A note from our pastor:

Submitting yourselves one to another in the fear of God.

Ephesians 5:21

Good Morning Dearly Beloved,

Our study verse for this week serves as a transition between thoughts regarding the way of living for a disciple. In the verses leading up to our study verse, the Apostle has focused on disciples living a life which honors God and shines the light of Christ on others around them. Now the Apostle is going to provide instruction on the way the community of believers should interact with one another.

The subject of submission, which is service in scripture, to others is one taught throughout the New Testament. During his ministry, Christ taught his disciples the first shall be last and the last shall be first. In Romans 13, this same Apostle told his audiences to be subject to the government which had authority over them. The subject is also addressed by the Apostle Peter in 1 Peter. Our study verse this week serves as an introduction into a much more thorough teaching on this subject.

Why the focus on service?

First, it is the model of Christ. Christ continually told his followers how he had come to do his Father’s will and not his own. As the Apostle would write in Hebrews, we see the submission of Christ in his willingness to be made lower than the angels, to live 33 years on this planet, and to suffer an agonizing death on our behalf. There are many other examples which could be highlighted, but each reminds us how Christ modeled for his followers a life of service to one another.

Second, submitting to one another or serving one another allows the disciple to have a proper frame of mind. The scriptures teach the community of believers to live from day-to-day with a humble or lowly mind. To remember our own sins and start from a place of empathy. When the disciple begins to live a life which forgets this humble mindset it is easy to engage in judgement and exclusion. However, when the community of believers starts from a place of service to one another empathy, forgiveness, and love are much easier to accomplish.

The instruction to submit to one another in scripture, no matter the relationship, is not about natural authority but rather is a focus on proper discipleship and the authority of Christ.

Our Prayers are with you daily,

Brother Jeremiah