Romans: Assurance, Providence, and Life in the Spirit: Walking With God

Stonewall Jackson and the Christian Grace of Self Control

Transcript: AI Transcript

Professor: John Weaver

Subject: New Testament Studies

Genre: Sermon

Dictation Name:

Date: 2013-07-22

Synopsis: Pastor John Weaver examines the biblical virtue of self-control (temperance) using the life of Confederate General Stonewall Jackson as a case study. Drawing from 1 Corinthians 9:24-27 and 2 Peter 1:6, Weaver argues that self-control is a fruit of the Spirit and a grace to be cultivated. He illustrates Jackson's self-mastery in education, diet, moral temptations, military duty, grief, and victory, emphasizing that Jackson controlled his emotions and lived by principle. The sermon concludes with applications: the urgency of salvation, living by principles over feelings, and developing self-control through practice.

[John Weaver] Title of the message is Stonewall Jackson and the Christian grace of self-control. So look in 1 Corinthians 9, verse 24. Know you not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize, so run that you may obtain. And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate or self-controlled in all things. Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown, but we an incorruptible. I, therefore, so run not as uncertainly, so fight I, not as one that beateth the air, but I keep under my body and bring it in its objection, lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway. Now, I want you to hold this passage and turn right over to 1 Peter chapter 1 and look at verse 6. 1 Peter chapter 1 and verse 6. I'm sorry, 2nd Peter chapter 1 in verse 6. 2nd Peter chapter 1 in verse 6. Here the Apostle Paul is telling us as Christians what we're to add to our faith and in verse 6 in 2nd Peter chapter 1 verse 6 he says this, and to knowledge you're to add temperance, and to temperance you're to add patience, and to patience you're to add godliness.

[John Weaver] Now read this passage Because I want you to understand that the word temperance here is actually the word self-control as well. Self-control is a term that is easily pronounced. It is often given as advice, but it is very seldom acted upon. Self-control is a virtue that everyone wishes to possess, but no one wishes to exercise. And the reason we do not wish to exercise self-control is simply because we're We're selfish and we want what we want when we want it. I've heard people say, I want it and I want it right now.

[John Weaver] Well, the Bible tells us in Romans 13 and verse 14, but put you on the Lord Jesus Christ and make not provision for the flesh to fulfill the lust thereof. And the truth of the matter is most people make provisions for their flesh. They want to satisfy their flesh. If you've lived very long you will have discovered one truth. And that is that our flesh will not lie as silently and as obediently upon the altar as at Isaac. Because our flesh will scream and cry and demand satisfaction.

[John Weaver] Now I'm talking about self-control. I want you to understand that self-control in the Bible is listed under the terms temperate and temperance. You could say they are synonyms. The Greek word for self-control is ekdratos, which literally means to be strong in a thing, to have mastery over, to be self-controlled. So, when we're talking about self-control, we're talking about having mastery over yourself. According to the Word of God, temperance is indeed a fruit of the Spirit, and you'll find that in Galatians 5 and verse 23. Temperance, or self-control, is also a Christian grace that is to be added to our biblical character in 2 Peter 1 in verse 6. Moreover, according to Titus 1 in verse 8, self-control is a qualification for a pastor. But it may also surprise you that in Titus 2 in verse 2, self-control is to be a characteristic of aged men. Old men. Older men. So obviously, There is a great deal in the Bible about self-control. But when you look at 1 Corinthians chapter 9, the Apostle Paul says in verse 24, and this is the classic passage on self-control.

[John Weaver] He says, No you not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize. Now look what he says, there's only going to be one winner, so run that you may obtain.

[John Weaver] Now verse 25, And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate, or self-controlled in all things. Now, if you're going to be running in a race, you're not going to be loading up, especially on ice cream and hamburgers, right before you run. I mean, it's just impossible. So, he is saying, you're going to be temperate in all things. Now, watch.

[John Weaver] Now, they do it to obtain a corruptible crown, but we, an incorruptible one. In other words, here's the spiritual truth. He says, I therefore so run, not as uncertainly so fight I, Not as one that beateth the air, he's not a shadow boxer. But I keep under my body and bring it into subjection, lest that by any means when I've preached to others, I myself should be a castaway. So obviously there's a great truth here in the Bible concerning self-decroat. And Paul is making it exceedingly clear that if we're going to accomplish anything, especially a spiritual goal, there has to be self-control. If there is no self-control, you're just simply beating the air. Now, Stonewall Jackson is an excellent study in the biblical truth of self-control. Stonewall Jackson is unusual in the sense that even as an unconverted youth, he understood and he realized the necessity of self-control. It was only after his conversion to Jesus Christ that self-control became one of the most prominent graces in his life.

[John Weaver] It was Stonewall Jackson's uncle, Cummings Jackson, that helped mold and develop young Thomas' character. I don't know if you remember or not, but Stonewall's father had died earlier, his mother died when he was seven years old. So after that he went to live with his uncle Cummings, and Cummings then took the young boy and raised him and taught him. I want to just give you two quick quotes by Dabney. You must remember that Robert L. Dabney was aide de camp to Stonewall Jackson. Robert L. Dabney was a Presbyterian pastor, a theologian, a scholar. And here's what he said concerning the raising of Stonewall Jackson. When he went to live with his uncle Cummings, he said this, he received all the privileges of a son of the family. The relation existing between him and his uncle was, from the first, remarkable.

[John Weaver] He treated the little boy more as a companion than as a child, soothing for him all the ruggedness of his nature, imparting to him his plans and thoughts as though he was an equal or counselor, making him his delighted pupil in the rural arts in which he himself was an unrivaled adept. and always rather requesting than demanding his compliance with the discipline of the household. The child was stimulated to work for his own self-government at a very early period and left to an independence of action more suited for a man, but he did not disappoint his uncle's confidence. His peculiar method with the boy may be perhaps accounted for in part by the singular temperament of the race passionately attached to the idea of independence.

[John Weaver] in part by the relaxation of parental restraints which usually prevailed in new countries and partly by the profound sagacity of the guardian who saw at a glance the noble nature with which he had to deal. In other words, here is a young boy that is being taught from seven years old the absolute importance of self-control. When Stonewall Jackson went to West Point There he demonstrated the consistency of self-control over and over.

[John Weaver] In fact, Dabney says this, Thomas showed no quickness of aptitude for any of his studies except arithmetic. In this, he always outstripped his schoolmates seemingly without effort. In all other branches, his acquisitions were made only by patient labor.

[John Weaver] Now, young people, I want you to listen. If he professed to be prepared for a recitation, all might be certain that he was thoroughly prepared from the first. The intense honesty of his nature and the sober judgment with which he preferred the substance to the name of an acquisition were singular. Nothing could induce him to leave a lesson behind him unmastered.

[John Weaver] Now let me just stop right here. I'm going to finish the quote momentarily. But I want you to note that he preferred the substance to the name of an acquisition. He was not satisfied with just having the name or he wanted the substance. If you were to take this and apply it today, I could give you a number of illustrations. I know people who have graduated from college.

[John Weaver] They have a degree and they can't teach their way out of a wet paper bag. They just simply got the degree. That's all they wanted. I know people that have black belts in the martial arts They can't fight. I know people who claim to be expert marksmen who really cannot even shoot. Here's what is being emphasized. Stonewall did not want a title. Stonewall did not want the name. Stonewall wanted the substance. He wanted reality. Now listen to this. This is amazing.

[John Weaver] If he had not been able to finish a previous lesson at the same time with his classmates, he would continue to study the old lesson while they proceeded to the next. And when called upon for his share of the succeeding or the new recitation, he would flatly declare that he knew nothing about it, that he had not yet had time to begin it, and that all of his time had been occupied upon the other. He was thus not seldom nominally behind his class, but listen to this, but whatever he once gained was his forever.

[John Weaver] His knowledge, though limited, was perfect as far as it went. His temperament at that time was cheerful, amiable and generous, and his demeanor instinctively courteous, his truthfulness was at all times proverbial. So what he studied, he grasped. What he studied, he understood. He may have been behind the others, but in the end, he was probably far ahead of the others, simply because they may have had the name, but not necessarily the substance.

[John Weaver] Nothing could induce Stonewall Jackson to leave a lesson unmastered. He must master it and he would master it. In fact, one of his maxims that he used throughout the rest of his life was this. One could always do what he will to accomplish. One could always do what he will to accomplish. On one occasion, Jackson met a friend from West Point And Jackson admitted to the friend that he regretted being ignorant of Latin. He then added, but I think it probable that I shall someday repair this and become as familiar with Latin as with Spanish. His friend expressed doubt and believed that if the languages were not impressed upon the memory from a child, that they would be impossible to learn, to which Jackson replied, no, if I attempt it, I will become a master of the language. I can accomplish whatever I will to do.

[John Weaver] So here's a man who understood not only determination, but self-control. Jackson's self-control was not only manifested in the educational realm, it was also manifested in the moral and physical realm as well. He always preferred the simplest foods, And he never took any stimulant. He did not use tobacco, nor did he drink coffee, tea, or wine. His abstinence was from principle. Let me just give you a couple of illustrations.

[John Weaver] During the winter of 1862, when Stonewall was reconnoitering in front of the enemy, when a fire was absolutely out of the question, he became chilled. In fact, he became so chilled that his medical attendant was concerned for him. And he urged him to take some type of stimulant. They could not have a fire. And the only thing that was available was some brandy or some other spirits. And so the doctor just insisted that Stonewall take some to prevent him becoming sick. So finally Stonewall consented. And as he took the brandy, he began to drink it down and make all kinds of faces and sounds and almost gagged. And the doctor said, I'm sorry, General Jackson. Is it that unpleasant? To which Jackson replied, no, no, I like it. I always did.

[John Weaver] That's why I never touch the stuff. And then on another occasion, Jackson had been walking with a brother officer, who also was a godly man, and at the termination of their walk, since they were tired, the other godly officer suggested to Jackson that they have a glass of brandy and water in light of their fatigue, to which Jackson replied, no, said Jackson, I'm much obliged, but I never use it. I'm more afraid of it than federal bullets. Now, the point I'm trying to make is this, Jackson's strength was in the fact that he was afraid of temptation. Jackson knew his weaknesses and he would not yield in those areas where he knew that he was weak. And consequently then his weaknesses became his strength. Jackson always had absolute control over himself even in regard to food. He controlled his appetite.

[John Weaver] He had very little sympathy for people who overindulged or who ate things that they should not eat. I've heard people say, and you have too, well, I'm going to eat this because I like it, but I know that I'll pay for it later. Well, I know this is not good for me, but I want it. I'm going to eat it anyhow. You've heard people say that. Jackson had no sympathy for anyone who overindulged or ate things they should not.

[John Weaver] And when those around him complained of having headaches and stomach problems in consequence of their indulgence, he said this, Do as I do. Govern yourself absolutely and you will not suffer. My head never aches. If a thing disagrees with me, I never eat it. He knew what he could eat. and what he could not eat. When Jackson was in Mexico, his self-control was exhibited in two distinct ways.

[John Weaver] One was in regard to beautiful women, and the other was in regard to military danger. While he was in Mexico during the war with Mexico, there was one Spanish family there that extended hospitality to Stonewall on a regular basis. He was always grateful for the hospitality And he always thanked and admired the family. But Stonewall reluctantly and positively discontinued his visits to that home. He would not go back to that home no matter how much he enjoyed their hospitality and no matter how good of friends he was with the man who owned that home. Later, when Stonewall was asked why he ceased visiting that home, here's what he said with a blush.

[John Weaver] that he found the fascination of some of the female charms which he met there was more likely to become too strong for his prudence unless he escaped them in due time. Now, let me just point this out. Do you realize Stonewall was observing a biblical principle? Did you know that the Apostle Paul wrote Timothy in 2 Timothy chapter 2 and verse 22 And he told Timothy, flee youthful lust. And when Paul wrote that to Timothy, Timothy was probably in his forties. Flee youthful lust.

[John Weaver] Now I want you to watch this. If it refers to lust, our duty is to flee. Get out of there. Get out of the way. If Satan is bothering us, according to the book of James chapter 4 and verse 7, The Bible says, Submit yourself unto God, resist the devil, and he'll flee from you. So when it comes to the devil, it's fight. Resist him, and he'll flee from you. When it comes to the world, the Bible says in 1 John 5 and verse 4, For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world, and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith. So watch these three things. If it's lust or temptation, flee. If it's Satan, Fight! If it's the world, faith.

[John Weaver] And when Stonewall said those women were too beautiful and too charming for him, and unless he escaped in due time, he was being careful that he did not sin against God. He was controlling himself. During the war with Mexico also, Stonewall was in charge of a section of artillery. for which all practical purposes was totally disabled. Many of his men and his animals had been killed. And Stonewall only had a couple of artillery pieces that were functioning.

[John Weaver] And it looked like the Mexicans were going to overwhelm him. And so he continued to man those guns and keep firing on the approaching Mexicans until finally they turned to run and go back within the gates of the city. And when Stonewall saw that, he just simply took those artillery pieces and he attached them to the limbers of the ammunition box, followed more closely, and then continued to fire upon the retreating Mexicans.

[John Weaver] Years later, when he was teaching at Virginia Military Institute, This scenario came up and one of his students asked him, Major, he was a major at that particular time, he said, Major, why did you not run when your command was disabled? Stonewall smiled and said, I was not ordered to do so. Had I been ordered to run, I would have run. But I was ordered to hold my position and I had no right to abandon it.

[John Weaver] Now can you imagine, in the face of overwhelming odds, in the face of danger, he still held his position. Stonewall Jackson's pastor, Dr. White, encouraged all of his men to lead in public devotions and in public prayer. Stonewall, at this particular time, had never really prayed publicly. So he came to his pastor and he said this, you're my pastor and the spiritual guide of the church. And if you think it my duty to pray, then I shall waive my reluctance and make the effort to lead in prayer however painful. So just a short time later, Dr. White called on Stonewall Jackson to lead in public prayer. And Stonewall Jackson arose to do so And he found it so painful to himself and so embarrassing to himself and to the church. But he finally made it through his first public prayer. Dr. White saw the distress that was placed upon Stonewall in leading with prayer. And for the next several weeks, he was not called on to pray anymore. Finally, Stonewall approached his pastor. And he asked him why he had not been called on to pray anymore.

[John Weaver] And Dr. White said to him, well, I saw the distress that it placed upon you. And he said, I was willing to spare your feelings and spare your embarrassment, so I did not call upon you anymore. To which Jackson replied, listen, yes, but my comfort or discomfort is not the question. If it is my duty to lead my brethren in prayer, then I must persevere in it until I learn to do it right. And I wish you to discard all consideration of my feelings of the matter and call upon me. Later on, Dr. White did call upon him and he did lead the church in public prayer and he kept doing so until he became imminent in public praying as well as private praying. Here's a man who said, I'm going to control my emotions, and I'm going to do my duty regardless of my feelings. Stonewall Jackson was married twice.

[John Weaver] His first wife, Eleanor Junkin, died suddenly only after 14 months of marriage. And Stonewall was most concerned that he did not question God's wisdom or God's justice in taking his wife, and he was also most concerned that he would always have a Christian attitude in regard to the death of his wife. And so very obviously, throughout the whole ordeal, he never for a moment lost the dignity of a Christian in grieving for his wife.

[John Weaver] He understood 1 Thessalonians 4 and verse 13, where Paul said, but I would have not have you ignorant brethren concerning them which are asleep, that you sorrow not as others who have no hope. If I said nothing else, and I've got a lot to say, but if I said nothing else, does not Stonewall Jackson's self-control rebuke us? Just stop and think how impatient we are, and we scream and murmur and complain when things do not go our way, and when things do not go the way that we plan. We're so impatient, and we're so out of control, just thinking about the grace of God in His life should convict us.

