Restraint Revolution: A Call to Self-Control By Major Frank Materu
----Key Verse:
“For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.” – 2 Timothy 1:7
----Introduction
In a world overwhelmed by chaos, sin, and temptation, the need for self-restraint has never been more crucial. The call for a Restraint Revolution is a declaration that the faithful must rise above the pressures of the world and its values, choosing instead to live by the guidance of God’s Spirit. This revolution is not a mere call for discipline but a divine necessity to preserve souls from eternal destruction. It is a revolution that seeks to restore the importance of restraint in the lives of believers, so they do not fall prey to the corrupting influence of the enemy. Without restraint, people will be swept into darkness, but with restraint, they can live in the light of God’s truth.
----The Importance of Restraint
Restraint is a vital practice for anyone who loves the Lord and desires to avoid the path to destruction. Without it, people are vulnerable to demonic influence and will inevitably fall into sin. “When people are under insane coverings, they will do those things that will make them candidates for hell forever.” The forces of evil constantly seek to lead individuals astray, planting destructive thoughts and actions that, if accepted, will lead to eternal damnation.
“When people are simply accepting of sinful input, then they are inevitably going to end in hellfire because they will commit sin repeatedly.” The only way to avoid this fate is by practicing restraint, resisting the pull of sin, and guarding our minds from demonic input. Restraint acts as a safeguard, preventing us from falling into the traps of temptation.
----Supportive Scripture:
“Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life.” – Proverbs 4:23
----Restraints Provided by God
God, in His wisdom and love, has provided the necessary restraints to keep His people from destruction. “It is Him, the Living God who has put restraints in this earth in order for people to be kept from the darkness, the iniquity, the violence, and abomination that the devil pushes on people.” These divine restraints are not intended to limit us but to protect us from the devastating consequences of living without boundaries. In this world, where sin abounds, it is these restraints that keep us from being devoured by evil.
“Be thankful for the restraints that He has provided to save you from damnation and the destruction of your souls.” Without them, humanity would be left to its own devices, falling deeper into wickedness. Restraint is a divine gift that saves us from the consequences of sin.
----Supportive Scripture:
“There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that yet are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that yet may be able to bear it.” – 1 Corinthians 10:13
----The Dangers of Worldly Values
The world offers a set of values that are fleeting and ultimately lead to destruction. Many base their lives on these values, seeking success, recognition, and fame according to the standards of this world. “There are multitudes who base their existence on the world’s values and by the same, they are defrauded.” These values are transitory and will not endure. “The values of the world are transitory and those values will pass away and be remembered no more.”
Those who pursue worldly success without regard for eternal consequences are blind to the fact that their pursuit leads only to death. “There are many people who are in hell who were considered to be 'successful' according to the values that are false.” The world may praise them, but when they stand before God, their success will be revealed as hollow and meaningless.
----Supportive Scripture:
“Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal.” – Matthew 6:19-20
----The Restraint Revolution
The Restraint Revolution is not about conforming to the world’s standards or seeking the approval of men. It is about standing firm in God's truth, resisting the pressures of worldly ambition, and remaining faithful to His calling. “Declare to others how important it is to be in RESTRAINT REVOLUTION which means essentially that you do not sell out for the opinions of men, nor do you yield to the pressures of worldly ambition.”
In this revolution, we reject the false promises of success that the world offers and embrace the call to live by the guidance of God’s Spirit. It is a revolution that seeks to restore God’s values in the hearts of believers, keeping them focused on the eternal rather than the temporary.
----Supportive Scripture:
“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.” – Romans 12:2
----The Ultimate Choice: Life or Death
Every person faces a choice: to practice restraint and choose life or to reject restraint and choose death. “When you are wholeheartedly abandoned to Him will there are times when people will reject what you declare so that they can go on with their sins.” The world will reject the message of restraint because it calls them to forsake their sinful desires. But those who reject restraint are heading towards destruction, choosing death instead of life.
“Fools they are because their choices are for death and not life, for damnation instead of salvation.” The message of the Restraint Revolution is clear: we must choose life by embracing restraint and following God's direction.
----Supportive Scripture:
“I call heaven and earth to record this day against you, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing: therefore choose life, that both thou and thy seed may live.” – Deuteronomy 30:19
----Summary
The Restraint Revolution is a call to arms against the forces of darkness that seek to lead us into sin and destruction. It is a declaration that, by God's grace, we can resist the temptations of the enemy and live according to His truth. Restraint is not a burden but a blessing, a divine protection that keeps us from falling into eternal damnation. In a world full of transient values, the Restraint Revolution calls us to focus on what is eternal, choosing God's will over the fleeting pleasures of sin.
----Conclusion
The need for restraint is urgent. Without it, people will continue down the path of destruction, led by the enemy into damnation. But with restraint, we can live in the light of God’s truth, finding eternal life and salvation in Him. The Restraint Revolution is a revolution of the heart, a call to reject the world’s values and embrace God’s guidance. As we stand firm in our faith, we can declare that we are not bound by the pressures of this world but are guided by the love, power, and wisdom of our Creator.
