steadfast self-control – stewardship

steadfast self-control – stewardship

Spiritual maturity is a lifelong journey of becoming more like Jesus Christ. It begins at salvation and continues as we grow in faith, knowledge, and obedience to God. Central to this growth are the principles of steadfast self-control and stewardship, which help us align our lives with God’s will. In this article, we’ll explore how these principles shape our spiritual growth, provide practical steps for living them out, and highlight key Bible verses to guide us.

This progressive church reviewed its history and discovered it hadn’t ‘shown up’ very often on racial issues

Spiritual maturity isn’t about perfection but about progress. It’s a process of continually pressing toward the goal of knowing Christ more deeply and living in obedience to Him.

In Philippians 3:12–14, Paul acknowledges that he hasn’t “already obtained all this” or “been made perfect.” Instead, he presses on toward the goal of knowing Christ fully. This passage reminds us that spiritual maturity is a journey, not a destination. It requires perseverance, focus, and a willingness to leave behind past failures and distractions.

Self-control is a fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22–23) and a hallmark of spiritual maturity. It involves disciplining our thoughts, actions, and desires to align with God’s will. Steadfast self-control helps us resist temptation, make wise decisions, and remain faithful in our walk with Christ.

Spiritual maturity doesn’t happen by accident. It requires intentional effort and the practice of spiritual disciplines. These practices help us draw closer to God and develop steadfast self-control and stewardship.

1. Bible Reading and Study: Immersing ourselves in Scripture helps us understand God’s character and His will for our lives (2 Timothy 3:16–17).
2. Prayer: Regular communication with God strengthens our relationship with Him and keeps us aligned with His purposes (1 Thessalonians 5:17).
3. Fellowship: Connecting with other believers encourages accountability and mutual growth (Hebrews 10:24–25).
4. Service: Using our gifts to serve others reflects Christ’s love and builds our character (1 Peter 4:10).
5. Stewardship: Managing our time, talents, and resources for God’s glory demonstrates faithfulness and trust in His provision (Matthew 25:14–30).

While we are responsible for practicing these disciplines, we cannot grow without the Holy Spirit’s enabling. Galatians 5:16 encourages us to “walk by the Spirit,” meaning we should live under His guidance and control. As we yield to the Spirit, He produces His fruit in us, including love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (Galatians 5:22–23).

Stewardship is more than managing money; it’s about faithfully overseeing every resource God has entrusted to us. This includes our time, talents, relationships, and even our bodies.

• Ownership: Everything we have belongs to God (Psalm 24:1).
• Responsibility: We are called to manage His resources wisely (1 Corinthians 4:2).
• Accountability: One day, we will give an account of how we used what He gave us (Romans 14:12).
• Evaluate Your Priorities: Are you using your resources to glorify God or to serve yourself?
• Set Goals: Create a plan for how you’ll use your time, talents, and finances to further God’s kingdom.
• Give Generously: Practice tithing and giving to those in need (2 Corinthians 9:7).
• Serve Others: Look for opportunities to use your gifts to bless others.

Living a life of steadfast self-control and stewardship isn’t easy. We face distractions, temptations, and the pull of worldly desires.

• Procrastination: Putting off spiritual disciplines like prayer and Bible study.
• Materialism: Focusing on accumulating possessions rather than investing in eternal treasures.
• Lack of Discipline: Struggling to maintain consistency in spiritual practices.
• Seek God’s Strength: When we feel weak, we can rely on God’s power (Philippians 4:13).
• Stay Accountable: Surround yourself with fellow believers who can encourage and challenge you (Proverbs 27:17).
• Focus on Eternal Rewards: Remember that our efforts in self-control and stewardship have eternal significance (Matthew 6:19–21).

| Verse | Meaning | Application |
|———————-|————————————–|————————————–|
| Galatians 5:22–23 | The fruit of the Spirit includes self-control. | Cultivate self-control through the Holy Spirit’s power. |
| 2 Peter 1:5–8 | Supplement faith with virtue, knowledge, and self-control. | Pursue spiritual growth step by step. |
| Matthew 25:21 | Faithful stewardship leads to reward. | Use your resources wisely for God’s glory. |
| 1 Corinthians 9:25 | Athletes exercise self-control to win a prize. | Discipline yourself for eternal rewards. |

Q: How can I develop steadfast self-control in my daily life?
A: Start by identifying areas where you struggle with self-control. Pray for God’s help, practice small acts of discipline, and seek accountability from fellow believers.

Q: What does biblical stewardship look like in practice?
A: Biblical stewardship involves managing your time, talents, and resources in a way that honors God. This includes giving generously, serving others, and using your gifts for His glory.

Q: How do steadfast self-control and stewardship contribute to spiritual maturity?
A: These principles help us align our lives with God’s will, resist temptation, and use our resources wisely. They reflect a heart that is fully surrendered to Christ.

Spiritual maturity is a journey that requires steadfast self-control, faithful stewardship, and reliance on the Holy Spirit. By practicing spiritual disciplines, overcoming challenges, and staying focused on God’s purposes, we can grow in our faith and become more like Christ.

To dive deeper into this topic, check out our article on [The Fruit of the Spirit: Living a Transformed Life]. If you found this helpful, explore more insights in our [Spiritual Growth] section.

Let’s press on toward the goal of knowing Christ and living for His glory!

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