Key Scripture References:
- **Matthew 20:26-28**: "Whoever would be great among you must be your servant, and whoever would be first among you must be your slave, even as the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many."
- **Acts 5:29**: "But Peter and the apostles answered, 'We must obey God rather than men.'"
- **Romans 14:12**: "So then each of us will give an account of himself to God."
- **Philippians 2:3-4**: "Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his interests but also to the interests of others."
Introduction:
The word *submission* often evokes feelings of weakness or surrender. However, Biblical submission, as modeled by Jesus, is neither passive nor weak. It's an intentional act of the will, a choice to serve others humbly while standing firm in accountability to God. Submission, in the Biblical sense, is about strength under control.
In today's message, we'll explore Biblical submission's true meaning, practical application, and path to Spiritual greatness.
Point 1: The Misconceptions About Submission:
**Matthew 20:26-28** challenges worldly ideas of authority and submission. Jesus redefines greatness: to lead is to serve. Submission, therefore, is not about being dominated or controlled but about willingly placing others' needs above your own.
**Illustration:**
Imagine a parent teaching their child to ride a bike. The parent is not "less important" as they run alongside, holding the bike steady. Instead, they willingly serve their child out of love and a desire to see them succeed. That's the heart of Biblical submission—choosing to support and uplift others for their benefit.
**Quote:**
C.S. Lewis captures this well: "True humility is not thinking less of yourself; it is thinking of yourself less."
**Comment:**
Biblical submission is not an abdication of self-worth. It requires strength, confidence, and a deep understanding of your identity in Christ.
Point 2: Submission Begins with God:
**Acts 5:29** reminds us of a foundational truth: our ultimate accountability is to God. Submission to others does not mean obeying commands that go against God's will. Peter and the apostles understood this as they declared, "We must obey God rather than men."
**Illustration:**
Corrie ten Boom, during World War II, hid Jews in her home to save them from Nazi persecution. Her submission to God's authority overruled the government's evil mandates. This courageous act of defiance was a profound example of Biblical submission—serving others while staying accountable to God.
**Quote:**
Dietrich Bonhoeffer wrote, "Being a Christian is less about cautiously avoiding sin than about courageously and actively doing God's will."
**Comment:**
Actual submission is never blind obedience to human authority. It is discerning and deliberate, always aligning with God's principles.
Point 3: The Heart of Submission: Humility
**Philippians 2:3-4** defines the attitude required for biblical submission: humility. This humility doesn't devalue your worth but recognizes the cost of others. It's a shift from self-centeredness to other-centeredness.
**Illustration:**
Consider Jesus washing the disciples' feet in John 13. The King of Kings took the servant role, demonstrating that humility is the foundation of submission. By serving others, we reflect His character.
**Practical Application:**
Start small: Look for everyday opportunities to serve—help a neighbor, listen attentively to a friend, or offer encouragement.
- Examine your motives: Are you serving to be noticed or out of genuine love?
- Follow Jesus' example: Remember how Christ laid His down for you when tempted to assert your rights.
**Quote:**
Charles Spurgeon said, "The higher a man is in grace, the lower he will be in his own esteem."
Point 4: Submission Without Losing Accountability:
While Biblical submission involves humility and service, it does not mean relinquishing responsibility before God. Romans 14:12 affirms that each of us will give an account of our actions to God.
**Illustration:**
A soldier in the military submits to their commanding officer but must also adhere to the military's code of conduct. If given an unethical order, their duty to a higher authority takes precedence. Similarly, we serve others but always remain accountable to God.
**Resources for Reflection:**
1. **Books**:
- *"Humility: The Journey Toward Holiness"* by Andrew Murray
- *"The Cost of Discipleship"* by Dietrich Bonhoeffer
2. **Scriptures for Meditation**:
- Galatians 5:13: "For you were called to freedom, brothers. Do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another."
- Ephesians 5:21: "Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ."
Point 5: The Rewards of Biblical Submission:
Biblical submission is not about loss but about gain. Jesus promises that those who humble themselves will be exalted (Luke 14:11). Serving others glorifies God and enriches our lives.
**Illustration:**
Mother Teresa once said, "Not all of us can do great things. But we can do small things with great love." Her life of submission to God and service to the least of these exemplified how humility and service bring joy and fulfillment.
**Quote:**
Oswald Chambers wrote, "We are not here to prove God answers prayer but to be living monuments of God's grace."
**Comment:**
When we submit Biblically, we become living testimonies of God's love and grace, drawing others closer to Him.
Conclusion:
Biblical submission is not about weakness but about strength under control. It is a deliberate choice to serve others humbly while standing firm in your accountability to God. As you submit to others with the heart of a servant, you reflect Christ's love and glorify Him.
**Final Prayer:**
Lord, teach us to serve with humility and grace. Help us to see others through Your eyes, valuing them above ourselves. Strengthen us to submit to one another in love while always staying faithful to Your will. May our lives reflect the heart of Jesus, who came not to be served but to serve. Amen.