Living in Submission: Reflecting Christ's Humility and Love

 

Summary

In Ephesians 5:21, Paul instructs believers to submit to one another in the fear of Christ. This principle is not merely a continuation of his previous teachings but also serves as an introduction to the specific relationships he will address, such as those between husbands and wives, children and parents, and servants and masters. The essence of this submission is rooted in the transformative power of the Holy Spirit, which fosters meekness and unity among believers, contrasting sharply with the self-assertive nature of the world.

The call to submit is not based on social or political ideologies but is a distinctly Christian principle grounded in the fear of Christ. This fear is not about terror but reverence and awe for Christ, who is both Savior and Lord. It is a fear that motivates believers to live in a way that honors Christ, reflecting His teachings and example. Jesus Himself exemplified this submission through His life and actions, notably in His washing of the disciples' feet, demonstrating humility and service.

The Christian's motivation for submission is multifaceted. It is an act of obedience to Christ's explicit teachings, a demonstration of gratitude for His sacrificial love, and a means of glorifying His name in the world. This submission is not about conforming to societal norms or seeking personal gain but about embodying the love and humility of Christ. It is a profound expression of love that seeks to avoid grieving Christ, who has entrusted His reputation to His followers.

Furthermore, this submission is tied to the concept of rewards in the Christian life. While salvation is secure, the quality of a believer's life and service will be tested, and rewards will be given accordingly. This understanding should instill a healthy fear of the Lord, motivating believers to live lives that are pleasing to Him. Ultimately, the call to submit to one another in the fear of Christ is a call to live out the gospel in every aspect of life, reflecting the mind and heart of Christ in all relationships.

Key Takeaways:

- The Essence of Submission: Submission among believers is a reflection of the Holy Spirit's work, fostering unity and meekness, contrasting with the self-assertion of the world. This submission is not about losing individuality but about harmonizing with others in the body of Christ. [01:57]

- Motivation in the Fear of Christ: The fear of Christ is a reverent awe that compels believers to live in obedience to His teachings. It is not about fear of punishment but a deep respect and love for Christ, who is both Savior and Lord. [09:17]

- Christ's Example of Humility: Jesus' life, particularly His act of washing the disciples' feet, serves as the ultimate example of humility and service. Believers are called to emulate this example, serving others selflessly and with love. [22:05]

- Living for Christ's Glory: The Christian life is about glorifying Christ through actions and attitudes. This involves a conscious effort to reflect His character, knowing that the world judges Christ by what it sees in His followers. [25:39]

- The Reality of Rewards: While salvation is secure, the quality of a believer's life and service will be tested, and rewards will be given accordingly. This understanding should instill a healthy fear of the Lord, motivating believers to live lives that are pleasing to Him. [37:35]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:11] - Introduction to Ephesians 5:21
- [01:05] - Continuation and Introduction
- [01:57] - Characteristics of Spirit-Filled People
- [03:21] - The Choir of Harmony
- [04:08] - The Body's Subservience
- [04:57] - The Fear of Christ
- [06:31] - Specific Relationships
- [09:17] - The Christian's Motive
- [11:25] - Differentiating the Christian
- [18:17] - Christ's Teachings on Submission
- [23:24] - Gratitude and Glorifying Christ
- [27:09] - Love and Fear of Disappointing Christ
- [31:02] - The Fear of Rewards
- [37:35] - The Day of Judgment
- [41:34] - Encouragement and Christ's Example

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
1. Ephesians 5:21 - "Submitting yourselves one to another in the fear of Christ."
2. John 13:12-17 - Jesus washes the disciples' feet, demonstrating humility and service.
3. Philippians 2:3-8 - "Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus..."

---

Observation Questions:

1. What does Ephesians 5:21 instruct believers to do, and what is the motivation behind this instruction? [00:11]

2. How does the act of Jesus washing the disciples' feet in John 13 serve as an example of submission and humility? [22:05]

3. In Philippians 2:3-8, what characteristics of Christ are highlighted that believers are encouraged to emulate?

4. According to the sermon, what is the difference between the Christian's motivation for submission and that of the world? [12:21]

---

Interpretation Questions:

1. How does the concept of "the fear of Christ" differ from other motivations for submission, such as social or political ideologies? [12:21]

2. In what ways does the sermon suggest that submission among believers reflects the work of the Holy Spirit? [01:57]

3. How does the sermon explain the relationship between submission and the rewards in the Christian life? [37:35]

4. What does the sermon suggest about the role of gratitude in motivating believers to submit to one another? [24:17]

---

Application Questions:

1. Reflect on a relationship in your life where submission could foster greater unity. What steps can you take to practice submission in that relationship this week? [01:57]

2. Consider the example of Jesus washing the disciples' feet. How can you demonstrate humility and service in your daily interactions? [22:05]

3. The sermon emphasizes living in the fear of Christ. What does this look like in your personal life, and how can it influence your decisions and actions? [09:17]

