Prepare Your Heart
- Read: Ephesians 5:21–33 & 6:1–9
- Watch: Agape Love (The Bible Project)
The Call to Mutual Submission
Almighty and Sovereign God holds complete authority, and all creation is subject to His rule (Romans 8:20, Hebrews 2:8). Even Jesus, the Son of God, modeled humility by submitting Himself both to His earthly parents and His Heavenly Father (Luke 2:51, Philippians 2:8). When Jesus began His ministry, His teaching was a radical invitation to enter the Kingdom of Heaven (Matthew 3:2, 4:17, 10:7).
This invitation offered a total transformation of our loyalty, values, and status. By our very nature—our state of sin—we exist outside of a relationship with God. However, by accepting the free gift of grace to enter His Kingdom, we are brought under His loving dominion. As Paul wrote:
“God has put all things under the authority of Christ and has made him head over all things for the benefit of the church” (Ephesians 1:22).
When we enter the Kingdom of God, we renounce our loyalty to our old life and its ties. We come under the reign of King Jesus. Just as He modeled submission to the Father, we surrender, humble ourselves, and live under His rule.
Submission as Worship
When Paul turns his focus to relationships within the Body of Christ, he illustrates a pattern of mutual submission. Every instruction that follows in his letters must be viewed through this lens: we are to submit to one another in all our relationships as an act of worship.
Crucial Distinction: Biblical submission never implies inferiority; rather, it highlights functional order within a framework of equal worth.
The Main Point
When we are in a right-functioning relationship with God—loving Him with all our heart, mind, soul, and strength (Matthew 22:37)—we are finally empowered to enter into loving relationships with others.
As I humble myself and submit my thoughts, words, and actions to Jesus, I begin to interact with you (as a bearer of the Spirit of Christ) as if I am dealing directly with the Lord Himself. Because I see “Christ in you,” I treat you as I would treat Christ. This standard must define every relationship in our lives.
Is This Possible?
Does this sound difficult? It certainly can be. Does it sound impossible? Never. Scripture reminds us that “With God all things are possible” (Matthew 19:26) and that “By his divine power, God has given us everything we need for living a godly life” (2 Peter 1:3). You are already equipped for this calling.
Pray: Jesus, help me to love others as much as You love me. Help me to see You in others and to treat them with the same grace and honor with which I would interact with You. Amen.
Discussion Questions:
1. The Identity Shift: From Independence to Citizenship
Entering the Kingdom requires a “change of loyalty, values, and status.” In our modern culture, we are taught to value independence and “being our own boss.”
- The Question: Which area of your life—your finances, your career ambitions, or your private thought life—is currently the most difficult to “surrender” to the rule of King Jesus? What specific fear keeps you from fully renouncing your “previous loyalty” in that area?
2. The Mirror Test: Seeing Christ in the “Difficult” Other
We should interact with others as if we are dealing directly with Christ because we see “Christ in them.” This is relatively easy with people we like, but much harder with those who frustrate or oppose us.
- The Question: Think of a person in your life who is currently difficult to love or respect. If you truly viewed your next interaction with them as an interaction with Jesus Himself, how would your tone, your patience, and your hidden heart posture have to change?
3. The Worth vs. Function Paradox
“Biblical submission never implies inferiority; it highlights functional order within equal worth.” In a world that often equates “submission” with “weakness” or “lesser value,” this is a counter-cultural radicalism.
- The Question: In your various roles (at home, at work, or in the church), do you find it harder to submit to those in authority or to lead those under your care with the humility of Christ? How does the truth of your “equal worth” in God’s eyes give you the security to function in your specific role without pride or resentment?