Mutual Submission: Transforming Relationships Through the Gospel
Summary
### Summary
Today, we delved into a challenging passage that addresses relationships within Christian households, specifically focusing on the often uncomfortable topic of slaves and masters. This passage is difficult to reconcile with our modern sensibilities, but it is crucial to understand it within its historical and cultural context. We began by acknowledging that while relationships like husbands and wives, and children and parents, are familiar to us, the concept of slaves and masters is not. This creates a cultural gap that we must bridge by looking back 2,000 years to first-century Roman culture, rather than just 150 years to American history.
Slavery in the Roman Empire was different from the race-based slavery we are more familiar with. It was not based on race or ethnicity, and slaves were integrated into all levels of society, sometimes even holding positions as doctors or teachers. Despite these differences, slavery was still dehumanizing and never aligned with the heart of God. Paul’s instructions to Christian households, including slaves and masters, were not meant to condone slavery but to subvert and undermine it by advocating principles of mutual respect and submission.
We anchored our discussion in Ephesians 5:21, which calls for mutual submission out of reverence for Christ. This principle extends to all relationships within the household, including the controversial relationship between slaves and masters. Paul’s approach was radical for his time; he addressed slaves first, giving them dignity and value, which was unprecedented. He instructed masters to treat their slaves with the same respect and sincerity they would expect in return, essentially leveling the playing field and emphasizing that both slaves and masters are equal under Christ.
Paul’s message was clear: Christian masters do not own their slaves; both belong to Jesus. This mutual submission and respect are rooted in the example of Christ, who gave His life for others. Paul’s instructions were descriptive of the existing social structures but also prescriptive in how Christians should transform these relationships through the gospel. He emphasized that serving Christ is paramount, and this service should be reflected in how we treat one another, whether in the household or in our daily lives.
We also discussed how these principles apply to us today. While there is no direct one-to-one comparison to slavery in our modern context, the principles of mutual submission, respect, and justice remain relevant. We are called to live out these values in all aspects of our lives, whether in our professions, communities, or families. By doing so, we participate in God’s mission to restore and renew all things, reflecting His kingdom on earth.
### Key Takeaways
1. Understanding the Cultural Gap: To fully grasp Paul’s message, we must bridge the cultural gap by looking back to first-century Roman culture. Slavery then was different from the race-based slavery in American history, yet it was still dehumanizing and never aligned with God’s heart. This historical context helps us understand that Paul’s instructions were not condoning slavery but addressing the reality of his time. [42:54]
2. Mutual Submission in Christian Households: Ephesians 5:21 calls for mutual submission out of reverence for Christ. This principle applies to all relationships within the household, including the controversial relationship between slaves and masters. Paul’s radical approach gave dignity to slaves by addressing them first, emphasizing that both slaves and masters are equal under Christ. [54:13]
3. Subverting Slavery through the Gospel: Paul’s instructions to masters to treat their slaves with respect and sincerity were revolutionary. By advocating for mutual respect and submission, Paul was subverting the institution of slavery. He emphasized that Christian masters do not own their slaves; both belong to Jesus, and this mutual submission is rooted in the example of Christ. [01:05:37]
4. Living Out Gospel Principles Today: While there is no direct one-to-one comparison to slavery in our modern context, the principles of mutual submission, respect, and justice remain relevant. We are called to live out these values in all aspects of our lives, whether in our professions, communities, or families. By doing so, we participate in God’s mission to restore and renew all things. [01:07:46]
5. The Gospel Changes Everything: The gospel changes everything and works everywhere. Instead of using rebellion or violence, we are called to exemplify mutual submission and respect in our relationships. This reflects our commitment to honoring God and serving others, participating in God’s mission to make all things new. [01:02:01]
### YouTube Chapters
1. [0:00] - Welcome
2. [37:29] - Introduction to the Passage
3. [38:21] - To Be Continued
4. [39:19] - Instructions for Christian Households
5. [40:15] - Addressing Slaves and Masters
6. [41:10] - Cultural Gap and Historical Context
7. [42:54] - Bridging the Cultural Gap
8. [44:03] - The Gospel is Simple, The Bible is Not
9. [44:56] - Understanding Slavery in Roman Culture
10. [45:28] - The Reality of Slavery
11. [46:15] - Different Forms of Slavery
12. [46:59] - Integration and Education of Slaves
13. [47:50] - Dehumanization of Slaves
14. [48:35] - Slavery Then and Now
15. [49:28] - Christianity’s Approach to Slavery
16. [51:07] - Reading Scripture Aloud
17. [52:35] - Slaves and Masters in the Christian Community
18. [54:13] - Descriptive vs. Prescriptive
19. [56:09] - Paul’s Radical Subversion
20. [57:51] - The Lordship of Jesus
21. [59:46] - Serving Christ, Not Earthly Masters
22. [01:02:01] - The Gospel Changes Everything
23. [01:03:42] - Instructions to Masters
24. [01:05:37] - Mutual Submission and Respect
25. [01:07:46] - Applying Gospel Principles Today
Study Guide
### Bible Reading
1. Ephesians 5:21 - "Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ."
2. Ephesians 6:5-9 - "Slaves, obey your earthly masters with respect and fear, and with sincerity of heart, just as you would obey Christ. Obey them not only to win their favor when their eye is on you, but as slaves of Christ, doing the will of God from your heart. Serve wholeheartedly, as if you were serving the Lord, not people, because you know that the Lord will reward each one for whatever good they do, whether they are slave or free. And masters, treat your slaves in the same way. Do not threaten them, since you know that he who is both their Master and yours is in heaven, and there is no favoritism with him."
### Observation Questions
1. What does Ephesians 5:21 call Christians to do in their relationships with one another? How does this principle apply to the relationships discussed in the sermon? [37:29]
2. According to Ephesians 6:5-9, how are slaves instructed to serve their masters, and what is the underlying reason for this behavior? [59:46]
3. How does Paul instruct masters to treat their slaves, and what rationale does he provide for this instruction? [01:05:37]
4. What cultural and historical context did the sermon provide to help us understand the relationship between slaves and masters in the first-century Roman Empire? [42:54]
### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the principle of mutual submission in Ephesians 5:21 challenge the traditional power dynamics between slaves and masters in the first-century Roman context? [54:13]
2. In what ways does Paul’s instruction to masters in Ephesians 6:9 subvert the institution of slavery? How does this reflect the heart of the gospel? [01:05:37]
3. How can the concept of mutual submission and respect, as discussed in the sermon, be applied to modern-day relationships in the workplace or community? [01:07:46]
4. What does it mean to serve Christ in all aspects of our lives, as emphasized in the sermon? How does this perspective change our approach to daily tasks and interactions? [01:02:01]
### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a relationship in your life where power dynamics are at play. How can you apply the principle of mutual submission and respect in that relationship this week? [54:13]
2. Think about a time when you felt dehumanized or disrespected. How can Paul's teachings in Ephesians 6:5-9 guide you in responding to such situations with dignity and respect? [59:46]
3. Identify a specific area in your professional or personal life where you can practice serving Christ rather than seeking approval from others. What steps will you take to make this shift? [01:02:01]
4. How can you contribute to bridging cultural gaps and promoting justice and respect in your community, as Paul advocated in his letters? [42:54]
5. Consider a situation where you have authority over others (e.g., as a manager, parent, or leader). How can you ensure that you are treating those under your authority with the same respect and sincerity that Paul instructs masters to show their slaves? [01:05:37]
6. Reflect on the concept of mutual submission in your household. What practical changes can you make to ensure that all members feel valued and respected? [37:29]
7. How can you actively participate in God's mission to restore and renew all things in your daily life? Identify one specific action you can take this week to reflect God's kingdom on earth. [01:11:18]
Devotional
Day 1: Bridging the Cultural Gap
Understanding the cultural context of biblical passages is crucial for accurate interpretation. In first-century Roman culture, slavery was not based on race or ethnicity, unlike the race-based slavery in American history. Slaves in the Roman Empire could be found in various societal roles, including as doctors and teachers. Despite these differences, slavery was still dehumanizing and never aligned with God's heart. Paul’s instructions to Christian households, including slaves and masters, were not meant to condone slavery but to address the reality of his time. By understanding this historical context, we can better grasp Paul’s message and its implications for us today. [42:54]
Ephesians 6:5-8 (ESV): "Bondservants, obey your earthly masters with fear and trembling, with a sincere heart, as you would Christ, not by the way of eye-service, as people-pleasers, but as bondservants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart, rendering service with a good will as to the Lord and not to man, knowing that whatever good anyone does, this he will receive back from the Lord, whether he is a bondservant or is free."
Reflection: How can understanding the historical and cultural context of biblical passages help you apply them more accurately in your life today?
Day 2: Mutual Submission in Christian Households
Ephesians 5:21 calls for mutual submission out of reverence for Christ, a principle that applies to all relationships within the household, including the controversial relationship between slaves and masters. Paul’s radical approach gave dignity to slaves by addressing them first, emphasizing that both slaves and masters are equal under Christ. This mutual submission is rooted in the example of Christ, who gave His life for others. By practicing mutual submission, we reflect Christ’s love and humility in our relationships, whether in our families, workplaces, or communities. [54:13]
Ephesians 5:21 (ESV): "Submitting to one another out of reverence for Christ."
Reflection: In what ways can you practice mutual submission in your relationships today, reflecting Christ’s love and humility?
Day 3: Subverting Slavery through the Gospel
Paul’s instructions to masters to treat their slaves with respect and sincerity were revolutionary. By advocating for mutual respect and submission, Paul was subverting the institution of slavery. He emphasized that Christian masters do not own their slaves; both belong to Jesus. This mutual submission and respect are rooted in the example of Christ, who gave His life for others. Paul’s message was clear: serving Christ is paramount, and this service should be reflected in how we treat one another, whether in the household or in our daily lives. [01:05:37]
Colossians 4:1 (ESV): "Masters, treat your bondservants justly and fairly, knowing that you also have a Master in heaven."
Reflection: How can you show respect and sincerity in your interactions with others, reflecting the example of Christ?
Day 4: Living Out Gospel Principles Today
While there is no direct one-to-one comparison to slavery in our modern context, the principles of mutual submission, respect, and justice remain relevant. We are called to live out these values in all aspects of our lives, whether in our professions, communities, or families. By doing so, we participate in God’s mission to restore and renew all things, reflecting His kingdom on earth. This means treating others with dignity and respect, advocating for justice, and embodying the love of Christ in our daily interactions. [01:07:46]
Micah 6:8 (ESV): "He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?"
Reflection: What is one specific way you can live out the principles of mutual submission, respect, and justice in your life today?
Day 5: The Gospel Changes Everything
The gospel changes everything and works everywhere. Instead of using rebellion or violence, we are called to exemplify mutual submission and respect in our relationships. This reflects our commitment to honoring God and serving others, participating in God’s mission to make all things new. By living out the gospel in our daily lives, we demonstrate the transformative power of Christ’s love and grace, bringing hope and renewal to those around us. [01:02:01]
2 Corinthians 5:17 (ESV): "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come."
Reflection: How can you demonstrate the transformative power of the gospel in your relationships and daily interactions today?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "The gospel changes everything and it works everywhere. So instead of using kind of the same rebellion, the same type of violence that is typical in that culture that Rome would be using, Tim Mackey again from the Bible Project says the cross is where it stops. So Paul addresses these slaves, these masters in this congregation, in the people of God and he tells the slaves it's not about serving and pleasing people, it's about serving and pleasing Jesus." [01:02:01]
2. "Brokenness has become the defining feature of much of American life. Broken families, broken public schools, broken small towns and inner cities, broken universities, broken healthcare, broken media, broken churches, broken borders, broken government. Hit the nail on the head. We don't add to or participate in that brokenness." [01:09:35]
3. "It's about practicing respect and justice and integrity, and all aspects of our professional lives. It's about how our attitudes and our actions and our vocations and in all of life reflect our commitment to honoring God and serving others. By engaging in that in our daily lives, we participate in God's mission as we do that. And what's God's mission? God's mission is to restore and to renew all things." [01:11:18]
4. "The gospel proved to be a proclamation of emancipation. Slavery must ultimately disappear when men accept the doctrines of human equality and spiritual brotherhood and the lordship of Christ." [49:28]
5. "We don't add to or participate in the brokenness all around us. What we take from here, what we take from what Paul is talking about, the issue of the heart, the issue of treating each other with mutual submission, mutual respect and reverence because of our reverence and love for Jesus. As we do that, whether we do it overtly, covertly, subversively, however that happens, we're participating in God's mission. Jesus said, I am making all things new. Let's join him today. Let's join him this week in making all things new." [01:11:18]
### Quotes for Members
1. "Paul subverts and undermines slavery in many ways. One of the ways that he does that is that in the sections talking about wives and husbands and children and parents, Paul actually grounds those things in scripture. In the case of slaves and masters, we see no scriptural grounding. We see no scriptural context that Paul gives. He doesn't mention any scripture and so we can say it's important to recognize what Paul doesn't say." [54:13]
2. "Christian masters, you don't own your slaves. They and you belong to Jesus. Take your example from Jesus. Husbands love your wives as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her. Christian masters that Paul is addressing here in first century Rome, take your example from Jesus too. How does he treat those under him? He gives his life to them." [01:05:37]
3. "Paul's instruction is radically subversive. Where there are hierarchical relationships, Paul addresses the subordinate members first, giving them unprecedented dignity. They are full and equal participants in the people of God among God's new people. This new humanity that we've talked about, there is no place for control, for domination, for manipulation, for exploitation." [56:09]
4. "Paul's saying don't exploit each other, serve each other. Don't manipulate each other, honor each other. Do not threaten them because you know that he who is both their master and yours is in heaven and there is no favoritism with him. They are equal. Paul levels the playing field. Jesus levels the playing field. There's no favoritism in the kingdom of God." [01:05:37]
5. "We do things differently than the culture around us, and in every aspect of our lives. And this is where I would say we can know whether we are doing this or not, because we look to these principles, and we evaluate our own lives, we evaluate our own hearts. Part of that is that we don't add to, or participate in the brokenness all around us." [01:07:46]
6. "Slavery in first century Roman culture was not race-based or ethnicity-based. And that's an important one. Because when we think back to the history of our culture and how slavery worked out with the slave trade and everything, it was all race-based and ethnicity-based. Back then it was not. In fact, slaves back then were integrated into all levels of society. So you had them at all levels. And because of that, education was actually encouraged." [46:59]
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