The Principle of Submission

Introduction:

Our society looks down upon any concept of “submission." Just by bringing up the subject, you would probably receive several dirty looks. Yet, it is a biblical subject addressed countless times throughout the sacred text.

Theme: examine the principle of submission as seen in the New Testament and determine how it applies to the woman's role question.

Body

1.  Submission is a biblical principle:

The Greek word in the New Testament for submit is, hupotasso, Is most often translated as obey, or submit yourself to, or be subject to, or be under the authority of. All of us are called to be in submission in various relationships.

·  James 4:7, “Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.”

·  Romans 8:7, “Because the carnal mind is enmity against God; for it is not subject to the law of God, nor indeed can be.” The spiritually-minded are subject to the law of God...”

·  Romans 13:1, ” Let every soul be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and the authorities that exist are appointed by God.”, Romans 13:5, “Therefore you must be subject, not only because of wrath but also for conscience' sake.”  Christians are to submit themselves to civil government.

·  Ephesians 6:1, “Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right.” 

·  Ephesians 6:5, “Bondservants, be obedient to those who are your masters according to the flesh, with fear and trembling, in sincerity of heart, as to Christ.”

·  1 Peter 5:5, “Likewise you younger people, submit yourselves to your elders. Yes, all of you be submissive to one another, and be clothed with humility…”  members are to submit to the elders. This includes each elder submitting to each other.

·  Ephesians 5:21, “submitting to one another in the fear of God.”

One thing should be very apparent from the above scriptures. Submission does not, in and of itself, imply inferiority. Notice Ephesians 5: 21. If we are all to submit to one another, how can there be those who are inferior and those who are superior? Or look at Romans 13: 1-5. Police officer directing traffic- i must obey that person, not because he is a better person, but because of his role and function. He is a representative of civil government. The president is our country's chief commander. I must be subject to him. But I am most definitely not inferior to him. So submission in no way means inferiority.

2.  The principle of submission as applied to husbands and wives:

·  Ephesians 5: 22-24. While most commands in the New Testament are given to all people, some are given to specific groups, Those with certain roles or functions. Such is our case. This is not based on 1st century culture, but goes all the way back to the garden of Eden, genesis 3: 16.

·  Ephesians 5 uses an analogy to illustrate the principle of submission. Christ is the head of the church, he has authority over it. Notice Ephesians 1: 22. The church is then subject to Christ, its head. Paul draws a direct parallel between Christ as the head of the church and the husband as the head of his. Lives are to submit to their husbands just as the church submits to Christ. The idea of having authority over is inherent in both cases. The Christian woman wants to obey the Lord and understands that she is to be submissive to her husband. This is what God desires, Colossians 3: 15. 

·  One Peter 3: 1-7: note that the inspired apostle Peter discusses both the fact and husbands and wives are equal, heirs together of the grace of life, and that wives are to be submissive to their husbands. Peter informs us that these two principles are indeed compatible.

·  One Corinthians 11: 2-3: if man is not head of, have authority over, woman, then neither is Christ head of man! Who can believe that? Men did not originate this, it came from god. We dare not ignore it.

3.  Some closing thoughts

·  There are God-given differences between men and women, and God has given each a sphere of special importance. Submission has nothing to do with equality, but it's based on God's order in the world. The woman's place in the world is unique, a man cannot do what she does. Similarly, god has given men some things to do that, in the ordinary course of affairs, women are not to do. The different functions of men and women do not imply inferiority. Neither is the relationship of a wife to her husband one of servitude or slavery. But God has spoken, and his word leaves no doubt about the matter. Wives are to submit to their husbands. If we want to be pleasing to the Lord, both husbands and wives will fill their God-given roles with a view toward heaven and eternity.

4.  Invitation: the church needs to learn the principle of submission and place ourselves under the will of god.

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Sermon prepared by Bobby Stafford

February 2, 2020

Prepared by Bobby Stafford

The church of Christ at Granby, MO

Located at
516 East Pine St.
P.O. Box 664
Granby, Mo. 64844
(417) 472-7109

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