[John Weaver] One of my greatest sins is impatience, and I know that. I used to tell people, though I still do, I hate railroads and railroad tracks. You know, Even trying to come to church this morning, train, blocking the road, standing still. And when you get to this railroad track and you see four or five engines, you know that train is a mile or two long and you just have to sit there. Now, I've learned to pray while I sit there. But if I had a book with me, it wouldn't bother me, you know. But I always tell people, if there's ever another revolution, I want to be the one that blows up the railroad tracks and the trains, you know, just because I despise them, you know. I know they're necessary, and you know I'm teasing, but I'm just saying, are we not all like that to a certain extent? How impatient we are.

[John Weaver] After Stonewall's first wife died, he took a trip. In fact, he took a cruise after her death. And it was a cruise that lasted for a number of months. He had scheduled to be back on time for his classes at VMI, Virginia Military Institute. But when the time came for school to start and for Stonewall to be teaching his classes, Stonewall was not there. One week passed, two weeks passed, three weeks passed, and finally the ship came living in. Stonewall's first visit was to his deceased wife's parents and family. And while he was there, one of his sister-in-laws said this after they excitedly hugged each other.

[John Weaver] She said, but Major, have you not been miserable? Have you not been perfectly wretched since the beginning of the month? Why, no, he answered in amazement. Why should I be? Well, she replied, you know that you're so dreadfully punctual and the session had begun and the time you promised to return had passed and we suppose that you were beside yourself with impatience. By no means, he replied. I had set out to return at the proper time.

[John Weaver] I had done my duty. The steamer was delayed by an act of divine providence. I was perfectly satisfied. I usually tell people the way I was raised, if you're not 15 minutes early, you're late. And that's a fact. I hate, I hate not being on time. I despise it. Let me just show you why very quickly. Suppose Henry and I agree to meet tomorrow at 10 a.m. And Henry shows up at 1030.

[John Weaver] Stop and think about this. Henry has just stolen 30 minutes of my time. It's theft.

[John Weaver] Now, when God sovereignly delays you, that's one thing. But if you're not on time just simply because of your own laziness or your lack of planning, then that's sin. And Stonewall said, no, I was perfectly satisfied. When the drums of war began to beat very loudly, Jackson was discussing the inevitability of the war with a friend who was visiting with him and who spent the night with Jackson. After a frank and open discussion that war was inevitable, both of them went to bed. When his friend awoke the next morning, he was depressed and melancholy, and he was surprised to see Jackson as cheerful as ever. Explaining his own anxieties and his own depression, he asked Jackson how he could remain so calm and cheerful in light of the fact that he knew that war was imminent. Jackson replied, Why should the peace of a true Christian be disturbed by anything which man can do unto him?

[John Weaver] Has not God promised to make all things work together for good to them that love Him? He wasn't upset. He trusted in God. Stonewall evidenced self-control even in his great and plentiful victories. Many of these victories would have caused most men to gloat, to boast, and to brag. Stonewall remarried. He married Anna Morrison. And during the war, He wrote to Anna and he said this, listen carefully. Yesterday we fought a great battle and gained a great victory for which all the glory is due to God alone.

[John Weaver] Though under a heavy fire for several continuous hours, I only received one wound, the breaking of the largest finger on my left hand. But the doctor says the finger can be saved. My horse was wounded but not killed. My coat got an ugly wound near the hip. My preservation was entirely due, as was the glorious victory, to our God, to whom be all the glory, honor, and praise. While great credit is due to other parts of our gallant army, God made my brigade the more instrumental than any other in repulsing the attack. Now listen, let this be for your information only. Say nothing about it. Let another speak praise, and not myself. So here Stonewall was saying, boy, God used me. And God used my brigade. But this is just for your information. Don't say anything about it to anybody.

[John Weaver] You know, he understood a principle. In Proverbs 20 and verse 6, the Bible says, most men will proclaim everyone his own goodness, but a faithful man who can find. And then the scripture in Proverbs 27 in verse 2 says this, Let another man praise thee, and not thine own mouth, a stranger, and not thine own lips. And so Stonewall, even in the realm of his great victories, exercised self-control.

[John Weaver] He was not going to brag or boast, and whatever he did, he gave honor and glory to God for what God had done. During the entire war, Of course, he died before the war was over, but during the entire war, while he was alive, he never took a furlough. He never took time off. He was encouraged to take one, but he did not. Now, his wife, Anna, and their daughter did visit him some, but he refused to take a furlough. When he was encouraged to obtain one, here's what he said, I can't be absent, as my attention is necessary in preparing my troops for hard fighting. Should it be required, and as my officers and soldiers are not permitted to visit their wives and families, I ought not to see mine.

[John Weaver] It might make the troops feel that they are being badly treated and that I consult my own comfort regardless of theirs. Every officer and soldier who is able to do duty ought to be busily engaged in military preparation by hard drilling in order that through the blessing of God, we may be victorious in the battles, which in his all wise providence may await us. If the war is carried on with vigor, I think under the blessing of God, it will not last long.

[John Weaver] Here's a man who said, I love my wife and I love my child, but I'm not going to ask for a furlough. Other men can't get them. And I'm not going to make the men think that I prefer my own comfort over their comfort. When Stonewall was wronged by the powers above him, He still maintained his self-control. He did not whine, complain, or bellyache. He simply offered his resignation.

[John Weaver] What had happened was the government at Richmond, Virginia had endeavored to move his troops from a desk in Richmond without any first-hand knowledge of the battlefield condition and without consulting him. And so Stonewall then simply offered his resignation now no one wanted him to resign not even the governor and so the governor sent an ambassador to Stonewall to ask him not to resign to which Stonewall said this concerning the order he said the order was given without consulting me it is abandoning to the enemy what has cost much preparation, expense, and exposure to secure.

[John Weaver] It is in direct conflict with my military plans. It implies a warrant of confidence in my capacity to judge when General Loring's troops should fall back, and it is an attempt to control military operations in detail from the secretary's desk at a distance." He also added that he had no personal grudge to satisfy, though he believed he was wronged. He did not lodge a complaint against the Secretary of War. He believed the Secretary of War was a firm man and a considerate man and that he must infer from that order that it was going to be an example of his intended system of management to which General Jackson could not submit.

[John Weaver] And so therefore he just merely offered his resignation. Now I want to show you something. His self-control in this incident exemplifies biblical truth. I want you to listen carefully. Proverbs 16 in verse 32. God says, he that is slow to anger is better than the mighty. And he that ruleth his spirit than he that taketh the city. God says, if you are slow to anger, you're better than the mighty. If you ruled your own spirit, You have a greater ability than the greatest warrior who's able to capture an entire city. Stonewall was ruling his spirit. In Proverbs 20, 25 and verse 28, the scripture says this, He who hath no rule over his own spirit is like a city broken down without walls. Now, let me tell you something. If a city is broken down without walls, you can walk in, get what you want and walk out. If you can control your spirit, listen carefully. If you can control your spirit, I cannot make you angry. I cannot upset you. I cannot make you mad.

[John Weaver] I cannot make you jealous. I can't do anything to you. If you can control your spirit. If you can't control your spirit, then I can control you. It's just that simple. And Stonewall understood this. And guess what happened? The odious order was rescinded. And when the order was rescinded, Jackson withdrew his resignation. After the incident was over, he forgot it. He did not hold a grudge. He did not try to retaliate. He did not hold any animosity toward the Secretary of War.

[John Weaver] He stood on principle and he did not allow his emotions to rule him. You've got to remember that Stonewall Jackson was a man who was very deliberate. He did not do things in General Banks, the Union General, was in that area and Stonewall was planning on attacking General Banks and just wiping him out, he and his men. But then Stonewall got the information that General Shields, with a large body of troops, was marching rapidly to reinforce General Banks. Dabney records that when Stonewall got that information he was in his tent.

[John Weaver] And he said he instantly started pacing back and forth and he said out loud, but let me think. May I not execute my purpose still? He said at that particular point his hand went to the hilt of his sword. Dabney said fire was shooting out of his eyes. He said, finally, he released the hilt of the sword and he said, no, no, I must not do it. It may cost the lives of too many of my brave men. I must retreat and wait for a better time.

[John Weaver] He was not going to be provoked. He was not going to be pushed into doing something that he knew that he should not do. Jackson always seemed to be in control. He would never allow his desires or his emotions to force his hand.

[John Weaver] Now, let me ask you a question. How different is General Jackson from us? Do you realize that most of us live by our feelings, live by our emotions? We're not run by principle. Well, why were you not in church last Sunday? Oh, I just didn't feel like going. Oh. So now your feelings determine what's right and what's wrong, what you should do and what you should not do. Well, why didn't you fulfill your duty today? Why didn't you work? Why didn't you do? Well, I just didn't feel like doing it. God demands that we run our lives by principle, not by feelings, not by emotions, not by circumstances, not by situations.

[John Weaver] You do what you're required to do. Now I want to show you, I want to show you how greatly Stonewall Jackson's self-control really was. I want you to turn in your Bibles. I want to show you some verses first. I want you to turn. to the book of Deuteronomy chapter 19. Stonewall Jackson was one of the most loving, kind, gracious, and compassionate men that you will ever meet. But Stonewall Jackson would never allow his tenderness, his loving kindness, or His mercy to be out of control.

[John Weaver] He always even kept those things within their proper bounds. For instance, Deuteronomy chapter 19, look if you would please beginning there with verse 12. Look what God says. This is about the avenger of blood. Here's a man that is a murderer and he flees to the city of refuge. There's a trial that is held. And the murderer is found guilty. And so he's handed over to the city of refuge. I mean, he's handed over to the avenger of blood. So, Deuteronomy chapter 19 verse 12, Then the elders of his city shall send and fetch him thence, that's the murderer, and deliver him into the hand of the avenger of blood, that he may die. Now look what God says, Thine eye shall not pity him. But thou shalt put away the guilt of innocent blood from Israel, that it may go well with thee. Thine eye shall not pity him.

[John Weaver] I have heard people say, boy, I pity those murderers on death row. I don't. God says there are some times you are to have no pity. You are to have no mercy. You are to have no sympathy. I want you to look in 2 Chronicles chapter 19. I could multiply. illustrations here, but these two will be sufficient. Look in 2 Chronicles 19 and verse 2. 2 Chronicles 19 and verse 2. I want you to note what happens. 2 Chronicles 19 and we'll read verse 1. Jehoshaphat is the king. Watch what happens. Jehoshaphat, the king of Judah, returned to his house in peace to Jerusalem. And Jehu, the son of Hanani, the seer, went out to meet him and said to the king, to king Jehoshaphat, shouldest thou help the ungodly and love them that hate the Lord, therefore is wrath upon thee from before the Lord. Now, what Jehoshaphat had done, he had gone up to help the king of Israel. The king of Israel was a wicked reprobate.

[John Weaver] And here's what Anani is saying. Jehoshaphat, you've got to understand something. There are some people you cannot have mercy upon. There are some people you cannot be sympathetic toward. There are some people that you absolutely cannot help. Dr. Hunter McGuire was Stonewall Jackson's personal physician. He was with Stonewall daily for two years. And Dr. McGuire said this, that which impressed him more greatly concerning Stonewall Jackson than anything else was his tenderness, his love, his sympathy. He said it impressed him far more than his great prowess as a warrior. Now I'm telling you this so I can tell you what Stonewall said and what Stonewall did so that you can understand it in the context.

[John Weaver] You see, there was a time during a retreat when the Union batteries were shelling the Confederate rear as the Confederate Army was withdrawing. Since those shells were hitting among some of the Confederate soldiers, It threw them in temporary confusion. The Union cavalry noticed that. And they made a charge into the rear of the Confederate ranks. Well, General Turner Ashby saw what was coming down. So he took a number of soldiers. Some were on horses. He dismounted them.

[John Weaver] The others he lined up behind trees and rocks. And as the Union cavalry came through, they unleashed a torrent of fire upon these Yankee cavalrymen. They were running so fast that their momentum carried them past Ashby's men to the next regiment which was commanded by Colonel Patton. Colonel Patton saw what was happening. He had his men lined up. And when the few Yankee cavalrymen that got through, Turner Ashby's men, when they got to Colonel Patton's men, they were all mowed down or captured except for one man. Out of the entire Yankee cavalry charge, only one man escaped with his life. All the rest were either killed or captured. Now, Colonel Patton was giving a report to General Jackson, and he just made the statement as he was giving the report that he saw the party of his foes shot down with regret. Jackson took note of it, but he finished taking the official report. And when he had finished taking the official report, he looked at Colonel Patton And he asked, Colonel, why do you say that you saw those Federal soldiers fall with regret?

[John Weaver] To which Patton answered, they exhibited more vigor and courage than anything which had been attempted by any part of the Federal Army and that natural sympathy with brave men led me to wish that in the fortunes of the fight, their lives might have been spared. To which Jackson replied, No, kill them all. I don't want any of them to be brave. You say, how can he say that?

[John Weaver] Well, let me tell you something else. On another occasion, he saw a brave Union soldier upon his horse, and Jackson told his men, shoot the brave officers, and the cowards will flee, taking the rest of the men with them. Now, let me tell you something. There is indeed a time for tenderness and mercy. But not during the heat of battle. Do you understand that the more quickly and the more decisively a victory is won, the less lives will be lost? And Jackson understood that.

[John Weaver] He was a tender man, he was a compassionate man, he was a sympathetic man. But he understood that even our sympathies, our mercies, our tenderness had to be controlled as well. That's why God said, concerning the murder of thine, I shall not pity him. That's why God said, if any man will not work, what? Neither should he eat. I have no pity. I have no sympathy on someone who's too lazy and slothful to work.

[John Weaver] Now if a man has lost his job, not due to any problem in his life, I don't mind helping him. I don't mind helping someone who's sick. I don't mind helping someone who's in need, in a real general and genuine need. But just to help somebody who's... I was in Los Angeles, California. And I was preaching there and I was writing with the pastor. And here's a man standing with a cardboard piece of paper that said, Help, destitute, need money. And I looked at the pastor, I said, Do you ever give to these people? He said, No. He said, They make more money than I do. He said, Some of these people make over $100,000 a year. begging.

[John Weaver] Alice and I, for I don't know how many, four or five years in a row, where were we, what state was that? California. Saw this one woman with her children out with this Volkswagen bus, help, broke down, need gas money. She'd been there five years with the same sign and the same children. That's what she did. I'm just saying you have to understand that there are times that your sympathy and your tenderness have to be controlled. You can't just give to people who are wicked and wrong and are basically stealing.

[John Weaver] But in every area of his life, Jackson evidenced and exhibited the grace of self-control. He did add to his knowledge temperance or self-control. However, let me point this out. There was one time, one time that the poised, collected, cool, and controlled General Jackson said he had no control. You remember at Chancellorsville, he was wounded. Shot several times. One of them, one of the bullets broke the bone, shattered the bone in his left arm. Another one hit him here, another hit here. They were carrying Jackson off the battlefield on a litter, on a stretcher.

[John Weaver] Four men running, trying to get him to a waiting ambulance. Lieutenant Smith's foot got caught in a vine And he tripped. And as he tripped, he dropped his end of the litter. And General Jackson hit the ground on that already broken, emaciated arm, renewing the flow of blood. Jackson let out one piteous groan. Lieutenant Smith said, General Jackson, are you all right? Jackson replied, Mr. Smith, do not concern yourself about me." They got him into the ambulance. They got him to the hospital where his arm was amputated.

[John Weaver] And later after he had regained his thoughts, he was telling Beverly Tucker Lacy, who was his chaplain, this. Listen carefully. After a little while, he said that he thought when he fell from the litter, that he should die upon the field. And he was able to give himself up in the hands of his heavenly Father without a fear. He declared that he was in possession of perfect peace while expecting immediate death. It has been, he said, a precious experience to me that I was brought face to face with death and found all was well. I then learned an important lesson that one who has been the subject of converting grace and is the child of God can in the midst of the severest sufferings, fix the thoughts upon God and heavenly things, and derive great comfort and peace, but that one who has never made his peace with God would be unable to control his mind under such sufferings.

