Message: The Pathway: Submission
Text: Ephesians 5:17-21
Introduction
The natural result of humility, meekness, and surrender is submission; this is also the necessary fruit of genuine faith. Submission is consenting to abide by the opinion and authority of another. This is perhaps the most hated concept in all of Christianity. The original sin was human beings desiring to be their own god; we do not want someone else making decisions that affect the way we want to live our lives.
Submission in Scripture
Submission is all over the Word of God. Children are to submit to their parents. Wives are to submit to their husbands. Christians are to submit to one another. Church members are to submit to their leaders. All Christians are to submit to the authority of the local church. Christians are to submit to Jesus in all areas of life. Why? Because Jesus Himself lived a life of perfect submission to the Father.
Refusal to submit
God does delegate His authority to human beings. However, when He delegates His authority, He does so within strictly defined limits, and He does so without relinquishing His ultimate authority. When we refuse to submit to God given authority, we forfeit our own authority and then seek to usurp power that God has not granted. Romans 13 makes it very clear that our rebellion against earthly authorities is rebellion against God.
Submission and spiritual power
James makes it very clear that spiritual power only comes from a life lived in submission to God. I cannot rebel against the authorities God has placed in my life while submitting to God. Our refusal to submit demonstrates our spiritual pride. The Holy Spirit only comes upon those who submit to and obey Christ. Where do we get this idea that submission and obedience are optional? This is a result of the flesh. We cannot please God with our flesh. If we want to experience spiritual power, we must submit.
Submission is the fruit of genuine faith
Why do we not submit? Why is it so hard? Unbelief. If I believe that God is infinitely wise and infinitely good, then I will believe that God would only ask me to submit if it was ultimately for my own good. My refusal to submit shows my unbelief.
Application:
Who are you submitting to?
Will you submit every single thought, deed, plan, or idea to Christ?
0 Comments