Hymn: “Take my life and Let it be”
Central Thought: Submission at all levels, is an evidence of the depth of our understanding of God.
Text:1 Peter 2:13- 25 , 3:1-7
The Lord Jesus submitted to the authority of God the Father, while physically here on earth. He had course to pay tax to human government and submitted Himself to the point of death; to the death on the cross even against His will and convenience (if it please You let this cup pass me , not my will but let Your will be done). Jesus by His conduct laid example for us to follow (1 Peter 2:21). Jesus stands out in history much more than the greatest leader the world has ever known, by His submission and became highly exalted. Let us therefore examine this study with humble hearts and readiness of mind to obey God’s word.
Lesson Objectives:
At the end of this study, we trust God to enable us to attain the following:
- To know what submission is and who we are to submit to.
- To know the starting point in our submission to God and how we are to submit to Him.
- To understand how we are to submit to:
- Political leadership
- Masters
- Church Authority
Question 1a) What is submission?
The word submit means to yield or surrender (oneself) to the will or authority of another or others. Submission therefore means to let down, to lower, to put down or place under. It also means to yield or give way to another. It is counting less of yourself, not insisting on ones right, to bring oneself under the authority of another. Submission has nothing to do with inferiority. Submission does not mean domination and does not mean agreeing on everything. It may include giving up ones right ie. Letting down what an individual has decided, bringing it under the decision of another. It is not the same as timidity which is lack of courage or confidence. Submission is a deliberate decision, and no one is inherently born with this attribute. Submission is not easy; it takes an understanding of scriptures and the knowledge of God to submit. Submission could be abused or taken for granted. Biblical submission is recognition of our dependence on God, and must be total. Apostle Peter admonished believers to submit themselves to governing authority, and to kings. Biblical submission is a command from God.
Question 1b) Who are those we are to submit to?
The scripture is clear on those we are to submit to. 1 Peter 2:13, 14 says “submit yourselves to every ordinance of man (human institution) 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 evil doers, and for the praise of them that do well”. We are therefore mandated to submit ourselves to constituted authority. The Christian should be an example in abiding by the laws of the land and not be a deviant, breaking laws (no matter how simple they may appear to be). Submission to constituted authority should be a natural thing to the believer. These authorities are not terrors to those that obey rules/laws. We are to submit within the limits of the word of God, just like the apostles who said they would rather obey God than men (Acts 4:18-19, 5:28-29). The three Hebrew children also decided to obey God rather than do the bidding of the King (Daniel 3:15-20).
We are also to submit ourselves to God (James 4:7). This is mandatory leaving the believer with no option. As God’s people, we must in everything and at all times, submit ourselves to God.
Question 2a) What is the starting point in our submission to God?
We have been commanded to submit ourselves to God. Until an individual surrenders his/her life to Christ, he cannot be said to be submissive to God. The starting point of our submission to God, is the realization of our sinful nature and coming to God for mercy, cleansing, and regeneration (John 3:16). We submit as individuals to God by accepting the Lord Jesus as our Lord and personal Saviour. God is the highest authority and the one that established all authority (Romans 13:1) and we submit to Him because He loves us.
Question 2b) How are we to submit to God?
James 4:7, Deuteronomy 28:1
James 4:7 (Amp) “So be subject to God. Resist the devil (stand firm against him) and he will flee from you”. To be subject is to bring oneself under the control and authority of another. To be subject to God therefore means to bring ourselves completely under the power, control, and authority of God. We must voluntarily submit to the will of God.
We do this by making God our priority in life, taking God’s will and word into consideration first in anything we do. God is not to be relegated to the second place but should take first place in our lives ; this is made manifest in the premium we place on God and His work, the urgency with which we respond to the demand of God’s word and the weight we attach to the things of God in our daily walk with Him.
We can only submit ourselves to God when we diligently and faithfully listen to, and obey the voice of the Lord/ the word of the Lord (Deuteronomy 28:1).
Question 3.) Submission to political leadership?
How are we to submit to political leadership?
1 Peter 2:13-17, Romans 13:1-7, Matthew 17:24-27
We submit to political leadership by honoring the leader and obeying them. This is done by being supportive of their good policies and even when we may not agree with them, we must be discreet and not bring them to disrepute or shame.
Obedience and complying with the law of the land is a way of submitting to political leadership. Efforts should be made towards the successful and peaceful reign/tenure of political leaders, so long it is not contrary to the commands of God.
Romans 13:1-2 tells us that we are to submit to political leadership (civil authority) because it is God that allowed them to be there. This is irrespective of our political divide, ethnic differences, religious considerations and the lies. We are to be subject to authority. We are not to resist them but to support them and pray for them (1 Timothy 2:1-3).
In Matthew 17:24-27, the Lord Jesus showed us an example of being subject to civil authority by paying tax. It goes to show that in submitting to political authority, we are to pay taxes and bills (Romans 13:5-7). We should not be among those who by-pass power supply, using short cuts and deliberately refusing to pay bills. These include:taxes, revenue bills, vehicle license , waste bills, obeying traffic signs, and the likes.
Question 3b) Are there exemptions for the Christians in submitting to political leadership?
Acts 5:29
Submission to those in government does not mean we should not speak the truth to those in power.
