Introduction

Temperance is more than restraining body appetites. It is the power to live a balanced Christian life.

Temperance is sometimes translated as "self control" and is described as the virtue of one who masters his desires and passions, especially his sensual appetites.

The fruit of the Spirit is not self-control but Christ-control. The Holy Spirit brings a willing mastery over our desires and passions.

Temperance is Needed Because:

• Appetites grow in the wanting and in the satisfying.
• If we feed them they grow.
• The only thing that has power to control the appetites of life is the Holy Spirit.

2 Timothy 1:7 "For God has not given us the spirit of fear; but of power (dunamis), and of love (agape), and of a sound mind (sophronismos)."

Introductory Story: The Thermostat

Temperance is like a thermostat which sets the temperature and automatically controls heat output in a central heating system.

An inbuilt setting is placed in the thermostat. It switches off when the temperature reaches the required level and when the temperature falls it switches on.

In the same way temperance is the inbuilt mechanism that curbs our desires. It is the Holy Spirit's restraining influence.

Exposition

1. Temperance Works Against the Lustful Desires of the Flesh

Galatians 5:16 "This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh."

• Walking in the Spirit is walking in fellowship with the Lord. It is an active Christian life putting Him first (Matthew 6:33). The lustful desires of the flesh are overcome by seeking the things of God and by walking in the Spirit.
• Crucifying the flesh with its affections and lusts (Galatians 5:24). This involves denying the worldly lusts to passionately serve Christ and obeying Him fully. This crucifixion is an act which we need to carry out continually.
• Putting on the Lord Jesus Christ and not making provision for the flesh (Romans 13:14). Our lifestyle must not make room for the works of the flesh.

Romans 13:14 "But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfil the lusts thereof."

2. Temperance Works Against the Love of Money

1 Timothy 6:10 "For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows."

The desire to get rich is a great snare to the believer. Covetousness feeds the temptation to use the wrong methods for personal gain.

• Balaam sacrificed his gift for personal gain.
• Judas loved money more than the Lord.
• The love of money takes our mind off God. "You cannot serve God and mammon (the god of riches)." (Matthew 6:24)
• Jesus said, "Take heed, and beware of covetousness: for a man's life consists not in the abundance of the things which he possesses." (Luke 12:15)

3. Temperance Works Against Anger

Psalm 37:8 "Cease from anger, and forsake wrath: fret not yourself in any wise to do evil."

• Anger is a work of the flesh (Galatians 5:20). Righteous indignation is different. Although anger may be a reaction to injustice, it is different from holy indignation. Righteous indignation opposes injustice, not seeking to punish, but to bring righteousness.
• Anger grows as self is threatened or offended, but indignation comes from being troubled by the unrighteousness of the situation.
• "Be ye angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath: Neither give place to the devil." (Ephesians 4:26-27). A refusal to forgive will give place to the devil. The devil encourages anger and will feed a reluctance to forgive.

4. Temperance Works Against the Pride of Life

1 John 2:16 "For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world."

• Pride of Life - it is the vain-glory of this world. It exalts things that belong to this world. The pride of life is seeking the glory of this world. It goes after things that are passing away.
• In the Lord we have no cause to boast. "Let him that glories glory in the Lord" (1 Corinthians 1:31). We are what we are by grace. The restraining influence of temperance always gives God the glory in all things.
• "Pride goes before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall." (Proverbs 16:18). Pride opens a person to destruction.
• Lucifer sinned through pride. He sought to exalt himself above God and was brought down to hell. "I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God..." (Isaiah 14:13-14)

Conclusion

Temperance is the restraining influence of the Holy Spirit that:

1. Works against the lustful desires of the flesh. We must walk in the Spirit, crucify the flesh with its affections and lusts, and not make provision for the flesh.
2. Works against the love of money. We cannot serve two masters. We must seek God's Kingdom first and all our needs will be met.
3. Works against anger. A refusal to forgive will give place to the devil who will feed our reluctance to forgive.
4. Works against the pride of life. We are what we are by grace. Pride opens a person to destruction. Let him who glories glory in the Lord.