4. How can you cultivate a deeper sense of gratitude for Christ's sacrificial love, and how might this gratitude influence your willingness to submit to others? [24:17]

5. Identify an area in your life where self-assertion might be hindering unity. What practical steps can you take to align more closely with the principle of submission? [01:57]

6. Reflect on the concept of rewards in the Christian life. How does this understanding motivate you to live a life that is pleasing to God? [37:35]

7. Think of a situation where you might fear disappointing Christ. How can this fear be transformed into a positive motivation for living out the gospel? [28:17]

Devotional

Day 1: Unity Through Submission
Submission among believers is a reflection of the Holy Spirit's work, fostering unity and meekness, contrasting with the self-assertion of the world. This submission is not about losing individuality but about harmonizing with others in the body of Christ. The world often promotes self-assertion and individualism, but the Christian community is called to a different standard. By submitting to one another, believers demonstrate the transformative power of the Holy Spirit, which enables them to live in harmony and unity. This submission is a voluntary act of love and respect, recognizing the value and worth of each member of the body of Christ. It is a powerful testimony to the world of the unity and love that exists within the Christian community. [01:57]

Ephesians 4:2-3 (ESV): "With all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace."

Reflection: Think of a relationship in your life where you can practice submission and unity. How can you actively seek to harmonize with this person today?


Day 2: Reverent Obedience
The fear of Christ is a reverent awe that compels believers to live in obedience to His teachings. It is not about fear of punishment but a deep respect and love for Christ, who is both Savior and Lord. This reverence motivates believers to align their lives with His teachings, seeking to honor Him in all they do. It is a fear that is rooted in love and gratitude for the sacrifice Christ made, leading to a life of obedience and devotion. This reverent obedience is a response to the grace and mercy received, and it shapes the believer's actions and attitudes, setting them apart from the world. [09:17]

2 Corinthians 7:1 (ESV): "Since we have these promises, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from every defilement of body and spirit, bringing holiness to completion in the fear of God."

Reflection: Identify one area of your life where you struggle with obedience to Christ. What steps can you take today to align this area with His teachings?


Day 3: Emulating Christ's Humility
Jesus' life, particularly His act of washing the disciples' feet, serves as the ultimate example of humility and service. Believers are called to emulate this example, serving others selflessly and with love. Christ's humility was not a sign of weakness but a demonstration of strength and love. By serving others, believers reflect the character of Christ and His love for humanity. This act of service is a powerful witness to the world, showing the transformative power of the gospel in the lives of believers. It challenges the societal norms of power and status, calling believers to a life of humble service. [22:05]

Philippians 2:3-4 (ESV): "Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others."

Reflection: Consider a practical way you can serve someone in your community this week. How can you demonstrate Christ's humility in this act of service?


Day 4: Reflecting Christ's Glory
The Christian life is about glorifying Christ through actions and attitudes. This involves a conscious effort to reflect His character, knowing that the world judges Christ by what it sees in His followers. Believers are called to be ambassadors of Christ, representing Him in all aspects of life. This responsibility is both a privilege and a challenge, as it requires a commitment to live in a way that honors Christ. By reflecting His glory, believers become a light in the world, drawing others to the truth of the gospel. This reflection is not about perfection but about a genuine pursuit of Christlikeness. [25:39]

Matthew 5:16 (ESV): "In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven."

Reflection: What is one specific way you can reflect Christ's character in your workplace or school today? How can this action bring glory to God?


Day 5: Motivated by Eternal Rewards
While salvation is secure, the quality of a believer's life and service will be tested, and rewards will be given accordingly. This understanding should instill a healthy fear of the Lord, motivating believers to live lives that are pleasing to Him. The concept of eternal rewards is not about earning salvation but about recognizing that our actions have eternal significance. This perspective encourages believers to live with purpose and intentionality, knowing that their service to Christ will be rewarded. It is a call to invest in the things of eternal value, prioritizing the kingdom of God in all aspects of life. [37:35]

1 Corinthians 3:13-14 (ESV): "Each one's work will become manifest, for the Day will disclose it, because it will be revealed by fire, and the fire will test what sort of work each one has done. If the work that anyone has built on the foundation survives, he will receive a reward."

Reflection: Reflect on your current priorities and activities. Are they aligned with eternal values? What changes can you make to ensure your life is focused on things that have lasting significance?

