God to give us food and other materialistic things. Resist the “Prosperity Gospel” that tells people to manipulate God in order to gain material riches. (Genesis 3:1-5). Wait until the right times and ways. (Genesis 2:15-17). Because people do not live on bread alone, but on every word that proceeds from the mouth of God. (Matthew 4:4; Deuteronomy 8:3).

We need self-control to resist the temptation to manipulate God to increase our fame and popularity. For example, we must not jump off the roof of the Temple and dare God to save us (Luke 4:9-12).

We need self-control to resist the temptation to increase our political power by doing anything wrong. The ends do not justify the means. “Worship the LORD your God and serve him only”. (Luke 4:5-8).

In short, do not seek the Power of Money, the Power of Religion, or the Power of the Kingdoms of the World.

Instead, light the world—not by might nor by power (not by establishing a theocracy, nor by dominating others)—but by the Spirit of the LORD whose fruit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. (Galatians 5:22-23; Matthew 5:14, 16; Zechariah 4:6).

THINGS TO THINK ABOUT

When you drive, do you have self-control? How? Why?

When you face temptations, do you overcome them with self-control? How? Why?

Are you tempted to light the world using power and might? How? How not? Why? Why not?

Are you tempted to light the world by establishing a theocracy and by dominating others? How? How not? Why? Why not?

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For related ideas, please read my blogs “Jesus Climbs the Temple Mount”, “How Do We Build a Civilization That Is Good—That Is Very Good?”, and “Nationalism Is Patriotism Gone Astray”.