Relationships: God’s Way
Submission in Everyday Life
Introduction:
Last week: looked at perfect example of a servant – Jesus. We talked about practical ways being servants of God can be demonstrated by today’s Christian. Being God’s kind of Christian/servant involves submission. If we are truly His servant – it will be readily seen in all aspects of life. As Jesus submitted to the Father; so should we. Submission is nothing more than submitting to the authority or control of another. Lk. 14:26-27; 33 - submission to the Lordship of Jesus is central to Christian living
I. What is biblical submission?
A. 1 Cor. 11:1-3 – here is a picture. It is a key to harmony in relationships.
1. Look at relationship b/t God & Jesus. Perfect harmony.
2. God has ordained submission in certain relationships to prevent chaos.
B. it is not. surrender; withdrawal; apathy; Inferiority.
C. Submission is mutual commitment & cooperation.
II. Biblical submission is seen in marriage. (Eph. 5:22-23, 25)
A. Beginning in 5:22 – Paul applies this to husband/wife relationship. 5:22-23; 25
1. Biblical submission based on valuing one another as equals.
B. Phil. 2:5-10 – wasn’t Jesus equal to God?
1. submission between equals is by choice – not force.
2. It is by willingly submitting to our God-given role in marriage that we serve God!
C. Submission rarely a problem where both partners have strong relationship w/Jesus & where each concerned for the happiness of the other.
III. Biblical submission is seen in the parent/child relationship. (Eph. 6:1-4)
A. Young people – are you living up to what God expects?
1. You are a SERVANT of the household!
1. Basic applications: bad manners; back talking?
B. Rom. 13:7 – honor is to be found everywhere!
C. Honoring God’s law begins with honoring one’s parents. Isa. 30:1, 8-9
IV. Biblical submission is seen in working with the church elders.
A. God calls on shepherds to lead – he calls upon the church to follow their leadership.
1. Heb. 13:7; 17; 24 - God has established a rule of authority within the church.
B. Focus on 13:17 “Obey” from word that means to “be persuaded.”
C. Why submit to them?
1. Because of their responsibility.
2. For their sake – 13:17b
3. We are to appreciate their work – 1 Thess. 5:12-13
D. Too often – scriptures like this are forgotten; grumbling sets in.
1. Key to all of this is humility! 1 Peter 5:1-6
2. Selfishness DESTROYS submission & it DESTROYS harmony!
Conclusion:
A. Biblical submission not understood by people who refuse to submit to God. It all goes back to Eph. 5:1-2
B. Are you fulfilling the role you are in? Has submission become a part of your life?
C. 2 Cor. 5:14-15 – do you need to start living for Jesus? 5:17 b/c new creation? 5:21