Our new memory verse for the week is Prov. 16:32.Our slogan this month is, “Self control, do you have it?.” Today’s JG e bulletin and study finds its story in 2 Sam. 13:1-19. It is a picture of self-indulgence at its worst. Let’s consider some points we might learn from this event .

• Amnon continuously thought on his desire for something he could not rightly have. Self-control begins in the mind. James says every many is drawn away of his own lust. That is in the mind. We are accountable to God even for every private thought. Rather than seek to mentally turn from his lust, he continued to feed it so that it grew stronger. We must teach ourselves to look at sin as God does (abhors it) and be looking for the way of escape provided (! Cor. 10:13).

• Amnon’s self-indulgence was increased by his wrong choice of friends. 1 Cor. 15:33, “Be not deceived, evil communications corrupt good manners.” “Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, not standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful. Once Amnon was encouraged by his “friend” to connive to get Tamar, both his pride and desire were pushing him on. Let’s control our children’s friends while we can and teach them to choose wisely. Let’s do so ourselves.

• Sin multiplied. Sin always multiplies. His sinful lust led him to lie to his father and his sister. Friend, when sin is conceived in our life, it is never alone, but is multiplied by other sins to support the one we wanted to commit. When we give up self-control in one part of our life, we weaken our self-control in other areas.

• As is so often the case, Amnon no longer wanted Tamar after he raped her. Selfish indulgence only feeds itself to go on to some other selfish indulgence. What was considered essential became loathed and unwanted. Fickleness is the nature of living by our emotions rather than by committed choices.