[John Weaver] So as to understand properly the way of salvation and repent and believe on Christ, I felt, said Jackson, that if I had neglected the salvation of my soul before, it would have been too late then. He had no control. He was in such pain, such suffering, his mind could not understand what was being said, he said, if he was being witnessed to or preached to. So the gallant, self-controlled Stonewall Jackson admitted at the time of his death that it is possible to be in so much pain that one is unable to control his mind or his thoughts.

[John Weaver] Now let me make just a couple of applications. The first one is this. We must understand and see with Stonewall the fallacy of putting off salvation. We must understand that God has not promised us another day. Are you listening? God has not even promised us an easy death. I've heard people say, well, I'm going to repent and believe right before I die. First of all, repentance does not belong to you and faith does not belong to you. They're the gift of God. And if God doesn't give it to you, you don't have it. And secondly, how do you know that you're going to be in possession of your mind? before you die. You don't know that. You see, the Bible says in Acts 17 verses 13, 31, and the times of this ignorance God winked at, but now commanded all men everywhere to repent. Why does God command every man to repent? Here's why. Because He, God, hath appointed a day in which He, God, will judge the world in righteousness by that man, Jesus Christ, whom He hath ordained, whereof He hath given assurance unto all men, in that He hath raised Him from the dead.

[John Weaver] So just as surely as God has raised Jesus Christ from the dead, He's going to judge every man by Jesus Christ. It is insane. and wicked as well as demonstrating a lack of self-control to put off seeking Christ for salvation. God does not promise us another day or an easy death. I've known people who went into a coma, never awoke. You put off seeking Christ. And you are the one who will suffer for your lack of obedience and your lack of self-control.

[John Weaver] The second application is this. We must learn to live by principles and not by emotions or feelings. Do right because it's right. to do right. Principles never change. Your feelings change every day. I woke up with sinus. I can feel it. I don't like it. I can't speak well with all the drainage. And yet at the same time, the principle that I'm to live by does not change. no matter how I feel, whether I feel good or bad. We have to learn to live by principles. The third application is this.

[John Weaver] Self-control is not only a grace and a fruit that must be added to our lives, it is a virtue that must be learned and increased with patience and practice. The only way that you really gain self-control, other than by the grace and the power of God, is by patience and by practice. I will not allow my emotions or my thoughts or my feelings to run wild. I will control them in every instance, in every circumstance. And as you do here, and here, and here, and here, pretty soon you develop a habit of self-control. It's something that must be learned and added to our faith. And I would say this, every time I think of Stonewall Jackson and the way he controlled himself, I'm convicted in my own life.

[John Weaver] because I see where I fail. And I hope you see where you fail and that you see your need of the Christian grace of self-control. Father, in the name of Jesus Christ, we do bow to Thee this day. We thank You for Your love, for Your grace, for Your mercy, Your goodness and kindness. And help us, Lord, to learn and to emulate the graces in good and godly men. The Apostle Paul said, follow me as I follow the Lord Jesus Christ. There's nothing wrong with following men who follow Christ. We know, Father, that Jesus Christ is our most excellent example, but he's also given us others to whom we can look just for encouragement. And we're thankful, Father, for the self-control that was exhibited in the life of Stonewall Jackson. Help us today to be more holy, more godly. In Christ's name we pray. Amen.

Stonewall Jackson and the Christian Grace of Self Control

John Weaver | YouTube

Lecture Metadata	Details
Speaker	John Weaver
Source	YouTube
Media ID	knsew6CQGLM
Subject	New Testament Studies
Course	Romans: Assurance, Providence, and Life in the Spirit: Walking With God
Genre	Sermon
Date	2013-07-22
Dictation Name
Book	Book 132: Romans: Assurance, Providence, and Life in the Spirit — Chapter 4
Source Timed Segments	72

Formatted Transcript

Introduction: The Biblical Call to Self-Control

Weaver introduces the topic by reading 1 Corinthians 9:24-27 and 2 Peter 1:6, explaining that temperance means self-control. He notes that self-control is often advised but seldom practiced due to selfishness.

Title of the message is Stonewall Jackson and the Christian Grace of Self-Control. So look in 1 Corinthians 9, verse 24:

Scripture Reading — 1 Corinthians 9:24-27

"Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain. And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible. I therefore so run, not as uncertainly; so fight I, not as one that beateth the air: but I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway."

Now, I want you to hold this passage and turn right over to 1 Peter chapter 1 and look at verse 6. 1 Peter chapter 1 and verse 6. I'm sorry, 2 Peter chapter 1 and verse 6. 2 Peter chapter 1 and verse 6. Here the Apostle Peter is telling us as Christians what we're to add to our faith, and in verse 6 of 2 Peter chapter 1, he says this: "And to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness."

Now read this passage because I want you to understand that the word "temperance" here is actually the word "self-control" as well. Self-control is a term that is easily pronounced. It is often given as advice, but it is very seldom acted upon. Self-control is a virtue that everyone wishes to possess, but no one wishes to exercise. And the reason we do not wish to exercise self-control is simply because we're selfish and we want what we want when we want it. I've heard people say, "I want it and I want it right now."

The Meaning and Importance of Self-Control in Scripture

Weaver defines the Greek word *egkrateia* and lists biblical references showing self-control as a fruit of the Spirit, a Christian grace, a pastoral qualification, and a characteristic for older men.

Scripture Reading — Galatians 5:23

Now I'm talking about self-control. I want you to understand that self-control in the Bible is listed under the terms "temperate" and "temperance." You could say they are synonyms. The Greek word for self-control is *egkrateia*, which literally means to be strong in a thing, to have mastery over, to be self-controlled. So, when we're talking about self-control, we're talking about having mastery over yourself. According to the Word of God, temperance is indeed a fruit of the Spirit, and you'll find that in Galatians 5 and verse 23. Temperance, or self-control, is also a Christian grace that is to be added to our biblical character in 2 Peter 1 and verse 6. Moreover, according to Titus 1 and verse 8, self-control is a qualification for a pastor. But it may also surprise you that in Titus 2 and verse 2, self-control is to be a characteristic of aged men. Old men. Older men. So obviously, there is a great deal in the Bible about self-control. But when you look at 1 Corinthians chapter 9, the Apostle Paul says in verse 24—and this is the classic passage on self-control.

He says, "Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize?" Now look what he says: there's only going to be one winner, so run that you may obtain.

Stonewall Jackson's Early Training in Self-Control

Weaver recounts how Jackson's uncle Cummings raised him with an emphasis on self-government, and how at West Point Jackson demonstrated patient, thorough mastery of subjects, preferring substance over name.

It was Stonewall Jackson's uncle, Cummings Jackson, that helped mold and develop young Thomas' character. I don't know if you remember or not, but Stonewall's father had died earlier, his mother died when he was seven years old. So after that he went to live with his uncle Cummings, and Cummings then took the young boy and raised him and taught him. I want to just give you two quick quotes by Dabney. You must remember that Robert L. Dabney was aide-de-camp to Stonewall Jackson. Robert L. Dabney was a Presbyterian pastor, a theologian, a scholar. And here's what he said concerning the raising of Stonewall Jackson. When he went to live with his uncle Cummings, he said this: "He received all the privileges of a son of the family. The relation existing between him and his uncle was, from the first, remarkable."

"He treated the little boy more as a companion than as a child, soothing for him all the ruggedness of his nature, imparting to him his plans and thoughts as though he was an equal or counselor, making him his delighted pupil in the rural arts in which he himself was an unrivaled adept, and always rather requesting than demanding his compliance with the discipline of the household. The child was stimulated to work for his own self-government at a very early period and left to an independence of action more suited for a man, but he did not disappoint his uncle's confidence. His peculiar method with the boy may be perhaps accounted for in part by the singular temperament of the race passionately attached to the idea of independence." "...in part by the relaxation of parental restraints which usually prevailed in new countries and partly by the profound sagacity of the guardian who saw at a glance the noble nature with which he had to deal." In other words, here is a young boy that is being taught from seven years old the absolute importance of self-control. When Stonewall Jackson went to West Point, there he demonstrated the consistency of self-control over and over.

In fact, Dabney says this: "Thomas showed no quickness of aptitude for any of his studies except arithmetic. In this, he always outstripped his schoolmates seemingly without effort. In all other branches, his acquisitions were made only by patient labor." Now, young people, I want you to listen. "If he professed to be prepared for a recitation, all might be certain that he was thoroughly prepared from the first. The intense honesty of his nature and the sober judgment with which he preferred the substance to the name of an acquisition were singular. Nothing could induce him to leave a lesson behind him unmastered."

Now let me just stop right here. I'm going to finish the quote momentarily. But I want you to note that he preferred the substance to the name of an acquisition. He was not satisfied with just having the name; he wanted the substance. If you were to take this and apply it today, I could give you a number of illustrations. I know people who have graduated from college. They have a degree and they can't teach their way out of a wet paper bag. They just simply got the degree. That's all they wanted. I know people that have black belts in the martial arts; they can't fight. I know people who claim to be expert marksmen who really cannot even shoot. Here's what is being emphasized. Stonewall did not want a title. Stonewall did not want the name. Stonewall wanted the substance. He wanted reality. Now listen to this. This is amazing.

"If he had not been able to finish a previous lesson at the same time with his classmates, he would continue to study the old lesson while they proceeded to the next. And when called upon for his share of the succeeding or the new recitation, he would flatly declare that he knew nothing about it, that he had not yet had time to begin it, and that all of his time had been occupied upon the other. He was thus not seldom nominally behind his class, but listen to this, but whatever he once gained was his forever." "His knowledge, though limited, was perfect as far as it went. His temperament at that time was cheerful, amiable and generous, and his demeanor instinctively courteous; his truthfulness was at all times proverbial." So what he studied, he grasped. What he studied, he understood. He may have been behind the others, but in the end, he was probably far ahead of the others, simply because they may have had the name, but not necessarily the substance.

Self-Control in Moral and Physical Realms

Weaver provides examples of Jackson's abstinence from stimulants, his refusal of brandy, and his control over appetite. He also describes Jackson fleeing temptation from beautiful women in Mexico, applying 2 Timothy 2:22.

During the winter of 1862, when Stonewall was reconnoitering in front of the enemy, when a fire was absolutely out of the question, he became chilled. In fact, he became so chilled that his medical attendant was concerned for him. And he urged him to take some type of stimulant. They could not have a fire. And the only thing that was available was some brandy or some other spirits. And so the doctor just insisted that Stonewall take some to prevent him becoming sick. So finally Stonewall consented. And as he took the brandy, he began to drink it down and make all kinds of faces and sounds and almost gagged. And the doctor said, "I'm sorry, General Jackson. Is it that unpleasant?" To which Jackson replied, "No, no, I like it. I always did."

"That's why I never touch the stuff." And then on another occasion, Jackson had been walking with a brother officer, who also was a godly man, and at the termination of their walk, since they were tired, the other godly officer suggested to Jackson that they have a glass of brandy and water in light of their fatigue, to which Jackson replied, "No," said Jackson, "I'm much obliged, but I never use it. I'm more afraid of it than federal bullets." Now, the point I'm trying to make is this: Jackson's strength was in the fact that he was afraid of temptation. Jackson knew his weaknesses and he would not yield in those areas where he knew that he was weak. And consequently then his weaknesses became his strength. Jackson always had absolute control over himself even in regard to food. He controlled his appetite.

He had very little sympathy for people who overindulged or who ate things that they should not eat. I've heard people say, and you have too, "Well, I'm going to eat this because I like it, but I know that I'll pay for it later." Well, I know this is not good for me, but I want it. I'm going to eat it anyhow. You've heard people say that. Jackson had no sympathy for anyone who overindulged or ate things they should not. And when those around him complained of having headaches and stomach problems in consequence of their indulgence, he said this: "Do as I do. Govern yourself absolutely and you will not suffer. My head never aches. If a thing disagrees with me, I never eat it." He knew what he could eat and what he could not eat. When Jackson was in Mexico, his self-control was exhibited in two distinct ways.

Scripture Reading — 2 Timothy 2:22

One was in regard to beautiful women, and the other was in regard to military danger. While he was in Mexico during the war with Mexico, there was one Spanish family there that extended hospitality to Stonewall on a regular basis. He was always grateful for the hospitality and he always thanked and admired the family. But Stonewall reluctantly and positively discontinued his visits to that home. He would not go back to that home no matter how much he enjoyed their hospitality and no matter how good of friends he was with the man who owned that home. Later, when Stonewall was asked why he ceased visiting that home, here's what he said with a blush: that he found the fascination of some of the female charms which he met there was more likely to become too strong for his prudence unless he escaped them in due time. Now, let me just point this out. Do you realize Stonewall was observing a biblical principle? Did you know that the Apostle Paul wrote Timothy in 2 Timothy chapter 2 and verse 22 and he told Timothy, "Flee youthful lusts." And when Paul wrote that to Timothy, Timothy was probably in his forties. Flee youthful lusts.

Now I want you to watch this. If it refers to lust, our duty is to flee. Get out of there. Get out of the way. If Satan is bothering us, according to the book of James chapter 4 and verse 7, the Bible says,

Scripture Reading — James 4:7

"Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you."

So when it comes to the devil, it's fight. Resist him, and he'll flee from you. When it comes to the world, the Bible says in 1 John 5 and verse 4, "For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith." So watch these three things. If it's lust or temptation, flee. If it's Satan, fight! If it's the world, faith.

Self-Control in Duty and Adversity

Weaver illustrates Jackson's self-control in military danger, public prayer, grief over his first wife's death, and delayed travel, showing his submission to duty and divine providence.

And when Stonewall said those women were too beautiful and too charming for him, and unless he escaped in due time, he was being careful that he did not sin against God. He was controlling himself. During the war with Mexico also, Stonewall was in charge of a section of artillery for which all practical purposes was totally disabled. Many of his men and his animals had been killed. And Stonewall only had a couple of artillery pieces that were functioning. And it looked like the Mexicans were going to overwhelm him. And so he continued to man those guns and keep firing on the approaching Mexicans until finally they turned to run and go back within the gates of the city. And when Stonewall saw that, he just simply took those artillery pieces and he attached them to the limbers of the ammunition box, followed more closely, and then continued to fire upon the retreating Mexicans.

Years later, when he was teaching at Virginia Military Institute, this scenario came up and one of his students asked him, "Major," he was a major at that particular time, he said, "Major, why did you not run when your command was disabled?" Stonewall smiled and said, "I was not ordered to do so. Had I been ordered to run, I would have run. But I was ordered to hold my position and I had no right to abandon it." Now can you imagine, in the face of overwhelming odds, in the face of danger, he still held his position. Stonewall Jackson's pastor, Dr. White, encouraged all of his men to lead in public devotions and in public prayer. Stonewall, at this particular time, had never really prayed publicly. So he came to his pastor and he said this: "You're my pastor and the spiritual guide of the church. And if you think it my duty to pray, then I shall waive my reluctance and make the effort to lead in prayer however painful." So just a short time later, Dr. White called on Stonewall Jackson to lead in public prayer. And Stonewall Jackson arose to do so and he found it so painful to himself and so embarrassing to himself and to the church. But he finally made it through his first public prayer. Dr. White saw the distress that was placed upon Stonewall in leading with prayer. And for the next several weeks, he was not called on to pray anymore. Finally, Stonewall approached his pastor. And he asked him why he had not been called on to pray anymore.

