One Anothering Submit to One Another Ephesians 5:15-21 Sermon One Anothering Submit to One Another Ephesians 5:15-21

The One Anothering Commands ARE NOT About What God wants FROM US, But What He Wants FOR US.

Let’s start with THE OBSTACLES: - The human tendency to take care of number 1 -Envy or jealousy -It just doesn’t play well in our culture.

We have a tendency to over-estimate the wonderful qualities of the New Testament church and to under- estimate the weakness of the early church.

15 Therefore be careful how you walk, not as unwise men but as wise, 16 making the most of your time, because the days are evil. 17 So then do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is. 18 And do not get drunk with wine, for that is dissipation, but be filled with the Spirit,

19 speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody with your heart to the Lord; 20 always giving thanks for all things in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ to God, even the Father; 21 and be subject to one another in the fear of Christ.

The attitude of the heart by which I consider myself under authority, and I agree to follow their decisions, advice, instructions, and wishes.

The Bible indicates the relations of submission: -To God James 4: 7 -A wife to her husband Eph 5:22 Col 3:18 1 Peter 3: 1 - A mutual submission in the body of Christ.

-All authorities Rom 13: 1, Titus 3: 1   - To the leaders of the church 1 Peter 5:5; Heb 13:17

 1 Peter 5:5 You younger men, likewise, be subject to your elders; and all of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, for God is opposed to the proud, but gives grace to the humble.

Hebrews 13: 17 Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they keep watch over your souls as those who will give an account. Let them do this with joy and not with grief, for this would be unprofitable for you.  

  The idea is that the benefit of the doubt is given to those with the benefit of experience.

- Servants to the Masters Eph 6; 1 Peter 2:18 - Children to parents Eph 6

 FOUNDATION: Christ was subject to his Father unto death for us. In the same manner We must embody this attitude of submission.

PRINCIPLES FROM SCRIPTURE:  - Submission is a sign of being filled with the Spirit. Eph 5: 18-21  -There is a correlation between a Spirit filled life of thanksgiving and a heart posture of submission to one another.

- True submission is that which is the fruit of our submission to Christ Eph. 5:21, 6: 5-6 - Submission to men can not contradict our submission to God.

-Submission fosters freedom   “It is the ability to lay down the burden of always needing to get our own way” Richard Meyer

Richard Foster: The obsession to demand that things go the way we want them to go is one of the greatest bondages in human society today. People will spend weeks, months, and even years in a perpetual stew because some little thing did not go as they wished.

They will fuss and fume. They will get mad about it They will fuss and fume. They will get mad about it. They will act as if their very life hangs on the issue. They may even get an ulcer over it.

When you don’t have to win every argument or always get your way, then you are free to love one another again.

Martin Luther : “A Christian …is the most free lord of all and subject to no one; A Christian …is the most dutiful servant to all and subject to everyone.”

“It is more blessed to give than to receive” -Submission brings joy “It is more blessed to give than to receive”

The upside down; inside out aspect of the Christian life is that we find our joy when we stop pursuing it so that we might serve the good of others.

-Submission requires prayer and discernment. This prayer and discernment will often require wisdom of community.

We kick up more fuss over getting our way over trivial matters than Jesus did in shedding His blood on the cross for our salvation. (Simon Shrock)

"Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.”

6 But He gives a greater grace 6 But He gives a greater grace. Therefore it says, "God is opposed to the proud, but gives grace to the humble." 7 Submit therefore to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you. 8 Draw near to God and He will draw near to you.

Biblical submission is Someone we meet before it is something we do.

FIRST COMMANDMENT AND ROOTS, BRANCHES, FRUIT  

The ABC’s of coming to faith – A - Admit that you’re weak and need grace and strength – That means there is GOOD NEWS FOR YOU   B- Believe that Jesus is the only savior who can heal your heart. C- confess to God that you want to trust Jesus as your savior and Lord.