“Everyone who competes in the games trains with strict discipline. They do it for a crown that is perishable, but we do it for a crown that is imperishable… I discipline my body and make it my slave, so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified.” — 1 Corinthians 9:25, 27 (BSB)
“So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh.” — Galatians 5:16 (BSB)
“For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith virtue; and to virtue, knowledge; to knowledge, self-control; to self-control, perseverance…” — 2 Peter 1:5–6 (BSB)
Fasting, silence, confession, and other spiritual disciplines are practical means through which the soul learns restraint and freedom. I grow in self-control by humbling myself before God, repenting often, and resisting the pull of the world, the flesh, and the devil. It is through struggle and surrender that I am strengthened.
Canon Dr. Joel Scandrett (Trinity School for Ministry) writes, “Self-control matures when we walk daily with Jesus and learn to love what He loves more than what we crave. It is a grace formed through practice.”
Bishop Julian Dobbs (Diocese of the Living Word, ACNA) explains, “We grow in self-control when we keep short accounts with God, invite correction from others, and seek to live in the light. Without discipline, grace is neglected.”
The 1662 Book of Common Prayer supports growth in self-control with rhythms of repentance and worship. The Penitential Psalms, Lenten fasts, and Collects for purity and holiness remind us that growth requires intention, dependence, and surrender to God’s sanctifying grace.
J.C. Ryle wrote, “Would you grow in self-control? Then watch your heart, rule your tongue, curb your temper, and bring your body into subjection. It is not easy, but it is the path to peace and power.” (Practical Religion, 1878)
Archbishop Foley Beach (ACNA) has said, “Self-control grows when we trust the Spirit more than our instincts and obey God even when it hurts. It’s not about willpower—it’s about surrender.”
Growing in self-control glorifies Christ because it reveals His lordship over my life, keeps my witness pure, and sets my desires in harmony with His holiness.
St. Basil the Great (c. 330–379 AD): “Discipline is the mother of self-control. Let prayer and fasting train the soul, so that the flesh may serve and not rule.” — Homily on Fasting
St. John Chrysostom (c. 347–407 AD): “Do you want self-control? Start with the tongue. Rule your words, and you will soon rule your passions.” — Homily on Matthew, 15
St. Clement of Alexandria (c. 150–215 AD): “Self-control is the guardian of virtue. It grows in the soul that delights more in holiness than in pleasure.” — Paedagogus, II.3
An Anglican Catechism (Expanded) offers over 350+ Scripture-based answers to the core truths of the Christian faith. Each entry includes biblical texts, theological insight, and reflections from historic and contemporary Anglican voices. Rooted in the classical tradition, it is designed for teaching, discipleship, and spiritual formation.
An Ancient Worship Movement invites readers into the rich, historic worship of the early Church rediscovered through the Anglican tradition. This book calls believers into a deeper, Spirit-filled encounter with Christ through timeless practices.
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St. Thomas Church is a Church planting movement in ancient tradition.
