Here is a recap of our message from this weekend...

CROWNED: THE CROWN OF CONTROL

This message from Pastor Jared explores the hidden danger of control in our lives. We often trust God with our eternity but struggle to release control of our day-to-day lives. Drawing from Proverbs 3 and the story of Moses in Exodus 4, we learn that control is often rooted in fear and robs us of peace. True trust in God means releasing our grip and allowing Him to lead, which reconnects us to His power and peace.

Weekly Bible Study List

Proverbs 3:5-6 (NIV) – “Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.”
Exodus 4:12-13 (NIV) – “Now go; I will help you speak and will teach you what to say.” But Moses said, “Pardon your servant, Lord. Please send someone else.”
Isaiah 26:3 (NIV) – “You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you.”
Psalm 56:3 (NIV) – “When I am afraid, I put my trust in you.”
Matthew 6:27 (NIV) – “Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life?”

The Sunday Outline & Notes

Pastor Jared opens with a humorous and relatable illustration about backseat drivers—those who want to dictate the journey even when they’re not in control. This is how many of us treat our relationship with God. We trust Him with the destination, but insist on micromanaging the journey. This tendency is driven by our need for control—something that brings more pressure than peace.

The Foundation: Proverbs 3:5-6

At the heart of this sermon is Proverbs 3:5-6. Pastor Jared dives deep into the Hebrew word for “trust” (batach), explaining how it blends security, confidence, and reliance. Trust in God is not passive; it requires us to let go of self-dependence and embrace full dependence on God.

Point 1: Control is Rooted in Fear

Control often stems from fear—fear of pain, disappointment, or betrayal. We use control to protect ourselves, but instead of bringing peace, it becomes a dangerous idol. Like repeatedly pressing an elevator button, control gives us an illusion of power but produces nothing but anxiety and frustration. Pastor Jared reminds us: you can’t worry and worship at the same time.

Point 2: Control Limits What God Can Do

Control is not just unhelpful—it actually limits God’s movement in our lives. Using the story of Moses, Pastor Jared shows how even great leaders can resist God’s call out of fear and desire for control. Moses told God to “send someone else” because he didn’t feel equipped. But God never asked for perfection—He asked for obedience. Holding onto control often means shrinking God to fit within our comfort zone.

Point 3: Control Adds Pressure, Not Peace

While we grasp for control to feel safe, it only increases our pressure. We begin to believe that every outcome rests on us. The result is exhaustion, anxiety, and spiritual depletion. Pastor Jared compares it to holding a weight—eventually your arms give out. Releasing control doesn’t mean dropping the responsibility; it means placing the burden on the One who’s strong enough to carry it.

Application

Pastor Jared closes with three practical steps:

Identify where you're leaning on yourself – Where are you still trying to control what you've already said you gave to God?
Release one decision to God this week – Choose something specific. Trust Him with it.
Relearn to trust – Trust is learned through experiencing God’s faithfulness.

Worship Setlist

You Are Good
I Trust in God
Firm Foundation

Quotes Worth Reposting on Social Media

“We trust God with eternity, but micromanage the journey of life.”
“Control promises peace but delivers pressure.”
“Behind most control issues are trust issues.”
“You cannot worship and worry at the same time—one will always silence the other.”
“Control will turn the God of the universe into the size of your comfort zone.”
“Trust isn’t just believing in God—it’s placing your confidence, security, and reliance in Him.”
“You won’t surrender what you’re unwilling to acknowledge you still control.”
“The more I try to control everything, the more everything starts to control me.”
“God won’t always give you control of the assignment—but He promises His presence in it.”
“When I release control, I reconnect to God’s power.”

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