Here as in most places, Greek is “hupotasso” = placing oneself under the authority or under the rank of another. More exact translation = subjection.
Only one New Testament scripture uses the word “hupeiko” in the translation for submit. This is used in Hebrews 13:17 which connotes more of the willingness to be persuaded; to yield. In every case it has to do with order. God is not a God of disorder, but of peace. (1 Corinthians 14:33)
Further reading: Job 38-40
What would the world be like if there was no order? For example, creation, animal kingdom, human body, traffic, governments, families.
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We (women) are described in Genesis 2:18 as being a helper to our husbands. Another time the word helper (in Hebrew) is used is when it is describing God as our helper. Scriptures where God is described as our helper: Exodus 18:4, Deuteronomy 33:29, Psalm
How does this help in understanding our role and our value? ______________________________________________________________________
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Further study: Jesus turned society’s view of women upside down. As you read through a gospel account of Jesus life consider the value that Jesus gave to women, far beyond anything society at that time practiced or would have imagined.
Many times this word “submission” conjures up negative thoughts and feelings. It is often misunderstood to mean bondage, or inferiority; anything that would give freedom. Consider an analogy about a train. Suppose a train decides it is too confining to stay on its track. It wants to be free to roam and see the scenery in its own way. So, it leaves the track. How does this relate to thoughts of submission/freedom that we can feel?
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This train has derailed. Think of the things it was created to be and do. Will it find more freedom in getting off the track that it was created to run on?
How do we derail spiritually? Does this make us feel more free?
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When on the track, the train finds its true freedom. How does submitting to “God’s track for our lives” result in freedom? ______________________________________________________________________
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Read Galatians 3:26-28
You are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus, for all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ. There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.
Read Philippians 2:5-8
Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus: Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient to death—even death on a cross!
Does submission mean inferiority? How do you know?
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How did Jesus model submission for us?
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Submission begins and ends with God being the ultimate authority. When we were baptized, we accepted Jesus as Lord (complete surrender) Being a disciple means accepting the order God has set up. Is submission to God optional or necessary?
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How does a lack of submission to God play out in our lives? In our hearts? In our body language? Attitudes?
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Submission is a voluntary selflessness, subjecting yourself to the needs of the situation or the demands of the relationship. It is this willingness and choice to put ourselves under God’s authority that gives us freedom. Our ultimate trust in God’s authority and love is our safety and security. Fear (to be discussed next lesson) often is what hinders our willingness to place ourselves under submission.
If submission is such a good and honorable thing for us, why is it often so difficult?
Consider several obstacles to submission.
Entitlement (Luke 17:7) What do we really deserve? What does the entitlement have to do with submission? ______________________________________________________________________
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Fear:
Read 1 Peter 3:6 What do fear and submission have to do with one another? ______________________________________________________________________
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What was the significance of Jesus submission to God, and ultimately to the cross? He gave Himself up willingly. He offered himself. What difference does willing surrender make in submission?
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Read 1 Peter 2:13-23
Submit yourselves for the Lord's sake to every authority instituted among men: whether to the king, as the supreme authority, or to governors, who are sent by him to punish those who do wrong and to commend those who do right. For it is God's will that by doing good you should silence the ignorant talk of foolish men. Live as free men, but do not use your freedom as a cover-up for evil; live as servants of God. Show proper respect to everyone: Love the brotherhood of believers, fear God, honor the king.
Slaves, submit yourselves to your masters with all respect, not only to those who are good and considerate, but also to those who are harsh. For it is commendable if a man bears up under the pain of unjust suffering because he is conscious of God. But how is it to your credit if you receive a beating for doing wrong and endure it? But if you suffer for doing good and you endure it, this is commendable before God. To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps.
"He committed no sin, and no deceit was found in his mouth. "When they hurled their insults at him, he did not retaliate; when he suffered, he made no threats. Instead, he entrusted himself to him who judges justly.
Submit yourself for the Lord’s sake to every authority instituted among men. How can you tell if you have chosen freedom while under authority?
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What authorities are there in your life? (think of home, church, school, job, civil, etc.
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Further reading: Romans 12:14-3:9; Ephesians 5; Hebrews
Is submission dependent on treatment always being just or something we always agree with?
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What are my tendencies (how I tend to react) when I have a hard time submitting?
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Would you say submission takes great strength and courage? If so, why?
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While free to choose, our choices display our convictions. (Galatians 5:13) Do not use your freedom as a cover-up for evil, do not use your freedom to indulge in the sinful nature. What does it mean to use freedom as a cover up for evil? ______________________________________________________________________
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For further help: Read words to songs I Surrender All, Take My Life and Let it Be, and Have Thine Own Way Lord.
Consider the following two treaties: One is not true submission. Which one do you find easier to sign?
Treaty of Surrender
I, the undersigned chooser of how I live life, do hereby surrender control of my life to my Lord and Creator.
Here are my terms of this surrender:
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Your name
I, the undersigned chooser of how I live life, do hereby surrender control of my life to my Lord and Creator.
Whatever you will for me, that is what I gratefully accept . I, the undersigned, have no terms; only to humbly and gratefully accept your terms and thank you for laying down your life for me.
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Your name
