Submission 

"A Christian is a perfectly free lord of all, subject to none. A Christian is a perfectly dutiful servant of all, subject to all."--Martin Luther

Memory Verse: Ephesians 5:21.

Introduction: What is submission? Whenever this word finds it's way into a conversation, controversy is bound to arise. Webster's says, "to yield, resign, or surrender to the power, will or authority of another or others." The Greek word hupotasso, translated "submit," means, ". . . to order. To place in an orderly fashion under something . . . showed one's relationship to superiors, either compulsory or voluntary subordination." Based on these definitions, it can be seen that submission has to do with the way we view other people. If we consider others to be more important than ourselves, then submission will easily follow. On the other hand, if we view others as less important than ourselves, submission will be extremely difficult, if not impossible. It should be remembered that when we won't submit to the Word and spiritual leadership placed over us, our rebellion isn't against a brother or sister, it's against God. We reject the authority and sovereignty of God by our refusal to submit to others.
  While submission is a necessity in the body of Christ, it has also been misused. Men and women who are greedy of prideful or covetous have used submission as a means of fulfilling their own ambitions. Others have completely rejected submission and live as an island, independent of accountability and responsibility. The misuse and rejection of submission in no way invalidates it's necessity. We don't throw out the Bible because people misinterpret it or get rid of marriage because people get divorced. Neither should we refuse submission because of it's misuse and rejection.
  There are two kinds of submission to consider--absolute and positional. I am to submit to the Word of God whether or not my wife, pastor or child confronts me with truth. This is absolute submission. Indirectly, I place myself under the authority of another, regardless of who it is because of the truth of God's Word.
  The body is to submit to the elders, the wife to the husband, and the children to the parents. This is positional submission. A child submits to parents and wives to husbands because of the God-ordained position each hold, not their ability or obedience in fulfilling that position.

Lesson Questions:

1. Explain why true submission begins with self-denial. Luke 9:23-26; Luke 14:25-33.

2. How can we be freed from needing to get our own way by learning to submit? Philippians 2:3-5; Romans 12:10; 1 Corinthians 10:24.
Note: The desire to get our own way is one with devastating consequences. This not only results in obvious social problems, but in Christians holding on to anger, resentment, bitterness, etc. Most things in life aren't nearly as important as we think, which is why there's such a problem with submission. While there is a time to stand for the principles of God, most disputes come from selfish desire, not righteous conviction.

3. Why is it fruitless to submit in action, but not in attitude? Proverbs 4:23; Ephesians 6:6,7; Romans 12:9,10; Ephesians 4:31,32.

4. What various aspects of submission exist? Acts 5:29; Ephesians 5:21,22; 6:1-3; Hebrews 13:7,17; Ephesians 6:4-9; Titus 3:1. (Verses are listed in order of scriptural obligation.)
Note: Submission is required of every person. No one in the body of Christ has the authority to remove himself from accountability to the Word and others in the body of Christ. Even more, unless Christians are asked to do something directly contrary to the Word of God, they must submit, regardless of personal preference, agreement, or understanding. Humbling ourselves in this way must be done with a heart of service and joy, not one of reluctance or bitterness (Ephesians 5:23,24; 6:6,7).

5. What can we learn of leadership and ministry from Christ's spirit of submission? Luke 9:23-26; Mark 9:35; John 13:15; 1 Peter 2:21-23.
Note: Christ's submission was not to those He ministered to, but to His Father (John 5:19).

6. What role does submission play in effective biblical leadership? Ephesians 5:21; Proverbs 11:14; Ephesians 6:9; 5:25-33.

7. What are the limits of our submission? Acts 5:29; Acts 4:19,20.
Note: Submission comes to an end when it violates obedience to God and becomes destructive. While we must be submissive in spirit and action, there is a time to stand up for the Word of God and justice, just as Paul stood up to the tyrannical government of Rome (Acts 16:37-40).