Ephesians = typical Pauline - ie: Theology AND Application
So: Eph. 1:1 - addressed "to the saints".
Then - Chap. 1-3 - the Theological foundation for Christian life
followed by Chap. 4-6 - the Application, Lifestyle, and Practice
Eph. 5:21-6:9 = Classic passage on Christian Family
Address: Wives, husbands, children, fathers, slaves, masters (ie: a Christian household)
This passage = many issues but has a COMMON theme!!! SUBMISSION
Most often noted and quoted scripture = Eph. 5:22
Usually overlooked = (1) this = POINT of the entire passage!
(2) it Applies to all family members!!
Before looking at the passage, look at Biblical view of submission. (We have developed a cultural description of submission, not a Biblical one)
The word in the Greek is: hupotasso = military term/ to rank under
We are familiar with this in, for example, the military, workplace, etc.
here Paul applies it to the Family (household)
BUT ..... a big difference!!!
(1) This is talking about a Family!! Not military, workplace, etc.
(2) = Christian Family - instruction for them
(3) = Biblical View of Submission!!! ie: God's view (not the world's, society's, culture's)
On one hand, it's the same word and are many legitimate parallels
However, Christian understanding and application will be different and enhanced (compare the many forms of love with Agape love (God's love)
Phileo = brotherly love
Stergo = love for family
Eros = passionate love
Agape = love of God
When translated into English, all the same word - LOVE - but in the Greek were different.
So ... SECULAR (world's view) Vs. BIBLICAL (God's view)
(1) Secular man measures status by how little he must submit. Less means he's higher up in the rank,
Biblical view measures status (of a man) by how much he is willing to submit!! Mark 10:42-45
(2) Secular submission (typically) is compulsory, imposed upon us
Biblical view = self imposed, voluntary - John 10:17-18 - you take that position. Example = Christ
Eph. text ... is: Never "subject another..." Always "submit yourself"
(3) Secular submission (typically) is motivated by self - interest. (ie: "I submit because it's best for me!!)
Biblical Submission = I submit because it's better for others!!
Rom. 15:1-2
(4) Biblical Submission is not merely to a person (officer) BUT to a role, calling, responsibility (a ministry!)
Example: Jesus to Peter - "feed my sheep, nurture my lambs" = Submit self ... to ME, to Role, to Flock
So, 1 Pet. 5:1-4 - hence --> 1 Pet. 5:5
(5) Secular view - "leadership and submission is contrary to one another"
Biblical view - "leadership and submission = complementary to one another!!
Biblical view says the greatest leaders are those who would submit to those they lead.
(6) Secular submission seldom acts silently. (either (1) protests or (2) flaunts the sacrifice)
Contrast Christ: "silent before accusers"
1 Pet. 2:21 - "to this you are called!"
(7) Biblical submission is more than action, = ATTITUDE!! - Phil. 2:5-7
Some Observations:
Chaos was born from a refusal to submit! - (Satan and demons refused to submit to God)
The Fall occurred when man refused to submit (Adam and Eve and to us)
Therefore, Redemption = result of willing submission. OF Christ ... to the Father, to His role, to the Cross!!
Personal Salvation = available ONLY to those who will voluntarily submit to Christ (to grace) etc, etc, etc.
In light of this (and much, much more!)
How is it...???
That something as fundamental, necessary, valuable, honorable, laudable as Submission can fall into such disfavor with man?
TO the point that it is considered and Inferior action and a BAD word!!!!!
ANSWER = We (mainly Americans and even some Christians) have fallen for AND Embraced the world's view. (a secular view) of submission.... AND Rejected God's View!!!
NOTE: Rom. 12:2
With this in mind, Eph. 5:21-6:9
Summary: (1) Submit yourself to Christ
(2) Submit yourself to your family
(3) Submit yourself to YOUR ROLE within the family
Prov. 14:1
Closing Scripture: Prov. 8:1-6
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I was lead to your site this morning as God put some of the words to an old song into my mind. The song "Jesus is Lord of All" I have not sung or thought of for years.
I am impressed with your ministry in providing so many of the old songs that have a firmer message of Truth than much of the modern church music.
Curiosity sent me to your sermon outlines and Biblical Submission. The three doctrines of man, psychology, humanism and feminism,have made the Word of God darkness for most who do not have an intimate relationship with the Holy Spirit.
I am responsible for Wed. Bible Study and felt to share a most recent concept that the Lord has given me regarding 1 Corinthians 12:12-31 and Ephesians 4 and 5.
The idea is only expressed by Paul, that I know of, but is headship. What is the responsibility of our heads in God's Creation in relationship to all the other parts of the body, both internal and external? Many old timers understand the vivid illustration of butchering chickens.
Being without a head is not instant death as expressed in the old saying, "Your running around like a chicken with its head cut off."
God's order of headship in the body of Christ is critical to successful healthy Life.
In a healthy family as in a healthy body there can be only one head. Yes, there is also one neck that turns the head. There was Eve and Job's wife, and than there was Sarah, who called Abraham Lord.
May the Holy Spirit with His thoughts regarding this wide open concept and all the physical and spiritual parallels leading to maturity in the body of Christ. Christ being our example.
Thanks for all the good music!!! Blessings and Success in the ministry with Christ as your Head.
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