The Book of Ephesians Part 9 - Out of Reverence for Christ

The Book of Ephesians Part 9 - Out of Reverence for Christ

Ephesians 5:21-6:9

Understanding Biblical Submission: What Does It Really Mean?

In a world that often misunderstands biblical teachings, few passages are more misinterpreted than Ephesians 5:21 and the verses that follow. When we hear the word "submission," our modern minds immediately think of hierarchy, power dynamics, and inequality. But what if the Bible's teaching on submission is actually about something completely different?

The Context: A Letter to God's People

Before diving into this challenging passage, it's crucial to understand who Paul was writing to. This wasn't a general Facebook post or newspaper article meant for everyone. Paul specifically addressed this letter to "God's holy people who are faithful followers of Jesus Christ" in Ephesus.

Paul's overarching message throughout Ephesians is powerful: God took people from different backgrounds, cultures, and religious traditions and united them under Christ's leadership. The city of Ephesus was a major port city, a financial and religious center where diverse people lived and worked together.

What Does "Submit to One Another" Actually Mean?

The Foundation of Mutual Submission

Ephesians 5:21 says, "Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ." Notice the key phrase here: "to one another." This isn't about one person having permanent authority over another. It's about mutual respect and shared accountability within the Christian community.

The word "submit" appears 40 times in the New Testament and means "to arrange yourself under someone's authority." But here's the crucial point: this authority is fluid, not fixed. When someone has knowledge or expertise you lack, you submit to their guidance. When you have wisdom they need, they submit to yours.

Why Submission Matters in Christian Community

Paul wrote this letter while imprisoned, yet never once asked for prayers for his release or better conditions. Instead, he prayed that believers would understand God's incomprehensible love. His perspective shows us what truly matters: how we treat one another reveals our dedication to Christ.

In early Christian communities, believers spent significant time together - much more than our typical once-a-week church attendance. When people live in close community, conflicts arise. Paul's instruction about submission addresses how Christians should navigate these relationships differently than the world does.

How Does This Look in Practice?

Jesus as Our Model

Jesus himself demonstrated this principle when he told his disciples in Matthew 20:26-28: "Whoever wants to be a leader among you must be your servant... For the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve."

Christ was truly "too good" for many of the tasks he performed - washing disciples' feet, associating with outcasts, dying for humanity's sins. Yet he chose to serve anyway. This is our model for submission: choosing to put others before ourselves out of love for Christ.

Evaluating Our Attitude Toward Service

Consider your response when someone asks for help. Do you ever think or say:

• "I don't do that"
• "That's not my job"
• "I'm beyond that"

These attitudes might be normal for unbelievers, but for followers of Christ, they contradict everything Jesus modeled. When we refuse to serve others because we think we're above certain tasks, we're essentially rejecting Christ's example.

What About Marriage and Family Relationships?

The passage continues with specific instructions for wives and husbands that often cause controversy. However, these verses must be understood through the lens of verse 21 - mutual submission out of reverence for Christ.

Paul isn't establishing a hierarchy of supremacy. Instead, he's showing how the principle of mutual submission works in different relationships. The foundation remains the same: we serve one another because Christ first served us.

Breaking Down Worldly Hierarchies

The Problem with Power Dynamics

In typical organizational structures, people report up the chain of command but rarely hold each other accountable. This leads to complaining rather than mutual support. When someone doesn't fulfill their responsibilities, others simply complain to management instead of offering help or gentle correction.

A Different Way of Living

Christian community operates differently. We're called to hold each other accountable while being willing to receive accountability ourselves. This creates an environment where everyone serves everyone else, regardless of titles or positions.

The goal should be that whether you're a pastor or a maintenance worker, people can't tell the difference in how you serve. We should all be known simply as servants of Christ, willing to help wherever needed.

Life Application

This week, challenge yourself to live out biblical submission in practical ways. Look for opportunities to serve others without considering whether it's "your job" or beneath your status. When someone needs help, respond as if Christ himself is making the request.

Ask yourself these questions:

• How do I respond when asked to serve in ways that feel beneath my position or comfort zone?
• Do my interactions with others demonstrate Christ's love and humility?
• Am I willing to both give and receive accountability in my relationships?
• What attitudes about service do I need to surrender to better reflect Christ's example?

Remember, how you treat others will always reveal how dedicated you truly are to Christ. Genuine discipleship calls for humility and willingness to serve regardless of the task, your status, or who's asking. When we submit to one another out of reverence for Christ, we create communities that reflect God's love and demonstrate the unity he desires for his people.