And Dr. White said to him, "Well, I saw the distress that it placed upon you." And he said, "I was willing to spare your feelings and spare your embarrassment, so I did not call upon you anymore." To which Jackson replied, "Yes, but my comfort or discomfort is not the question. If it is my duty to lead my brethren in prayer, then I must persevere in it until I learn to do it right. And I wish you to discard all consideration of my feelings of the matter and call upon me." Later on, Dr. White did call upon him and he did lead the church in public prayer and he kept doing so until he became eminent in public praying as well as private praying. Here's a man who said, "I'm going to control my emotions, and I'm going to do my duty regardless of my feelings." Stonewall Jackson was married twice.

His first wife, Eleanor Junkin, died suddenly only after 14 months of marriage. And Stonewall was most concerned that he did not question God's wisdom or God's justice in taking his wife, and he was also most concerned that he would always have a Christian attitude in regard to the death of his wife. And so very obviously, throughout the whole ordeal, he never for a moment lost the dignity of a Christian in grieving for his wife. He understood 1 Thessalonians 4 and verse 13, where Paul said,

Scripture Reading — 1 Thessalonians 4:13

"But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope."

If I said nothing else, and I've got a lot to say, but if I said nothing else, does not Stonewall Jackson's self-control rebuke us? Just stop and think how impatient we are, and we scream and murmur and complain when things do not go our way, and when things do not go the way that we plan. We're so impatient, and we're so out of control, just thinking about the grace of God in his life should convict us.

One of my greatest sins is impatience, and I know that. I used to tell people, though I still do, I hate railroads and railroad tracks. You know, even trying to come to church this morning, train, blocking the road, standing still. And when you get to this railroad track and you see four or five engines, you know that train is a mile or two long and you just have to sit there. Now, I've learned to pray while I sit there. But if I had a book with me, it wouldn't bother me, you know. But I always tell people, if there's ever another revolution, I want to be the one that blows up the railroad tracks and the trains, you know, just because I despise them, you know. I know they're necessary, and you know I'm teasing, but I'm just saying, are we not all like that to a certain extent? How impatient we are.

After Stonewall's first wife died, he took a trip. In fact, he took a cruise after her death. And it was a cruise that lasted for a number of months. He had scheduled to be back on time for his classes at VMI, Virginia Military Institute. But when the time came for school to start and for Stonewall to be teaching his classes, Stonewall was not there. One week passed, two weeks passed, three weeks passed, and finally the ship came limping in. Stonewall's first visit was to his deceased wife's parents and family. And while he was there, one of his sisters-in-law said this after they excitedly hugged each other.

She said, "But Major, have you not been miserable? Have you not been perfectly wretched since the beginning of the month?" "Why, no," he answered in amazement. "Why should I be?" "Well," she replied, "you know that you're so dreadfully punctual and the session had begun and the time you promised to return had passed and we supposed that you were beside yourself with impatience." "By no means," he replied. "I had set out to return at the proper time." "I had done my duty. The steamer was delayed by an act of divine providence. I was perfectly satisfied." I usually tell people the way I was raised, if you're not 15 minutes early, you're late. And that's a fact. I hate not being on time. I despise it. Let me just show you why very quickly. Suppose Henry and I agree to meet tomorrow at 10 a.m. And Henry shows up at 10:30.

Self-Control in Victory and Under Authority

Weaver highlights Jackson's refusal to boast after victories, his decision not to take furlough, and his controlled response to a wrongful order from Richmond, citing Proverbs 16:32 and 25:28.

"Has not God promised to make all things work together for good to them that love Him?" He wasn't upset. He trusted in God. Stonewall evidenced self-control even in his great and plentiful victories. Many of these victories would have caused most men to gloat, to boast, and to brag. Stonewall remarried. He married Anna Morrison. And during the war, he wrote to Anna and he said this, listen carefully. "Yesterday we fought a great battle and gained a great victory for which all the glory is due to God alone."

"Though under a heavy fire for several continuous hours, I only received one wound, the breaking of the largest finger on my left hand. But the doctor says the finger can be saved. My horse was wounded but not killed. My coat got an ugly wound near the hip. My preservation was entirely due, as was the glorious victory, to our God, to whom be all the glory, honor, and praise. While great credit is due to other parts of our gallant army, God made my brigade the more instrumental than any other in repulsing the attack." Now listen, "Let this be for your information only. Say nothing about it. Let another speak praise, and not myself." So here Stonewall was saying, boy, God used me. And God used my brigade. But this is just for your information. Don't say anything about it to anybody.

You know, he understood a principle. In Proverbs 20 and verse 6, the Bible says,

Scripture Reading — Proverbs 20:6

"Most men will proclaim every one his own goodness: but a faithful man who can find?"

And then the scripture in Proverbs 27 and verse 2 says this: "Let another man praise thee, and not thine own mouth; a stranger, and not thine own lips." And so Stonewall, even in the realm of his great victories, exercised self-control. He was not going to brag or boast, and whatever he did, he gave honor and glory to God for what God had done. During the entire war—of course, he died before the war was over—but during the entire war, while he was alive, he never took a furlough. He never took time off. He was encouraged to take one, but he did not. Now, his wife, Anna, and their daughter did visit him some, but he refused to take a furlough. When he was encouraged to obtain one, here's what he said: "I can't be absent, as my attention is necessary in preparing my troops for hard fighting. Should it be required, and as my officers and soldiers are not permitted to visit their wives and families, I ought not to see mine."

"It might make the troops feel that they are being badly treated and that I consult my own comfort regardless of theirs. Every officer and soldier who is able to do duty ought to be busily engaged in military preparation by hard drilling in order that through the blessing of God, we may be victorious in the battles, which in his all wise providence may await us. If the war is carried on with vigor, I think under the blessing of God, it will not last long." Here's a man who said, "I love my wife and I love my child, but I'm not going to ask for a furlough. Other men can't get them. And I'm not going to make the men think that I prefer my own comfort over their comfort." When Stonewall was wronged by the powers above him, he still maintained his self-control. He did not whine, complain, or bellyache. He simply offered his resignation.

What had happened was the government at Richmond, Virginia had endeavored to move his troops from a desk in Richmond without any first-hand knowledge of the battlefield condition and without consulting him. And so Stonewall then simply offered his resignation. Now no one wanted him to resign, not even the governor, and so the governor sent an ambassador to Stonewall to ask him not to resign, to which Stonewall said this concerning the order: "The order was given without consulting me. It is abandoning to the enemy what has cost much preparation, expense, and exposure to secure." "It is in direct conflict with my military plans. It implies a warrant of confidence in my capacity to judge when General Loring's troops should fall back, and it is an attempt to control military operations in detail from the secretary's desk at a distance." He also added that he had no personal grudge to satisfy, though he believed he was wronged. He did not lodge a complaint against the Secretary of War. He believed the Secretary of War was a firm man and a considerate man and that he must infer from that order that it was going to be an example of his intended system of management to which General Jackson could not submit.

And so therefore he just merely offered his resignation. Now I want to show you something. His self-control in this incident exemplifies biblical truth. I want you to listen carefully. Proverbs 16 and verse 32:

Scripture Reading — Proverbs 16:32

"He that is slow to anger is better than the mighty; and he that ruleth his spirit than he that taketh a city."

God says, if you are slow to anger, you're better than the mighty. If you rule your own spirit, you have a greater ability than the greatest warrior who's able to capture an entire city. Stonewall was ruling his spirit. In Proverbs 25 and verse 28, the scripture says this: "He that hath no rule over his own spirit is like a city that is broken down, and without walls." Now, let me tell you something. If a city is broken down without walls, you can walk in, get what you want and walk out. If you can control your spirit, listen carefully. If you can control your spirit, I cannot make you angry. I cannot upset you. I cannot make you mad.

I cannot make you jealous. I can't do anything to you. If you can control your spirit. If you can't control your spirit, then I can control you. It's just that simple. And Stonewall understood this. And guess what happened? The odious order was rescinded. And when the order was rescinded, Jackson withdrew his resignation. After the incident was over, he forgot it. He did not hold a grudge. He did not try to retaliate. He did not hold any animosity toward the Secretary of War.

He stood on principle and he did not allow his emotions to rule him. You've got to remember that Stonewall Jackson was a man who was very deliberate. He did not do things in haste. General Banks, the Union General, was in that area and Stonewall was planning on attacking General Banks and just wiping him out, he and his men. But then Stonewall got the information that General Shields, with a large body of troops, was marching rapidly to reinforce General Banks. Dabney records that when Stonewall got that information he was in his tent.

Controlled Mercy and Tenderness

Weaver explains that Jackson's compassion was governed by principle, using Deuteronomy 19:12 and 2 Chronicles 19:2 to show that mercy must sometimes be restrained, as in battle.

Now, let me ask you a question. How different is General Jackson from us? Do you realize that most of us live by our feelings, live by our emotions? We're not run by principle. "Well, why were you not in church last Sunday?" "Oh, I just didn't feel like going." Oh. So now your feelings determine what's right and what's wrong, what you should do and what you should not do. "Well, why didn't you fulfill your duty today? Why didn't you work? Why didn't you do?" "Well, I just didn't feel like doing it." God demands that we run our lives by principle, not by feelings, not by emotions, not by circumstances, not by situations.

You do what you're required to do. Now I want to show you how greatly Stonewall Jackson's self-control really was. I want you to turn in your Bibles. I want to show you some verses first. I want you to turn to the book of Deuteronomy chapter 19. Stonewall Jackson was one of the most loving, kind, gracious, and compassionate men that you will ever meet. But Stonewall Jackson would never allow his tenderness, his loving kindness, or his mercy to be out of control.

He always even kept those things within their proper bounds. For instance, Deuteronomy chapter 19, look if you would please beginning there with verse 12. Look what God says. This is about the avenger of blood. Here's a man that is a murderer and he flees to the city of refuge. There's a trial that is held. And the murderer is found guilty. And so he's handed over to the city of refuge—I mean, he's handed over to the avenger of blood. So, Deuteronomy chapter 19 verse 12:

Scripture Reading — Deuteronomy 19:12-13

"Then the elders of his city shall send and fetch him thence, and deliver him into the hand of the avenger of blood, that he may die."

Now look what God says:

Scripture Reading — Deuteronomy 19:12-13

"Thine eye shall not pity him, but thou shalt put away the guilt of innocent blood from Israel, that it may go well with thee."

Thine eye shall not pity him.

I have heard people say, "Boy, I pity those murderers on death row." I don't. God says there are some times you are to have no pity. You are to have no mercy. You are to have no sympathy. I want you to look in 2 Chronicles chapter 19. I could multiply illustrations here, but these two will be sufficient. Look in 2 Chronicles 19 and verse 2. I want you to note what happens. 2 Chronicles 19 and we'll read verse 1:

Scripture Reading — 2 Chronicles 19:1-2

"And Jehoshaphat the king of Judah returned to his house in peace to Jerusalem. And Jehu the son of Hanani the seer went out to meet him, and said to king Jehoshaphat, Shouldest thou help the ungodly, and love them that hate the Lord? therefore is wrath upon thee from before the Lord."

Now, what Jehoshaphat had done, he had gone up to help the king of Israel. The king of Israel was a wicked reprobate.

And here's what Hanani is saying: "Jehoshaphat, you've got to understand something. There are some people you cannot have mercy upon. There are some people you cannot be sympathetic toward. There are some people that you absolutely cannot help." Dr. Hunter McGuire was Stonewall Jackson's personal physician. He was with Stonewall daily for two years. And Dr. McGuire said this: that which impressed him more greatly concerning Stonewall Jackson than anything else was his tenderness, his love, his sympathy. He said it impressed him far more than his great prowess as a warrior. Now I'm telling you this so I can tell you what Stonewall said and what Stonewall did so that you can understand it in the context.

You see, there was a time during a retreat when the Union batteries were shelling the Confederate rear as the Confederate Army was withdrawing. Since those shells were hitting among some of the Confederate soldiers, it threw them in temporary confusion. The Union cavalry noticed that. And they made a charge into the rear of the Confederate ranks. Well, General Turner Ashby saw what was coming down. So he took a number of soldiers. Some were on horses. He dismounted them.

The others he lined up behind trees and rocks. And as the Union cavalry came through, they unleashed a torrent of fire upon these Yankee cavalrymen. They were running so fast that their momentum carried them past Ashby's men to the next regiment which was commanded by Colonel Patton. Colonel Patton saw what was happening. He had his men lined up. And when the few Yankee cavalrymen that got through Turner Ashby's men, when they got to Colonel Patton's men, they were all mowed down or captured except for one man. Out of the entire Yankee cavalry charge, only one man escaped with his life. All the rest were either killed or captured. Now, Colonel Patton was giving a report to General Jackson, and he just made the statement as he was giving the report that he saw the party of his foes shot down with regret. Jackson took note of it, but he finished taking the official report. And when he had finished taking the official report, he looked at Colonel Patton and he asked, "Colonel, why do you say that you saw those Federal soldiers fall with regret?"

To which Patton answered, "They exhibited more vigor and courage than anything which had been attempted by any part of the Federal Army and that natural sympathy with brave men led me to wish that in the fortunes of the fight, their lives might have been spared." To which Jackson replied, "No, kill them all. I don't want any of them to be brave." You say, "How can he say that?" Well, let me tell you something else. On another occasion, he saw a brave Union soldier upon his horse, and Jackson told his men, "Shoot the brave officers, and the cowards will flee, taking the rest of the men with them." Now, let me tell you something. There is indeed a time for tenderness and mercy. But not during the heat of battle. Do you understand that the more quickly and the more decisively a victory is won, the less lives will be lost? And Jackson understood that.

The One Time Jackson Lost Control: His Mortal Wounding

Weaver recounts Jackson's wounding at Chancellorsville, his fall from the litter, and his admission that extreme pain made it impossible to control his thoughts, underscoring the need for prior salvation.

But in every area of his life, Jackson evidenced and exhibited the grace of self-control. He did add to his knowledge temperance or self-control. However, let me point this out. There was one time, one time that the poised, collected, cool, and controlled General Jackson said he had no control. You remember at Chancellorsville, he was wounded. Shot several times. One of them, one of the bullets broke the bone, shattered the bone in his left arm. Another one hit him here, another hit here. They were carrying Jackson off the battlefield on a litter, on a stretcher.

Four men running, trying to get him to a waiting ambulance. Lieutenant Smith's foot got caught in a vine and he tripped. And as he tripped, he dropped his end of the litter. And General Jackson hit the ground on that already broken, emaciated arm, renewing the flow of blood. Jackson let out one piteous groan. Lieutenant Smith said, "General Jackson, are you all right?" Jackson replied, "Mr. Smith, do not concern yourself about me." They got him into the ambulance. They got him to the hospital where his arm was amputated.

And later after he had regained his thoughts, he was telling Beverly Tucker Lacy, who was his chaplain, this. Listen carefully. After a little while, he said that he thought when he fell from the litter, that he should die upon the field. And he was able to give himself up in the hands of his heavenly Father without a fear. He declared that he was in possession of perfect peace while expecting immediate death. "It has been," he said, "a precious experience to me that I was brought face to face with death and found all was well. I then learned an important lesson that one who has been the subject of converting grace and is the child of God can in the midst of the severest sufferings, fix the thoughts upon God and heavenly things, and derive great comfort and peace, but that one who has never made his peace with God would be unable to control his mind under such sufferings."

"So as to understand properly the way of salvation and repent and believe on Christ, I felt," said Jackson, "that if I had neglected the salvation of my soul before, it would have been too late then." He had no control. He was in such pain, such suffering, his mind could not understand what was being said, he said, if he was being witnessed to or preached to. So the gallant, self-controlled Stonewall Jackson admitted at the time of his death that it is possible to be in so much pain that one is unable to control his mind or his thoughts.

Applications: Urgency of Salvation and Living by Principle

Weaver applies the lesson: do not delay repentance, live by principles not feelings, and develop self-control through patience and practice.

