Temperance: The Discipline of Self-Restraint

Temperance is self-restraint or self-control in eating and drinking — and especially total abstinence from alcohol. More than willpower, it is a fruit of the Spirit: the quiet strength that keeps every appetite under the rule of Christ, so that nothing lawful gains mastery over us (Gal 5:22–23).

A Fruit Worth Cultivating

Temperance — rendered “self-control” in most modern versions — stands among the fruit of the Spirit alongside love, joy and peace (Gal 5:22–23). Because it is fruit rather than mere effort, it grows as we abide in Christ rather than through gritted-teeth resolve alone. Peter places it on the path to a useful Christian life: “add to your knowledge temperance” (2 Pet 1:6).

Temperance is broader than abstinence from drink. It is moderation over every appetite — food, sleep, pleasure, spending, speech and time. “Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand” (Phil 4:5). A person may never touch alcohol and yet be mastered by work, entertainment or anger; temperance addresses the whole of life.

It is my choice to let nothing rule over me

Temperance and Appetite

Scripture speaks plainly about alcohol. “Wine is a mocker, strong drink is raging: and whosoever is deceived thereby is not wise” (Prov 20:1). Drunkenness is numbered among the works of the flesh, and those who live in such things “shall not inherit the kingdom of God” (1 Cor 6:10; Gal 5:21). Instead of being drunk with wine, believers are to be filled with the Spirit (Eph 5:18).

For these reasons many Christians practise total abstinence: it removes the risk altogether, protects a weaker brother’s conscience, and keeps a clear head for prayer and watchfulness (1 Pet 5:8). Our bodies are “the temple of the Holy Ghost” (1 Cor 6:19–20) — bought with a price, they are to serve God’s glory, not be dulled by what impairs them.

Training for the Race

Paul draws on the athlete’s discipline: “And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things” (1 Cor 9:25). Athletes deny themselves for a crown that fades; we train for one that is “incorruptible”. Temperance looks beyond present, short-term gratification to the long-term benefit and reward God promises. “But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection” (1 Cor 9:27) — believers are to keep the flesh in submission, not catering to its desires. Self-control is training for victory, not punishment.

Resist the sinful desires of your human nature

Training is practical. Know your weak point and avoid its triggers; do not keep temptation within easy reach. It is removing myself out of temptation's way. Keep short accounts: when you stumble, confess and rise again (1 Jn 1:9). And do not fight alone — “Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another” (Jas 5:16). Grace supplies what discipline cannot.

Temperance is not mere abstaining — it is devotion. While appetites press hard on every one of us, with God’s help we can increasingly bring all our responses and reactions under the Lordship of Christ.

Reflection and Application

Name the one appetite most likely to master you — food, drink, screens, spending or anger — and bring it honestly before God in prayer.
Keep the flesh in submission, not catering to its desires.
Decide your boundary in advance — for many, total abstinence from alcohol — so the choice is settled before the moment of pressure arrives.
Invite a trusted friend to hold you accountable, and review together each week.