Majoring so much on avoiding pre-marital sex as a key to having a successful marriage is to have your priorities mixed up.

If you study the bible well, you will guard against and flee fornication.

[18] Flee fornication. Every sin that a man doeth is without the body; but he that committeth fornication sinneth against his own body.
1 Corinthians 6:18 KJV

However your greater emphasis shouldn’t be to achieve the short term results of avoiding such indiscipline before marriage.

There are other lusts that will emerge after you tie the knots, many develop strange habits after the wedding, and during marriage.

So rather than focus on premarital abstinence only; let couples groom themselves in developing the christian character called Self-Control.

It is the virtue which delays immediate gratification for a more noble cause.

Focus here will be on appetites generally, rage, food, leisure, sex , gists, sleep.

When you do this You build a total man not just a premarital hero who might just be postponing the evil day!

[22] But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, [23] Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law. [24] And they that are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts. [25] If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.
Galatians 5:22-25 KJV

Jesus is Lord, We win!

Credit: Pastor Onayinka Olusegun

Table of Contents

What The Bible Say About Self-Control

The Bible speaks extensively about self-control as a vital fruit of the Spirit and a key virtue for believers. It teaches that self-control is necessary for living a godly life, resisting temptation, and maintaining discipline in our thoughts, words, and actions. Here are some key scriptures on self-control:

Self-Control as a Fruit of the Spirit

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. – Galatians 5:22-23 (NIV)

The Need for Self-Discipline

Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last, but we do it to get a crown that will last forever. Therefore, I do not run like someone running aimlessly; I do not fight like a boxer beating the air. No, I strike a blow to my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize. – 1 Corinthians 9:25-27 (NIV)

Guarding the Mind and Emotions

Like a city whose walls are broken through is a person who lacks self-control. – Proverbs 25:28 (NIV)

Resisting Sin and Temptation

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. – Titus 2:11-12 (NIV)

Keeping Control Over Speech

My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry. – James 1:19 (NIV)

The Power of the Holy Spirit in Self-Control

For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love, and self-discipline. – 2 Timothy 1:7 (NIV)

Avoiding Anger and Impulsiveness

Better a patient person than a warrior, one with self-control than one who takes a city. – Proverbs 16:32 (NIV)

Living Wisely in an Evil World

Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. – Ephesians 5:15-16 (NIV)

Read Also: I AM A CHRISTIAN – MODESTY!

Conclusion

The Bible emphasizes self-control as a characteristic of a mature believer. Through the Holy Spirit, we are empowered to resist sin, make wise decisions, and reflect Christ in our daily lives.

Self-Control In Relationship, Courtship, And Before Marriage