Now let me make just a couple of applications. The first one is this. We must understand and see with Stonewall the fallacy of putting off salvation. We must understand that God has not promised us another day. Are you listening? God has not even promised us an easy death. I've heard people say, "Well, I'm going to repent and believe right before I die." First of all, repentance does not belong to you and faith does not belong to you. They're the gift of God. And if God doesn't give it to you, you don't have it. And secondly, how do you know that you're going to be in possession of your mind before you die? You don't know that. You see, the Bible says in Acts 17 verses 30 and 31,

Scripture Reading — Acts 17:30-31

"And the times of this ignorance God winked at; but now commandeth all men every where to repent: Because he hath appointed a day, in the which he will judge the world in righteousness by that man whom he hath ordained; whereof he hath given assurance unto all men, in that he hath raised him from the dead."

So just as surely as God has raised Jesus Christ from the dead, He's going to judge every man by Jesus Christ. It is insane and wicked as well as demonstrating a lack of self-control to put off seeking Christ for salvation. God does not promise us another day or an easy death. I've known people who went into a coma, never awoke. You put off seeking Christ. And you are the one who will suffer for your lack of obedience and your lack of self-control. The second application is this. We must learn to live by principles and not by emotions or feelings. Do right because it's right to do right. Principles never change. Your feelings change every day. I woke up with sinus. I can feel it. I don't like it. I can't speak well with all the drainage. And yet at the same time, the principle that I'm to live by does not change, no matter how I feel, whether I feel good or bad. We have to learn to live by principles. The third application is this.

Self-control is not only a grace and a fruit that must be added to our lives, it is a virtue that must be learned and increased with patience and practice. The only way that you really gain self-control, other than by the grace and the power of God, is by patience and by practice. I will not allow my emotions or my thoughts or my feelings to run wild. I will control them in every instance, in every circumstance. And as you do here, and here, and here, and here, pretty soon you develop a habit of self-control. It's something that must be learned and added to our faith. And I would say this, every time I think of Stonewall Jackson and the way he controlled himself, I'm convicted in my own life.

because I see where I fail. And I hope you see where you fail and that you see your need of the Christian grace of self-control. Father, in the name of Jesus Christ, we do bow to Thee this day. We thank You for Your love, for Your grace, for Your mercy, Your goodness and kindness. And help us, Lord, to learn and to emulate the graces in good and godly men. The Apostle Paul said, "Follow me as I follow the Lord Jesus Christ." There's nothing wrong with following men who follow Christ. We know, Father, that Jesus Christ is our most excellent example, but He's also given us others to whom we can look just for encouragement. And we're thankful, Father, for the self-control that was exhibited in the life of Stonewall Jackson. Help us today to be more holy, more godly. In Christ's name we pray. Amen.

Study Guide

Major Themes

Biblical Definition and Necessity of Self-Control

Summary: Self-control (temperance) is a fruit of the Spirit and a grace to be added to faith, essential for spiritual victory and Christian character.

Evidence: Weaver reads 1 Corinthians 9:24-27 and 2 Peter 1:6, defines *egkrateia*, and cites Galatians 5:23, Titus 1:8, and Titus 2:2.

Self-Control as Mastery Over Desires and Emotions

Summary: Self-control involves bringing the body into subjection and not making provision for the flesh, resisting selfish impulses.

Evidence: Weaver quotes Romans 13:14 and explains that the flesh screams for satisfaction; Paul says 'I keep under my body'.

Stonewall Jackson's Exemplary Self-Control

Summary: Jackson demonstrated self-control from youth through his military career, in education, diet, temptation, duty, grief, and victory.

Evidence: Weaver provides multiple anecdotes: Jackson's study habits, refusal of stimulants, fleeing female charms, holding position in Mexico, controlling grief, and not boasting.

Living by Principle, Not Feelings

Summary: Christians must do right because it is right, not based on fluctuating emotions; Jackson exemplified this in duty and under authority.

Evidence: Weaver contrasts Jackson's calm when delayed by providence with modern impatience, and his response to the wrongful order.

Controlled Mercy and the Limits of Compassion

Summary: Even virtues like tenderness must be governed by principle; there are times when pity is forbidden, as in the case of murderers or in battle.

Evidence: Weaver cites Deuteronomy 19:12-13 and 2 Chronicles 19:2, and recounts Jackson's 'kill them all' response to brave enemies.

The Urgency of Salvation and the Danger of Delay

Summary: Jackson's loss of mental control when dying warns that one may not be able to repent at the last moment; salvation must not be postponed.

Evidence: Weaver quotes Jackson's statement that if he had neglected salvation, it would have been too late, and cites Acts 17:30-31.

Key Arguments

Self-control is a non-negotiable Christian virtue

Summary: The Bible commands temperance as a fruit of the Spirit and a grace to be added; without it, spiritual efforts are futile.

Evidence: Weaver says, 'If there is no self-control, you're just simply beating the air,' referencing 1 Corinthians 9:26.

Self-control must be exercised in all areas of life

Summary: Jackson controlled his diet, moral temptations, emotions, and even his mercy, showing that self-control is comprehensive.

Evidence: Weaver details Jackson's abstinence from stimulants, fleeing lust, and his controlled response to brave enemies.

Self-control is learned through patience and practice

Summary: Like Jackson, believers must repeatedly choose to control their emotions and actions until it becomes a habit.

Evidence: Weaver states, 'The only way that you really gain self-control... is by patience and by practice.'

Living by feelings leads to instability and sin

Summary: When people skip church or duty because they 'don't feel like it,' they are ruled by emotions rather than God's principles.

Evidence: Weaver asks, 'Do you realize that most of us live by our feelings, live by our emotions? We're not run by principle.'

Delaying salvation is foolish and dangerous

Summary: Jackson's experience shows that one may not have mental clarity at death; repentance and faith are gifts from God that must be sought now.

Evidence: Weaver says, 'God has not promised us another day... How do you know that you're going to be in possession of your mind before you die?'

Scripture References

1 Corinthians 9:24-27

Context: Read at the opening as the classic passage on self-control, emphasizing running to obtain the prize and keeping the body under subjection.

2 Peter 1:6

Context: Cited to show that temperance (self-control) is to be added to faith, alongside knowledge, patience, and godliness.

Romans 13:14

Context: Quoted to warn against making provision for the flesh to fulfill its lusts.

Galatians 5:23

Context: Mentioned as listing temperance (self-control) as a fruit of the Spirit.

Titus 1:8

Context: Cited to show self-control is a qualification for a pastor.

Titus 2:2

Context: Cited to show self-control is to be a characteristic of aged men.

2 Timothy 2:22

Context: Referenced when discussing Jackson fleeing youthful lusts; Paul told Timothy to flee them.

James 4:7

Context: Cited to contrast resisting the devil (fight) with fleeing lust; submit to God, resist the devil, and he will flee.

1 John 5:4

Context: Cited to show that overcoming the world is by faith.

1 Thessalonians 4:13

Context: Referenced when discussing Jackson's controlled grief, that Christians sorrow not as those without hope.

Proverbs 20:6

Context: Quoted to illustrate that most men proclaim their own goodness, but a faithful man is rare.

Proverbs 27:2

Context: Quoted to support letting another praise you, not your own mouth.

Proverbs 16:32

Context: Quoted to show that ruling one's spirit is better than taking a city, applied to Jackson's response to the wrongful order.

Proverbs 25:28

Context: Quoted to illustrate that a person without self-control is like a city broken down and without walls.

Deuteronomy 19:12-13

Context: Read to show that God commands no pity for a murderer, illustrating controlled mercy.

2 Chronicles 19:1-2

Context: Read to show that helping the ungodly can bring God's wrath, reinforcing the need for controlled sympathy.

Acts 17:30-31

Context: Quoted in application to urge immediate repentance because God has appointed a day of judgment through Christ.

Historical References

Stonewall Jackson (Thomas J. Jackson)

Context: Confederate General used as the primary example of self-control throughout the sermon.

Cummings Jackson

Context: Stonewall Jackson's uncle who raised him after his parents died and taught him self-government.

Robert L. Dabney

Context: Presbyterian pastor, theologian, and Jackson's aide-de-camp; quoted extensively on Jackson's upbringing and character.

West Point

Context: Where Jackson studied and demonstrated patient, thorough self-discipline in his lessons.

Mexican-American War

Context: Jackson served in Mexico, where he showed self-control with women and in military danger.

Virginia Military Institute (VMI)

Context: Where Jackson taught before the Civil War; mentioned in context of his punctuality and a student's question about Mexico.

Dr. White (Jackson's pastor)

Context: Encouraged Jackson to lead in public prayer; Jackson persevered despite initial embarrassment.

Eleanor Junkin (Jackson's first wife)

Context: Died suddenly after 14 months of marriage; Jackson controlled his grief without questioning God.

Anna Morrison (Jackson's second wife)

Context: Jackson wrote to her about a victory, instructing her to keep his role confidential.

General Banks and General Shields (Union generals)

Context: Jackson planned to attack Banks but retreated when Shields reinforced, controlling his impulse.

Important Quotes

Self-control is a term that is easily pronounced. It is often given as advice, but it is very seldom acted upon.

Significance: Highlights the common gap between knowing about self-control and actually practicing it.

Nothing could induce him to leave a lesson behind him unmastered.

Significance: Illustrates Jackson's thoroughness and self-discipline in education, preferring substance over name.

I can accomplish whatever I will to do.

Significance: Jackson's maxim showing his belief in determined self-control to achieve goals.

I'm more afraid of it than federal bullets.

Significance: Jackson's reason for refusing brandy, demonstrating his fear of temptation and self-control.

Let another speak praise, and not myself.

Significance: Jackson's application of Proverbs 27:2, refusing to boast even in private letters.

He that hath no rule over his own spirit is like a city that is broken down, and without walls.

Significance: Proverbs 25:28 quoted to emphasize the vulnerability of a person lacking self-control.

No, kill them all. I don't want any of them to be brave.

Significance: Jackson's shocking command illustrating that even mercy must be controlled by principle in warfare.

Discussion Questions

In what areas of your life do you find it most difficult to exercise self-control, and how does 1 Corinthians 9:27 challenge you?

Context: Weaver emphasizes bringing the body into subjection; this question applies the passage personally.

How does Stonewall Jackson's approach to mastering lessons (preferring substance over name) apply to our spiritual growth and study of Scripture?

Context: Jackson refused to leave a lesson unmastered; Weaver contrasts this with superficial learning.

Jackson fled from temptation (beautiful women) rather than testing his strength. What practical steps can we take to 'flee youthful lusts' in our own contexts?

Context: Weaver connects Jackson's action to 2 Timothy 2:22 and distinguishes fleeing lust from resisting the devil.

Weaver says we often live by feelings rather than principles. Can you identify a recent decision where you acted on emotion instead of biblical principle?

Context: Weaver contrasts Jackson's principled calm with modern excuses like 'I didn't feel like going to church.'

How do we balance biblical commands to show mercy with passages like Deuteronomy 19:13 that say 'thine eye shall not pity'?

Context: Weaver uses Jackson's 'kill them all' and the avenger of blood to show that mercy must be controlled.

Jackson admitted he could not control his mind under extreme pain. How does this reality affect the urgency of sharing the gospel with others?

Context: Weaver applies Jackson's dying experience to the danger of delaying salvation.

Weaver says self-control is learned through patience and practice. What is one specific area where you can begin practicing self-control this week?

Context: The application section encourages incremental growth in self-control.

Applications

Do not delay seeking salvation

Summary: Because you may not have another day or a clear mind at death, repent and believe on Christ now.

Evidence: Weaver says, 'God has not promised us another day... How do you know that you're going to be in possession of your mind before you die?'

Live by principles, not emotions

Summary: Do right because it is right, regardless of how you feel; principles never change, but feelings do.

Evidence: Weaver states, 'We must learn to live by principles and not by emotions or feelings. Do right because it's right to do right.'

Develop self-control through practice

Summary: Self-control is a virtue that must be learned and increased by repeatedly choosing to control your emotions and actions.

Evidence: Weaver says, 'The only way that you really gain self-control... is by patience and by practice.'

Flee temptation rather than testing your strength

Summary: Like Jackson avoiding the charming women, recognize your weaknesses and remove yourself from tempting situations.

Evidence: Weaver recounts Jackson's discontinuation of visits and applies 2 Timothy 2:22.

Control even good impulses like mercy

Summary: There are times when sympathy must be restrained by principle, as in the case of unrepentant sinners or in battle.

Evidence: Weaver cites Deuteronomy 19:13 and Jackson's 'kill them all' to show that tenderness must be governed.

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deepseek | deepseek-v4-pro | weaver_study | 2026-06-06T08:05:51Z

Clean Transcript

Stonewall Jackson and the Christian Grace of Self Control

Clean readable transcript. This view follows the Commentary.net cleaned segment text while preserving timestamps for audio follow-along.

