Webster Definition:
1: moderation in action, thought, or feeling: RESTRAINT
2a: habitual moderation in the indulgence of the appetites or passions
b: moderation in or abstinence from the use of alcoholic beverages
KJV Dictionary Definition:
TEM’PERANCE, n. L. temperantia, from tempero.
1. Moderation; particularly, habitual moderation in regard to the indulgence of the natural appetites and passions; restrained or moderate indulgence; as temperance in eating and drinking; temperance in the indulgence of joy or mirth. Temperance in eating and drinking is opposed to gluttony and drunkenness, and in other indulgences, to excess.
2. Patience; calmness; sedateness; moderation of passion.
Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God. Hebrews 12:1-2
As we learn to walk in the Spirit, we allow Him to have control and not our flesh. The fruit of the Spirit temperance is not about self control but rather submitting to the Sovereign control of our Lord Jesus Christ. Temperance is self discipline.
Every aspect of our lives need to be yielded to the Spirit’s control including our thoughts (Proverbs 15:26), desires (Romans 13:13-14), speech (Psalm 19:14, Proverbs 29:11), appetite (Proverbs 23:2), sleep (Proverbs 6:9-11), finances (Luke 12:15), entertainment (1 John 2:15-17), emotions (1 Corinthians 10:13, Proverbs 16:32), etc. We develop temperance as we practice to live and walk in the control of the Holy Spirit.
With the control of the Holy Spirit, may we exhibit that He is granting temperance to us in all things!
