In the Bible, the concept of being submissive often carries a sense of yielding to a higher authority or the will of another person. This important biblical principle is not only applicable to specific relationships, such as between husbands and wives, but also to our relationship with God. Understanding the true meaning of submission in the Bible enables us to comprehend the importance of this concept in our spiritual journey and daily lives.
One notable example of submission in the Bible can be found in Ephesians 5:22-24, where wives are instructed to submit themselves to their husbands as they would submit to the Lord. This passage highlights the parallel between marital relationships and the relationship between Christ and the church. However, submission is not limited to this specific context. Romans 11:36 reminds us that all things are from God, through God, and to God, and therefore, He is the highest authority to whom we should submit.
In addition, mutual submission, where both parties consider each other’s needs, desires, and goals, is also a vital aspect of biblical submission. This concept encourages us to defer to others, seek their opinions and advice, and support them in achieving their objectives. By understanding and practicing these various aspects of biblical submission, we strengthen our relationships with others and foster a deeper connection with God.
Biblical Context of Submission
In the New Testament, the concept of submission is an essential aspect of Christian relationships, including marriage, church life, and societal relationships. To provide an in-depth understanding of what submission means in a biblical context, let’s explore its foundation in the original Greek language and its connection to obedience and authority.
The Greek word for submission used in the New Testament is “hupotasso”. Hupotasso, which literally means “to place under” or “to subject oneself”, implies a voluntary yielding in love and cooperation. It’s important to note that this type of submission is not about forcing someone into submission, but rather, it’s the willingness to submit oneself to another out of reverence for Christ.
Submission is closely related to the concept of obedience, especially when it comes to human authority. God has established various forms of authority in our lives, such as government, church leaders, and family structures. By submitting to these authorities, we demonstrate our obedience to God, as all authority is ultimately derived from Him. Remember, though submission and obedience are interconnected, they are not identical. Submission, as mentioned earlier, is voluntary, whereas obedience usually involves following specific instructions or commandments.
In the context of marriage, submission is a mutual process where both the husband and wife consider each other’s needs, desires, and goals, and defer to one another. It means asking for opinions, advice, and supporting each other’s goals and successes, as demonstrated in this article. Wives are required to submit to their husbands, but the husbands are also urged to love their wives as Christ loves the church.
When it comes to submission to authority, it’s vital to understand that the highest authority is God, and our ultimate submission is to Him. He is the one who sets the standards for right and wrong, and our obedience to human authority must never conflict with our obedience to God.
Therefore, when we submit ourselves to the rightful authorities in our lives and practice mutual submission in our relationships, we’re not only following the biblical teachings but also taking part in building healthy relationships and a stable society. Most importantly, we’re honoring God and demonstrating our faith in His authority over our lives.
Submission in Marital Relationships
Wives to Husbands
In a marriage, according to the Bible, wives are called to submit to their husbands. This idea is clearly stated in Ephesians 5:22, where it says, “Wives, submit yourselves to your own husbands as you do to the Lord.” Submission in this context does not imply a lack of equality, but rather a mutual understanding of the roles and responsibilities within the relationship. It is important to note that submission should be done voluntarily and out of love and reverence for Christ.
The concept of submission for wives includes respecting their husbands’ authority, supporting their decisions, and cooperating in their endeavors to care for and lead the family. This is similar to how the church, as the body of Christ, submits to His headship and authority (Ephesians 5:23).
Husbands to Wives
Though the focus is often on the wife’s submission to her husband, it is essential to recognize that husbands also have responsibilities toward their wives. As stated in Ephesians 5:25, “Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her.” This means that husbands should be willing to sacrifice for their wives’ well-being, just as Christ did for the church.
In addition to showing love and care, a husband is also called to be the head of the wife. This role involves providing for the family, making decisions for their best interest, and striving to maintain a healthy relationship with God. The husband’s headship should not be seen as a means of control or dominance, but as a protective and nurturing role that is based on love and mutual submission.
Ultimately, the submission in a marriage should be a reflection of the relationship between Christ and the church. As we submit to each other out of love, we demonstrate our reverence for Christ and follow His example of sacrifice and selflessness within our marital relationships.
Submission to Authority
Children and Parents
In the Bible, submission plays an essential role in maintaining harmony and order within various relationships. One of these key relationships is between children and their parents. Ephesians 6:1 encourages children to obey their parents as it is right in the Lord’s eyes. This biblical principle teaches respect for authority and serves as a foundation for shaping the child’s character.
When children submit to their parents’ guidance, they learn the importance of responsibility and protection within the family unit. As we find in Proverbs 1:8, parents’ teachings will be a garland of grace to their children’s heads and chains of adornment around their necks.
Citizens and Government
The Bible also provides guidelines for submission to governing authorities. In Romans 13:1: every person should be subject to the governing authorities, understanding that they are established by God for society’s stability and growth. By doing so, we honor God and demonstrate our faith in his sovereignty over earthly leadership.
As responsible citizens, we ought to follow the laws which align with biblical principles, recognizing that these laws help maintain order within our communities. Moreover, our submission to government authority is for our protection, ensuring that we respect the rights and welfare of our fellow individuals.
Servants and Masters
Finally, the relationship between servants and masters (or employees and employers in modern times) is mentioned in the context of submission in the Bible. Ephesians 6:5-8 instructs servants to obey their masters, to do their work wholeheartedly, as if they are working for the Lord. Similarly, masters should treat their servants fairly and with respect, knowing they have a Master in heaven.
