RESOURCES — SHORT ARTICLES

 

SHORT ARTICLES BY TOM ELSEROAD
	2021-04-21	Submit To One Another In The Fear Of God
		Eph 5:21 submitting to one another in the fear of God. Paul writes so that the Ephesians will understand what is their identity in Christ (Chapters 1-3), and how their walk should reflect that identity (chapters 4-6). Paul challenges his readers to walk in wisdom and understand God's will for their lives (v.17). They should be filled or controlled by the Spirit of God that dwells in them (v.18). They should be singing to one another and to the Lord (v.19). Plus, they should always be filled with thankful prayer (v.20). Finally, they should “submit to one another” (v.21). Submitting to one another is not based on the merits of the other person. We do not submit to one another because we deserve. Rather, we submit to one another “in the fear of God” (v.21b). Christ provides the greatest example of submitting to one another when He came and died like a common criminal (Ph.2:1-11). He died for those who would believe on Him and be saved. His death was for the benefit of others. We are to regard others as more important than ourselves (Ph.2:3). To submit to one another is to align oneself by perceiving we are less in rank for another's benefit. The idea of submitting to one another is a principle that should guide every relationship we might have. Paul expands this submitting idea by providing several examples. Wives are to align themselves under their husbands to illustrate the response of the church to Christ (v.22-24, 32-33). Husbands are to align themselves under their wives by loving them selflessly illustrating Christ's love for His church (v.25-33). Children ought to align themselves under their parents in honor and obedience (6:1-3). Fathers are to align themselves under their children by not provoking them to anger and training them in the Lord (6:4) Paul continues by addressing masters and slaves. Slaves should align themselves under their masters knowing they are serving Christ (6:5-8). Masters should submit to their slaves by treating them with “fear and trembling” from the heart (6:5, 9). From these examples it should be evident that all these people are equals in Christ. Even in familial or societal roles where there may be a hierarchy, each should submit to one another as if we are of lower rank. At first it may seem difficult to submit to one another because it may make the submitting person vulnerable to the other. This is an act of faith, trusting the Lord will be honored. When both parties are treating the other worthy of more honor than themselves, the needs of both are met wonderfully. Pastor Tom Elseroad

 

An Evangelical Free Church of America

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