Title of the message is Stonewall Jackson and the Christian Grace of Self-Control. So look in 1 Corinthians 9, verse 24: "Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain. And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible. I therefore so run, not as uncertainly; so fight I, not as one that beateth the air: but I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway." Now, I want you to hold this passage and turn right over to 1 Peter chapter 1 and look at verse 6. 1 Peter chapter 1 and verse 6. I'm sorry, 2 Peter chapter 1 and verse 6. 2 Peter chapter 1 and verse 6. Here the Apostle Peter is telling us as Christians what we're to add to our faith, and in verse 6 of 2 Peter chapter 1, he says this: "And to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness."
#1 | 0:14 to 1:42 | cleaned
Now read this passage because I want you to understand that the word "temperance" here is actually the word "self-control" as well. Self-control is a term that is easily pronounced. It is often given as advice, but it is very seldom acted upon. Self-control is a virtue that everyone wishes to possess, but no one wishes to exercise. And the reason we do not wish to exercise self-control is simply because we're selfish and we want what we want when we want it. I've heard people say, "I want it and I want it right now."
#2 | 1:43 to 2:22 | cleaned
Well, the Bible tells us in Romans 13 and verse 14, "But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfil the lusts thereof." And the truth of the matter is most people make provisions for their flesh. They want to satisfy their flesh. If you've lived very long you will have discovered one truth, and that is that our flesh will not lie as silently and as obediently upon the altar as did Isaac. Because our flesh will scream and cry and demand satisfaction.
#3 | 2:22 to 3:01 | cleaned
Now I'm talking about self-control. I want you to understand that self-control in the Bible is listed under the terms "temperate" and "temperance." You could say they are synonyms. The Greek word for self-control is *egkrateia*, which literally means to be strong in a thing, to have mastery over, to be self-controlled. So, when we're talking about self-control, we're talking about having mastery over yourself. According to the Word of God, temperance is indeed a fruit of the Spirit, and you'll find that in Galatians 5 and verse 23. Temperance, or self-control, is also a Christian grace that is to be added to our biblical character in 2 Peter 1 and verse 6. Moreover, according to Titus 1 and verse 8, self-control is a qualification for a pastor. But it may also surprise you that in Titus 2 and verse 2, self-control is to be a characteristic of aged men. Old men. Older men. So obviously, there is a great deal in the Bible about self-control. But when you look at 1 Corinthians chapter 9, the Apostle Paul says in verse 24—and this is the classic passage on self-control.
#4 | 3:01 to 4:23 | cleaned
He says, "Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize?" Now look what he says: there's only going to be one winner, so run that you may obtain.
#5 | 4:24 to 4:34 | cleaned
Now verse 25: "And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things." Now, if you're going to be running in a race, you're not going to be loading up, especially on ice cream and hamburgers, right before you run. I mean, it's just impossible. So, he is saying, you're going to be temperate in all things. Now, watch.
#6 | 4:35 to 4:58 | cleaned
"Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible." In other words, here's the spiritual truth. He says, "I therefore so run, not as uncertainly; so fight I, not as one that beateth the air"—he's not a shadow boxer—"but I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway." So obviously there's a great truth here in the Bible concerning self-control. And Paul is making it exceedingly clear that if we're going to accomplish anything, especially a spiritual goal, there has to be self-control. If there is no self-control, you're just simply beating the air. Now, Stonewall Jackson is an excellent study in the biblical truth of self-control. Stonewall Jackson is unusual in the sense that even as an unconverted youth, he understood and he realized the necessity of self-control. It was only after his conversion to Jesus Christ that self-control became one of the most prominent graces in his life.
#7 | 4:58 to 6:13 | cleaned
It was Stonewall Jackson's uncle, Cummings Jackson, that helped mold and develop young Thomas' character. I don't know if you remember or not, but Stonewall's father had died earlier, his mother died when he was seven years old. So after that he went to live with his uncle Cummings, and Cummings then took the young boy and raised him and taught him. I want to just give you two quick quotes by Dabney. You must remember that Robert L. Dabney was aide-de-camp to Stonewall Jackson. Robert L. Dabney was a Presbyterian pastor, a theologian, a scholar. And here's what he said concerning the raising of Stonewall Jackson. When he went to live with his uncle Cummings, he said this: "He received all the privileges of a son of the family. The relation existing between him and his uncle was, from the first, remarkable."
#8 | 6:15 to 7:16 | cleaned
"He treated the little boy more as a companion than as a child, soothing for him all the ruggedness of his nature, imparting to him his plans and thoughts as though he was an equal or counselor, making him his delighted pupil in the rural arts in which he himself was an unrivaled adept, and always rather requesting than demanding his compliance with the discipline of the household. The child was stimulated to work for his own self-government at a very early period and left to an independence of action more suited for a man, but he did not disappoint his uncle's confidence. His peculiar method with the boy may be perhaps accounted for in part by the singular temperament of the race passionately attached to the idea of independence."
#9 | 7:18 to 8:09 | cleaned
"...in part by the relaxation of parental restraints which usually prevailed in new countries and partly by the profound sagacity of the guardian who saw at a glance the noble nature with which he had to deal." In other words, here is a young boy that is being taught from seven years old the absolute importance of self-control. When Stonewall Jackson went to West Point, there he demonstrated the consistency of self-control over and over.
#10 | 8:09 to 8:45 | cleaned
In fact, Dabney says this: "Thomas showed no quickness of aptitude for any of his studies except arithmetic. In this, he always outstripped his schoolmates seemingly without effort. In all other branches, his acquisitions were made only by patient labor."
#11 | 8:46 to 9:02 | cleaned
Now, young people, I want you to listen. "If he professed to be prepared for a recitation, all might be certain that he was thoroughly prepared from the first. The intense honesty of his nature and the sober judgment with which he preferred the substance to the name of an acquisition were singular. Nothing could induce him to leave a lesson behind him unmastered."
#12 | 9:02 to 9:27 | cleaned
Now let me just stop right here. I'm going to finish the quote momentarily. But I want you to note that he preferred the substance to the name of an acquisition. He was not satisfied with just having the name; he wanted the substance. If you were to take this and apply it today, I could give you a number of illustrations. I know people who have graduated from college.
#13 | 9:27 to 9:54 | cleaned
They have a degree and they can't teach their way out of a wet paper bag. They just simply got the degree. That's all they wanted. I know people that have black belts in the martial arts; they can't fight. I know people who claim to be expert marksmen who really cannot even shoot. Here's what is being emphasized. Stonewall did not want a title. Stonewall did not want the name. Stonewall wanted the substance. He wanted reality. Now listen to this. This is amazing.
#14 | 9:56 to 10:36 | cleaned
"If he had not been able to finish a previous lesson at the same time with his classmates, he would continue to study the old lesson while they proceeded to the next. And when called upon for his share of the succeeding or the new recitation, he would flatly declare that he knew nothing about it, that he had not yet had time to begin it, and that all of his time had been occupied upon the other. He was thus not seldom nominally behind his class, but listen to this, but whatever he once gained was his forever."
#15 | 10:36 to 11:11 | cleaned
"His knowledge, though limited, was perfect as far as it went. His temperament at that time was cheerful, amiable and generous, and his demeanor instinctively courteous; his truthfulness was at all times proverbial." So what he studied, he grasped. What he studied, he understood. He may have been behind the others, but in the end, he was probably far ahead of the others, simply because they may have had the name, but not necessarily the substance.
#16 | 11:11 to 11:47 | cleaned
Nothing could induce Stonewall Jackson to leave a lesson unmastered. He must master it and he would master it. In fact, one of his maxims that he used throughout the rest of his life was this: "One could always do what he will to accomplish." One could always do what he will to accomplish. On one occasion, Jackson met a friend from West Point and Jackson admitted to the friend that he regretted being ignorant of Latin. He then added, "But I think it probable that I shall someday repair this and become as familiar with Latin as with Spanish." His friend expressed doubt and believed that if the languages were not impressed upon the memory from a child, that they would be impossible to learn, to which Jackson replied, "No, if I attempt it, I will become a master of the language. I can accomplish whatever I will to do."
#17 | 11:47 to 12:49 | cleaned
So here's a man who understood not only determination, but self-control. Jackson's self-control was not only manifested in the educational realm, it was also manifested in the moral and physical realm as well. He always preferred the simplest foods, and he never took any stimulant. He did not use tobacco, nor did he drink coffee, tea, or wine. His abstinence was from principle. Let me just give you a couple of illustrations.
#18 | 12:52 to 13:22 | cleaned
During the winter of 1862, when Stonewall was reconnoitering in front of the enemy, when a fire was absolutely out of the question, he became chilled. In fact, he became so chilled that his medical attendant was concerned for him. And he urged him to take some type of stimulant. They could not have a fire. And the only thing that was available was some brandy or some other spirits. And so the doctor just insisted that Stonewall take some to prevent him becoming sick. So finally Stonewall consented. And as he took the brandy, he began to drink it down and make all kinds of faces and sounds and almost gagged. And the doctor said, "I'm sorry, General Jackson. Is it that unpleasant?" To which Jackson replied, "No, no, I like it. I always did."
#19 | 13:22 to 14:27 | cleaned
"That's why I never touch the stuff." And then on another occasion, Jackson had been walking with a brother officer, who also was a godly man, and at the termination of their walk, since they were tired, the other godly officer suggested to Jackson that they have a glass of brandy and water in light of their fatigue, to which Jackson replied, "No," said Jackson, "I'm much obliged, but I never use it. I'm more afraid of it than federal bullets." Now, the point I'm trying to make is this: Jackson's strength was in the fact that he was afraid of temptation. Jackson knew his weaknesses and he would not yield in those areas where he knew that he was weak. And consequently then his weaknesses became his strength. Jackson always had absolute control over himself even in regard to food. He controlled his appetite.
#20 | 14:28 to 15:32 | cleaned
He had very little sympathy for people who overindulged or who ate things that they should not eat. I've heard people say, and you have too, "Well, I'm going to eat this because I like it, but I know that I'll pay for it later." Well, I know this is not good for me, but I want it. I'm going to eat it anyhow. You've heard people say that. Jackson had no sympathy for anyone who overindulged or ate things they should not.
#21 | 15:33 to 16:05 | cleaned
And when those around him complained of having headaches and stomach problems in consequence of their indulgence, he said this: "Do as I do. Govern yourself absolutely and you will not suffer. My head never aches. If a thing disagrees with me, I never eat it." He knew what he could eat and what he could not eat. When Jackson was in Mexico, his self-control was exhibited in two distinct ways.
#22 | 16:05 to 16:38 | cleaned
One was in regard to beautiful women, and the other was in regard to military danger. While he was in Mexico during the war with Mexico, there was one Spanish family there that extended hospitality to Stonewall on a regular basis. He was always grateful for the hospitality and he always thanked and admired the family. But Stonewall reluctantly and positively discontinued his visits to that home. He would not go back to that home no matter how much he enjoyed their hospitality and no matter how good of friends he was with the man who owned that home. Later, when Stonewall was asked why he ceased visiting that home, here's what he said with a blush:
#23 | 16:39 to 17:27 | cleaned
that he found the fascination of some of the female charms which he met there was more likely to become too strong for his prudence unless he escaped them in due time. Now, let me just point this out. Do you realize Stonewall was observing a biblical principle? Did you know that the Apostle Paul wrote Timothy in 2 Timothy chapter 2 and verse 22 and he told Timothy, "Flee youthful lusts." And when Paul wrote that to Timothy, Timothy was probably in his forties. Flee youthful lusts.
#24 | 17:28 to 18:09 | cleaned
Now I want you to watch this. If it refers to lust, our duty is to flee. Get out of there. Get out of the way. If Satan is bothering us, according to the book of James chapter 4 and verse 7, the Bible says, "Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you." So when it comes to the devil, it's fight. Resist him, and he'll flee from you. When it comes to the world, the Bible says in 1 John 5 and verse 4, "For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith." So watch these three things. If it's lust or temptation, flee. If it's Satan, fight! If it's the world, faith.
#25 | 18:10 to 19:00 | cleaned
And when Stonewall said those women were too beautiful and too charming for him, and unless he escaped in due time, he was being careful that he did not sin against God. He was controlling himself. During the war with Mexico also, Stonewall was in charge of a section of artillery for which all practical purposes was totally disabled. Many of his men and his animals had been killed. And Stonewall only had a couple of artillery pieces that were functioning.
#26 | 19:02 to 19:42 | cleaned
And it looked like the Mexicans were going to overwhelm him. And so he continued to man those guns and keep firing on the approaching Mexicans until finally they turned to run and go back within the gates of the city. And when Stonewall saw that, he just simply took those artillery pieces and he attached them to the limbers of the ammunition box, followed more closely, and then continued to fire upon the retreating Mexicans.
#27 | 19:43 to 20:14 | cleaned
Years later, when he was teaching at Virginia Military Institute, this scenario came up and one of his students asked him, "Major," he was a major at that particular time, he said, "Major, why did you not run when your command was disabled?" Stonewall smiled and said, "I was not ordered to do so. Had I been ordered to run, I would have run. But I was ordered to hold my position and I had no right to abandon it."
#28 | 20:16 to 20:52 | cleaned
Now can you imagine, in the face of overwhelming odds, in the face of danger, he still held his position. Stonewall Jackson's pastor, Dr. White, encouraged all of his men to lead in public devotions and in public prayer. Stonewall, at this particular time, had never really prayed publicly. So he came to his pastor and he said this: "You're my pastor and the spiritual guide of the church. And if you think it my duty to pray, then I shall waive my reluctance and make the effort to lead in prayer however painful." So just a short time later, Dr. White called on Stonewall Jackson to lead in public prayer. And Stonewall Jackson arose to do so and he found it so painful to himself and so embarrassing to himself and to the church. But he finally made it through his first public prayer. Dr. White saw the distress that was placed upon Stonewall in leading with prayer. And for the next several weeks, he was not called on to pray anymore. Finally, Stonewall approached his pastor. And he asked him why he had not been called on to pray anymore.
#29 | 20:54 to 22:26 | cleaned
And Dr. White said to him, "Well, I saw the distress that it placed upon you." And he said, "I was willing to spare your feelings and spare your embarrassment, so I did not call upon you anymore." To which Jackson replied, "Yes, but my comfort or discomfort is not the question. If it is my duty to lead my brethren in prayer, then I must persevere in it until I learn to do it right. And I wish you to discard all consideration of my feelings of the matter and call upon me." Later on, Dr. White did call upon him and he did lead the church in public prayer and he kept doing so until he became eminent in public praying as well as private praying. Here's a man who said, "I'm going to control my emotions, and I'm going to do my duty regardless of my feelings." Stonewall Jackson was married twice.
#30 | 22:26 to 23:28 | cleaned
His first wife, Eleanor Junkin, died suddenly only after 14 months of marriage. And Stonewall was most concerned that he did not question God's wisdom or God's justice in taking his wife, and he was also most concerned that he would always have a Christian attitude in regard to the death of his wife. And so very obviously, throughout the whole ordeal, he never for a moment lost the dignity of a Christian in grieving for his wife.
#31 | 23:30 to 24:10 | cleaned
He understood 1 Thessalonians 4 and verse 13, where Paul said, "But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope." If I said nothing else, and I've got a lot to say, but if I said nothing else, does not Stonewall Jackson's self-control rebuke us? Just stop and think how impatient we are, and we scream and murmur and complain when things do not go our way, and when things do not go the way that we plan. We're so impatient, and we're so out of control, just thinking about the grace of God in his life should convict us.
#32 | 24:11 to 24:53 | cleaned
One of my greatest sins is impatience, and I know that. I used to tell people, though I still do, I hate railroads and railroad tracks. You know, even trying to come to church this morning, train, blocking the road, standing still. And when you get to this railroad track and you see four or five engines, you know that train is a mile or two long and you just have to sit there. Now, I've learned to pray while I sit there. But if I had a book with me, it wouldn't bother me, you know. But I always tell people, if there's ever another revolution, I want to be the one that blows up the railroad tracks and the trains, you know, just because I despise them, you know. I know they're necessary, and you know I'm teasing, but I'm just saying, are we not all like that to a certain extent? How impatient we are.
#33 | 24:59 to 25:57 | cleaned
After Stonewall's first wife died, he took a trip. In fact, he took a cruise after her death. And it was a cruise that lasted for a number of months. He had scheduled to be back on time for his classes at VMI, Virginia Military Institute. But when the time came for school to start and for Stonewall to be teaching his classes, Stonewall was not there. One week passed, two weeks passed, three weeks passed, and finally the ship came limping in. Stonewall's first visit was to his deceased wife's parents and family. And while he was there, one of his sisters-in-law said this after they excitedly hugged each other.
#34 | 25:59 to 27:03 | cleaned
She said, "But Major, have you not been miserable? Have you not been perfectly wretched since the beginning of the month?" "Why, no," he answered in amazement. "Why should I be?" "Well," she replied, "you know that you're so dreadfully punctual and the session had begun and the time you promised to return had passed and we supposed that you were beside yourself with impatience." "By no means," he replied. "I had set out to return at the proper time."
#35 | 27:04 to 27:32 | cleaned
"I had done my duty. The steamer was delayed by an act of divine providence. I was perfectly satisfied." I usually tell people the way I was raised, if you're not 15 minutes early, you're late. And that's a fact. I hate not being on time. I despise it. Let me just show you why very quickly. Suppose Henry and I agree to meet tomorrow at 10 a.m. And Henry shows up at 10:30.
#36 | 27:33 to 28:16 | cleaned
Stop and think about this. Henry has just stolen 30 minutes of my time. It's theft.
#37 | 28:18 to 28:28 | cleaned
Now, when God sovereignly delays you, that's one thing. But if you're not on time just simply because of your own laziness or your lack of planning, then that's sin. And Stonewall said, "No, I was perfectly satisfied." When the drums of war began to beat very loudly, Jackson was discussing the inevitability of the war with a friend who was visiting with him and who spent the night with Jackson. After a frank and open discussion that war was inevitable, both of them went to bed. When his friend awoke the next morning, he was depressed and melancholy, and he was surprised to see Jackson as cheerful as ever. Explaining his own anxieties and his own depression, he asked Jackson how he could remain so calm and cheerful in light of the fact that he knew that war was imminent. Jackson replied, "Why should the peace of a true Christian be disturbed by anything which man can do unto him?"
