Submitting to one’s authority and to God’s authority is an important part of biblical teaching. The concept of submission is widely referenced in the Bible and has become one of the more controversial topics among Bible scholars and believers.
In the Bible, submission is often mentioned in the context of a husband’s role of responsibility and authority in marriage, as in Ephesians 5:22-33 which reads, “Wives, submit to your husbands as to the Lord. For the husband is head of the wife as Christ is head of the church.” A wife is expected to submit in all matters, but the husband is expected to act with love and respect.
The Bible also emphasizes a believer’s submission to God’s will and guidance. Jesus demonstrated submission in his human form. Jesus “humbled himself and became obedient to death”, according to Philippians 2:8. In other words, Jesus was willing to put aside his own desires and wishes to do God’s will.
Submission to God’s will can also be seen in the Old Testament book of Job, who accepted God’s will despite his suffering and pain. Job 1:21 says “The Lord gave, and the Lord has taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord.” Job’s submission to God’s will, even in the face of tragedy and suffering, is one of the Bible’s most beloved examples of faith.
In the New Testament, the apostle Paul teaches that being a follower of Christ requires humility and submission to God. In Romans 12:1 he writes, “Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship.”
In the Bible, submission is often connected with obedience. John 14:15 reads “If you love me, you will obey my commandments.” Obedience is seen in many different forms, from submitting to God’s will in difficult times to following the teachings and examples of Jesus Christ.
In addition, the Bible teaches submission to authority. Romans 13:1-2 reads, “Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God. Consequently, whoever rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves.” This passage clearly indicates that believers should submit to all lawful authority as ordained by God.
Man’s Relationship To God
The Bible teaches that submission to God is the key to a healthy and abundant life. In James 4:7-10, it says “Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Come near to God and he will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded. Grieve, mourn and wail. Change your laughter to mourning and your joy to gloom. Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up.”
When believers accept the fact that God is the ultimate sovereign, they demonstrate a humble submission to his plans and process. In 1 Corinthians 15:28, Paul writes, “God has put all things under the authority of Christ and has made him head over all things for the church.” This passage stresses that even while we serve in this life, we can demonstrate a humble submission to God’s ultimate sovereignty.
Man’s Responsibilities To Others
The Bible calls us to submit to each other, in the same way that Christ submitted to us. In Ephesians 5:21, it says “Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ.” As followers of Jesus Christ, we should demonstrate submission to each other through respect, understanding and humility.
This submission can be seen in many different relationships in our lives. In the context of marriage, submission is often seen in the form of sacrificial love and respect for one’s partner. It is also seen in the workplace, when one person submits to the authority of a supervisor or manager.
Submission to authority can also be a struggle for many believers. The Bible states in Hebrews 13:17, “Obey your leaders and submit to their authority. They keep watch over you as men who must give an account. Obey them so that their work will be a joy, not a burden, for that would be of no advantage to you.” Submitting to authority can be difficult at times, but the Bible tells us that it is ultimately for our own good.
The Kingdom Of God
In addition to submitting to human authority, we can also demonstrate submission to God’s kingdom. In Matthew 6:33, Jesus said “Seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” Jesus is inviting us to live lives that seek out his kingdom and his will.
When we submit to God’s kingdom, we demonstrate trust in his plans and his process. We are also willing to accept his timing, even if it is not in line with our own plans. As believers, we must trust and submit to God’s will, knowing that he always has our best interests at heart.
The Choice To Submit
The Bible teaches us that we must willingly choose to submit to God and his plans. While it can be a struggle, it is ultimately the right choice. In Romans 12:2, Paul writes “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” In other words, we have the choice to submit to God’s will or to the will of the world.
Submitting to God’s authority is ultimately the only way to live a life of faith, hope and joy. When we choose to submit to God and follow his will, we can trust that he will provide for our needs. He will also work through us to accomplish his purposes.
Submission In Action
When we put our submission to God into practice, we can experience joy, peace, and strength that we would not otherwise experience. In Romans 12:12, Paul tells us “Rejoice in hope, be patient in affliction, be faithful in prayer.” This passage reminds us to remain faithful to God even in our darkest moments.
Submission to God can lead to inner peace and contentment. In Proverbs 3:5-6, it says “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.” When we submit to God’s will, we can place our happiness, our hope and our security in the hands of the almighty.
Though it can be a struggle to submit to God’s will, taking this step of faith ultimately leads to blessings and favor. In John 15:7, Jesus says “If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you.” This is a powerful reminder that when we willingly chose to submit to God, his will be done in our lives, and will ultimately lead to blessed outcomes.
The Blessing of Submission
Submission to God is the ultimate act of trust and faith. Throughout Scripture, we are encouraged to submit to God’s will and plans for our lives. In Deuteronomy 4:29-30, it says “But if from there, you will seek the Lord your God, you will find him, if you search after him with all your heart and all your soul. When you are in tribulation, and all these things come upon you in the latter days, you will return to the Lord your God and obey his voice.”
When we choose to submit to God, we can trust that his plans for our lives are good and perfect. We can also trust that even in our darkest times, God will be with us and will bring us through with blessings. As believers, we should strive to live lives of submission to God’s will, trusting that his plans are the best.
