Control is a central theme in the Christian walk. Whether it is controlling our actions, our thoughts, or trusting God’s sovereignty, the Bible provides clear guidance.
These scriptures encourage us to surrender control to God, allowing His will to prevail in our lives. Here are seven key areas where control is crucial, each supported by powerful verses from the Bible.
Also Read: Bible Verses About God Being in Control
Trusting God’s Sovereignty
Trusting God’s sovereignty is foundational for Christians. When we acknowledge that God is in control of all things, we can release our anxieties and fears. This trust is not passive; it requires active faith, believing that God works all things for good, even when we do not understand His ways. Below are scriptures that reinforce the importance of surrendering control to God’s sovereign will.
Proverbs 3:5-6
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take.”
This passage encourages believers to fully trust in the Lord, emphasizing that human understanding is limited. Surrendering control and seeking God’s guidance ensures that we are on the right path.
Jeremiah 29:11
“For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.”
God’s plans are always for our benefit, even when we face challenges. Trusting His control means believing in the hopeful future He has promised.
Isaiah 55:8-9
“My thoughts are nothing like your thoughts,” says the Lord. “And my ways are far beyond anything you could imagine.”
These verses remind us that God’s ways and thoughts surpass ours. This is a call to trust His wisdom and control over our lives, even when things seem unclear.
Romans 8:28
“And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them.”
This verse offers assurance that God orchestrates all events in life for the good of His children. Surrendering control means trusting this promise, even in difficult times.
Psalm 37:5
“Commit everything you do to the Lord. Trust him, and he will help you.”
Commitment to the Lord involves surrendering all aspects of life to Him. Trusting God’s control ensures that He will provide the help and guidance we need.
Self-Control and Discipline
Self-control is an essential fruit of the Spirit that enables us to live in a way that honors God. It involves mastering our desires, thoughts, and actions to align with God’s will. By exercising discipline, we can avoid sin and live righteously. The following verses highlight the importance of self-control and discipline in the Christian life.
2 Timothy 1:7
“For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline.”
God empowers believers with the ability to exercise self-discipline, which is essential in controlling our actions and living according to His will.
Galatians 5:22-23
“But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against these things!”
The fruit of the Spirit, including self-control, is a sign of God’s work in a believer’s life. Cultivating self-control is vital for spiritual growth.
Proverbs 25:28
“A person without self-control is like a city with broken-down walls.”
This proverb illustrates the vulnerability of a life without self-control. It underscores the need to protect ourselves through disciplined living.
1 Corinthians 9:25
“All athletes are disciplined in their training. They do it to win a prize that will fade away, but we do it for an eternal prize.”
Paul compares the Christian life to an athlete’s discipline, emphasizing that self-control is necessary to attain the eternal rewards promised by God.
Titus 2:11-12
“For the grace of God has been revealed, bringing salvation to all people. And we are instructed to turn from godless living and sinful pleasures. We should live in this evil world with wisdom, righteousness, and devotion to God.”
God’s grace teaches us to reject sin and live self-controlled, upright lives, demonstrating the importance of discipline in our daily walk with Him.
Controlling Our Speech
Words have tremendous power, and controlling our speech is crucial in reflecting Christ’s character. The Bible instructs believers to speak wisely, using words to build others up rather than tearing them down. By controlling our speech, we can avoid sin and demonstrate love, wisdom, and grace in our interactions with others. Here are key scriptures that guide us in controlling our tongues.
James 1:19
“Understand this, my dear brothers and sisters: You must all be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to get angry.”
James advises believers to be mindful of their speech. Quick listening and slow speaking are essential to exercising control over our words and emotions.
Proverbs 18:21
“The tongue can bring death or life; those who love to talk will reap the consequences.”
This verse emphasizes the power of words to influence life and death. It serves as a reminder to use our speech wisely and with control.
Ephesians 4:29
“Don’t use foul or abusive language. Let everything you say be good and helpful, so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them.”
Paul encourages believers to use speech that builds others up. Controlling our language is a reflection of the love and grace we are called to show.
Colossians 4:6
“Let your conversation be gracious and attractive so that you will have the right response for everyone.”
Grace-filled speech is essential for effective communication and witness. This verse encourages believers to speak in a way that reflects Christ’s character.
