June 26, 2010

What It Means To "Submit"

Bible Reading: I Corinthians 11:1-12
Key Verse: But I would have you know, that the head of every man is Christ; and the head of the woman is the man; and the head of Christ is God (I Corinthians 11:3).

Submission is a key element in the smooth functioning of any business, government, or family. God ordained submission in certain relationship to prevent chaos. We must understand, however, that submission is not surrender, withdrawal, or apathy. And it does not mean inferiority---God created all people in His image, and all have equal value. Rather, submission is mutual commitment and cooperation.

Thus God calls for submission among equals. He did not make the man superior---He made a way for the man and woman to work together. Jesus Christ, although equal with God the Father, submitted to Him to carry out the plan of salvation. Likewise, although equal to man under God, the wife should submit to her husband for the sake of their marriage and family. Submission between the equals is submission by choice, not force.

Seed Thought:
Paul reveals God’s structure for marriage: Ephesians 5:21-33

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