What Is Self-Control?

Big Idea:
Self-control is saying “no” to sin and “yes” to God.

Opening Question:
What does self-control mean to you?

Key Scripture:
Titus 2:11-12 – “For the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people. It teaches us to say ‘No’ to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in this present age.”

Talk About It:

• Is it always easy to have self-control?
• What are some things that make it hard to stay in control of our thoughts, feelings, or actions?

Object Lesson:
Build a wall out of blocks (Jenga/dominos). Once built, knock out a piece.
Proverbs 25:28 says, “A person without self-control is like a city with broken-down walls.”

• Would this wall protect people inside?
• What does this say about our lives when we don’t have self-control?

Wrap-Up Thought:
God’s grace teaches us to live with self-control. It’s not always easy, but God gives us strength to choose what’s right!

Prayer:
God, help us learn what it means to live with self-control. Teach us to follow You even when it’s hard. Amen. 

Learning from Bible Examples

Big Idea:
The Bible shows us what happens when people do—or don’t—have self-control.

Opening Question:
Can you think of a time you didn’t show self-control? What happened?

Bible Quiz – 

1. Who Lacked Self-Control?
2. Who ate the fruit when God said not to? (Eve & Adam)
3. Who let jealousy lead him to hurt his brother? (Cain)
4. Who complained instead of trusting God? (Israelites)
5. Who spent all his money and ran away? (Prodigal Son)

Consequences:
Talk about what happened in each story. 

• What did they lose? 
• What could have been different if they had self-control?

Read Matthew 4:1-11:

• How did Jesus respond to temptation?
• What did He use to stay strong? (Scripture!)

Discuss:

• Was Jesus tempted? (Yes!)
• Did He give in? (No!)
• What can we learn from Jesus’ example?

Wrap-Up Thought:
Jesus shows us how to have self-control. When we know God’s Word and spend time with Him, He helps us stay strong when we’re tempted.

Prayer Prompt:
Jesus, thank You for showing us how to live with self-control. Help us to follow Your example. Amen. 

Tools to Grow in Self-Control

Big Idea:
God gives us tools to help us make good choices.

Review:
What did we learn from Jesus about dealing with temptation?

Key Tools:

1. STOP what you’re doing.
   • 1 Corinthians 10:13 – God will give us a way out. We don’t have to sin.
2. THINK about your actions.
   • Matthew 7:12 – Treat others how you want to be treated (Golden Rule).
   • How will this choice affect others?
3. PRAY for help.
   • Hebrews 2:18 – Jesus was tempted too, so He understands and wants to help.

Bonus Verse:
John 15:26 – Jesus called the Holy Spirit our “Helper.” He helps us live like Jesus.

Discuss Together:

• What should we do first when we feel tempted?
• What does it mean to “think” before we act?
• Why is prayer important when we’re struggling?

Challenge:
Talk as a family: What’s one situation where each of you needs more self-control? Pray together for those areas.

Wrap-Up Thought:
We can’t have self-control on our own. We need the Holy Spirit’s help every day to follow God’s way!

Prayer:
Holy Spirit, help our family to walk in self-control. Help us to listen to You and choose what’s right. Amen.