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Perhaps never before in history has
there been so little respect for authority, especially
in the United States of America.
We live in a time when it seems that
every rule is subject to challenge. A time when citizens
openly and boldly ridicule their leaders publicly. Not
to defend President Clinton's actions, but America's
attitude was ever apparent during the impeachment
hearings. Certainly, any leader, especially an elected
one, must be held accountable for his or her's actions,
but if the process is not done with dignity the respect,
the office itself suffers damage. The partisanship
involved in this situation sickened many Americans, as
they witnessed one side try to minimize the seriousness
of the President's actions, while the other side was
trying to show that the charges were so serious that he
should be removed from office.
Personally, I was hoping he would be
removed from office, but knew that it is God who
appoints and removes leaders. As we will see in this
study, -there is no authority that has not been
established by God,and that he who resists
authority opposes the ordinance of God, for they are all
ordained by God. "Ordain" means to "appoint" or "set in
place." Though we should not follow them in sin nor
condone their sinful behavior, God tells us not to even
speak against our leaders.
America's police officers, established to serve and
protect its citizens are routinely treated with
disrespect. Often belittled, called names such as
"pigs", and used as the butt of jokes. In times past, I
myself have made the comment,- "He's
in a hurry to get to the donut shop" as
an officer in emergency alert sped by. Even if sometimes
true, that was so disrespectful of me, and unfair to the
families who have lost loved ones in serving and
protecting citizens. They are regularly put into harm's
way to serve us, with some getting killed, and we still
tend to argue with them over a traffic ticket.
In our society, God has placed our leaders in authority,
and our leaders govern through various agencies,
including law enforcement. As citizens, God expects us
to respectfully submit to them as long as they don't
violate the rights given to us by the Constitution, or
give us orders contrary to God's orders.
We live in the days of "I'm
out of here!"
More than half of America's
marriages end in divorce, with more than two-thirds
failing in their second marriage.
So often it is heard by the wife,- "He's
not going to tell me what to do. . .Nobody's going to
tell me what to do!"Sadly, children can be heard to
echo the same as they reach their teen years. Because of
an independent, unsubmissive mind-set so many run away
from home and end up involved in prostitution and on
drugs or dead.
Most of America's children speak nicer and more
respectful to their friends than to their parents.
And what pleases their peers often means more than what
pleases their parents. God thundered from Mt. Sinai,-"Honor
and Obey your Father and Mother so that your days on the
earth will be prolonged." To "honor"means "to
weigh heavily." What
your parents say and how they want you to be should weigh
heavily on
you so as to cause you to do what is pleasing to them as
long as it is not contrary to God's Word.
Notice that "father" was named before "mother", it is
because the father is placed as the head of the family.
A wife should never allow herself to be deceived into
believing that her family does not need her husband as
its head, for God has ordained the husband for that
responsibility. A family where the husband is not the
head stands outside the covering of God's blessing.
God's protective covering shelters
like an umbrella, stand under it and be protected, move
outside it and you are subject to satanic attack. God's
covering is His shield
of faith which
extinguishes the Devil's fiery darts. (Ephesians 6) But
a shield only works when you stay behind it. God's
blessing is
like a flow
of water falling
in astraight and narrow
line, to receive the blessing you must be in
line and
directly under the flow. The blessing will not fall on
you if you move outside the flow. Those out
of line, or unruly,
will not receive blessing and protection.
Because I am an artist, people
sometimes say to me,- "I
don't know how you are able to create such art, I can't
even draw a straight line." To
which I always reply,- "I can't either, that's why I
use a ruler." I
can draw"unruly" lines
easily, but not "straight" lines
without a ruler. The rule of faith for the Christian is
the Bible, it shows us how to be straight and in
line with
God, and instructs us to admonish the unruly.
In the family, God has placed the husband
in authority over his wife, and both parents
in authority over the children. Thus, God has
placed the wife
under submission to her husband and children
under submission to their parents.
In the work-place we find employees submitting to their
employers only out of fear of losing their jobs. For
most, their heart is not in it, in fact many harbor a
rebellious, insubordinate attitude toward their
superiors and employers. Many go to their family members
and friends with grumbling complaints about those over
them at work. How often have you been told how
incompetent a superior is, meaning how
much better the person telling you could do the job? God
expects us to give honor
to our employers. The Apostle Paul even
instructed slaves who had been converted to
Christianity, to honor
and submit to their masters, even if they were
ill-treated by them.
