CONTROL (See also "Self-Control")

[Note: the general concept of "control" is found in many contexts, and can be translated in many different ways. Sometimes it might not even be found in the original languages, but needs added for smooth reading in the English language. (The idea might be present, though the word isn't.) In these passages, the NIV happened to use the word "control," though other words may be equally acceptable.]

A. CONTROL OF NATURE/CREATION/THINGS IN IT

All things - under Jesus' control. Philippians 3:21 [subdue, subject all things, bring under (his) authority]
Clouds - under God's control Job 37:15 [command]
Plagues - under God's control Revelation 16:9 [power/authority]
Animals - put under Nebuchadnezzar's control (by God) Jeremiah 28:14 [(animals) "given" (to him, to serve him)]

B. CONTROL OF WORLD/WEALTH/POSSESSIONS

The whole world system - controlled by the evil one. 1 John 5:19 [under the power of...]
Treasures of Egypt (etc.) - controlled by "self-exalting king." Daniel 11:43 [have power over]
The works of one's hands - controlled (after he dies) by the one who inherits it - regardless of whether the inheritor is wise or foolish. Ecclesiastes 2:19 [be master over] [RESULTS: There is no "lasting meaning" in the works of one's hands.]

C. CONTROLLING OTHERS: nations/peoples/individuals being controlled by others

In general - nations, etc., controlled by various leaders or by other nations, etc. Joshua 18:1 [subdued]; 2 Samuel 8:1 & 1 Chronicles 18:1 [(take) from the hand/grip (of)]; 2 Samuel 8:3 & 1 Chronicles 18:3 [rule, dominion, power]; 1 Kings 11:24 [reigned, became king]; 2 Chronicles 17:5 [in his hand (made secure)]; 25:3 [in his hand, well established]
Specific individuals controlled by others
- Weak-willed women - controlled by apostates (people who claim to be "Christian" but who have departed from the truth of God). 2 Timothy 3:6 [captivate, get influence over, mislead]
- A husband "controlling" one's wife in a proper, legitimate, and holy manner. [** Depends on the interpretation of the word "vessel" - whether it is referring to the man, or to his wife. (The other interpretation is mentioned in a section, below.)] 1 Thessalonians 4:4 [possess, live with, acquire]

D. CONTROLLING SELF: control (or lack of it) over one's emotions/actions/words/self

A general example of being "out of control" (Israelites, when sacrificing to the golden cow). Exodus 32:25 out of hand, wild]
Controlling of one's emotions/temper
- Better than conquering a city. Proverbs 16:32 [slow to anger, patient]
- A characteristic of the wise man (not the fool). Proverbs 29:11[(he) holds back (anger)]
- A specific instance in which lack of control was not wrong: Unable to keep control of one's emotions (in an emotional situation) - Joseph. Genesis 45:1
Control of one's Body (focus = on sexual self-control)
- The need to control one's body in a proper, holy manner. [** Depends on the interpretation of the word "vessel" - whether it is referring to the man, or to his wife. (The other interpretation is mentioned in a section, above.)] 1 Thessalonians 4:4 [possess, live with, acquire]
- Sexual self-control & marriage:
  - If you have sexual self-control: a good reason to NOT marry. 1 Corinthians 7:37 [power (over his will/desires)]
  - If you don't have sexual self-control: a good reason to marry. 1 Corinthians 7:9 [self-control]
Controlling one's "prophetic spirit"
- It is under the prophet's control. 1 Corinthians 14:32 [subject (to their) control; subject (to them)]

E. CONTROL OF THE SPIRIT/RIGHTEOUSNESS VS. CONTROL OF THE FLESH [Which of them controls us?]

Control by the Spirit
- It is true of all who have the Spirit of God/Christ. Romans 8:9 [to be "in" (or) living by (the flesh - vs. the Spirit)]
- The mind controlled by the Spirit contrasted with the mind of sinful man: the first results in life/peace; the second in death. Romans 8:6 [(a mind) set on (or) concerned with... (the flesh or Spirit)]
The "control of righteousness" - does not effect those who are slaves to sin. Romans 6:20 [(free) "from" (or) "in regard to" (its control); felt no obligation to do it (that is, to do what is right)]
Control by the flesh
- This once applied to us (and it resulted in fruit that led to death). Romans 7:5 [(living) "in" (the flesh / corrupt natural inclinations)]
- It is no longer true of us (who have the Spirit of God/Christ). Romans 8:9 [to be "in" (or) living by (the flesh)]
- Those controlled by the flesh CANNOT please God. Romans 8:8 [to be "in" (or) living by (the flesh)]

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