Embracing Submission: The Kingdom's Path to Greatness
Summary
### Summary
Today, we explored the profound concept of submission within the Kingdom of God, as outlined in Ephesians 5:15-21. We began by reflecting on the importance of living wisely and making the most of every opportunity because the days are evil. Paul’s exhortation to be filled with the Spirit rather than indulging in debauchery sets the stage for understanding the transformative power of submission.
Submission, often misunderstood in worldly terms as coercion or loss of autonomy, is redefined in the Kingdom as a mutual act of reverence for Christ. Jesus Himself exemplified this by submitting to the will of the Father, even to the point of death on a cross. This act of ultimate submission is not just a historical event but a model for how we are to live our lives.
We delved into three compelling reasons for practicing submission: First, Jesus’ submission to the Father serves as our ultimate example. Second, our submission to one another demonstrates our respect and reverence for Christ. Third, submission is the way of the Kingdom, a counter-cultural practice that stands in stark contrast to the world’s pursuit of power and self-interest.
In the Kingdom, greatness is measured not by how many serve us but by how many we serve. This upside-down view of power and greatness calls us to live lives marked by fellowship, worship, gratitude, and mutual submission. As we embody these principles, we become living testimonies of the transformative power of the Spirit, inviting others into the life-giving reality of the Kingdom of God.
### Key Takeaways
1. Jesus as the Ultimate Example of Submission: Jesus’ life was marked by His unwavering submission to the Father’s will, even unto death. This act of submission is not just a historical event but a model for our daily lives. By following Jesus’ example, we learn that true greatness in the Kingdom is found in serving others and laying down our own will for the sake of God’s purposes. [45:08]
2. Submission Demonstrates Reverence for Christ: When we submit to one another, we are not merely yielding to human authority but showing our deep respect and reverence for Christ. This mutual submission is a tangible expression of our faith and a testament to the transformative power of the Holy Spirit in our lives. [50:08]
3. The Kingdom’s Counter-Cultural View of Power: Unlike the world, which seeks power and self-glorification, the Kingdom of God values humility and service. Jesus taught that the greatest among us would be the servant of all. This radical redefinition of power challenges us to live lives that prioritize others over ourselves. [51:21]
4. Living Wisely in Evil Days: Paul’s exhortation to live wisely and make the most of every opportunity is a call to intentionality in our daily lives. By being filled with the Spirit, we can navigate the complexities of our times with wisdom and discernment, reflecting the light of Christ in a dark world. [37:53]
5. The Transformative Power of the Spirit: The Holy Spirit empowers us to live lives marked by fellowship, worship, gratitude, and submission. These qualities are not just individual virtues but communal practices that build up the body of Christ and serve as a witness to the world of the Kingdom’s reality. [41:18]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[07:13] - Announcements
[08:00] - Youth and Children's Ministry Updates
[08:56] - Moms Connect Event
[09:24] - Flood Buckets and Emergency Response
[09:57] - Church Picnic and Blessing of the Backpacks
[12:17] - Prayer for Patty Wright
[14:20] - Morning Offering
[15:11] - Dedication to God's Kingdom
[29:14] - Scripture Reading: Ephesians 5:15-21
[31:00] - The Kingdom of Heaven and Clever Catchphrases
[32:43] - Jesus' Parables and Kingdom Values
[35:08] - The Story of Shangri-La
[36:58] - Paul's Letter to the Ephesians
[37:53] - Living Wisely in Evil Days
[40:24] - The Four Results of Being Filled with the Spirit
[45:08] - Jesus' Submission to the Father
[50:08] - Submission as Reverence for Christ
[51:21] - The Kingdom's View of Power
[52:22] - The Way of the Kingdom
[56:03] - Living Selflessly and Serving Others
[58:50] - Communion Invitation and Instructions
[01:02:43] - Closing Prayer and Benediction
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
- Ephesians 5:15-21 (NIV)
> "Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is. Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit, speaking to one another with psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit. Sing and make music from your heart to the Lord, always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ."
