giving thanks to his God, just as he had done before. Then these men went as a group and found Daniel praying and asking God for help.

We all know how God delivered Daniel from the lion's den.  God delivered Daniel because he was a faithful servant and to show that He alone was the one true God to the rulers of Persia.  Because of Daniel's self-control in the face of impossible circumstances, death and lions God did miraculous things through him.

The Bible teaches self-control throughout.

Pr 25:28   Like a city whose walls are broken down is a man who lacks self-control.
Pr 29:11   A fool gives full vent to his anger, but a wise man keeps himself under control.

This teaching continues into the New Testament Gentile church.  Christians were to control their fleshly lusts.

1Th 4:4   that each of you should learn to control his own body in a way that is holy and honourable,
Tit 2:12   It teaches us to say "No" to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age,

Leaders in the church were to be men of self-control.

1Ti 3:2-3   Now the overseer must be above reproach, the husband of but one wife, temperate, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, not given to drunkenness, not violent but gentle, not quarrelsome, not a lover of money.

The qualities of the true believer included self-control.

2Pe 1:5-8   For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness, love. For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Self-control is God's method to keep us alert to deception.

1Th 5:6   So then, let us not be like others, who are asleep, but let us be alert and self-controlled.
1Pe 5:8   Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.

Self- control also prepares us for action, for witness.

1Pe 1:13   Therefore, prepare your minds for action; be self-controlled; set your hope fully on the grace to be given you when Jesus Christ is revealed.

Self-control allows us to be ready for the return of Christ and to be able to pray with a clear head.  In a moment we will read verses that totally destroy the false doctrine taught in many churches today that you must quit praying to receive the Holy Spirit.  The Holy Spirit teaches us to have a clear mind and have self-control, not to get slain in the spirit, roll around on the floor, and make animal noises.

1Pe 4:7   The end of all things is near. Therefore be clear minded and self-controlled so that you can pray.
1Co 14:33   For God is not a God of disorder but of peace. As in all the congregations of the saints,