PLANTED | GS2 L1 SOBRIETY: WHAT IS IT AND WHY?
A. Principles and Patterns
1. “10% of life is what happens to you, the rest is how you react/respond to it”
2. We are not ignorant of the devil’s devices.
3. Wisdom is the principle thing…Be sober. Be vigilant. In all thy getting, get understanding.
B. Scriptures
• Titus 2:3-4 (KJV) “The aged women likewise, that they be in behaviour as becometh holiness, not
false accusers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things; that they may teach the young
women to be sober…”
• Matthew 11:12 (ESV) “From the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven has
suffered violence, and the violent take it by force.”
• Ephesians 6:12 (KJV) “For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities,
against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in
high places.”
• 1 Peter 5:8 (KJV) “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion,
walketh about, seeking whom he may devour.”
• Romans 14:17 (NIV) “For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of
righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.”
• 2 Corinthians 4:7-10 (NKJV) “But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellence of
the power may be of God and not of us. We are hard-pressed on every side, yet not crushed; we
are perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed –
always carrying about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life also of Jesus may be
manifested in our body.”
C. Definition of Sobriety
1. Sober (Collins Paperback Dictionary & Collins Thesaurus)
▪ Not drunk; serious and thoughtful; free from exaggeration; moderate; temperate; clear-headed;
calm; composed; cool; level-headed; practical; rational; realistic; reasonable; sedate; solemn;
sound; steady; unruffled; subdued.
2. Strength under control
Management of the influence of e-motions:
• Feelings on the inside caused by pain or pleasure, trying to move you towards a certain direction
or destination
• Knowing when to discharge power and when not to
• The vocabulary of silence. Proverbs 17:28 (ESV) says “Even a fool who keeps silent is considered
wise; when he closes his lips, he is deemed intelligent (discerning, prudent).”
Emotions on their own are a gift from God, given to us for a purpose, a warning system that something is not
right and an expression of pleasure. What’s done as a result of emotions is what shows wisdom or foolishness.
Emotions are like an electrical current, they can be good but can also be dangerous if not discharged properly.
Take root downwards. Bear fruit upwards!
Relationships | Obedience | Organisation | Team Player | Service
PLANTED | GS2 L1 SOBRIETY: WHAT IS IT AND WHY?
C. Definition of Sobriety continued
3. The PAUSE that precedes the action.
4. Meek & quiet spirit - An ornament of great price before God.
5. The root or foundation to wisdom
Sobriety is the root or foundation to wisdom. It’s not everything that wisdom is but, without being sober,
you can’t be wise. Wisdom is a defence. It gives life to them that have it (see Ecclesiastes 7:12 KJV).
D. Why should you be sober?
1. It builds Godly character
Godly character sustains the anointing. Billy Graham said, “When character is lost, all is lost.” (see
Proverbs 31:26)
2. It is a door to and critical component of wisdom
It enables you to hear that still small voice of the Holy Spirit. That inner voice of the Spirit is a crucial guide,
a source of intelligence and a prophetic insight because we do not necessarily know everything that there
is to know but the Holy Spirit gives you discernment. Though still and “small”, that voice is mightier than
the sound of many waters (Psalm 93:4).
3. It bestows favour (see Proverbs 17:28 and Proverbs 31:28-31)
4. It builds and salvages relationships
Sobriety gives you a chance to weigh things properly, get to the matter behind the matter and make
informed decisions, because, many times, we are victims of our own wrong interpretation of things.
Proverbs 18:17 also says “The first to state his case seems right until another comes forward and
examines him.”
5. It brings honour to God’s Name
You are a letter, seen, known and read by all men.
E. Questions
1. Of the definitions of Sobriety given above, which one stands out to you the most and why?
2. Which one challenges you the most, and why? Discuss with your Cell Group Members.
F. Commitments
1. Prioritise a few areas where you will commit to develop your Sobriety in the next 3 months.
2. Find an accountability partner to whom you’ll discuss your progress, challenges and accomplishments
and, most importantly, walk with and pray together to overcome challenges
G. Affirmations (before you close your meeting, take time to read these affirmations out loud)
• I am a woman of sobriety – composed, level-headed, unruffled and rational
• I open my mouth with wisdom
• On my tongue is the law of kindness
• I think before I act
• I am NOT a victim of my own emotions. I have control over my emotions
• I take time to evaluate matters before jumping to conclusions
• I am NOT a victim of wrong interpretation of matters
H. Next Cell Lesson: Sobriety Challenges Part 1 & 2
Take root downwards. Bear fruit upwards!
Relationships | Obedience | Organisation | Team Player | Service