#### Observation Questions
1. What does Paul mean when he says to "make the most of every opportunity because the days are evil"? ([37:53])
2. How does Paul contrast being filled with the Spirit versus indulging in debauchery? ([37:53])
3. What are the four results of being filled with the Spirit according to the sermon? ([40:24])
4. How did Jesus exemplify submission to the Father, as mentioned in the sermon? ([45:08])
#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why is submission often misunderstood in worldly terms, and how does the Kingdom of God redefine it? ([38:34])
2. How does mutual submission among believers demonstrate reverence for Christ? ([50:08])
3. In what ways does the Kingdom of God’s view of power differ from the world’s view? ([51:21])
4. How can living wisely and making the most of every opportunity reflect the light of Christ in a dark world? ([37:53])
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you had to submit to someone else’s authority. How did it feel, and how did it impact your relationship with that person? ([38:34])
2. Jesus submitted to the Father’s will even unto death. What is one area in your life where you struggle to submit to God’s will? ([45:08])
3. How can you practice mutual submission in your daily interactions with family, friends, or coworkers? ([50:08])
4. The sermon mentioned that greatness in the Kingdom is measured by how many we serve. Identify one person you can serve this week and describe how you plan to do it. ([51:21])
5. Paul calls us to live wisely in evil days. What practical steps can you take to live more intentionally and wisely in your daily life? ([37:53])
6. The Holy Spirit empowers us to live lives marked by fellowship, worship, gratitude, and submission. Which of these areas do you feel you need to grow in, and what specific action can you take to improve? ([41:18])
7. Think of a situation where you can demonstrate the Kingdom’s counter-cultural view of power by choosing humility and service over self-interest. How will you approach this situation differently? ([51:21])
Devotional
Day 1: Jesus as the Ultimate Example of Submission
Jesus’ life was marked by His unwavering submission to the Father’s will, even unto death. This act of submission is not just a historical event but a model for our daily lives. By following Jesus’ example, we learn that true greatness in the Kingdom is found in serving others and laying down our own will for the sake of God’s purposes. Jesus’ submission to the Father serves as our ultimate example, showing us that the path to true greatness is through humility and service. His willingness to submit, even to the point of death on a cross, demonstrates the depth of His love and obedience. This radical act of submission is a call for us to examine our own lives and consider how we can follow in His footsteps.
In our daily lives, we are often faced with choices that challenge our willingness to submit to God’s will. Whether it’s in our relationships, our work, or our personal ambitions, we are called to lay down our own desires and seek God’s purposes. By doing so, we not only honor God but also become living testimonies of His transformative power. As we reflect on Jesus’ example, let us ask ourselves how we can embody this same spirit of submission in our own lives. [45:08]
Hebrews 5:8-9 (ESV): "Although he was a son, he learned obedience through what he suffered. And being made perfect, he became the source of eternal salvation to all who obey him."
Reflection: Think of a specific area in your life where you struggle to submit to God’s will. What steps can you take today to surrender this area to Him and follow Jesus’ example of submission?
Day 2: Submission Demonstrates Reverence for Christ
When we submit to one another, we are not merely yielding to human authority but showing our deep respect and reverence for Christ. This mutual submission is a tangible expression of our faith and a testament to the transformative power of the Holy Spirit in our lives. Submission in the Kingdom of God is not about coercion or loss of autonomy; it is a mutual act of reverence for Christ. By submitting to one another, we demonstrate our respect and love for Jesus, acknowledging His lordship over our lives. This act of submission is a powerful witness to the world of the unity and love that characterize the body of Christ.
In our interactions with others, we have the opportunity to practice this mutual submission. Whether it’s in our families, our workplaces, or our church communities, we can choose to put others’ needs above our own and serve them with humility. This kind of submission requires us to be filled with the Holy Spirit, who empowers us to live out these Kingdom values. As we submit to one another, we reflect the character of Christ and invite others to experience His love and grace. [50:08]
1 Peter 5:5 (ESV): "Likewise, you who are younger, be subject to the elders. Clothe yourselves, all of you, with humility toward one another, for 'God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.'"
Reflection: Think of a relationship in your life where you can practice mutual submission. How can you show reverence for Christ by putting the other person’s needs above your own today?
Day 3: The Kingdom’s Counter-Cultural View of Power
Unlike the world, which seeks power and self-glorification, the Kingdom of God values humility and service. Jesus taught that the greatest among us would be the servant of all. This radical redefinition of power challenges us to live lives that prioritize others over ourselves. In the Kingdom of God, greatness is not measured by how many people serve us but by how many we serve. This counter-cultural view of power stands in stark contrast to the world’s pursuit of power and self-interest. Jesus’ teachings and example show us that true greatness is found in humility and service to others.
As followers of Christ, we are called to embrace this upside-down view of power. This means seeking opportunities to serve others, even when it’s inconvenient or goes unnoticed. It means valuing humility over self-promotion and putting others’ needs above our own. By living out these Kingdom values, we become living testimonies of the transformative power of the Spirit and invite others to experience the life-giving reality of the Kingdom of God. [51:21]
Mark 10:43-45 (ESV): "But it shall not be so among you. But whoever would be great among you must be your servant, and whoever would be first among you must be slave of all. For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many."
Reflection: Identify a specific way you can serve someone in your community today. How can you embody the Kingdom’s view of power by prioritizing their needs over your own?
