We are currently looking at the will of God. We have already learned that the will of God is salvation, being Spirit-filled, and sanctification. Today, I want us to see that God’s will is that you be submissive. We have already hit on this in our recent studies but let me give you a few reminders: We are to be submissive to authorities. 1 Pet.2:13-15 says, “Submit yourselves for the Lord's sake to every human institution, whether to a king as the one in authority, 14 or to governors as sent by him for the punishment of evildoers and the praise of those who do right. 15 For such is the will of God that by doing right you may silence the ignorance of foolish men.” It is clear from this passage, believers are to be model citizens. The word “submit” (hupotasso) means to “place or rank under, to subject, to obey.” This should be true of all Christians. As verse 15 says, “For such is the will of God.” It is by living a life of submission to those in authority do we “silence the ignorance of foolish men.”
Ephesians 5:21 teaches that we are also to be submissive to one another. Paul says, “Be subject to one another in the fear of Christ.” This is only possible as you obey what he says in verse 18 regarding being “filled with the Spirit.” Submission is the consequence or results of Spirit filling. As we yield control to the Spirit, we will respond to other by submission.
A third area of submission is the foundation to the first two. James 4:7 says, “Submit therefore to God.” The context of this passage is a call to salvation. When we respond by grace through faith (See Eph.2:8) we are in fact submitting to God. This submission, though, is not one time, but continual. We are to submit to God on a regular basis.
As you can see submission is equally important for the believer. It brings harmony to society, to the church, and to our relationship with God. Are you being submissive?
Ephesians 5:21 teaches that we are also to be submissive to one another. Paul says, “Be subject to one another in the fear of Christ.” This is only possible as you obey what he says in verse 18 regarding being “filled with the Spirit.” Submission is the consequence or results of Spirit filling. As we yield control to the Spirit, we will respond to other by submission.
A third area of submission is the foundation to the first two. James 4:7 says, “Submit therefore to God.” The context of this passage is a call to salvation. When we respond by grace through faith (See Eph.2:8) we are in fact submitting to God. This submission, though, is not one time, but continual. We are to submit to God on a regular basis.
As you can see submission is equally important for the believer. It brings harmony to society, to the church, and to our relationship with God. Are you being submissive?
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