egkrateia -
<aside> <img src="https://prod-files-secure.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/49de0235-e8bc-4eca-bf20-2a9d6d267a02/e4ca205f-cdbe-4261-b54d-e527bd230ebe/IMAGE_2024-02-23_213606.jpg" alt="https://prod-files-secure.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/49de0235-e8bc-4eca-bf20-2a9d6d267a02/e4ca205f-cdbe-4261-b54d-e527bd230ebe/IMAGE_2024-02-23_213606.jpg" width="40px" /> In the discourse of the divine law and its interaction with the soul, the concept of "egkrateia" emerges as a future state condition of the soul. This state is not arbitrary but is a direct consequence of the soul's obedience to the divine word. Obedience, in this context, is more than a mere act of will; it is a transformative process that occurs when the didactic soul hears the divine word.
The didactic genius is not a passive recipient of the divine word. Instead, it is an active participant in the divine law, characterised by its unique ability to innately convert what is heard into an "if - then" command. This conversion process is not a product of doubt, hesitation, or deviation from the original command.
On the contrary, it is a product of the didasko's inherent genius and its unwavering commitment to the divine word. Therefore, "egkrateia" is not merely a state of self-control as it is commonly understood. It is a state of divine lawfulness that the soul enters into as a result of its obedience to the divine word.
“… supplement your knowledge with self-control …” (2 Peter 1:5-7)
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<aside> <img src="https://prod-files-secure.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/49de0235-e8bc-4eca-bf20-2a9d6d267a02/38a7cec2-a2fc-48ea-8491-17903f7b5bc9/IMAGE_2024-02-23_213606.jpg" alt="https://prod-files-secure.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/49de0235-e8bc-4eca-bf20-2a9d6d267a02/38a7cec2-a2fc-48ea-8491-17903f7b5bc9/IMAGE_2024-02-23_213606.jpg" width="40px" /> If you have isolated this natural endowment as your life operating system:
Self-control serves as the pivotal gateway into the divine law, a law that faithfully adheres to the profound and true knowledge whenever “he who has ears hears” knowing that whatever God initiates through obedience to His word, He will invariably see it through to fruition.
This divine promise provides you with the necessary strength and fortitude to persevere until the very end, through a lifestyle of obedience and yielding to “what the Spirit is saying to the churches”, maintaining the same level of graciousness and faith that marked the commencement of your journey.
The one who sets in motion a good work, the divine being, will ensure its consummation at the time of His appearance. So rest assured, any divine mission started will reach completion under His vigilant watch. “He who began a good work in you will bring it to completion in the day of Jesus Christ”
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Moses, a key figure in the Abrahamic religions, provides a profound example of "egkrateia" in the context of divine law. His life, particularly the events following his encounter with God at the burning bush, illustrates the transformative power of obedience to the divine word.
Moses' encounter with God at the burning bush is a significant event that marks the beginning of his journey into divine lawfulness. God, appearing as a burning bush that was not consumed by the fire, commanded Moses to take off his shoes, for the place where he was standing was holy ground. This act of taking off his shoes was not merely a sign of respect, but a symbol of Moses' submission to and recognition of God's sovereignty. It was an act of self-control and obedience to the divine law, a law that was profoundly different from the laws Moses had known in Egypt.
After receiving the detailed design of the tabernacle on Mount Sinai, Moses meticulously implemented the design as he had been shown. This was not a task he could have accomplished by his own understanding or strength. It required a deep sense of self-control, a commitment to obey God's instructions without deviation, and a trust in the divine plan. The tabernacle, once completed, became a physical manifestation of "egkrateia" - a space set apart for God's presence, defined by its adherence to the divine law.
The commandments, originally received by Moses from God on Mount Sinai, were further elaborated by Moses to produce the 613 commandments that form the core of Judaism. This was not a mere act of legal formulation, but a divine act of interpreting and applying God's law to the everyday lives of the Israelites. It was a task that required an extraordinary level of self-control, wisdom, and understanding. The 613 commandments, therefore, are not just a set of rules, but a comprehensive guide to living a life that is pleasing to God. They are a testament to Moses' "egkrateia" - his ability to hear, understand, and apply the divine law in a way that was both faithful to its original intent and relevant to the context of his people.
In conclusion, Moses' life is a testament to the power of "egkrateia". His acts of self-control, obedience, and law-giving were not merely for the purpose of maintaining order or achieving personal holiness. They were acts of participation in the divine law, a law that he had been uniquely called to hear, understand, and apply. Therefore, the case of Moses invites us to see "egkrateia" not just as a personal virtue, but as a divine calling - a calling to enter into and participate in the divine law through acts of hearing, understanding, and applying the word of God.