• Ephesians 2:1-3
    And you He made alive, who were dead in trespasses and sins, in which you once walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit who now works in the sons of disobedience, among whom also we all once conducted ourselves in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, just as the others.
     
  • 1 Corinthians 4:6
    Now these things, brethren, I have figuratively transferred to myself and Apollos for your sakes, that you may learn in us not to think beyond what is written, that none of you may be puffed up on behalf of one against the other.
     
  • Psalm 10:4
    The wicked in his proud countenance does not seek God;
    God is in none of his thoughts.
     
  • Isaiah 14:12-14
    "How you are fallen from heaven,
    O Lucifer, son of the morning!
    How you are cut down to the ground,
    You who weakened the nations!
    For you have said in your heart:
    'I will ascend into heaven,
    I will exalt my throne above the stars of God;
    I will also sit on the mount of the congregation
    On the farthest sides of the north;
    I will ascend above the heights of the clouds,
    I will be like the Most High.'

     
  • Matthew 20:25-26
    But Jesus called them to Himself and said, “You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and those who are great exercise authority over them. Yet it shall not be so among you; but whoever desires to become great among you, let him be your servant.
     
  • 1 John 2:15-17
    Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—is not of the Father but is of the world. And the world is passing away, and the lust of it; but he who does the will of God abides forever.
     
  • Revelation 12:9
    So the great dragon was cast out, that serpent of old, called the Devil and Satan, who deceives the whole world; he was cast to the earth, and his angels were cast out with him.
     
For more scripture references, please see Bible verses for Control, Desire for


Resources

Control and Self-Control

Sermon by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

Paradoxically, when we yield to God's sovereignty, He wants to cede control over to us, teaching us to develop self-control as an ingrained habit.


Money, Control, and Sacrifice

Sermonette by John W. Ritenbaugh

Wealth will certainly damage our character if we permit it to control us. Riches cannot buy forgiveness, the Holy Spirit, or eternal life.


Money, Control and Sacrifice (2015)

Sermonette by John W. Ritenbaugh

In the important things in life, money is powerless. Wealth cannot buy forgiveness, eternal life, or God's Spirit. Riches do not profit in the day of wrath.


Truth and God's Governance (Part Three)

CGG Weekly by David C. Grabbe

God puts people where He wants them and gives them the responsibilities that He desires them to fulfill. They can be either faithful or unfaithful leaders.


What Type of Leader Are You?

Sermonette by Ted E. Bowling

Jesus Christ did not teach the pyramid model of leadership, where successive levels of leaders provide direction to those in the lesser ranks. He served.


Coattails

CGG Weekly by David C. Grabbe

Nimrod's tale is one of arrogance and blindness. He did not use his leadership abilities constructively but for self-exaltation and the pursuit of preeminence.


Self-Government (Part One)

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)

Regardless of whether one submits to God, government, or community, self-government is the best means to having a safe, smooth course toward an objective.


A Government to Fear (Part Seven)

Commentary by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)

Even though Western governments are comparatively less tyrannical than their Gentile counterparts, they too can force their ways on the populace.



For more resources, please see the library topic for Control, Desire for