The Issue Is Control!

Dr. Lewis Gregory

I. What is the significance of control?

A. Control offers both privileges and responsibilities.

1. Example: A driver’s license

2. “Now I have freedom and power!”

3. The license is a symbol of authority.

4. It gives a person total control over the automobile.

B. The will is the control seat for the human personality.

1. The will is the decision-making faculty of the person.

2. Whatever influences the will affects the person.

3. That which controls the will controls the person.

C. What is the meaning of control?

1. Control is being the one in charge.

2. Control is being the boss.

3. Control is making the decisions.

D. Who is qualified to be in control?

1. Only the Lord has that right.

2. Lord means decision maker, boss, sovereign ruler.

3. There is only one Lord. Jesus Christ the Lord! (Ephesians 4:5)

E. What is accomplished by control?

1. Control enables a person to have his own way.

2. Control allows a person to get what he wants.

3. Control often leads to manipulation.

4. It gives a person the ability to control his environment.

(only partially and temporarily).

5. Eventually that which gives you control takes control.

F. Who’s in control of your life? (Psalm 26:2)

1. Only the Lord knows for sure.

2. Ask the Lord to examine you.

3. He will show you who has the reins of your life.

II. You must admit your need. (Matthew 9:13)

A. How do you declare your need?

1. I have a problem

2. I can’t solve the problem.

3. I need help.

B. People only think they are in control.

1. The poem “In Control” is a perfect illustration.

2. The only way to be in control in under His control.

C. You should give up your efforts to control.

III. You must submit your will to the Lord. (James 4:7)

A. Submit means to come under the Lord’s authority.

B. It is essential to accept God’s will in advance. (John 7:17)

1. To know God’s will, you must be willing to do God’s will.

2. Say “yes” to God’s will in advance.

3. Place your faith in His faithfulness. (1 Thessalonians 5:24)

C. The hang-up occurs when you either can’t or won’t submit.

D. If you can’t, then God can eliminate the hang-up.

1. Ask God to reveal the hang-up.

2. Ask God to make you willing to accept His will.

E. If you won’t, you are defiant – rebellious and disobedient.

1. Rebellion is rejecting God’s will.

2. Rebellion is resisting God’s grace. (Galatians 2:21)

3. Rebellion robs God of his rightful place in your life.

4. To the extent you’re not submitted, you’re in rebellion.

5. Example: Saul was in rebellion when he was struck down on the Damascus road. Saul thought he was doing God’s will, but he was deceived. (Acts 9)

IV. You must commit your life to the Lord. (Romans 6:13, 12:1)

A. You must allow the Lord to do what is needed in you.

1. Commit your life into the Father’s hands. (Luke 23:46)

2. Let the Lord mold you and make you. (Jeremiah 18:16)

B. The servant/master relationship (Luke 15:19)

1. The servant belongs to the master.

(by creation, by redemption, and by salvation)

2. The servant is under the authority of his master.

3. The master decides what is best for the servant.

4. As a servant, you must entrust your life to The Master.

C. First things first

1. Why do we give our problems to the Lord and then take them back again?

2. You have neglected to put first things first.

3. You must first give yourself to the Lord. (2 Corinthians 8:5; Romans 6:13)

D. A prayer of total submission

“Lord take me and make me what you want me to be.”

1. This allows the Lord to make the needed changes.

2. It will result in your being what God wants you to be.

3. Now the Lord is in control of your life!

E. A declaration of faith

1. Thank you, Lord, that everything I am and have is yours.

2 I ask you to take complete control of my life and fill me with your Spirit. (Ephesians 5:18)

3. “I am my beloveds and He is mine.” (Song of Solomon 6:3)

UNDER THE LORD'S CONTROL, YOU ARE IN CONTROL!

Dr. Lewis Gregory Source Ministries © 1995

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