Definition and Context

Submission, in a biblical context, refers to the act of yielding or surrendering one's own will to the authority or will of another, often in a spirit of humility and obedience. It is a concept that permeates various aspects of Christian life, including relationships with God, within the family, and in the church community. The term is derived from the Greek word "hypotassō," which means to arrange under or to subordinate.

Biblical Foundations

1. Submission to God: The primary and most significant form of submission in the Bible is to God Himself. James 4:7 instructs believers, "Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you." This submission involves acknowledging God's sovereignty, obeying His commandments, and trusting in His plan for our lives.

2. Submission in the Family: The Bible outlines specific roles within the family structure, emphasizing mutual respect and love. Ephesians 5:22-24 states, "Wives, submit to your husbands as to the Lord. For the husband is the head of the wife as Christ is the head of the church, His body, of which He is the Savior. Now as the church submits to Christ, so also wives should submit to their husbands in everything." This passage highlights the model of Christ and the church as a framework for understanding marital submission, emphasizing love and sacrificial leadership.

3. Submission in the Church: Within the church, submission is seen in the relationship between believers and their leaders. Hebrews 13:17 advises, "Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they keep watch over your souls as those who must give an account. Allow them to do this with joy and not with grief, for that would be of no advantage to you." This submission is not blind obedience but a recognition of the spiritual authority and responsibility entrusted to church leaders.

4. Submission to Governing Authorities: Christians are also called to submit to earthly authorities as part of their witness and testimony. Romans 13:1 declares, "Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which is from God. The authorities that exist have been appointed by God." This submission is an acknowledgment of God's ultimate authority over all human institutions.

The Attitude of Submission

Submission in the Bible is not merely an external act but an internal attitude of the heart. It is characterized by humility, respect, and a willingness to serve others. Philippians 2:3-4 encourages believers, "Do nothing out of selfish ambition or empty pride, but in humility consider others more important than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others." This passage underscores the selfless nature of true submission, modeled after Christ's own humility and service.

Challenges and Misunderstandings

Submission can be challenging due to human pride and the desire for autonomy. It is often misunderstood as a sign of weakness or inferiority. However, biblical submission is a voluntary act of strength and faith, rooted in the example of Jesus Christ, who submitted to the Father's will even unto death (Philippians 2:8).

Conclusion

While submission is a complex and sometimes controversial topic, it remains a vital aspect of Christian discipleship and community life. By understanding and practicing biblical submission, believers can reflect the character of Christ and foster harmony in their relationships with God and others.