Keynote_ Self Control – Tom Condos
Teachers
Lesson Summary
The class opened with Tom Condos sharing an anecdote about an Air Force basic‑training test that pressures trainees to eat quickly and resist the lure of hidden candy. He used this story to illustrate the everyday battle against temptation and the need for self‑control, drawing a parallel to the Christian pursuit of delaying instant gratification for future, spiritual blessings. Throughout the lesson he referenced the sinful nature outlined in Romans 1 and highlighted Paul’s teaching in Romans 2:4‑8 about God’s kindness, restraint, and patience, which keep believers from the wrath reserved for the unrepentant. Tom emphasized that believers are called to emulate God’s self‑control, persevering in good works and resisting the impulses that lead to sin. Tom then turned to Scripture’s opening chapters, noting the example of Adam and Eve’s exile and the offerings of Cain and Abel as early illustrations of choices that require self‑discipline. He urged the congregation to consider whether they will follow the path of immediate desire or the disciplined, patient walk that leads to eternal life. The class concluded with a call to practice self‑control daily, trusting that God’s grace equips us to restrain ourselves for His greater purposes.
Key Scriptures
For although they know God, they do not honor him as God or give thanks to him, but in their futile thinking, their hearts are darkened. Claiming themselves to be wise, they became fools, and exchanged the glory of the immortal God for images resembling mortal man and birds and four-footed animals and creeping things. Therefore God gave them up in the lusts of their hearts to impurity, to the degrading of their bodies among themselves, giving them over to a debased mind, to the practice of every kind of uncleanness with the body, and so forth.
Or do you think lightly of the riches of his kindness and restraint and patience, not knowing that the kindness of God leads you to repentance?