The Five Doctrines of Christian Manliness — Part 1, Temperance

This is the first post in a series. You can read the other parts here.

Temperance

Controlling self

I’m beginning a series of post to establish what I believe are five foundational doctrines of Christian manliness seen in Scripture. What you’ll notice is that some of the doctrines apply equally to both men and women. However, one doctrine (which I’ll get to in a later post) establishes men as the ones responsible for going first in the development of these virtues and leading by example. So, while there is crossover between men and women with these virtues, the onus is on men to subject themselves to Christ first and be an example that can be followed. Because men bear the responsibility of changing first, I target these doctrines, by way of application, specifically to men.

Temperance Doctrine…

Temperance is self-control in all things. Sometimes, I must tell myself “No” when I must not do something. Other times, I must tell myself “Yes” when I must do something. Temperance is a “fruit of the Spirit” according to Galatians 5:22-23. It is something the Holy Spirit produces in my Christian life, meaning the Lord gets credit for changing me and I take none for myself. And yet it can also be learned and practiced as the Lord produces this virtue in me (2 Peter 1:5-6). Temperance must then be a mutual cooperation between myself and the Lord. I must yield to the Lord’s revealed Word, and He helps me control myself. Implementing any and all Christian virtues will require controlling myself and being under the Lord’s control. Temperance then is foundational to the other Five Doctrines of Christian Manhood. (See also Proverbs 25:28).