Biblical Submission

Introduction

Biblical submission is an act of the will demonstrated by serving others out of an attitude that regards them as more important than yourself. This does not mean that you place yourself under the control of another. You stand directly accountable to God and not to anyone else’s ultimate authority (based on Matthew 20:26-28; Acts 5:29; Romans 14:12; Philippians 2:3-4).

You are to be like the Lord Jesus Christ (Matthew 20:26-28; 1 Peter 2:21), who is the supreme example of Biblical submission.

He submitted to the will of His Father (John 5:30; Philippians 2:5-8).

He willingly served others by doing for them what was needed, giving you an example to follow (John 13:12-17).

He suffered unjustly, not threatening or retaliating but instead entrusting Himself to His Heavenly Father who judges righteously (1 Peter 2:21-25).

God’s Word requires you to submit without a contentious spirit (Proverbs 10:21, 28:25; Ephesians 4:31; Philippians 2:14):

To God by:

Placing yourself continuously under His sole control (Ephesians 5:18-20; James 4:7; 1 John 5:3);

Living with His Word as your only hope, standard, and ultimate authority (based on Psalm 19:7-11, 119:49; 2 Timothy 3:16-17; Hebrews 4:12; 2 Peter 1:3-4);

Being empowered, strengthened, and led by the Holy Spirit (John 14:26; Romans 8:2-4, 14; 1 John 4:4);

To other believers (Ephesians 5:21; 1 Peter 5:5);

To your spouse (a husband submits as a loving servant to his wife: Ephesians 5:21, 25-27; a wife submits to her husband: Ephesians 5:21-24; 1 Peter 3:1-6);

To your parents, specifically while they are responsible for your training and discipline (Ephesians 6:1-2);

To your employers, rendering service to them with good will (Ephesians 6:5-7; 1 Peter 2:18);

To your employees, by not threatening them (Ephesians 6:5-9, especially verse 9);

To appointed authority in the local church (Hebrews 13:17; 1 Peter 5:5); and

To authority in civil government (Romans 13:1-7; 1 Peter 2:13-17).