People have long admired Christ for His authority, morals, teaching, ethical standards, love and healing, even His deity. But despite that, they have failed to submit themselves to Him.
John MacArthur
Bible Reading
Today’s devotional reading is from the First Letter of Paul to the Corinthians 11:2-16. Please, read our recent devotional from the Book of Esther 1:1-12: How Is Wife’s Submission To Her Husband Negative?
The Divine Order of Submission
Paul illustrated the God-ordained design for our relationships when he wrote in 1 Corinthians 11:3, that the head of every man is Christ, the head of a woman is a man, and the head of Christ is God. When God created Adam, He gave him a woman as his helper (Genesis 2:18). Further in the chapter, it tells how Adam named all creation of God, showing how God assigned Adam’s race to be the stewards of His creation (Genesis 1:28).
1 Corinthians 11:6 tells us about how our roles bring glory to God. When man live out his role as the head of the family, he brings glory to God. While a woman is the glory of man. How does a woman become the glory of man? It is when she observes her role as a godly wife to her husband, and one of which is being a submissive wife.
This is the divine order for our relationship following God’s will. Notice that if we stray away from this, we not only live chaotic lives but also do not reap the effects of following the will of God.
How Submission works
1 Corinthians 11:8-15 explains why God has ordained such an order. God, as the Creator, created man first. And from him, He created a woman, but from a woman, a man is born. Hence, everyone is equal in the eyes of God but has different roles to fulfill.
Let us look into Ephesians 5:22-6:4. Paul further explained how wives should submit to husbands and how husbands should love their wives. Moreover, he also talks about how children should obey their parents and parents, not provoke their children to anger. Additionally, Ephesians 6:5-9 advise how we should act on our jobs.
The Perfect Example of Submission
The Bible is a collection of books with real-life stories all pointing out to one main being in three persons. I am talking about the Triune God.
The Godhead is the perfect example of a perfect relationship. Jesus Christ submitted to the will of the Father and obeyed Him until death.
Furthermore, people inspired by the Holy Spirit submit to living their lives following the teaching of Jesus in obedience to the will of God. Because the Holy Spirit submits to the Father and Son.
Reflection
This is the time for your journaling. Reflect on these questions. Ask the Holy Spirit to test your faith and your walk with Christ.
Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves. Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates? — 2 Corinthians 13:5 KJV
- What areas in your life do you practice submission?
- Do you submit to Jesus? Accept Jesus Now.
- How can you observe a submissive attitude towards your husband?
- What observances of submission can you do towards your parents?
- How can you observe a submissive attitude towards your employers?
- What are the deeds you can do to submit yourselves to God?
Prayer
Heavenly Father, glory to your name forever and ever. Your perfect example of submission gives us more understanding of how to act the way you made us. We thank you for all your patience. Despite our pride and selfishness, you are continuously reproving us through the Holy Spirit and your living word.
O Lord Jesus, thank you for the gift of eternal life. Your perfect obedience moves us to be more obedient to you and the Father.
Protect us from the evil ones and guide us every day, Lord, through the Holy Spirit, that we may never be far from you.
We pray in Jesus’ mighty name. Amen.
