Self-Control

Timothy Keller Sermons Podcast by Gospel in Life

Tim Keller

Religion, Religion & Spirituality, Religion & Spirituality:christianity, Christianity, Spirituality

4.8 • 15K Ratings

🗓️ 21 November 2025

⏱️ 35 minutes

🔗️ Recording | iTunes | RSS

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Summary

We all have a problem with self-control. You can’t be circumspect without coming to the end of a day and looking back and saying, “Why did I say that? Why did I follow that impulse?” The Greek word used here for self-control translates to self-command. It’s a synonym for being free, because if you’re not self-controlled, then you’re out of control. If you’re out of control, then you’re a slave to some other forces. Paul knew a lot about self-discipline and self-control, and here’s what he tells us: 1) what it is, 2) how it’s born in you, and 3) how it can grow. This sermon was preached by Dr. Timothy Keller at Redeemer Presbyterian Church on May 30, 2010. Series: The Real Signs of the Spirit. Scripture: 1 Corinthians 9:23-10:13. Today's podcast is brought to you by Gospel in Life, the site for all sermons, books, study guides and resources from Timothy Keller and Redeemer Presbyterian Church. If you've enjoyed listening to this podcast and would like to support the ongoing efforts of this ministry, you can do so by visiting https://gospelinlife.com/give and making a one-time or recurring donation.

Transcript

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0:00.0	Welcome to Gospel in Life.
0:05.2	The Bible says there's a world of difference between a willpower-driven heart and a
0:10.4	supernaturally changed one.
0:12.3	Today, Tim Keller is unpacking one of the fruit of the spirit, helping us see what it means
0:17.2	to move from trying to be good to truly changing from the inside out.
0:28.8	Tonight's scripture reading is found on page 8 in your bulletin, and it comes from
0:33.8	1st Corinthians chapters 9 and 10.
0:39.0	I do all this for the sake of the gospel that I may share in its blessings.
0:44.8	Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize?
0:50.8	Run in such a way as to get the prize.
0:54.4	Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training.
0:58.5	They do it to get a crown that will not last,
1:01.1	but we do it to get a crown that will last forever.
1:05.2	Therefore, I do not run like a man running aimlessly.
1:08.8	I do not fight like a man beating the air. No, I beat my body and make it my
1:14.5	slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize.
1:22.5	These things happen to them as examples and were written down as warnings for us, on whom the fulfillment
1:29.2	of the ages has come. So if you think you are standing firm, be careful that you don't fall.
1:36.4	No temptation has seized you except what is common to man, and God is faithful. He will not let you
1:43.3	be tempted beyond what you can bear.
1:45.9	But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it.
1:51.8	The word of the Lord.
	...

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