Acts 5:28-29 is apt “then Peter and the other apostles answered and said we ought to obey God rather than men”. We saw in the above scripture that the Apostles chose to obey God rather than men. So human authority should not compel us to do what is contrary to the authority of God (Acts 4:18-19). If there is conflict between God’s word and that of men, the believer must choose to obey God.
The extent believers are to submit to political leadership is to the limits of scriptures. Where there are contradictions with the Bible, the believer must not compromise his faith to submit to political authority. The Bible is our authority and standard; anything that goes contrary must give way. This means that we must be bold to make our stand known where decisions of political leadership run contrary to our faith, like the three Hebrew friends who dared the kings instructions, risked their lives and refused to bow to the kings idol. This was from in depth understanding of the God they served (Daniel 3:12-30). Unlike these Hebrew friends, some believers are bowing today, on every flimsy reason, in the face of little or no pressure/persecution. This reveals they lack commitment and understanding of God. Believers must show example of submission to constituted authority. However, where and when their decisions run contrary to God’s standard, the believer must be careful not to compromise his/her faith and insist “we shall rather obey God than men”.
Question 4.) What is the Biblical standard for Master-Servant relationships?
1 Peter 2:18-20, Ephesians 6:5-9
1 Peter 2:18 “Servants, be subject to your masters with all fear, not only to the good and gentle, but also to the forward”.
The servant is herein admonished to be subject to his master. It does not matter whether the master is good or bad (cruel). Being subject to their master means submitting themselves to the control of their masters, taking instructions from the master, complying and adhering to their directives. The servant is not at liberty to choose which of the masters instructions he/she would obey or the time to do so; as long as it does not contradict God’s word. Once the master instructs, it is a directive that leaves the servant with no option/alternative on when and how to carry out the directive. Masters at all times have specific reasons for hiring their servants and a hired servant who is unable to carry out that duty is fired. Masters have laid down roles for their servants, and the servants are expected to comply with the set rules. In doing so the attitude of the servant in actualizing the purpose of his/her master is most important. A servant can also respectfully make suggestions to his master, when deemed necessary. The submission of the servant to the earthly master is for the Lord’s sake (1 Peter 2:13). While the terms of some servants have been prematurely terminated, others that pleased their masters by their attitude have had their terms extended. The prescribed attitude of servants to their masters is as stated in Ephesians 6:5-9. Servants are commanded to be obedient to their masters, respect them, be eager to please them, with a sincere heart, as service onto Christ, devoid of eye service but serving their masters whole heartedly. The servant’s service to his master must be done in good will, as service done to the Lord and not to men. The servant while in service to his master must do so with knowledge that there is a reward awaiting him and this has nothing to do with whether he be a servant or a free man. There is a sure reward for whatsoever good a man does.
In the master/servant relationship, the Bible admonished the masters to treat their servants kindly without using violent and abusive words, knowing that He who is both their master and yours is in heaven, and that there is no respect of persons with Him. There are cases of some Christian masters who ill-treat their employees, house helps, and security guards. While the Bible enjoins the servant to submit to his master, the master in turn is to treat the servant right. Christians should maintain cordial master/servant relationships.
Question 5.) Submission to Church Authority.
In Hebrews 13:17-19, 1 Peter 5:2-4, church authority refers to the leadership in the church. This does not mean only the head pastor, but all the leaders that make up the church authority, which includes group leaders and other ministers. In the Old Testament, the Spirit of God only came upon certain individuals for a specific unction/duty then the people were under obligation to heed the voice of the servants of God, the congregation not having similar grace. These servants of God, (prophets and judges) were the voice of God, hence submission was obligatory. From the advent of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost, all believers have the privilege to receive the Holy Spirit individually. Jesus talking to the disciples in John 14:26, of the person of the Holy Ghost said,”He shall teach you all thing”. Though all believers have the Holy Spirit, God has ordained leaders in the church. The Holy Ghost therefore enables the believer to be submissive to the church authority, even where the person in authority is the individuals subject in the secular world. This is irrespective of the social status, age, educational qualification of the person in authority etc. Submitting to church leadership is to bring oneself under the control and leadership of God through the church authority. Submission to church leaders implies cooperation with them based on trust that they have the best interest of the believer at heart in line with Go’s will. Every believer cannot be in the church leadership; hence there is need to have a group of persons to pilot and direct the affairs of the church. However, the believer is to carefully consider the leadership if they are following God and leading the people right. Apostle Paul being mindful of leaders in church whose lives are contrary to scriptures was bold to say in 1 Corinthians 11:1″Be ye followers of me, even as I also am of Christ”, this implies that believers are only permitted to follow/submit to the church leadership that follows the pattern of Christ. We should obey and submit to Godly leaders because they keep watch over souls under their leadership as those who are accountable to God.
Daily Living Application
Many situations confront us daily where believers have to demonstrate the spirit of submission. They could be in a home, work, school, market place, street, or play ground environment. Our position could change depending on the environment. Our position could change depending on the environment. We could be the husband or head of the home in a home environment, or the servant in, say, a work environment. Each environment calls for submission to the Lordship of Christ.
Memory Verse
1 Peter 2:17
“Honor all men. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the King”.