Proverbs 15:1
“A gentle answer deflects anger, but harsh words make tempers flare.”
This proverb highlights the calming effect of gentle words. Controlling our speech can prevent conflicts and promote peace in our relationships.
Also Read: Bible Verses About Controlling Your Tongue
Controlling Our Thoughts
Our thoughts greatly influence our actions and character. The Bible instructs us to take control of our thoughts, focusing on what is true, honorable, and praiseworthy. By renewing our minds through Scripture and prayer, we can align our thoughts with God’s will, avoiding the destructive patterns of worldly thinking. These verses emphasize the importance of controlling our minds and thoughts.
Philippians 4:8
“And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise.”
This verse encourages believers to focus on positive and God-honoring thoughts, a practice that fosters spiritual growth and mental peace.
Romans 12:2
“Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.”
Paul urges believers to renew their minds, a process that involves rejecting worldly thinking and embracing God’s transformative power.
2 Corinthians 10:5
“We destroy every proud obstacle that keeps people from knowing God. We capture their rebellious thoughts and teach them to obey Christ.”
This verse speaks to the importance of taking every thought captive, ensuring that our minds are aligned with Christ’s teachings.
Isaiah 26:3
“You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in you, all whose thoughts are fixed on you!”
Focusing our thoughts on God brings peace and stability, highlighting the importance of controlling our mental focus and trust in Him.
Colossians 3:2
“Think about the things of heaven, not the things of earth.”
This verse encourages believers to set their minds on heavenly things, a practice that helps in maintaining spiritual focus and discipline.
Overcoming Temptation
Temptation is a part of every Christian’s life, but the Bible provides guidance on how to resist and overcome it. Controlling our desires and leaning on God’s strength enables us to avoid sin. Through prayer, Scripture, and reliance on the Holy Spirit, we can stand firm against temptation. The following verses offer wisdom on exercising control and resisting the temptations we face.
1 Corinthians 10:13
“The temptations in your life are no different from what others experience. And God is faithful. He will not allow the temptation to be more than you can stand. When you are tempted, he will show you a way out so that you can endure.”
This verse reassures believers that God provides a way out of every temptation, encouraging us to exercise control and rely on His faithfulness.
James 4:7
“So humble yourselves before God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.”
Humility and submission to God are key to overcoming temptation. By resisting the devil, we exercise control and maintain our spiritual integrity.
Matthew 26:41
“Keep watch and pray, so that you will not give in to temptation. For the spirit is willing, but the body is weak!”
Jesus emphasizes the need for vigilance and prayer in resisting temptation. Controlling our impulses requires spiritual discipline and dependence on God.
2 Peter 2:9
“So you see, the Lord knows how to rescue godly people from their trials, even while keeping the wicked under punishment until the day of final judgment.”
This verse highlights God’s ability to deliver us from trials and temptations, reinforcing the importance of trusting Him for strength and control.
Hebrews 2:18
“Since he himself has gone through suffering and testing, he is able to help us when we are being tested.”
Jesus’ experience with temptation makes Him our perfect helper in times of trial. We can exercise control by leaning on His understanding and support.
Submitting to Authority
Submitting to authority is an important aspect of Christian life, as it reflects our respect for God’s established order. The Bible calls us to honor and obey those in positions of authority, as long as it does not contradict God’s commands. This requires humility and a willingness to relinquish control. These verses encourage believers to submit to authority, trusting that God is ultimately in control.
Romans 13:1
“Everyone must submit to governing authorities. For all authority comes from God, and those in positions of authority have been placed there by God.”
This verse establishes that all authority is instituted by God, calling believers to submit as an act of obedience to Him.
1 Peter 2:13-14
“For the Lord’s sake, submit to all human authority—whether the king as head of state, or the officials he has appointed. For the king has sent them to punish those who do wrong and to honor those who do right.”
Peter instructs believers to submit to earthly authorities for the Lord’s sake, recognizing that God’s order is reflected in these institutions.
Titus 3:1
“Remind the believers to submit to the government and its officers. They should be obedient, always ready to do what is good.”
This verse emphasizes the importance of obedience to governing authorities, encouraging believers to do good under their leadership.
