In the context of biblical teachings, the concept of "controlling" can be understood through various lenses, including self-control, divine sovereignty, and human authority. The Bible provides guidance on how control should be exercised, emphasizing the importance of aligning one's actions with God's will and maintaining a spirit of humility and service.

Self-Control

Self-control is a significant theme in Scripture, often highlighted as a fruit of the Spirit. The Apostle Paul, in his letter to the Galatians, lists self-control as one of the attributes that believers should cultivate: "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Against such things there is no law" (Galatians 5:22-23). This passage underscores the importance of self-discipline in the life of a Christian, suggesting that true control begins with governing one's own desires and actions in accordance with the Holy Spirit.

Divine Sovereignty

The Bible also speaks to the ultimate control and authority of God over creation. God's sovereignty is a central theme, affirming that He is in control of all things. In the book of Isaiah, the Lord declares His supreme authority: "I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is none like Me, declaring the end from the beginning, and from ancient times what is still to come. I say, 'My purpose will stand, and all My good pleasure I will accomplish'" (Isaiah 46:9-10). This passage reassures believers of God's omnipotence and His ability to fulfill His divine purposes.

Human Authority and Leadership

The Bible provides guidance on the exercise of human authority, emphasizing that it should be conducted with humility and a servant's heart. Jesus taught His disciples about the nature of true leadership, contrasting it with worldly notions of control: "You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their superiors exercise authority over them. It shall not be this way among you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be your slave" (Matthew 20:25-27). This teaching highlights the call for leaders to serve others selflessly, reflecting Christ's own example.

Warnings Against Misuse of Control

Scripture also warns against the misuse of control and authority. In the book of Proverbs, the dangers of pride and the abuse of power are addressed: "Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall" (Proverbs 16:18). This warning serves as a reminder that those who seek to control others for selfish gain or out of arrogance are ultimately setting themselves up for failure.

Conclusion

The biblical perspective on controlling emphasizes the importance of self-control, the recognition of God's ultimate authority, and the responsible exercise of human leadership. Believers are called to reflect God's character in their use of control, prioritizing humility, service, and alignment with divine purposes.(p. pr. & vb. n.) of Control.3358. metron -- a measure
... 3358 ("standard, measure") is the controlling basis by which something is determined
as acceptable or unacceptable -- rooting to as His being is the only ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/3358.htm - 7k

2888. kosmokrator -- a ruler of this world
... Definition: ruler of this world, that is, of the world as asserting its independence
of God; used of the angelic or demonic powers controlling the sublunary ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/2888.htm - 7k

4998. sophron -- of sound mind, self-controlled
... balance. [The root () is the root of "," the inner organ (muscle) that regulates
physical life, controlling breathing and heart beat. ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/4998.htm - 8k

1468. egkrates -- strong, master of, self-controlled
... self-controlled -- literally, "mastered from within" (used only in Tit 1:8);
"originally, 'having power over; possessed of'; hence, 'controlling, keeping in ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/1468.htm - 7k

7982. shelet -- perhaps shield
... shield. From shalat; probably a shield (as controlling, ie Protecting the person) --
shield. see HEBREW shalat. 7981, 7982. shelet. 7983 . Strong's Numbers
/hebrew/7982.htm - 6k

The Controlling Purpose.
... The "How" of Relationship The Controlling Purpose. Vital relationship is always
expressed by purpose. ... Its controlling purpose is to please Jesus. ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/gordon/quiet talks on prayer/the controlling purpose.htm

1 John v. 16
... of the divine life may thereby ensue, interruptions of the christian development,
which yet do not undermine this life itself as the controlling principle, but ...
//christianbookshelf.org/neander/the first epistle of john/1 john v 16.htm

Living on the Top Floor.
... It is this: the Holy Spirit controlling the man who embodies the message. I mean
by controlling him that he has surrendered himself to the Spirit's control. ...
/.../gordon/quiet talks with world winners/living on the top floor.htm