#38 | 28:29 to 29:29 | cleaned
"Has not God promised to make all things work together for good to them that love Him?" He wasn't upset. He trusted in God. Stonewall evidenced self-control even in his great and plentiful victories. Many of these victories would have caused most men to gloat, to boast, and to brag. Stonewall remarried. He married Anna Morrison. And during the war, he wrote to Anna and he said this, listen carefully. "Yesterday we fought a great battle and gained a great victory for which all the glory is due to God alone."
#39 | 29:30 to 30:19 | cleaned
"Though under a heavy fire for several continuous hours, I only received one wound, the breaking of the largest finger on my left hand. But the doctor says the finger can be saved. My horse was wounded but not killed. My coat got an ugly wound near the hip. My preservation was entirely due, as was the glorious victory, to our God, to whom be all the glory, honor, and praise. While great credit is due to other parts of our gallant army, God made my brigade the more instrumental than any other in repulsing the attack." Now listen, "Let this be for your information only. Say nothing about it. Let another speak praise, and not myself." So here Stonewall was saying, boy, God used me. And God used my brigade. But this is just for your information. Don't say anything about it to anybody.
#40 | 30:20 to 31:23 | cleaned
You know, he understood a principle. In Proverbs 20 and verse 6, the Bible says, "Most men will proclaim every one his own goodness: but a faithful man who can find?" And then the scripture in Proverbs 27 and verse 2 says this: "Let another man praise thee, and not thine own mouth; a stranger, and not thine own lips." And so Stonewall, even in the realm of his great victories, exercised self-control.
#41 | 31:24 to 31:55 | cleaned
He was not going to brag or boast, and whatever he did, he gave honor and glory to God for what God had done. During the entire war—of course, he died before the war was over—but during the entire war, while he was alive, he never took a furlough. He never took time off. He was encouraged to take one, but he did not. Now, his wife, Anna, and their daughter did visit him some, but he refused to take a furlough. When he was encouraged to obtain one, here's what he said: "I can't be absent, as my attention is necessary in preparing my troops for hard fighting. Should it be required, and as my officers and soldiers are not permitted to visit their wives and families, I ought not to see mine."
#42 | 31:56 to 32:44 | cleaned
"It might make the troops feel that they are being badly treated and that I consult my own comfort regardless of theirs. Every officer and soldier who is able to do duty ought to be busily engaged in military preparation by hard drilling in order that through the blessing of God, we may be victorious in the battles, which in his all wise providence may await us. If the war is carried on with vigor, I think under the blessing of God, it will not last long."
#43 | 32:44 to 33:11 | cleaned
Here's a man who said, "I love my wife and I love my child, but I'm not going to ask for a furlough. Other men can't get them. And I'm not going to make the men think that I prefer my own comfort over their comfort." When Stonewall was wronged by the powers above him, he still maintained his self-control. He did not whine, complain, or bellyache. He simply offered his resignation.
#44 | 33:13 to 33:45 | cleaned
What had happened was the government at Richmond, Virginia had endeavored to move his troops from a desk in Richmond without any first-hand knowledge of the battlefield condition and without consulting him. And so Stonewall then simply offered his resignation. Now no one wanted him to resign, not even the governor, and so the governor sent an ambassador to Stonewall to ask him not to resign, to which Stonewall said this concerning the order: "The order was given without consulting me. It is abandoning to the enemy what has cost much preparation, expense, and exposure to secure."
#45 | 33:45 to 34:33 | cleaned
"It is in direct conflict with my military plans. It implies a warrant of confidence in my capacity to judge when General Loring's troops should fall back, and it is an attempt to control military operations in detail from the secretary's desk at a distance." He also added that he had no personal grudge to satisfy, though he believed he was wronged. He did not lodge a complaint against the Secretary of War. He believed the Secretary of War was a firm man and a considerate man and that he must infer from that order that it was going to be an example of his intended system of management to which General Jackson could not submit.
#46 | 34:33 to 35:17 | cleaned
And so therefore he just merely offered his resignation. Now I want to show you something. His self-control in this incident exemplifies biblical truth. I want you to listen carefully. Proverbs 16 and verse 32: "He that is slow to anger is better than the mighty; and he that ruleth his spirit than he that taketh a city." God says, if you are slow to anger, you're better than the mighty. If you rule your own spirit, you have a greater ability than the greatest warrior who's able to capture an entire city. Stonewall was ruling his spirit. In Proverbs 25 and verse 28, the scripture says this: "He that hath no rule over his own spirit is like a city that is broken down, and without walls." Now, let me tell you something. If a city is broken down without walls, you can walk in, get what you want and walk out. If you can control your spirit, listen carefully. If you can control your spirit, I cannot make you angry. I cannot upset you. I cannot make you mad.
#47 | 35:17 to 36:42 | cleaned
I cannot make you jealous. I can't do anything to you. If you can control your spirit. If you can't control your spirit, then I can control you. It's just that simple. And Stonewall understood this. And guess what happened? The odious order was rescinded. And when the order was rescinded, Jackson withdrew his resignation. After the incident was over, he forgot it. He did not hold a grudge. He did not try to retaliate. He did not hold any animosity toward the Secretary of War.
#48 | 36:42 to 37:17 | cleaned
He stood on principle and he did not allow his emotions to rule him. You've got to remember that Stonewall Jackson was a man who was very deliberate. He did not do things in haste. General Banks, the Union General, was in that area and Stonewall was planning on attacking General Banks and just wiping him out, he and his men. But then Stonewall got the information that General Shields, with a large body of troops, was marching rapidly to reinforce General Banks. Dabney records that when Stonewall got that information he was in his tent.
#49 | 37:18 to 38:07 | cleaned
And he said he instantly started pacing back and forth and he said out loud, "But let me think. May I not execute my purpose still?" He said at that particular point his hand went to the hilt of his sword. Dabney said fire was shooting out of his eyes. He said, finally, he released the hilt of the sword and he said, "No, no, I must not do it. It may cost the lives of too many of my brave men. I must retreat and wait for a better time."
#50 | 38:10 to 38:48 | cleaned
He was not going to be provoked. He was not going to be pushed into doing something that he knew that he should not do. Jackson always seemed to be in control. He would never allow his desires or his emotions to force his hand.
#51 | 38:51 to 39:09 | cleaned
Now, let me ask you a question. How different is General Jackson from us? Do you realize that most of us live by our feelings, live by our emotions? We're not run by principle. "Well, why were you not in church last Sunday?" "Oh, I just didn't feel like going." Oh. So now your feelings determine what's right and what's wrong, what you should do and what you should not do. "Well, why didn't you fulfill your duty today? Why didn't you work? Why didn't you do?" "Well, I just didn't feel like doing it." God demands that we run our lives by principle, not by feelings, not by emotions, not by circumstances, not by situations.
#52 | 39:11 to 40:07 | cleaned
You do what you're required to do. Now I want to show you how greatly Stonewall Jackson's self-control really was. I want you to turn in your Bibles. I want to show you some verses first. I want you to turn to the book of Deuteronomy chapter 19. Stonewall Jackson was one of the most loving, kind, gracious, and compassionate men that you will ever meet. But Stonewall Jackson would never allow his tenderness, his loving kindness, or his mercy to be out of control.
#53 | 40:07 to 41:00 | cleaned
He always even kept those things within their proper bounds. For instance, Deuteronomy chapter 19, look if you would please beginning there with verse 12. Look what God says. This is about the avenger of blood. Here's a man that is a murderer and he flees to the city of refuge. There's a trial that is held. And the murderer is found guilty. And so he's handed over to the city of refuge—I mean, he's handed over to the avenger of blood. So, Deuteronomy chapter 19 verse 12: "Then the elders of his city shall send and fetch him thence, and deliver him into the hand of the avenger of blood, that he may die." Now look what God says: "Thine eye shall not pity him, but thou shalt put away the guilt of innocent blood from Israel, that it may go well with thee." Thine eye shall not pity him.
#54 | 41:01 to 42:06 | cleaned
I have heard people say, "Boy, I pity those murderers on death row." I don't. God says there are some times you are to have no pity. You are to have no mercy. You are to have no sympathy. I want you to look in 2 Chronicles chapter 19. I could multiply illustrations here, but these two will be sufficient. Look in 2 Chronicles 19 and verse 2. I want you to note what happens. 2 Chronicles 19 and we'll read verse 1: "And Jehoshaphat the king of Judah returned to his house in peace to Jerusalem. And Jehu the son of Hanani the seer went out to meet him, and said to king Jehoshaphat, Shouldest thou help the ungodly, and love them that hate the Lord? therefore is wrath upon thee from before the Lord." Now, what Jehoshaphat had done, he had gone up to help the king of Israel. The king of Israel was a wicked reprobate.
#55 | 42:07 to 43:22 | cleaned
And here's what Hanani is saying: "Jehoshaphat, you've got to understand something. There are some people you cannot have mercy upon. There are some people you cannot be sympathetic toward. There are some people that you absolutely cannot help." Dr. Hunter McGuire was Stonewall Jackson's personal physician. He was with Stonewall daily for two years. And Dr. McGuire said this: that which impressed him more greatly concerning Stonewall Jackson than anything else was his tenderness, his love, his sympathy. He said it impressed him far more than his great prowess as a warrior. Now I'm telling you this so I can tell you what Stonewall said and what Stonewall did so that you can understand it in the context.
#56 | 43:24 to 44:29 | cleaned
You see, there was a time during a retreat when the Union batteries were shelling the Confederate rear as the Confederate Army was withdrawing. Since those shells were hitting among some of the Confederate soldiers, it threw them in temporary confusion. The Union cavalry noticed that. And they made a charge into the rear of the Confederate ranks. Well, General Turner Ashby saw what was coming down. So he took a number of soldiers. Some were on horses. He dismounted them.
#57 | 44:30 to 45:15 | cleaned
The others he lined up behind trees and rocks. And as the Union cavalry came through, they unleashed a torrent of fire upon these Yankee cavalrymen. They were running so fast that their momentum carried them past Ashby's men to the next regiment which was commanded by Colonel Patton. Colonel Patton saw what was happening. He had his men lined up. And when the few Yankee cavalrymen that got through Turner Ashby's men, when they got to Colonel Patton's men, they were all mowed down or captured except for one man. Out of the entire Yankee cavalry charge, only one man escaped with his life. All the rest were either killed or captured. Now, Colonel Patton was giving a report to General Jackson, and he just made the statement as he was giving the report that he saw the party of his foes shot down with regret. Jackson took note of it, but he finished taking the official report. And when he had finished taking the official report, he looked at Colonel Patton and he asked, "Colonel, why do you say that you saw those Federal soldiers fall with regret?"
#58 | 45:17 to 46:56 | cleaned
To which Patton answered, "They exhibited more vigor and courage than anything which had been attempted by any part of the Federal Army and that natural sympathy with brave men led me to wish that in the fortunes of the fight, their lives might have been spared." To which Jackson replied, "No, kill them all. I don't want any of them to be brave." You say, "How can he say that?"
#59 | 46:58 to 47:32 | cleaned
Well, let me tell you something else. On another occasion, he saw a brave Union soldier upon his horse, and Jackson told his men, "Shoot the brave officers, and the cowards will flee, taking the rest of the men with them." Now, let me tell you something. There is indeed a time for tenderness and mercy. But not during the heat of battle. Do you understand that the more quickly and the more decisively a victory is won, the less lives will be lost? And Jackson understood that.
#60 | 47:32 to 48:11 | cleaned
He was a tender man, he was a compassionate man, he was a sympathetic man. But he understood that even our sympathies, our mercies, our tenderness had to be controlled as well. That's why God said, concerning the murderer, "Thine eye shall not pity him." That's why God said, "If any man will not work, neither should he eat." I have no pity. I have no sympathy on someone who's too lazy and slothful to work.
#61 | 48:14 to 48:51 | cleaned
Now if a man has lost his job, not due to any problem in his life, I don't mind helping him. I don't mind helping someone who's sick. I don't mind helping someone who's in need, in a real general and genuine need. But just to help somebody who's... I was in Los Angeles, California. And I was preaching there and I was riding with the pastor. And here's a man standing with a cardboard piece of paper that said, "Help, destitute, need money." And I looked at the pastor, I said, "Do you ever give to these people?" He said, "No." He said, "They make more money than I do." He said, "Some of these people make over $100,000 a year begging."
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Alice and I, for I don't know how many, four or five years in a row, where were we, what state was that? California. Saw this one woman with her children out with this Volkswagen bus, "Help, broke down, need gas money." She'd been there five years with the same sign and the same children. That's what she did. I'm just saying you have to understand that there are times that your sympathy and your tenderness have to be controlled. You can't just give to people who are wicked and wrong and are basically stealing.
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But in every area of his life, Jackson evidenced and exhibited the grace of self-control. He did add to his knowledge temperance or self-control. However, let me point this out. There was one time, one time that the poised, collected, cool, and controlled General Jackson said he had no control. You remember at Chancellorsville, he was wounded. Shot several times. One of them, one of the bullets broke the bone, shattered the bone in his left arm. Another one hit him here, another hit here. They were carrying Jackson off the battlefield on a litter, on a stretcher.
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Four men running, trying to get him to a waiting ambulance. Lieutenant Smith's foot got caught in a vine and he tripped. And as he tripped, he dropped his end of the litter. And General Jackson hit the ground on that already broken, emaciated arm, renewing the flow of blood. Jackson let out one piteous groan. Lieutenant Smith said, "General Jackson, are you all right?" Jackson replied, "Mr. Smith, do not concern yourself about me." They got him into the ambulance. They got him to the hospital where his arm was amputated.
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And later after he had regained his thoughts, he was telling Beverly Tucker Lacy, who was his chaplain, this. Listen carefully. After a little while, he said that he thought when he fell from the litter, that he should die upon the field. And he was able to give himself up in the hands of his heavenly Father without a fear. He declared that he was in possession of perfect peace while expecting immediate death. "It has been," he said, "a precious experience to me that I was brought face to face with death and found all was well. I then learned an important lesson that one who has been the subject of converting grace and is the child of God can in the midst of the severest sufferings, fix the thoughts upon God and heavenly things, and derive great comfort and peace, but that one who has never made his peace with God would be unable to control his mind under such sufferings."
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"So as to understand properly the way of salvation and repent and believe on Christ, I felt," said Jackson, "that if I had neglected the salvation of my soul before, it would have been too late then." He had no control. He was in such pain, such suffering, his mind could not understand what was being said, he said, if he was being witnessed to or preached to. So the gallant, self-controlled Stonewall Jackson admitted at the time of his death that it is possible to be in so much pain that one is unable to control his mind or his thoughts.
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Now let me make just a couple of applications. The first one is this. We must understand and see with Stonewall the fallacy of putting off salvation. We must understand that God has not promised us another day. Are you listening? God has not even promised us an easy death. I've heard people say, "Well, I'm going to repent and believe right before I die." First of all, repentance does not belong to you and faith does not belong to you. They're the gift of God. And if God doesn't give it to you, you don't have it. And secondly, how do you know that you're going to be in possession of your mind before you die? You don't know that. You see, the Bible says in Acts 17 verses 30 and 31, "And the times of this ignorance God winked at; but now commandeth all men every where to repent: Because he hath appointed a day, in the which he will judge the world in righteousness by that man whom he hath ordained; whereof he hath given assurance unto all men, in that he hath raised him from the dead."
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So just as surely as God has raised Jesus Christ from the dead, He's going to judge every man by Jesus Christ. It is insane and wicked as well as demonstrating a lack of self-control to put off seeking Christ for salvation. God does not promise us another day or an easy death. I've known people who went into a coma, never awoke. You put off seeking Christ. And you are the one who will suffer for your lack of obedience and your lack of self-control.
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The second application is this. We must learn to live by principles and not by emotions or feelings. Do right because it's right to do right. Principles never change. Your feelings change every day. I woke up with sinus. I can feel it. I don't like it. I can't speak well with all the drainage. And yet at the same time, the principle that I'm to live by does not change, no matter how I feel, whether I feel good or bad. We have to learn to live by principles. The third application is this.
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Self-control is not only a grace and a fruit that must be added to our lives, it is a virtue that must be learned and increased with patience and practice. The only way that you really gain self-control, other than by the grace and the power of God, is by patience and by practice. I will not allow my emotions or my thoughts or my feelings to run wild. I will control them in every instance, in every circumstance. And as you do here, and here, and here, and here, pretty soon you develop a habit of self-control. It's something that must be learned and added to our faith. And I would say this, every time I think of Stonewall Jackson and the way he controlled himself, I'm convicted in my own life.
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because I see where I fail. And I hope you see where you fail and that you see your need of the Christian grace of self-control. Father, in the name of Jesus Christ, we do bow to Thee this day. We thank You for Your love, for Your grace, for Your mercy, Your goodness and kindness. And help us, Lord, to learn and to emulate the graces in good and godly men. The Apostle Paul said, "Follow me as I follow the Lord Jesus Christ." There's nothing wrong with following men who follow Christ. We know, Father, that Jesus Christ is our most excellent example, but He's also given us others to whom we can look just for encouragement. And we're thankful, Father, for the self-control that was exhibited in the life of Stonewall Jackson. Help us today to be more holy, more godly. In Christ's name we pray. Amen.
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deepseek | deepseek-v4-pro | clean_readable_transcript | 2026-06-05T17:17:58Z

