• 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.
     
  • 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.'

     
  • Psalm 10:4
    The wicked in his proud countenance does not seek God;
    God is in none of his thoughts.
     
  • 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

The carnal mind covets control, as all of us desire to control things for ourselves. Yet, God's way is not one of controlling others but of self-control, a rigorous self-mastery. This is evident in the life of Jesus Christ, who, despite being the King of kings and God in the flesh, came as a servant, totally under authority, …


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.


Coattails

CGG Weekly by David C. Grabbe

Nimrod, the founder of Babylon, embodies the essence of rebellion, with his name meaning "let us revolt." At the core of such a rebel lies a deep-seated desire to rule and assert authority. Like satan, the original rebel who sought to replace God, Nimrod's actions were driven by a need for preeminence, leaving a trail of …


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.


Truth and God's Governance (Part Three)

CGG Weekly by David C. Grabbe

Satan craves control, seeking to compete, devour, and gain the upper hand, driven by a desire to triumph and win. This desire for control often manifests in anger and hostility, as seen in the actions of Aaron and Miriam toward Moses. Their attempts to elevate themselves by diminishing Moses revealed a denial of the reality that …


Taking Our Lead From God

Article by Staff

In light of the examples of Korah, Dathan, and Abiram, have we allowed ourselves to be led by men or are we really following God?


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.



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