Welcome!
Today: The blessing of submission
Passage: Ephesians 5, NIV
21 Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ. (Eph 5, NIV)
Submission- most people don’t want to hear about it, in today’s world
During wedding ceremonies, pastor(s) from the groom’s side emphazise on this word “submission” so much, and create an “unpleasant face” for the bride
Here , Paul speaks about “submission to one another”. He later speaks about submission in marriage
Paul speaks about submission, after speaking about “being filled by the Spirit”
When we are controlled by the Spirit of God, we will submit to those we need to submit to, without much of a problem
Submission is not slavery or allowing someone else to rule over us. Our submission must be in the Lord. If someone forces us to do that which is ungodly, we are not to submit to it
Daniel was in Babylon. He was submissive, but never compromised his faith. With all humility, he said that he cannot eat the royal food.
Joseph was also not willing to submit to sin, in Potiphar’s house
When we don’t submit to sin and satan, God will bless us
7 Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. (James 4, NIV)
When we try to resist the devil in our own strenth, we fail.
6 Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. 7 Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. (1 Peter 5, NIV)
When we submit to God, He will lift us up. In other words, we need to take a step down, if we need to go up
Submission is not one way. Sometimes God speaks to the husband through wife/children. God sometimes speaks to the Pastor through a member of the congregation. If we have discernment, we will understand it.
Those who do not listen to the good advice from others will loose big time
Our pride and ego can be the biggest threat to our progress and promotion
May God bless you and help you
BG
Prayer: Lord Jesus, help me to properly submit to you and others in Christ, as and when needed. Help me to be a role model to others and to resist the devil, as I submit myself to you. Amen
Read somewhere: “Our attitude determines our altitude”