This teaching of submission in the workplace aims to create an environment that promotes mutual respect, fairness, and ultimately leads to increased productivity. By submitting to rightful authority and leadership in the different areas of our lives, we show our commitment to maintaining harmony and honoring God’s divine plan for societal structures.
Submission in the Church Community
Christians to Elders
In the church community, submission plays an essential role in maintaining order and harmony. We, as Christians, are called to submit to our elders, based on 1 Peter 5:5. The scripture teaches us to be humble and respect the authority of those who are more experienced and knowledgeable in our faith. This humility is crucial to fostering a healthy church environment where everyone feels valued and supported in their spiritual journey.
When we practice submission to our elders, we are acknowledging the importance of godly wisdom and guidance. The elders, who are usually pastors, leaders, or mentors in our church community, should lead with the love and humility demonstrated by Jesus. By submitting to their authority, we open ourselves up to growth in our faith and a deeper understanding of God’s word.
Members to the Church Body
Similarly, submission within the church is not limited to the relationship between Christians and elders. Ephesians 5:21 calls for mutual submission among all members of the Body of Christ, meaning everyone should be willing to submit to one another out of reverence for Christ. This principle promotes unity, understanding, and respect for the diverse gifts and talents that each person brings to the church.
In practicing mutual submission, we acknowledge that we are all part of the Body of Christ, and each member serves a specific purpose ordained by God. For instance, some church members may lead worship, while others may serve as teachers, organizers, or helpers in various capacities. By respecting and submitting to the roles and duties of one another, we can create a thriving Christian community where everyone can grow in faith and serve the Lord.
In conclusion, submission within the church community is vital for spiritual growth and the development of a healthy and collaborative environment. By following biblical teachings and embracing humility, we can establish a strong, unified Body of Christ that glorifies the Lord in all we do.
The Spiritual Significance of Submission
In the Bible, submission holds great spiritual significance. As believers, it’s essential for us to grasp the concept and apply it in our lives. One of the most vivid illustrations of submission in the Bible is Jesus Christ’s submission to God’s will in the Garden of Gethsemane. In Matthew 26:39, Jesus prays, “My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me. Yet not as I will, but as you will.” This demonstrates Jesus’ willingness to submit to the Father’s plan, ultimately leading to his sacrificial death on the cross.
Submission is not only evident in Jesus’ actions but also in the work of the Holy Spirit. In guiding and empowering believers, the Holy Spirit plays a crucial role in helping us submit our will to God’s will. As we submit to the Holy Spirit’s guidance, we also develop self-control, one of the fruit of the Spirit.
In our Christian walk, submission reflects our trust and obedience to God. This trust is essential in developing a strong relationship with our Savior. Furthermore, submission serves as a basis for spiritual discipline. Through discipline, we grow in righteousness and, consequently, deepen our relationship with God.
Notably, submission is also relevant in our personal and social lives. For example, Jesus demonstrated submission to his earthly parents, emphasizing the importance of this principle in family relationships. Additionally, submission to governing authorities (Romans 13:1-7) highlights the stabilizing role of submission in society. It promotes harmony and order.
In essence, the spiritual significance of submission lies in surrendering our will, desires, and authority to a higher power—God. When we willingly submit to our Heavenly Father, we not only demonstrate our trust in His plan but also position ourselves for growth in spiritual disciplines and righteousness.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the implications of submission for a wife according to Biblical scriptures?
In the Bible, wives are instructed to submit to their husbands as they would to the Lord (Ephesians 5:22-24). This submission involves respecting and honoring the husband’s role as the head of the family. However, it does not imply that wives are inferior or that their opinions and needs are insignificant. In fact, husbands are called to love their wives and consider their needs as well.
What characteristics define a submissive wife in a Biblical context?
A submissive wife in a Biblical context is one who willingly places her husband’s needs above her own, while still being an equal partner in the relationship. Characteristics of a submissive wife may include being respectful, supportive, and seeking her husband’s guidance in matters concerning the family. Submission also involves a genuine desire to create a harmonious and united atmosphere within the household. More on this can be found here.
What guidance does the Bible offer regarding submission to governing authorities and leaders?
The Bible emphasizes that individuals should submit to governing authorities and leaders, as these authorities are established by God (Romans 13:1). This submission demonstrates respect for God’s authority and promotes order in society. Being respectful and obeying laws set forth by the authorities, unless they conflict with the teachings of the Bible, is an essential aspect of submission. Additionally, Christians are encouraged to submit to church elders in order to honor the structure and leadership within the church.
How is submission within marriage depicted in the Bible?
Submission within marriage, as described in the Bible, is a mutual responsibility of both partners. While wives are instructed to submit to their husbands, husbands are commanded to love their wives as Christ loved the church (Ephesians 5:25). This mutual submission involves deferring to each other’s opinions, needs, and desires and supporting one another in achieving goals.
What does it mean to be submissive in a relationship, as interpreted from the Bible?
Being submissive in a relationship, according to the Bible, implies displaying a humble and willing attitude towards the needs and desires of the other partner. This includes expressing respect, listening actively, and seeking the other person’s opinion in decision-making. In a nutshell, submission in a relationship means prioritizing the well-being and growth of the relationship over individual interests. More on this concept can be found here.
What does the Bible say about a wife submitting to her husband?
The Bible instructs wives to submit to their husbands in the same way they would submit to God (Ephesians 5:22). This submission should be voluntary and based on love and respect. It is essential to note that submitting to one’s husband does not entail becoming a doormat or blindly following his wishes. Instead, it involves being supportive, collaborative, and honoring the husband’s role in the family. For further information, refer to this page.
