In the last 40 years or so, we’ve had an explosion of 12-step groups helping people with a range of addictions. And even if you don’t have those addictions, think of how much misery there is in our lives because we can’t control our tongue or our time or our thoughts. Just about everybody has a problem with self-control in some area. What’s the solution?
In 1 Corinthians, Paul says he has self-control. And he says he’s going to share the secret to having self-control.
Let’s look at 1) some principles about the nature of self-control, and 2) some specific ways of increasing self-control in our lives and carrying it out. 
This sermon was preached by Dr. Timothy Keller at Redeemer Presbyterian Church on March 10, 2002. Series: Practical Grace; How the Gospel Transforms Character. Scripture: 1 Corinthians 9:23-27; 10:11-13.
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Released on 19 Oct 2026