Willing But Weak: Fighting to put self-control at the heart of Christian discipleship

by Paul Williams

From the book of Titus we see that self-control is an essential component to living a faithful Christian life. The grace of God teaches us to live self-controlled lives motivated by the cross and the return of Christ and equipped by the Holy Spirit. Self-control will both rescue us from ship-wrecking our lives and more positively help us live more effective Christian lives, helping us reach the end of our lives without regrets. From using our time, through growing in wisdom, to becoming self-controlled in the use of our tongue, in drink, sex, money and exercise (to name just a few areas), we see how putting self-control at the heart of discipleship is hugely beneficial to us. When we fail, there is a fresh start in the gospel.

Genres: Christian, Nonfiction, Discipleship

112 pages, Paperback

Published January 1, 2020

About the author

Librarian's note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.
This profile contains books from multiple authors of this name.

Reviews

[Sarah McCartney · Rating 5 out of 5]

A challenging wee book. Each page cries out for the need for self-control but assures us that we are not alone: this is achieved through motivation by God’s grace and the empowerment of the Spirit, as well as our own efforts. Each chapter hits hard and I was challenged by areas of life I thought I was doing ok in. I particularly liked the chapters on screens, physical training and growing in wisdom.
Definitely a must read as there’s so much wisdom packed into a small book!

[Michael Potts · Rating 4 out of 5]

+ Reads like warmly written, firm yet fair, 'fatherly' advice. Very relatable thoughts from the author, an imperfect person himself, who speaks humbly with the reader. An encouraging wake-up call for a creature who understands the massive value of routine/discipline... yet is rarely able to keep one!

- Occasional moments feel like the author is saying 'to grow self-control just, like, be more self-controlled' and 'it's not about trying harder... but also, try harder'. Could have spoken more about 'the solution'.

= Clear, concise, challenging little read about an essential underlying attribute we don't speak about often enough.

[Jonathan Downing · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fantastically practical, encouraging yet convicting. Well worth the 90 minutes' reading time; would fit well as a devotional.

[Cameron McCartney · Rating 5 out of 5]

“… urge the younger men to be self-controlled.” Titus 2:6

When Rico Tice says that he “can’t think of a timelier book in the last thirty years,” you know it’s time to pick it up and turn pages. Paul Williams gives great reason for the importance of nurturing self-control in your Christian life, and also an alarming warning of what will happen if you continue to do nothing about your lack of self-control. My favourite quote probably comes from the first few pages “A self-controlled life can enable us to make the very most of the one shot of life we have.” January is the ripe season for reading this book, when most people are giving up with their New Years resolutions, I’d happily lend my copy to anyone who wants it. My only wish would be that this book was a bit longer!

[Matt Chapman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Short, biblical, practical, and a great encouragement to prize and grow in self-control.

[Beth · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a short book but don't think that means there is not much in the book. The book is full of Biblical truth and practical suggestions regarding self-control.

I have to agree that self-control is needed for Christians. If we want to be all that God calls us to be, we must have self-control.

[Maged Zakher · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great!

[Benjamin Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Grand wee book. Very helpful.

[Gareth Davies · Rating 4 out of 5]

On the whole this was a really helpful book on self control. Enough practical tips without feeling overwhelming. Easy to read too

[John Booth · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book, a little secret about me throughout my life I don’t really like reading books therefore I don’t think I’ve read a full proper book cover to cover before at least for my own leisure anyway but like always I thought I’d start this book with the hopes of reading it cover to cover with the realistic expectation that I would put it down again and let it collect dust like every other time I’ve tried this. But unlike every other time I did actually read this book cover to cover.

I found it very interesting and informative. It challenged habits that I’ve gotten into and also gave good guidance on how to get out of them. It gave realistic guidance as opposed to being a “just fix it” type of book which I appreciated.

I will certainly recommend this book to anybody who may want to improve in their self control or want to learn more about how to have biblical self-control in the 21st century.

The book is both encouraging and realistic and I like that about this book and I very much enjoyed reading it.

[Alan Dodgson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Would deffo read again

[Joey Kaching · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5/5

Concise, biblical and practical. Helpful reminder of the basics.