#1473. Submit to one another (16/3/26)

Welcome to this Come to Jesus Daily Devotional (posted, at present, every weekday) as we continue our Ephesians series: Ephesians - To the praise, for the purpose, in the power of God.

From Ephesians 5:21, let’s allow God to search our hearts regarding godly submission. 

To watch this devotional, please select the link below:

1. Spirit-filled people submit to one another

In this application section of Ephesians, which began in chapter 4, Paul explains how Christians are to live. In light of what Jesus has done for us, and who He has made us to be, we are told to:

This mutual submission is another result of what it means to ‘be filled with the Holy Spirit’ (v. 18). The Expositor's Bible Commentary writes:

What does this mean? Does it mean that each of us is always to put the other person first—submitting to others’ views, vision, plans, and advice? This could easily lead to a chaotic life! I’m sure we’ve all, perhaps after getting into trouble, been asked the question, “If they told you to jump off a cliff, would you do it?” A poor understanding of this text might lead us to answer, “Well, yes!”

‘Submit to one another’ introduces the section on marriage, parenting, and work. It means, in effect, ‘submit to one another as is appropriate to the relationship.’ We all submit at different points in life. And ultimately, even those who may seem to be at the top of the tree must submit to Christ. Submission to rightful authority is vital for a healthy life.

In the context of following Jesus’ example, we read in Philippians 2:

2. Our Submission is to be out of reverence for Christ

We are to submit ‘out of reverence for Christ.’ This means at least three things:

i. We submit to rightful authority because Jesus has set us the perfect example of submission to His Father. Even in the Garden of Gethsemane, He prayed - and may we pray this often - “Not my will but yours be done.”

ii. We submit to correct authority because Jesus command us to do us - as here - in Scripture. 

iii. To submit to rightful authority out of ‘reverence for Christ’ also means that we do not submit to ungodly leadership, even when someone holds authority over us—whether in marriage, family, work, or elsewhere. No submission ever trumps our submission to Jesus.

Response

Let’s ‘Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ.’

In a world that is increasingly self-obsessed with personal preference, personal ambition, and ‘my personality type’…, we are called to serve others.

Do we respect and readily follow the advice, vision, and teaching of those in authority over us?

Do we always have to get our own way?

And do we ultimately do this because we are in submission to Jesus—our ‘suffering servant’? Do we recognise that this is His wisdom and His will for us?

Let’s finish with these words of Jesus, which summarise things so well:

Community Group Notes

1. Notices

It might be good to begin with notices. Please share from this week’s Church News.

Please ensure that everyone is aware and is signed up to our 50-hours of prayer that is starting on 11th March. Here’s the link to get the app:

https://my.jovoapp.com/invitation/?t=aW52aXRhdGlvbjoxMzA1ODpzX2tGTnN4eVNHcnZnZlJ1ZjN6WEhRTHVsVHc%3D

2. Icebreaker

Something that builds relationships and confidence to share; it’s good to regularly use this moment to ask the group: How has God been speaking to you from His Word this week, and how has this helped you? 

3. Worship together

Let’s begin our time together by lifting our eyes and hearts to worship our great God. Perhaps you have readings and songs that you would like to use together. Let’s be open to the gifts that the Spirit wants to give in order to encourage one another.

4. Study and pray together

Balanced Time Allocation - Please ensure a balanced focus on discussion, SIV (Serve, Invest, and Invite), and prayer so that each section is meaningful and fruitful.

On Sunday, we continued our new series entitled: Ephesians: to the praise, for the purpose, in the power of God. 

Please read Ephesians 5:15-20 and discuss:

• Personal Reflection – From Sunday’s message and this passage, what stood out to you? Was there anything the Spirit particularly impressed on your heart?

• Get wisdom - How do we get wisdom and why is it important to get it?

• God’s wisdom is to our being under the right influence - Why does God put drunkenness and being filled with the Spirit side-by-side?

• Wisdom with Alcohol - Alcohol is a good gift, but when would you say that it’s become a problem? 

• Be filled - How can one apply this command to ‘go on being filled with the Holy Spirit’? 

• Psalms Hymns… - How, according to our text is worship related to the work of the Holy Spirit?

SIV (Serve, Invest, and Invite)

• SIV - From our text, what can we learn about how God’s wisdom and being filled lead to our becoming a light in our community?  

• Sharing Stories – Have you had any recent opportunities to Serve, Invest in, or Invite someone toward Jesus? Let’s encourage one another by sharing stories of how we’ve seen God at work through simple faithfulness.

• Practical Next Steps – Who might God be placing on your heart at this time? Are there any “people of peace” (see note) in your life—those who seem open, welcoming, or receptive to spiritual conversation?

Let’s Pray Together

Let’s pray for one another in light of what we’ve studied and bring any other needs before God.

• Pray for courage, wisdom, and sensitivity to the Holy Spirit in our Serve, Invest, and Invite opportunities.

• Pray specifically for the ‘people of peace’ in our lives - that God would open hearts and deepen relationships.

• General prayer: From our study, or from personal needs, how do people want prayer?