Day 4: Living Wisely in Evil Days
Paul’s exhortation to live wisely and make the most of every opportunity is a call to intentionality in our daily lives. By being filled with the Spirit, we can navigate the complexities of our times with wisdom and discernment, reflecting the light of Christ in a dark world. In Ephesians 5:15-21, Paul urges believers to live wisely and make the most of every opportunity because the days are evil. This call to wisdom is a reminder that we are living in challenging times and need to be intentional in how we live our lives. By being filled with the Spirit, we can navigate these complexities with discernment and reflect the light of Christ in a dark world.
Living wisely means being aware of the spiritual battles around us and making choices that honor God. It means seeking God’s guidance in our decisions and being intentional in our relationships and actions. As we strive to live wisely, we become beacons of hope and truth in a world that desperately needs the light of Christ. Let us commit to living with intentionality and wisdom, making the most of every opportunity to reflect God’s love and grace. [37:53]
Colossians 4:5-6 (ESV): "Walk in wisdom toward outsiders, making the best use of the time. Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person."
Reflection: Think about your daily routine. What is one specific change you can make to live more wisely and intentionally for Christ today?
Day 5: The Transformative Power of the Spirit
The Holy Spirit empowers us to live lives marked by fellowship, worship, gratitude, and submission. These qualities are not just individual virtues but communal practices that build up the body of Christ and serve as a witness to the world of the Kingdom’s reality. The transformative power of the Holy Spirit enables us to live lives that reflect the values of the Kingdom of God. By being filled with the Spirit, we are empowered to engage in fellowship, worship, gratitude, and mutual submission. These qualities are not just individual virtues but communal practices that strengthen the body of Christ and serve as a powerful witness to the world.
As we cultivate these practices in our lives, we experience the fullness of life that God intends for us. Fellowship with other believers encourages and strengthens us, worship draws us closer to God, gratitude shifts our focus from ourselves to God’s blessings, and submission fosters unity and love. By living out these Spirit-filled practices, we become living testimonies of the Kingdom’s reality and invite others to experience the transformative power of the Spirit. [41:18]
Galatians 5:22-23 (ESV): "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law."
Reflection: Reflect on the fruits of the Spirit in your life. Which one do you feel needs more cultivation? How can you intentionally seek the Holy Spirit’s help to grow in this area today?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "We dedicate ourselves anew to you today, Lord. And as we prepare to worship you with the giving of our tithes and offerings, our gifts, Lord, we pray that you would use those, that ministry and mission would go forth from this place into our community, that people would come to know the living God, come to know Jesus Christ was redeemed and restored, and who offers forgiveness for sin. May they come to know you, oh Lord." [15:11] (34 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "The kingdom is like this place. It's this other world that Jesus describes in Matthew 5-7. He talks about the values of the kingdom. And how the kingdom functions. And how it affects our lives. That's what's happening here in Ephesians 5. The letter of Paul to the Ephesians is what's called a general letter. Meaning that it was not written specifically to the people at Ephesus. But it was written to the general church." [35:56] (31 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "You have a responsibility. As a follower of Jesus Christ. To be so filled with the spirit. That people cannot help. But get some of it on them. When they are around you. That your life tells a story. Not of the will to power. But the will to submit. The will to serve. The will to be. The very least. And not the first. That is what Jesus was talking about. When he says that phrase. The first will be last. And the last will be first." [53:26] (35 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "The way of the kingdom. Is like coming over the pass. And looking down into a valley. That is filled with life. Where there is sunshine. Where there is joy. Where there is life eternal. Where things are different. And operate differently there. And you might say. Well pastor. Look in the world. It is not that way. That is right. It is not that way. Not yet. Not yet. There is work to be done. There is things to be done. There is invitations to be made. There is life to be lived. There is worship to be had." [52:22] (41 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for Members
1. "The first reason we submit. Is because Jesus submitted to his father. Jesus submitted to his father. All throughout scripture. We see a pattern. Especially in the gospels. We see this picture of Jesus. Not doing his will. Not choosing what he wants. But making the deliberate and conscious choice. To surrender his will. To the will of his father." [45:08] (29 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "The second reason. That we submit. And practice submission. Is because when we submit to one another. We demonstrate our respect. And reverence. For Christ. When we choose the person. That we worship with. And serve with. And serve with. And live life together with. Over ourselves. Then we are demonstrating and practicing. That we revere and respect our Lord. Who did the same. In our life." [50:08] (30 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "The third reason. That we submit. Is because it is the way of the kingdom. What did Jesus tell his disciples? The greatest among you. Will be the one with the most money. The highest and most prestigious job. The greatest set of companies. The applause. And the respect of others. The greatest among you. Instead he said. Will be the servant of all. And Jesus not only did that. But he demonstrated. That to us." [51:21] (43 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "We are called to submit to one another in reverence for Christ to worship together, to fellowship together to live lives of gratitude and to submit to one another May we live life by a different pattern, a different rhythm, and may we do so deliberately. In the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, amen." [01:04:07] (27 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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