Text: Ephesians 5:21-6:9
Paul talked about being “subject to one another” and the various relationships in which we do this. This is the idea of placing ourselves “under” someone – not by force as if we were defeated, but willingly. Ultimately, we do this because we are subjecting ourselves to the Lord as it is done “in the fear of Christ.” This is important to remember in a world that pushes the idea that each individual is a standard to himself. Yet Jesus calls us to deny self (cf. Luke 9:23) and put others ahead of ourselves because we put Him first.
Be Subject to One Another
- The Lord expects us to have fellowship with others – salvation is offered to each one individually, yet His plan was for us to be together in one body (Ephesians 2:13-16)
- We are to strive to have unity with one another – He wants us to “attain to the unity of the faith” (Ephesians 4:13)
- We are to put others ahead of ourselves – we are to be “diligent to preserve the unity of the Spirit” (Ephesians 4:3); this requires us to show humility, patience, and tolerance (Ephesians 4:2)
In the Fear of Christ
- Recognize the authority of Christ – He is over all (Ephesians 1:20-23); creation, nations, church; all authority has been given to Him (Matthew 28:18)
- Recognize our accountability before Him – power without the ability to enforce/punish is ignored (Ecclesiastes 8:11); we will stand before the Lord in judgment (2 Corinthians 5:10) to receive either life or punishment (John 5:25-29)
- We must be mindful of Him in all that we do – must do what He commanded (Matthew 28:20; Colossians 3:17); we have been created to do good works (Ephesians 2:10); we must be careful with our time (Ephesians 5:15-16)
Various Relationships
- Brethren (Ephesians 5:21) – [already discussed]
- Marriage (Ephesians 5:22-33) – wives be subject to husbands as the church is subject to Christ; husbands give themselves to their wives, nourish and cherish them
- Home (Ephesians 6:1-4) – children obey parents (action) and honor them (attitude); parents not to provoke children, bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord (cf. Titus 2:4-5)
- Work (Ephesians 6:5-9) – slaves obey their masters from the heart (cf. Colossians 3:22-24), even those who are “unreasonable” (1 Peter 2:18); masters deal with slaves justly and fairly (Colossians 4:1)
As Soldiers of Christ
- Submission is often associated with weakness – unable/unwilling to stand up for oneself; yet our submission should not be out of fear of others; it should be “in the fear of Christ” (Ephesians 5:21)
- Immediately after this, Paul told them to “put on the full armor of God” (Ephesians 6:11)
- “Be strong in the Lord” (Ephesians 6:10) – we do not submit because we are weak; we are strong in Him
- “Stand firm against the schemes of the devil” (Ephesians 6:11) – do not give him an opportunity (Ephesians 4:27)
- Remember who the enemy is (Ephesians 6:12) – not the brethren/family/others we are subject to
- “Take up the full armor of God” (Ephesians 6:13) – in whatever role you find yourself
Conclusion
- Jesus is our Lord – He has authority; therefore, we must submit to His will in all things
- This will be demonstrated in the different roles and relationships in which we find ourselves in this life
