Proverbs 23 - The Power of Self Control (notes)

Proverbs 23 - The Power of Self Control

Proverbs 23:4-5

• Don’t wear yourself out to get rich have the wisdom to show restraint.
• Cast but a glance at riches, and they are gone, for they will surely sprout wings and fly off to the sky like an eagle.

Proverbs 23:19-21

• Listen, my son and be wise, and keep your heart on the right path.
• Do not join those who drink too much wine…
• For gluttons and drunkards become poor, and drowsiness clothes them in rags.
• Proverbs 23:28-35

Money & Wine

A trait of the spirit filled life is self control. Two of the main areas where we must understand cause much pain; misery and hurt are the love of money and alcohol.

Two of the most intoxicating issues the church must deal with is alcohol and the love of money. The Word of God talks about. Proverbs talks about both.

Facts About Alcohol:

• Alcohol and caffeine are the most widely abused substances in the world.
• Alcohol is divided into two broad categories-abuse and dependence.
• Dependence is the most serious condition since the person needs higher quantities of alcohol to achieve intoxication, which leads to withdrawal symptoms when a person tries to stop.

There Are

• About 12 million problem drinkers in America.
• Many Christians who are problem drinkers.
• Answers to addiction. The Holy Spirit can empower a person to overcome any addiction, especially alcohol.

God’s Counsel

• Walk in the Spirit and we will not indulge in the lusts of the flesh (self).
• There is a battle between the two.
• Life by the Spirit – So I say, live by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the sinful nature. For the sinful nature desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the sinful nature. They are in conflict with each other… (Gal. 5:16-17)

Facts About Money

• The net worth of U.S. households in 2007 was 58.6 trillion dollars.
• The GDP of the nation is 14.2 trillion dollars.
• Some of the wealthiest people in the world. Carlos Slim Helu 53.5 Billion of Mexico, Bill Gates 53 billion, Warren Buffett 47, Lawrence Ellison 28 billion.

A Proper View

Jesus called money mammon or the personality of money. Money has a spirit that guides it. Matt. 6:19-24

Don’t store up treasure on earth but in heaven. We can deposit into our account in the spirit realm and we can make withdrawals.

We deposit through stewardship, giving, 10% and offerings to the needs of people.

Money

• Is a means to an end.
• Is for the purpose of bringing the Kingdom to someone.
• Can be used for good or evil.
• In the Kingdom must be used for good. Preaching the Good News and helping the needy.
• Is for the church in the last days.

How To Defeat The spirit of poverty:

1. Word hard in whatever field I am in.
2. Become a wise steward.
3. Ask God for wisdom in economics.
4. Ask God for favor.
5. Pray over the finances God has put in my hands.

Principle

The Lord is looking for men after God’s Heart to lead the church in the greatest revival in history.

Having God’s heart is the key to moving in God’s anointing.