Stonewall Jackson and the Christian Grace of Self Control

John Weaver | Freedom Ministries

Pastor John Weaver examines the biblical virtue of self-control (temperance) using the life of Confederate General Stonewall Jackson as a case study. Drawing from 1 Corinthians 9:24-27 and 2 Peter 1:6, Weaver argues that self-control is a fruit of the Spirit and a grace to be cultivated. He illustrates Jackson's self-mastery in education, diet, moral temptations, military duty, grief, and victory, emphasizing that Jackson controlled his emotions and lived by principle. The sermon concludes with applications: the urgency of salvation, living by principles over feelings, and developing self-control through practice.

Introduction: The Biblical Call to Self-Control

Title of the message is Stonewall Jackson and the Christian Grace of Self-Control. So look in 1 Corinthians 9, verse 24:

Scripture Reading — 1 Corinthians 9:24-27

"Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain. And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible. I therefore so run, not as uncertainly; so fight I, not as one that beateth the air: but I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway."

The Meaning and Importance of Self-Control in Scripture

Weaver defines the Greek word *egkrateia* and lists biblical references showing self-control as a fruit of the Spirit, a Christian grace, a pastoral qualification, and a characteristic for older men.

Scripture Reading — Galatians 5:23

Now I'm talking about self-control. I want you to understand that self-control in the Bible is listed under the terms "temperate" and "temperance." You could say they are synonyms. The Greek word for self-control is *egkrateia*, which literally means to be strong in a thing, to have mastery over, to be self-controlled. So, when we're talking about self-control, we're talking about having mastery over yourself. According to the Word of God, temperance is indeed a fruit of the Spirit, and you'll find that in Galatians 5 and verse 23. Temperance, or self-control, is also a Christian grace that is to be added to our biblical character in 2 Peter 1 and verse 6. Moreover, according to Titus 1 and verse 8, self-control is a qualification for a pastor. But it may also surprise you that in Titus 2 and verse 2, self-control is to be a characteristic of aged men. Old men. Older men. So obviously, there is a great deal in the Bible about self-control. But when you look at 1 Corinthians chapter 9, the Apostle Paul says in verse 24—and this is the classic passage on self-control.

He says, "Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize?" Now look what he says: there's only going to be one winner, so run that you may obtain.

Stonewall Jackson's Early Training in Self-Control

Self-Control in Moral and Physical Realms

Scripture Reading — 2 Timothy 2:22

One was in regard to beautiful women, and the other was in regard to military danger. While he was in Mexico during the war with Mexico, there was one Spanish family there that extended hospitality to Stonewall on a regular basis. He was always grateful for the hospitality and he always thanked and admired the family. But Stonewall reluctantly and positively discontinued his visits to that home. He would not go back to that home no matter how much he enjoyed their hospitality and no matter how good of friends he was with the man who owned that home. Later, when Stonewall was asked why he ceased visiting that home, here's what he said with a blush: that he found the fascination of some of the female charms which he met there was more likely to become too strong for his prudence unless he escaped them in due time. Now, let me just point this out. Do you realize Stonewall was observing a biblical principle? Did you know that the Apostle Paul wrote Timothy in 2 Timothy chapter 2 and verse 22 and he told Timothy, "Flee youthful lusts." And when Paul wrote that to Timothy, Timothy was probably in his forties. Flee youthful lusts.

Scripture Reading — James 4:7

"Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you."

Self-Control in Duty and Adversity

Weaver illustrates Jackson's self-control in military danger, public prayer, grief over his first wife's death, and delayed travel, showing his submission to duty and divine providence.

Scripture Reading — 1 Thessalonians 4:13

"But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope."

Self-Control in Victory and Under Authority

Weaver highlights Jackson's refusal to boast after victories, his decision not to take furlough, and his controlled response to a wrongful order from Richmond, citing Proverbs 16:32 and 25:28.

You know, he understood a principle. In Proverbs 20 and verse 6, the Bible says,

Scripture Reading — Proverbs 20:6

"Most men will proclaim every one his own goodness: but a faithful man who can find?"

Scripture Reading — Proverbs 16:32

"He that is slow to anger is better than the mighty; and he that ruleth his spirit than he that taketh a city."

Controlled Mercy and Tenderness

Weaver explains that Jackson's compassion was governed by principle, using Deuteronomy 19:12 and 2 Chronicles 19:2 to show that mercy must sometimes be restrained, as in battle.

Scripture Reading — Deuteronomy 19:12-13

"Then the elders of his city shall send and fetch him thence, and deliver him into the hand of the avenger of blood, that he may die."

Now look what God says:

Scripture Reading — Deuteronomy 19:12-13

"Thine eye shall not pity him, but thou shalt put away the guilt of innocent blood from Israel, that it may go well with thee."

Thine eye shall not pity him.

Scripture Reading — 2 Chronicles 19:1-2

"And Jehoshaphat the king of Judah returned to his house in peace to Jerusalem. And Jehu the son of Hanani the seer went out to meet him, and said to king Jehoshaphat, Shouldest thou help the ungodly, and love them that hate the Lord? therefore is wrath upon thee from before the Lord."

Now, what Jehoshaphat had done, he had gone up to help the king of Israel. The king of Israel was a wicked reprobate.

The One Time Jackson Lost Control: His Mortal Wounding

Applications: Urgency of Salvation and Living by Principle

Weaver applies the lesson: do not delay repentance, live by principles not feelings, and develop self-control through patience and practice.

Scripture Reading — Acts 17:30-31

"And the times of this ignorance God winked at; but now commandeth all men every where to repent: Because he hath appointed a day, in the which he will judge the world in righteousness by that man whom he hath ordained; whereof he hath given assurance unto all men, in that he hath raised him from the dead."

Stonewall Jackson and the Christian Grace of Self Control

John Weaver | YouTube

Lecture Metadata	Details
Speaker	John Weaver
Source	YouTube
Media ID	knsew6CQGLM
Subject	New Testament Studies
Course	Romans: Assurance, Providence, and Life in the Spirit: Walking With God
Genre	Sermon
Date	2013-07-22
Dictation Name
Book	Book 132: Romans: Assurance, Providence, and Life in the Spirit — Chapter 4
Source Timed Segments	72

Lecture Guide

Outline

Introduction: The Biblical Call to Self-Control: Weaver introduces the topic by reading 1 Corinthians 9:24-27 and 2 Peter 1:6, explaining that temperance means self-control. He notes that self-control is often advised but seldom practiced due to selfishness.
The Meaning and Importance of Self-Control in Scripture: Weaver defines the Greek word *egkrateia* and lists biblical references showing self-control as a fruit of the Spirit, a Christian grace, a pastoral qualification, and a characteristic for older men.
Stonewall Jackson's Early Training in Self-Control: Weaver recounts how Jackson's uncle Cummings raised him with an emphasis on self-government, and how at West Point Jackson demonstrated patient, thorough mastery of subjects, preferring substance over name.
Self-Control in Moral and Physical Realms: Weaver provides examples of Jackson's abstinence from stimulants, his refusal of brandy, and his control over appetite. He also describes Jackson fleeing temptation from beautiful women in Mexico, applying 2 Timothy 2:22.
Self-Control in Duty and Adversity: Weaver illustrates Jackson's self-control in military danger, public prayer, grief over his first wife's death, and delayed travel, showing his submission to duty and divine providence.
Self-Control in Victory and Under Authority: Weaver highlights Jackson's refusal to boast after victories, his decision not to take furlough, and his controlled response to a wrongful order from Richmond, citing Proverbs 16:32 and 25:28.
Controlled Mercy and Tenderness: Weaver explains that Jackson's compassion was governed by principle, using Deuteronomy 19:12 and 2 Chronicles 19:2 to show that mercy must sometimes be restrained, as in battle.
The One Time Jackson Lost Control: His Mortal Wounding: Weaver recounts Jackson's wounding at Chancellorsville, his fall from the litter, and his admission that extreme pain made it impossible to control his thoughts, underscoring the need for prior salvation.
Applications: Urgency of Salvation and Living by Principle: Weaver applies the lesson: do not delay repentance, live by principles not feelings, and develop self-control through patience and practice.

Major Themes

Key Arguments

Self-control is a non-negotiable Christian virtue

The Bible commands temperance as a fruit of the Spirit and a grace to be added; without it, spiritual efforts are futile.

Weaver says, 'If there is no self-control, you're just simply beating the air,' referencing 1 Corinthians 9:26.

Self-control must be exercised in all areas of life

Jackson controlled his diet, moral temptations, emotions, and even his mercy, showing that self-control is comprehensive.

Weaver details Jackson's abstinence from stimulants, fleeing lust, and his controlled response to brave enemies.

Self-control is learned through patience and practice

Like Jackson, believers must repeatedly choose to control their emotions and actions until it becomes a habit.

Weaver states, 'The only way that you really gain self-control... is by patience and by practice.'

Living by feelings leads to instability and sin

When people skip church or duty because they 'don't feel like it,' they are ruled by emotions rather than God's principles.

Weaver asks, 'Do you realize that most of us live by our feelings, live by our emotions? We're not run by principle.'

Delaying salvation is foolish and dangerous

Jackson's experience shows that one may not have mental clarity at death; repentance and faith are gifts from God that must be sought now.

Weaver says, 'God has not promised us another day... How do you know that you're going to be in possession of your mind before you die?'

Scripture References

1 Corinthians 9:24-27: Read at the opening as the classic passage on self-control, emphasizing running to obtain the prize and keeping the body under subjection.
2 Peter 1:6: Cited to show that temperance (self-control) is to be added to faith, alongside knowledge, patience, and godliness.
Romans 13:14: Quoted to warn against making provision for the flesh to fulfill its lusts.
Galatians 5:23: Mentioned as listing temperance (self-control) as a fruit of the Spirit.
Titus 1:8: Cited to show self-control is a qualification for a pastor.
Titus 2:2: Cited to show self-control is to be a characteristic of aged men.
2 Timothy 2:22: Referenced when discussing Jackson fleeing youthful lusts; Paul told Timothy to flee them.
James 4:7: Cited to contrast resisting the devil (fight) with fleeing lust; submit to God, resist the devil, and he will flee.
1 John 5:4: Cited to show that overcoming the world is by faith.
1 Thessalonians 4:13: Referenced when discussing Jackson's controlled grief, that Christians sorrow not as those without hope.
Proverbs 20:6: Quoted to illustrate that most men proclaim their own goodness, but a faithful man is rare.
Proverbs 27:2: Quoted to support letting another praise you, not your own mouth.
Proverbs 16:32: Quoted to show that ruling one's spirit is better than taking a city, applied to Jackson's response to the wrongful order.
Proverbs 25:28: Quoted to illustrate that a person without self-control is like a city broken down and without walls.
Deuteronomy 19:12-13: Read to show that God commands no pity for a murderer, illustrating controlled mercy.
2 Chronicles 19:1-2: Read to show that helping the ungodly can bring God's wrath, reinforcing the need for controlled sympathy.
Acts 17:30-31: Quoted in application to urge immediate repentance because God has appointed a day of judgment through Christ.

Historical References

Stonewall Jackson (Thomas J. Jackson): Confederate General used as the primary example of self-control throughout the sermon.
Cummings Jackson: Stonewall Jackson's uncle who raised him after his parents died and taught him self-government.
Robert L. Dabney: Presbyterian pastor, theologian, and Jackson's aide-de-camp; quoted extensively on Jackson's upbringing and character.
West Point: Where Jackson studied and demonstrated patient, thorough self-discipline in his lessons.
Mexican-American War: Jackson served in Mexico, where he showed self-control with women and in military danger.
Virginia Military Institute (VMI): Where Jackson taught before the Civil War; mentioned in context of his punctuality and a student's question about Mexico.
Dr. White (Jackson's pastor): Encouraged Jackson to lead in public prayer; Jackson persevered despite initial embarrassment.
Eleanor Junkin (Jackson's first wife): Died suddenly after 14 months of marriage; Jackson controlled his grief without questioning God.
Anna Morrison (Jackson's second wife): Jackson wrote to her about a victory, instructing her to keep his role confidential.
General Banks and General Shields (Union generals): Jackson planned to attack Banks but retreated when Shields reinforced, controlling his impulse.

Important Quotes

Self-control is a term that is easily pronounced. It is often given as advice, but it is very seldom acted upon.

Highlights the common gap between knowing about self-control and actually practicing it.

Nothing could induce him to leave a lesson behind him unmastered.

Illustrates Jackson's thoroughness and self-discipline in education, preferring substance over name.

I can accomplish whatever I will to do.

Jackson's maxim showing his belief in determined self-control to achieve goals.

I'm more afraid of it than federal bullets.

Jackson's reason for refusing brandy, demonstrating his fear of temptation and self-control.

Let another speak praise, and not myself.

Jackson's application of Proverbs 27:2, refusing to boast even in private letters.

He that hath no rule over his own spirit is like a city that is broken down, and without walls.

Proverbs 25:28 quoted to emphasize the vulnerability of a person lacking self-control.

No, kill them all. I don't want any of them to be brave.

Jackson's shocking command illustrating that even mercy must be controlled by principle in warfare.

Discussion Questions

[Question]

In what areas of your life do you find it most difficult to exercise self-control, and how does 1 Corinthians 9:27 challenge you?

[Context]

Weaver emphasizes bringing the body into subjection; this question applies the passage personally.

[Question]

How does Stonewall Jackson's approach to mastering lessons (preferring substance over name) apply to our spiritual growth and study of Scripture?

[Context]

Jackson refused to leave a lesson unmastered; Weaver contrasts this with superficial learning.

[Question]

Jackson fled from temptation (beautiful women) rather than testing his strength. What practical steps can we take to 'flee youthful lusts' in our own contexts?

[Context]

Weaver connects Jackson's action to 2 Timothy 2:22 and distinguishes fleeing lust from resisting the devil.

[Question]

Weaver says we often live by feelings rather than principles. Can you identify a recent decision where you acted on emotion instead of biblical principle?

[Context]

Weaver contrasts Jackson's principled calm with modern excuses like 'I didn't feel like going to church.'

[Question]

How do we balance biblical commands to show mercy with passages like Deuteronomy 19:13 that say 'thine eye shall not pity'?

[Context]

Weaver uses Jackson's 'kill them all' and the avenger of blood to show that mercy must be controlled.

[Question]

Jackson admitted he could not control his mind under extreme pain. How does this reality affect the urgency of sharing the gospel with others?

[Context]

Weaver applies Jackson's dying experience to the danger of delaying salvation.

[Question]

Weaver says self-control is learned through patience and practice. What is one specific area where you can begin practicing self-control this week?

[Context]

The application section encourages incremental growth in self-control.

Applications

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deepseek | deepseek-v4-pro | weaver_study | 2026-06-06T08:05:51Z