Category Archives: self-control

life after a rape

Posted on April 11, 2014 by Jefferson Vann

Genesis 34:1-12 Now Dinah (the daughter of Leah, whom she had borne to Jacob), went out to see the women of the land. 2 But when Shechem the son of Hamor the Hivite, a leader of the land, saw her, … Continue reading →

Posted in depravity, discernment, Jacob, self-control, sexuality | Tagged | 1 Comment

under control?

Posted on July 5, 2013 by Jefferson Vann

Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 We began the year looking at this text and thinking about how we do not know what is going to happen.  We have no control over the events, but do we have control over our reactions to them?  … Continue reading →

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all consuming desires

Posted on June 22, 2013 by Jefferson Vann

Proverbs 23-24 These proverbs highlight a number of desires that might become all-consuming.  The message is to seek wisdom so that your desires do not destroy you. Be passionate about doing the right thing, and let the LORD take care … Continue reading →

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the ways of life

Posted on June 4, 2013 by Jefferson Vann

Proverbs 2 Seeking wisdom from God is not just an attempt to get smarter.  It is a life-or-death struggle we are in.  The temptation to fall in with deceptive and violent men, or to be lured into the passion trap … Continue reading →

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keeping emotions in check

Posted on November 5, 2012 by Jefferson Vann

2 Kings 5 Even when God is at work among us, our emotions can hide the glory of his presence if we are not in right relationship with him.  Consider how emotions sent these three people in the wrong direction: … Continue reading →

Posted in discernment, Elisha, self-control | Tagged | 1 Comment

anger separates families

Posted on September 2, 2012 by Jefferson Vann

1 Samuel 20 Jonathan had not forgotten that his father wanted David killed, but he had persuaded him to take back his vow.  But David knew that Saul’s anger was not going to go away.  Jonathan needed a little more … Continue reading →

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Exodus: spirituality and servanthood

Posted on March 16, 2012 by Jefferson Vann

Exodus 20:18-21:11     These rules must be understood in their context. Altars in Egypt had been places to flaunt one’s wealth and power. Now that the Hebrews were free, the LORD warned them against abusing religion for selfish purposes. Servanthood was … Continue reading →

Posted in commitment, freedom, self-control | Tagged , | 1 Comment

first look at murder

Posted on January 4, 2012 by Jefferson Vann

Genesis 4.  Cain’s offering had disappointed God.  The reason was that God looked not at the offering, but at the heart of the offerer.  God warned Cain that he had a choice.  He could rule over his sinful heart, or … Continue reading →

Posted in Holy Spirit, self-control, the flesh, vengeance | Tagged | 1 Comment

the Holy Spirit draws the lost

Posted on September 22, 2011 by Jefferson Vann

Luke 15.   In a series of three parables, Jesus responds to those who object to his acceptance of the tax collectors and sinners.  In each parable, someone seeks something lost [a sheep (3-7), a coin (8-10), and a son (11-32)].  … Continue reading →

Posted in evangelism, faithfulness, gentleness, goodness, Holy Spirit, joy, kindness, love, patience, peace, self-control | Tagged | Leave a comment

mission: model a transformed community

Posted on June 8, 2011 by Jefferson Vann

  Titus 2.  God’s grace has appeared to all people, and has brought salvation (11).  It has appeared in the person of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, who gave himself for us to redeem us from all lawlessness … Continue reading →

Posted in church, gospel, grace, holiness, missions, sanctification, self-control, witness, works | Tagged | 1 Comment