The Church of God has similar problems with lack
of submission. While
attending two separate church conventions the past two
years I had the privilege of hearing two heads of
different ministerial organizations speak.. Each freely
admitted publicly that they no longer gave corrective
sermons. The
reason, as one honestly said,- "People
leave my church."
The "I'm
out of here" attitude
is alive and well in the churches.
Pastors find themselves with
unruly members who will not accept correction.
Yet God has ordained Pastors not
only to oversee and teach, but to correct.
So Pastors stand at the cross-roads of pleasing men or
pleasing God. And the church stands at the cross-roads
of submission or insubordination. Not that a Pastor has
dominion over one's faith, or has the authority to
dictate what your conviction must be. The Apostle Paul
said brethren stand on their own faith, and instructed
tolerance for minor differences in knowledge and
understanding. But he also taught that the Church should
"submit" (Gr.hupeiko-"yield to") to its leaders
because they
are held accountable to God for
them. And, although Peter instructed Pastors not to lord
it over the brethren, the church was told to hold them
in "high honor", meaning their counsel should "weigh
heavily" on
the ears of those who hear.
Paul told the Hebrew Church to "Obey
them", from the Greek Peitho meaning
to "depend
on", "trust
in" and"have
confidence in." One
should never be a part of a fold in which the shepherd
is not dependable or trustworthy, or a fold without a
shepherd, for this is how Christ built His church. But
we should understand that God calls His chosen, His
"sheep", and that Jesus Christ, the Chief Shepherd has
"under-shepherds" for every fold of His. Pastor and shepherd have
the same meaning, so an
assembly without a Pastor is like a flock without a
shepherd.
If you are truly called by God to be one
of His sheep, then understand that He
has prepared a fold for you who
is overseen by a under-shepherd. The Flock of God has
enemies, and must be protected, just as a real flock
must be protected. The shepherd is among the Flock to lead, watch
over, minister to
the needs of the injured or sick, andprotect the
sheep from predators.
Paul told the Ephesians, that leadership in the church
is a gift
from Christ. But so many today grumble and find
fault with every thing their Pastor says or does. Sadly,
they have a rebellious heart and discredit their Pastor
in order to convince themselves he is not trustworthy or
dependable; nor can confidence be put in him. This
attitude always leads to malicious slander and when
confronted about it they often say,- "I'm
out of here!" All
authority in the church and out is ordained by God,
if one will not submit to their government, their
employer, their husband, their parents, their Pastor,
they stand in opposition to God.
My friends listen to these warnings from Jude, the
brother of Jesus, and the Apostle Peter, concerning
those insubordinate and marked out for condemnation. "Yet
in the same manner these men, also by dreaming, defile
the flesh, and REJECT AUTHORITY, and REVILE ANGELIC
MAJESTIES. But Michael, the archangel, when he disputed
with the Devil and argued about the body of Moses, DID
NOT DARE PRONOUNCE AGAINST HIM A RAILING JUDGMENT, but
said, "The Lord rebuke you." (Jude vs 8-9) Notice
these are those who "reject authority" and disrespect
angelic authority. Even God recognizes Satan's authority
because He gave it to him. Christ will remove him at His
return.
"The Lord knows how to rescue the godly from
temptation, and to keep the unrighteous under punishment
for the day of judgment, and especially those who
indulge the flesh in its corrupt desires and DESPISE
AUTHORITY. Daring, SELF-WILLED, they do not tremble when
they REVILE ANGELIC MAJESTIES, whereas angels who are
greater in might and power do not bring a reviling
judgment against them before the Lord." (2 Peter 2:9-11) "Self-Willed"
rather than God-Willed.
GOD COMMANDS
SUBMISSION IN FIVE AREAS OF OUR LIFE
(1) To HIM personally (2)
Government (3) Employer (4) Family (5) Church
Through Peter, God tells us to conduct ourselves in fear
during the time of our stay upon the earth, carefully
submitting to God and His instruction. (1
Peter 1:17)
His thoughts must become our thoughts,- we will
ultimately move in the direction of our most dominate
thought. (Proverbs
23:7) God
cannot use a person that is not yielded to His way.
