Believers have liberty in Christ. However, we cannot afford for anything to gain mystery over us. Victory always comes at a price. Our redemption came at a cost. It took Jesus to die. It took God to deliver His only begotten son for us to be saved. I would like to share the following principles from God's words.
God knows us and loves us
Nothing in all creation, is hidden from God's sight. Everything is uncovered and lay bare before the eyes of Him to whom we must give account. Hebrews 4:13 13 Neither is there any creature that is not manifest in his sight: but all things are naked and opened unto the eyes of him with whom we have to do. God knows our secrets, weaknesses, and he loves us anyways. Can we find a friend so faithful, who will all our sorrows share? Jesus knows our every weakness. Take it to the Lord in prayer.
Romans 5:8 8 But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. So, God knows! God sees!
It is a spiritual battle
Ephesians 6:12, 1 Peter 5:8. There is an ongoing spiritual battle for our soul. And Satan wants to use our lack of self-discipline, lack of self-control to destroy us. It is a spiritual battle. John 10:10
We need God's help
Luke 22:31-32 31 And the Lord said, Simon, Simon, behold, Satan hath desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat:32 But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not: and when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren. You have to cry out to him, acknowledge you need help. Matthew 14:30 30 But when he saw the wind boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink, he cried, saying, Lord, save me. When the prodigal son remembers his state, he said, I will arise and go to my father. I'll say to him, father, I have sinned against heaven and against thee. You need God's help!! Brother Paul says in Romans 7:15, 17-18, 24.
The answer is No one, except God. You need God's help!! Acknowledge and accept the truth. John 8:32.
Control your thoughts
The battle for self-discipline begins in the mind. Paul says "set your mind on things above, not on things on earth" Colossians 3:1-2. However, we live in a world where we are surrounded by the lust of the eyes, the lust of the flesh and the pride of life. When the lustful or evil thoughts come in, what do we do? 2 Corinthians 10:5 5 Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ.
We must keep pure things in our mind because we have the power to change channels in our mind. Self-discipline or self-control of the mind isn’t simply about refusing to dwell upon lustful or evil thoughts when they come into our minds. Rather, it requires us to always keep wholesome thoughts Romans 12:2 2 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God. How are you renewing your mind? What do you feed your mind daily? What kind of music do you listen to? Do you read spiritual books, listen to God’s words on a daily basis?
Emotions - Keep your emotions in check. The emotions are perhaps the area we control the least e.g. anger, sadness, fear, hostility, happiness etc. To control the temper is a sign of wisdom while the failure to do so is the way of the fool Proverbs 14:17. Ephesians 4:26-27. Proverbs 16:32.
Develop sound judgement - sound judgement begins with a knowledge of the scriptures. We must know what is right and what is wrong so we can have proper control of our bodies, our thoughts, and our emotions. Great training in the word of God can improve our self-control. Sound judgment also comes from relying upon God.
Grow in the fruits of the Holy Spirit
Ephesians 5:18 18 And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit;
Conclusion
Day by day, what you choose, what you think, and what you do is who you become. A disciplined Christian life is one ordered by and oriented towards the kingdom of God. Finally, marriage doesn't cure lust. If it does, adultery wouldn't exist. Self-control and self-discipline is still a requirement.
"You may be Solomon in wisdom, David in praise, Abraham in faith or Joshua in war. But if you are not Joseph in discipline, you might end up like Samson in destruction"
Galatians 5:16: This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh.