Spirit-Filled Submission: Unity in Christ's Body

 

Summary

In Ephesians 5:21, Paul exhorts believers to submit to one another in the fear of Christ. This submission is not a standalone command but is deeply connected to the preceding exhortation to be filled with the Spirit. The Apostle Paul emphasizes that only those who are Spirit-filled can truly live out this call to mutual submission. The world, in its natural state, cannot comprehend or practice this kind of submission because it is inherently self-centered and self-assertive. Paul contrasts the Spirit-filled life with a life of excess, such as being drunk with wine, which leads to self-assertion and lack of control. Instead, being filled with the Spirit leads to a life of humility, selflessness, and mutual respect.

Paul uses the metaphor of soldiers in a regiment to illustrate this submission. Just as soldiers are subject to their commanding officer and work together as a unit, Christians are to voluntarily submit to one another, recognizing that they are part of the same spiritual army. This submission involves being thoughtful, not self-centered, and not opinionated. It requires a willingness to listen, learn, and even suffer injustice for the sake of unity and the greater good of the body of Christ.

The Apostle warns against misinterpreting this call to submission as a call to compromise on essential doctrines. He stresses that while Christians should be humble and patient in their interactions, they must stand firm on fundamental truths. The context of this exhortation is crucial; it is directed at those who are already in agreement on core Christian doctrines. Paul is not advocating for peace at any price or for compromising the truth for the sake of unity. Instead, he calls for a spirit of humility and love in how believers hold and express their convictions.

Key Takeaways:

- True submission to one another in the fear of Christ is only possible for those who are filled with the Spirit. This Spirit-filled life contrasts sharply with the self-assertive and uncontrolled life of those who are not in Christ. [04:48]

- The metaphor of soldiers in a regiment illustrates the Christian call to mutual submission. Just as soldiers are subject to their commanding officer, Christians are to voluntarily submit to one another, recognizing their unity in Christ. [11:08]

- Submission involves being thoughtful, not self-centered, and not opinionated. It requires a willingness to listen, learn, and even suffer injustice for the sake of unity and the greater good of the body of Christ. [13:42]

- While Christians should be humble and patient in their interactions, they must stand firm on fundamental truths. The call to submission is not a call to compromise on essential doctrines. [39:44]

- The Apostle Paul emphasizes the importance of context in understanding this exhortation. It is directed at those who are already in agreement on core Christian doctrines, and it calls for humility and love in how believers hold and express their convictions. [47:42]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:11] - Introduction to Ephesians 5:21
- [01:01] - Context and Connection
- [02:30] - Misinterpretations of Submission
- [03:44] - Filled with the Spirit
- [05:07] - Contrast with the World
- [06:26] - Spirit-Filled Worship
- [07:33] - Mutual Submission Explained
- [09:38] - The Soldier Metaphor
- [11:53] - Negative Aspects of Self-Centeredness
- [14:23] - Avoiding Individualism
- [19:34] - Positive Aspects of Submission
- [23:30] - The Role of Love
- [30:18] - Unity in the Body of Christ
- [39:44] - Standing Firm on Doctrine
- [47:42] - Contextual Understanding of Submission

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
- Ephesians 5:21

Observation Questions:
1. What is the connection between being filled with the Spirit and the ability to submit to one another, as discussed in the sermon? [04:33]
2. How does the Apostle Paul use the metaphor of soldiers in a regiment to explain the concept of mutual submission among Christians? [09:38]
3. According to the sermon, what are some negative traits that hinder mutual submission among believers? [13:42]
4. How does the sermon clarify the context in which Paul’s exhortation to submit to one another should be understood? [39:44]

Interpretation Questions:
1. Why does the sermon emphasize that mutual submission is only possible for those who are Spirit-filled? How does this relate to the contrast between a Spirit-filled life and a life of excess? [04:48]
2. In what ways does the metaphor of soldiers in a regiment help believers understand their role within the body of Christ? How does this metaphor challenge individualistic tendencies? [11:08]
3. How does the sermon address the potential misinterpretation of submission as compromising on essential doctrines? What is the balance between humility and standing firm on truth? [39:44]
4. How does the sermon suggest believers should handle disagreements on non-essential matters within the church? What attitude should they maintain? [47:42]

Application Questions:
1. Reflect on your own life: Are there areas where you struggle with self-assertion or lack of control? How can you seek to be more Spirit-filled in those areas? [04:48]
2. Think of a situation where you found it difficult to submit to others in your church community. What steps can you take to approach such situations with a spirit of humility and mutual respect? [11:08]
3. How can you ensure that your commitment to essential Christian doctrines remains strong while still practicing humility and love in your interactions with others? [39:44]
4. Identify a recent disagreement you had with a fellow believer. How can you apply the principles of listening and learning, as discussed in the sermon, to resolve such conflicts? [13:42]
5. Consider a person in your life who holds different opinions on non-essential matters. How can you engage with them in a way that reflects the love and unity of the body of Christ? [47:42]
6. What practical steps can you take this week to cultivate a Spirit-filled life that naturally leads to mutual submission within your church community? [04:48]
7. Reflect on a time when you were opinionated or self-centered in a church setting. How can you change your approach to be more thoughtful and considerate of others' perspectives? [13:42]

Devotional

Day 1: Spirit-Filled Submission
True submission to one another in the fear of Christ is only possible for those who are filled with the Spirit. This Spirit-filled life contrasts sharply with the self-assertive and uncontrolled life of those who are not in Christ. When believers are filled with the Spirit, they are empowered to live lives marked by humility, selflessness, and mutual respect. This kind of submission is not about losing one's identity or compromising one's beliefs but about embodying the character of Christ in relationships. The world, in its natural state, cannot comprehend or practice this kind of submission because it is inherently self-centered and self-assertive. In contrast, the Spirit-filled life is one of surrender to God's will, leading to a community that reflects the love and unity of Christ. [04:48]

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: In what areas of your life do you struggle with self-assertion? How can you invite the Holy Spirit to help you practice true submission today?


Day 2: Unity in Christ's Army
The metaphor of soldiers in a regiment illustrates the Christian call to mutual submission. Just as soldiers are subject to their commanding officer, Christians are to voluntarily submit to one another, recognizing their unity in Christ. This submission involves being thoughtful, not self-centered, and not opinionated. It requires a willingness to listen, learn, and even suffer injustice for the sake of unity and the greater good of the body of Christ. In a world that often values individualism and self-promotion, this call to mutual submission is countercultural. It challenges believers to see themselves as part of a larger spiritual army, working together for the common mission of advancing God's kingdom. [11:08]

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: How can you practice being more thoughtful and less self-centered in your interactions with others this week?


Day 3: The Cost of Submission
Submission involves being thoughtful, not self-centered, and not opinionated. It requires a willingness to listen, learn, and even suffer injustice for the sake of unity and the greater good of the body of Christ. This kind of submission is not about passivity or weakness but about strength and courage to prioritize the needs of others above one's own. It is about being willing to endure discomfort and even injustice for the sake of maintaining unity and peace within the community of believers. This selfless attitude reflects the heart of Christ, who, though He was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped but emptied Himself for the sake of humanity. [13:42]

1 Peter 2:19-21 (ESV): "For this is a gracious thing, when, mindful of God, one endures sorrows while suffering unjustly. For what credit is it if, when you sin and are beaten for it, you endure? But if when you do good and suffer for it you endure, this is a gracious thing in the sight of God."

Reflection: Is there an area in your life where you need to endure discomfort for the sake of unity? How can you rely on God's strength to do so?