Quotes



The spirit always has the effect of making people meek and ready to surrender and to abase themselves for the sake of others now we looked at all that both negatively and positively and the two elements must always be born in mind they are not to be like those Gentiles filled with wine wherein is excess they mustn't do the things they do but on the contrary they must be as people who are thus filled with the spirit. [00:01:54]

The Christian doesn't merely do things because they're good and right and because it's wrong to do certain other things anybody can do that the differentiating mark of the Christian is this one that he does everything as unto the Lord in the fear of Christ because Christ is his Lord this of course is something that revolutionizes thought. [00:10:58]

The Christian always knows why he does a thing he always knows what he's doing you see we've already already been reminded that he's not unwise but understanding what the will of the Lord is we saw that in verse 17 that's the difference the other man doesn't know why he why he does things he conforms the pattern he imitates others he watches what they do and he does them he doesn't know why he hasn't really got the philosophy of the thing he just does it he's always conforming but here's a man who thinks and who reasons he's got wisdom he knows exactly what he's doing and the reason always is in the fear of Christ. [00:17:18]

There was one in the 20th chapter of Matthew's gospel which illustrates and illumines this whole subject once and forever Matthew 20 beginning at verse 20 then came to him the mother of zebedee's children with her sons worshiping him and Desiring a certain thing of him and he said unto her What wilt thou and she said grant that these my two sons May sit the one on my right hand and the other on the left in thy kingdom but Jesus answered and said you know not what you ask are you able to drink of the cup that I drink of Etc and then he goes on and makes this vital statement. [00:18:19]

Here is our Lord on the very Eve of his death we are told that having loved his own which were in the world he loved them unto the end and then this remarkable thing happened verse 12 so after he had washed their feet and had taken his garments and was set down again he said unto them you remember what had happened don't you Jesus know knowing that the father had given all things into his hands and that he was come from God and went to God knowing that he riseth from supper and laid aside his garments and took a towel and GED himself after that he porth water into a basin and began to wash the disciples feet and to wipe them with the towel wherewith he was GED and they couldn't understand it. [00:20:32]

The Christian is a man who's always remembering this he doesn't ask what do I want to do what would I like to do what pleases me no no he has lost himself in his love for Christ his gratitude to him his desire is I say to show his gratitude he's got a Zeal for the name of the Lord he wants others to believe in him well now the way to do that of course is primarily to live it's no use talking to people If you deny it in your practice it's no use preaching if I deny it in my life people look at us and what we are and what we do well therefore he says submit yourselves one to the other in the fear of Christ this is your governing and overruling motive. [00:27:02]

The scripture tells us that Christ says behold me and the children that thou has given me we are his possession we are his people his name is upon us we are his Representatives we are the people whom he has bought and whom he has purchased and the relationship is one I say of love so that the Christian is a man who is governed by thoughts of that he is looking down upon us his reputation as it were is in our hands I am glorified in them he says I am the light of the world you are the light of the world the world doesn't see him it sees us and we are the light the only light that it's got. [00:28:15]

The Christian is a profound and a deep motive and it is the fear of Christ this is the thing that governs him this is the thing that always rules him and then let me give you one other negative I wonder whether this will shock you we are to submit ourselves one to the other and in the matter of wives and husbands and children and parents and servants and Masters not even for the sake of keeping the law even the law of God that is not the Christian's primary motive the motive of the Christian is always in the fear of Christ. [00:15:00]

The Apostle therefore goes on repeating this in order to impress that upon us and of course it is essential for this reason that it is only as we are governed by this motive that we shall be able to do this and of course a men who is filled with the spirit he is a man who is filled with the Lord Jesus Christ the spirit points to him the spirit glorifies him the spirit always leads to him and so the men filled with the spirit will ever be looking at him and this is his one grand motive in the fear of Christ and having this he is enabled to do these various things. [00:16:36]

The Christian is a man who lives and walks and does all he does in the light of that are we disappointing him that's how love thinks isn't it that is the kind of fear that comes into the realm of love it's all together higher than law this is the fear of hurting or of grieving or of disappointing someone who loves you and who's got faith in you who trusts you who admires you who's fond of you who's done so much for you and this is The Marvelous thing about it that's why love is the greatest power and the greatest Mighty force in the whole world. [00:29:31]

The day shall declare it let me give you some other examples of this before we draw the doctrine out of it take again what he says at the end of chapter n in this first epistle to the Corinthians let me read from verse 24 know ye not that they which run in a race run all but one receiveth the prize so run that he may obtain and every man that striveth for the Mastery is temperate in all things now they do it to obtain a corruptible Crown but we an Incorruptible I therefore so run not as uncertainly so fight I not as one that beateth the air but I keep under my body and bring it into subjection why lest that by any means when I have preached to others I myself should be a Cast Away. [00:32:58]

Submitting yourselves one to another in the fear of Christ go on to The Second Epistle to the Corinthians to chapter 5 and let's begin to read at verse 9 wherefore we labor that whether present or absent we may be accepted of him for we must all appear before the Judgment seat of Christ that everyone may receive the things done in the body according to that he ha done whether it be good or bad knowing therefore the terror of the lord we persuade men but we are made manifest to God and I trust also are made manifest in your consciences knowing the terror of the law I persuade men submitting yourselves one to another in the fear of Christ The Terror of the Lord. [00:33:34]

Chatbot

  • I'm an AI bot trained specifically on the sermon from May 24, 2017. Do you have any questions about it?

Transcript
What was the most surprising thing in this sermon?
Were there any personal stories shared?