Sovereignty of God in Administration
... Is God governing this world of ours? Is He shaping the destinies of nations,
controlling the course of empires, determining the limits of dynasties? ...
/.../pink/the sovereignty of god/chapter three sovereignty of god.htm

God's Providence
... Co-operation varies with the nature of the objects towards which it is
exercised.3. Government, as a branch of Providence, is God's controlling all created ...
/.../chapter vi gods providence.htm

Concerning Sovereign Lord, "Ancient of Days" in which Also ...
... sing the God of many Names, as "Sovereign Lord," and as "Ancient of days." For He
is called the former, by reason that He is an all-controlling basis, binding ...
/.../dionysius/dionysis on divine names/caput x concerning sovereign lord.htm

The Threefold Cord of Jesus' Life.
... Jesus came to do somebody's else will. The controlling purpose of His life was to
please His Father. That was the secret of the power of His earthly career. ...
/.../gordon/quiet talks on prayer/the threefold cord of jesus.htm

A Steamer Chair for his Friend.
... of the world's great cities. He has displayed great genius for controlling
the details of his vast enterprise. It is said that at ...
/.../gordon/quiet talks on service/a steamer chair for his.htm

Nature of Church History.
... It is no after-thought of God, no subsequent emendation of the plan of creation,
but it is the eternal forethought, the controlling idea, the beginning, the ...
/.../schaff/history of the christian church volume i/section 1 nature of church.htm

The Notion of Inability.
... They have every hour been exerting their own freedom, have been controlling directly
their attention and their outward life, by the free exercise of their ...
/.../finney/systematic theology/lecture xxxiii the notion of.htm

Controlling (5 Occurrences)
...Controlling (5 Occurrences). 1 Timothy 3:11 Women are to be serious in behaviour,
saying no evil of others, controlling themselves, true in all things. (BBE). ...
/c/controlling.htm - 7k

Law (670 Occurrences)
... 1. (n.) In general, a rule of being or of conduct, established by an authority able
to enforce its will; a controlling regulation; the mode or order according ...
/l/law.htm - 101k

Convert (6 Occurrences)
... called conversion in (any one); to turn from a bad life to a good one; to change
the heart and moral character of (any one) from the controlling power of sin ...
/c/convert.htm - 9k

Overruling (2 Occurrences)
... 1. (p. pr. & vb. n.) of Overrule. 2. (a.) Exerting controlling power; as, an overruling
Providence. Multi-Version Concordance Overruling (2 Occurrences). ...
/o/overruling.htm - 7k

Leading (101 Occurrences)
... & vb. n.) of Lead. 2. (p. pr. & vb. n.) of Lead. 3. (a.) Guiding; directing;
controlling; foremost; as, a leading motive; a leading man; a leading example. ...
/l/leading.htm - 36k

Governing (6 Occurrences)
... 1. (p. pr. & vb. n.) of Govern. 2. (a.) Holding the superiority; prevalent;
controlling; as, a governing wind; a governing party in a state. ...
/g/governing.htm - 8k

Wheel (20 Occurrences)
... 5. (n.) A circular frame having handles on the periphery, and an axle which is so
connected with the tiller as to form a means of controlling the rudder for ...
/w/wheel.htm - 18k

Warning (30 Occurrences)
... (See NIV). Isaiah 8:11 For the Lord, controlling me with a strong hand, gave me
orders not to go in the way of this people, saying, (See NIV). ...
/w/warning.htm - 15k

Influence (13 Occurrences)
... 3. (n.) Hence, in general, the bringing about of an effect, physical or moral, by
a gradual process; controlling power quietly exerted; agency, force, or ...
/i/influence.htm - 11k

Idea (64 Occurrences)
... 4. (n.) A belief, option, or doctrine; a characteristic or controlling
principle; as, an essential idea; the idea of development. ...
/i/idea.htm - 27k

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