BIBLE TEXTS with
COMMENTARY
SUBMISSION TO GOD
Matthew 22:35-38,- "And
one of them, a lawyer, asked Him (Jesus) a question,
testing Him, "Teacher, which is the great
commandment in
the Law? And Jesus answered, "YOU
SHALL LOVE THE LORD YOUR GOD WITH ALL YOUR HEART, AND
WITH ALL YOUR SOUL, AND WITH ALL YOUR MIND." This is the great
and foremost commandment."
Commentary: This
means learning to always put God first in everything. It
means submitting to His will. It means to cherish Him
and His Way in your heart, and having Him always on your
mind. Do you ever caress your Bible and gently kiss it,
realizing that you are holding the precious Word of God
which is Jesus Christ, Himself, in written form? To know
the Father and the Son is to adore them. Adoration of
God brings forth the desire to please God through the
obedience of faith.
God rejected Israel's first King because he did not wait
on Samuel to arrive to present an offering to the Lord,
but instead offered it himself. King Saul had been
appointed King, but God had not authorized him to handle
sacrifices to the Lord. Like the fallen angels who left
their "proper abode" (Jude) and ascended to heaven, Saul
left his abode as King and assumed the role of priest.
1 Samuel
15:22-23, "And Samuel said, "Has the Lord as much
delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices as in OBEYING
THE VOICE OF THE LORD? Behold, to OBEY IS BETTER than
sacrifice, and to heed than the fat of rams. For
REBELLION is as the sin of WITCHCRAFT, and STUBBORNNESS
is as iniquity and IDOLATRY."
Commentary: "Stubbornness"
(KJV) or "Insubordination" (NAS) in Hebrew means to
"press in" or to put into our modern vernacular, "set
your jaw." It is unwilling to submit to authority.
James 4:7, "SUBMIT
therefore to God. Resist the Devil and he will flee from
you.
Acts 5:27-29, "And when
they (Apostles) had brought them, they stood them before
the Council. And the high priest questioned them,
saying, "We gave you strict orders not to continue
teaching in this name (Jesus), and behold, you have
filled Jerusalem with your teaching, and intend to bring
this man's blood upon us." But Peter and the apostles
answered and said, "WE MUST OBEY GOD RATHER THAN MEN."
Commentary: This
was of course after Jesus' death. While still alive,
Jesus had instructed His disciples to submit to this
same Council, the Sanhedrin, saying "Do
as they say, but not what they do, for they are
hypocrites!" After
Jesus' resurrection He appeared to His disciples and
commanded them to take His teachings to the whole world.
Here in Acts, they were faced with submitting to the
will of the Council or submitting to the will of Christ,
they rightly chose Christ.
The night of His betrayal and
arrest, Jesus was deeply grieved knowing the suffering
that was lying ahead of Him. After the Passover He went
into the garden to pray and to ask the Father if there
was another way of saving you and me.
Matthew 26:36-39,- "Then
Jesus came with them to a place called Gethsemane and
said to His disciples, "Sit
here, while I go over there and pray." And He took with
Him Peter and the two sons of Zebedee, and began to be
grieved and distressed. Then He said to them, "My soul
is deeply grieved, to the point of death; remain here
and keep watch with Me." And He went a little beyond
them, and fell on His face and prayed, saying, "My
Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from Me;
yet NOT AS I WILL, but as YOU WILL."
Commentary: Our
Lord did not have to lay down His life to save us, but
because of His great love for us He did. He knew it was
the Father's will, but the option was still His. (Isaiah
53:10) Jesus could have called thousands of angels at
any moment. But had He not laid down His sinless life,
all who have ever lived would have been lost forever. He
was in such agony and mental distress, that He sweated
great drops of blood (Luke
22:44) as
He said, "Not
My will Father, but Yours be done." Jesus
SUBMITTED Himself to be beaten, mocked and cruelly
nailed to a cross.
1
Corinthians 15:24-29,- "Then comes the end, when He
delivers up the kingdom to the God and Father, when He
has abolished all rule and all authority and power. For
He must reign until He has put all His enemies under His
feet. The last enemy that will be abolished is death.
