1st. Peter - Submission

Book of 1st. Peter = what He's done, doing, gonna do...

__This_____   Therefore      ____This____

So - now - lengthy section on Submission - (1st. Pet. 2:13 - 3:12 = 26 verses - nearly 20% of the letter)

Question:  Why so lengthy?  such emphasis?
Because:

#1.  Submission is a major component of the Christian life!  
Example:  the fall came because of refusal to submit to God.  And before that, the refusal of Satan to submit.
Salvation, redemption comes through willingness to Submit, ie:  surrender to Jesus Christ
(the Christian faith is largely defined by a willingness to submit)

#2.  Submission is a struggle for all of us  (Christian and non-Christian alike)
A)  our natural tendency is to resist (not submit) - example:  a two year old.
Example from scripture = Peter.  He knows about submission first hand.
Also,
B)  we tend to pressure others to Submit to us!!  (ie:  we promote the idea to our benefit!!)
Example:  oppressive governments, slavery, sexual exploitation, marital relationship.  People in power try to make other people submit to them.

Note:  even in light of New testament teachings - the concept of submission is often misinterpreted, misapplied, misused - example:  slavery sermons
OR:  Eph. 5:22 - without reference to Eph. 5:25

DEFINITION:   for concept of Submission
(1) literally = to line up under" or to ARRANGE UNDER (military term) (rank)

(2)  more exactly = to subject oneself - to yield, acquiesce, defer to.
Contrasted with:  resist, rebel, defy  )= pride, obstinence, aloofness, haughty spirit)

(3)  NEW TESTAMENT USAGE = to voluntarily assume a position that
A) is in accord with God's will, desire, plan.
And that
B)  best serves those around you.  (your society, family, friends, church, etc.)

This Position may be Subordinate!!  (though not necessarily!)

It may mean Submission to a person.  It may mean Submission to a position. (including leadership!!)
(whether it's uncomfortable or not)

in New Testament sense it's always Self-Imposed  submit,subject oneself!!)
(Exception = those who Christ will put in subjection at His return)

Notes from 1Pet. 2:13-3:12

Submit yourself - voluntary thing - for the Lord's sake.
Submit yourself to authorities - doesn't mean always do what authority orders.  Example:  Daniel, Shadrach, Meschach, Abendigo

[Quote from Martin Luther:  "A Christian is a free lord;  subject to no man.  A Christian is a dutiful servant; subject to all men."
The irony - on one hand, obligated to none - Rom. 1:14.  However, obligated to all because I serve Jesus Christ.]

Will often suffer in submission.  We live in a fallen world = fallen masters.  Example:  death of Christ had efficacious (positive) effects.

Summary:

1)  Biblical Submission begins with Submission to God - (then to Christ - make Him Lord)

2)  It is an attitude that must be chosen - often contrary to feelings AND Chosen over and over again!! - feelings may be screaming, but do what IS right regardless.

3)  It is a matter of the heart FIRST 
Example:  little boy set in corner by his mother as punishment.  He kept getting up, she kept setting him back down.  Finally, he stayed seated but told her - "Well, I may be sitting on the outside but I'm STANDING on the inside."  This is NOT proper submission.

4)   (But) it is an internal attitude that finds external expression.   Heart leads to hands.

5)  It is essential to salvation, growth, ministry and service.  You can't accept Christ if not in submission to Christ.

6)  You are going to struggle with it. 

7)  Press on.  Do what's right!  - 1 Pet. 2:21  - "to this you were called"

Closing Scripture:  Rom. 15:1-6