Lesson 80 November 5, 2003

Context continues to deal with the results in the life of one who is filled by the Spirit as it will on into the first part of chapter 6

5:21 "And being subject to one another in the fear of Christ."

 

Here we find submission placed on the highest level, that is, if we are to function properly within the church there is to be an attitude of mutual submission to one another, and that is a result of our submission to the Head of the church, Christ.

1. Examine the words from which submission either in the L/C or among believers is derived.

a. proisthmi; to be at the head of; to stand before; to direct Rom 12:8, 1 Ths 5:12; 1 Tim 5:17; 1 Tim 3:4-5

b. evxousia; used in a legal sense, you have a legal right; therefore authority; 2 Cor 10:8 legitimate leadership never destroys; always builds up. 2 Cor 13:10

c. hh`geomai; secular use; official of government Acts 7:10; used also of P/T's in church; Heb 13:7; close connection with the word of God; also Heb. 13:17

d. hu`potassw; vb. hu`potagh; n. Both of these are words of submission, subjection;

- Paul uses it several ways, to indicate submission to those who are worthy of respect because of personal virtue or position held.

- It is used in a few contexts where it speaks of an enforced submission; many are like Eph 1:22 [of Christ's supreme rule;]

 

- Most of the passages do not speak of enforced submission but of a voluntary submission; esp. when used in the middle voice as here; and it speaks of one who chooses to subject or subordinate themselves to someone;

- One thing that we must remember is that authority and order never indicates that the one submitting, or who is under authority is in any way inferior.

 

 

Sample passages for u`pota,ssw indicating the voluntary submission:

- Of Christ, as a child; willingly submitted to parental authority that was appropriate for Him as a child; Lk 2:51

- of governing authorities Rom 13:1; 1 Pet 2:13

With out submission, anarchy will prevail!

- even of harsh leaders; 1 Pet 2:18; Titus 2:9

- of the wife; Col 3:18; 1 Pet 3:1; our context 5:21

Back to 5:21

Subject here is:

** Mutual submission to one another, in the sphere of the reverence, respect and awe of Christ.