One of the most difficult and resented words in the English language is “submit.” We, all of us, have a natural aversion to submission. We hate to give way to the authority another, and even if we do it is often resented. Yet we find various of this in commandments throughout the Bible. When I say we, I really mean me.
Why don’t we like submission? Simple answer: we’re sinners. Our father Adam is the original rebel, and he passed his rebellion on to us. God made Adam in His own image. Then when Adam fell to sin and procreated; every single person born to him bore the image of Adam, corrupt and sinful. We are Adam multiplied. We are natural born rebels.
What sort of submission does the Bible command?Submission to God:James 4:7Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.Submission to our local assembly:Ephesians 5:21 Submitting yourselves one to another in the fear of God. 1 Corinthians 16:16 That ye submit yourselves unto such, and to every one that helpeth with [us], and laboureth.1 Peter 5:5 Likewise, ye younger, submit yourselves unto the elder. Yea, all [of you] be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility: for God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble.A husband’s submission to Christ:1 Corinthians 11:3 But I would have you know, that the head of every man is Christ; and the head of the woman [is] the man; and the head of Christ [is] God.A wife’s submission to her husband:Ephesians 5:22 Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as unto the Lord.Submission to the ministry, in things pertaining to Christ:Hebrews 13:17 Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that [is] unprofitable for you.Submission to rulers, magistrates, and their laws (when laws don’t violate God’s law, which supersedes):1 Peter 2:13 Submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord’s sake: whether it be to the king, as supreme; Or unto governors, as unto them that are sent by him for the punishment of evildoers, and for the praise of them that do well.Titus 3:1 Put them in mind to be subject to principalities and powers, to obey magistrates, to be ready to every good work…Thus sayeth the word of the Lord.
Originally published April 2020