Becoming a Community of Disciples

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Becoming a Community of Disciples

is preserved without blame (cf. 2 Cor 6:3), when he says: In labors and in vigils, in fasts and in purity (cf. 2 Cor 6:4–6), 3 and again, In labor and fatigue, in many vigils, in hunger and thirst, in fasts often (2 Cor 11:27), and again: Everyone who contends in the struggle is self-controlled in all things (1 Cor 9:25), 4 and again: I treat my body rigorously and bring it into subjection (1 Cor 9:27), which indeed does not appear to be accomplished in any other way except by self-control. 5 For only through self-control can the ferment of youth and the excitability of that age be restrained and checked as with a bridle, for soft living is no help to the fool (Prov 19:10), according to Solomon. 6 And make no provision for the flesh, says the Apostle, in its cravings (Rom 13:14), and again: she who is given over to pleasures is dead even while she lives (1 Tim 5:6). 7 Yes, and the example of the rich man who lived amidst delicacies shows us that self-control is necessary, lest we too hear what the rich man heard: You received your good things during your life (Luke 16:25). 8 Moreover, the Apostle teaches what a perilous thing is self-indulgence when he describes it as a mark of those whom he says withdraw from God, 9 for he says: In the last days there shall be perilous times, for men will be lovers of self (2 Tim 3:1–2), and, having listed many kinds of malice, he ends with the calumniators 12 , the intemperate, the ungentle (2 Tim 3:3). 10 And Esau too had intemperance as the tinder 13 of his woes, when he sold his birthright for a single meal (Gen 25:33; Heb 12:16); yes, and that

12 Calumniator – slanderer. 13 Tinder – kindling.