Hebrews 13:17
“Obey your spiritual leaders, and do what they say. Their work is to watch over your souls, and they are accountable to God. Give them reason to do this with joy and not with sorrow. That would certainly not be for your benefit.”
Submission to spiritual leaders is vital for the health of the church. Obedience and respect for their authority benefit both the believer and the community.
Colossians 3:22
“Slaves, obey your earthly masters in everything you do. Try to please them all the time, not just when they are watching you. Serve them sincerely because of your reverent fear of the Lord.”
This verse highlights the importance of sincerity and integrity in submitting to authority, doing so as an expression of our reverence for God.
Controlling Anger
Anger is a powerful emotion that can lead to sin if not controlled. The Bible offers wisdom on managing anger, encouraging believers to exercise patience and forgiveness. By controlling anger, we can prevent harm to ourselves and others, and maintain our witness for Christ. The following scriptures provide guidance on how to handle anger in a godly manner.
Ephesians 4:26-27
“And don’t sin by letting anger control you. Don’t let the sun go down while you are still angry, for anger gives a foothold to the devil.”
Paul warns against allowing anger to lead to sin. This verse encourages believers to resolve anger quickly, preventing it from becoming a stronghold for the enemy.
James 1:20
“Human anger does not produce the righteousness God desires.”
This verse highlights the destructive nature of human anger. It reminds us that uncontrolled anger is incompatible with the righteousness God seeks in His people.
Proverbs 15:18
“A hot-tempered person starts fights; a cool-tempered person stops them.”
This proverb contrasts the outcomes of uncontrolled and controlled anger, encouraging believers to be peacemakers through self-control.
Colossians 3:8
“But now is the time to get rid of anger, rage, malicious behavior, slander, and dirty language.”
Paul calls believers to rid themselves of anger and other destructive behaviors, emphasizing the need for transformation in Christ.
Psalm 37:8
“Stop being angry! Turn from your rage! Do not lose your temper—it only leads to harm.”
The psalmist warns against the dangers of unchecked anger. This verse encourages believers to exercise control, avoiding the harmful consequences of losing one’s temper.
Also Read: Bible Verses About Minding Your Own Business
What Does the Bible Say About Control
The Bible teaches us a lot about control, especially about who really holds it and how we should handle it in our lives. First and foremost, the Bible makes it clear that God is in control of everything. He created the world and everything in it, and nothing happens without His knowledge and permission. This can be a great comfort to us because it means that, no matter what happens in our lives, God is always in charge, and He knows what is best for us.
As human beings, we often like to feel that we are in control of our lives. We make plans, set goals, and work hard to achieve them. But the Bible reminds us that our control is limited. We can make plans, but it is God who ultimately decides what will happen. This doesn’t mean that we shouldn’t make plans or work towards our goals, but it does mean that we should always remember to trust in God’s plan for our lives. When things don’t go as we expect, instead of becoming anxious or frustrated, we should turn to God and seek His guidance, knowing that He is always in control and that His plans are better than ours.
Another important aspect of control mentioned in the Bible is self-control. This is a trait that the Bible encourages us to develop. Self-control means having the ability to control our emotions, desires, and actions. It’s about not giving in to every temptation or acting on every impulse. Instead, we should strive to live in a way that is pleasing to God, making choices that reflect His teachings. Self-control is not always easy, but it is important because it helps us to live a disciplined and godly life. When we practice self-control, we are better able to resist temptations, make wise decisions, and live in a way that honors God.
The Bible also teaches us to surrender control to God. This means letting go of our need to control every aspect of our lives and trusting God to lead us. It is about recognizing that we don’t have all the answers, and we don’t need to, because God does. Surrendering control to God requires faith and trust in Him. It means acknowledging that God’s wisdom is greater than ours and that His plans for us are good. When we surrender control to God, we experience peace, because we are no longer trying to carry the burden of our lives on our own. Instead, we are trusting God to take care of us and to lead us in the right direction.
In conclusion, the Bible teaches that while we may have some control over our lives, true control belongs to God. We are encouraged to trust in Him, practice self-control, and surrender our lives to His guidance. When we do this, we can live with peace and confidence, knowing that God is always in control and that He loves us and has a good plan for our lives.