Day 4: Standing Firm on Truth
While Christians should be humble and patient in their interactions, they must stand firm on fundamental truths. The call to submission is not a call to compromise on essential doctrines. The Apostle warns against misinterpreting this call to submission as a call to compromise on essential doctrines. He stresses that while Christians should be humble and patient in their interactions, they must stand firm on fundamental truths. The context of this exhortation is crucial; it is directed at those who are already in agreement on core Christian doctrines. Paul is not advocating for peace at any price or for compromising the truth for the sake of unity. Instead, he calls for a spirit of humility and love in how believers hold and express their convictions. [39:44]

2 Timothy 1:13-14 (ESV): "Follow the pattern of the sound words that you have heard from me, in the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus. By the Holy Spirit who dwells within us, guard the good deposit entrusted to you."

Reflection: Are there any areas where you feel pressured to compromise on your beliefs? How can you stand firm in truth while maintaining a spirit of humility and love?


Day 5: Contextual Understanding of Submission
The Apostle Paul emphasizes the importance of context in understanding this exhortation. It is directed at those who are already in agreement on core Christian doctrines, and it calls for humility and love in how believers hold and express their convictions. This understanding of submission is not about blind obedience or uniformity but about a shared commitment to the truth of the Gospel and the mission of the Church. It is about recognizing that, despite differences in opinion or practice, believers are united in their faith in Christ and their desire to see His kingdom come. This unity in diversity is a powerful testimony to the world of the transformative power of the Gospel. [47:42]

Colossians 3:12-14 (ESV): "Put on then, as God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive. And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony."

Reflection: How can you practice humility and love in your interactions with fellow believers, especially when you disagree on non-essential matters?

Quotes


The Apostle Paul emphasizes that only those who are Spirit-filled can truly live out this call to mutual submission. The world, in its natural state, cannot comprehend or practice this kind of submission because it is inherently self-centered and self-assertive. [00:04:48]

Paul uses the metaphor of soldiers in a regiment to illustrate this submission. Just as soldiers are subject to their commanding officer and work together as a unit, Christians are to voluntarily submit to one another, recognizing that they are part of the same spiritual army. [00:11:08]

Submission involves being thoughtful, not self-centered, and not opinionated. It requires a willingness to listen, learn, and even suffer injustice for the sake of unity and the greater good of the body of Christ. [00:13:42]

While Christians should be humble and patient in their interactions, they must stand firm on fundamental truths. The call to submission is not a call to compromise on essential doctrines. [00:39:44]

The Apostle Paul emphasizes the importance of context in understanding this exhortation. It is directed at those who are already in agreement on core Christian doctrines, and it calls for humility and love in how believers hold and express their convictions. [00:47:42]

The Christian must never be self-seeking. All the things I've said are manifestations of self-seeking. Self-centeredness always leads to self-seeking. Then to work it out still further because this men of the world with whom the Apostle is contrasting the Christian is essentially self-seeking and self-centered. [00:19:34]

The Apostle is carrying forward the two ideas that he has in his mind in verse 18: be not drunk with wine wherein is excess because a man who's drunk isn't going to submit himself to anybody. He's asserting himself; that's the characteristic of such a man lacking in control. [00:06:26]

The Apostle is writing here to people who are agreed about Doctrine. He is not dealing with that; he is dealing with the spirit in which they apply the common Doctrine about which they are agreed. [00:47:42]

The Apostle Paul emphasizes that only those who are Spirit-filled can truly live out this call to mutual submission. The world, in its natural state, cannot comprehend or practice this kind of submission because it is inherently self-centered and self-assertive. [00:04:48]

The Apostle Paul emphasizes the importance of context in understanding this exhortation. It is directed at those who are already in agreement on core Christian doctrines, and it calls for humility and love in how believers hold and express their convictions. [00:47:42]

The Apostle is writing here to people who are agreed about Doctrine. He is not dealing with that; he is dealing with the spirit in which they apply the common Doctrine about which they are agreed. [00:47:42]

The Apostle Paul emphasizes that only those who are Spirit-filled can truly live out this call to mutual submission. The world, in its natural state, cannot comprehend or practice this kind of submission because it is inherently self-centered and self-assertive. [00:04:48]

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