For He has put all things IN SUBJECTION UNDER HIS FEET.
But when He says, "All things are put in SUBJECTION." it
is evident that He (The Father) is excepted who put all
things in SUBJECTION to Him (Jesus). And when all things
are SUBJECTED to Him, then the SON, HIMSELF ALSO WILL BE
SUBJECTED TO THE ONE (the Father) WHO SUBJECTED ALL
THINGS TO HIM, that God may be all in all."
Commentary: Here
we see that after Jesus brings all things under
submission to His will, God the Father will arrive
(Rev.21) and Jesus will once again defer to the Father,
placing the kingdom at His feet, and submitting to His
will. This attitude of Jesus is the attitude God desires
in us as we will see in the following passage.
Philippians 2:5-16,- "HAVE
THIS ATTITUDE in yourselves WHICH WAS ALSO IN CHRIST
JESUS, who, although He existed in the form of God, did
not regard equality with God a thing to be grasped,
(selfishly held onto) but emptied Himself, taking the
form of a bond-servant, and being made in the likeness
of men. And being found in the appearance as a man, He
HUMBLED HIMSELF by becoming OBEDIENT to the point of
DEATH, even DEATH ON A CROSS. Therefore also God highly
exalted Him, and bestowed on Him the name which is above
every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should
bow, of those who are in heaven, and on earth, and under
the earth, and that every tongue should confess that
Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. So
then, my beloved, just as you have always OBEYED, not as
in my presence only, but now much more in my absence,
work out your salvation with FEAR AND TREMBLING; for it
is God who is at work in you, both to will and to work
for His good pleasure. Do all things WITHOUT GRUMBLING
or DISPUTING; that you may prove yourselves to be
BLAMELESS and INNOCENT, children of God above reproach
in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among
whom you appear as lights in the world, holding fast the
word of life, so that in the day of Christ I may have
cause to glory because I did not run in vain nor toil in
vain."
POINTS TO
REMEMBER The Great
Commandment is
the very first one, to Love the Lord with all your
HEART, SOUL and MIND. To OBEY
and SUBMIT to
God is better than the sacrifices we may make. Rebellion is
as the sin of witchcraft. Stubbornness is
as the sin of idolatry. Resist
the devil and
he will flee from you. When there is a conflict, OBEY
GOD instead
of men. But remember, God did not say be rebellious
toward all other authority God has ordained. Jesus had
told His disciples to submit to the Jewish Council
previously. Jesus
submitted to
the Father even unto death on the cross saying, "Your
will be done, Father." Jesus
will bring everything and everyone into submission at
His return, then submit
Himself to the Father when
He arrives. We are to have His
same attitude in
us. Work out our own salvation with fear and trembling.
Do all things withoutgrumbling or disputing.
SUBMISSION TO OUR
GOVERNMENT
Romans
13:1-7,- "Let every person be in SUBJECTION to the
GOVERNING AUTHORITIES. For there IS NO AUTHORITY EXCEPT
FROM GOD, and those which exist are ESTABLISHED BY GOD.
Therefore he WHO RESISTS authority has OPPOSED the
ORDINANCE OF GOD; and they who have opposed will RECEIVE
CONDEMNATION upon themselves. For rulers are not a cause
of fear for good behavior, but for evil. Do you want to
have NO FEAR OF AUTHORITY? DO WHAT IS GOOD. But if you
do what is evil, be afraid, for it does not bear the
sword for nothing; for IT IS A MINISTER OF GOD, an
avenger who brings wrath, but also for conscience sake.
For because of this you also pay taxes, for RULERS ARE
SERVANTS OF GOD, devoting themselves to this very thing.
Render to all what is due them; tax to whom tax is due;
custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honor to whom
honor."
Commentary: As
Christians we are commanded to submit to the law of the
land, and its leaders. That all authority is established
and honored by God. Our governmental agencies are
actually called "ministers
of God."So God has not only placed ministers in the
Church but in the land also. Those who oppose will
receive condemnation.
Titus 3:1-2,- "Remind them
to be SUBJECT TO RULERS, to AUTHORITIES, to be obedient,
to be ready for every good deed, to malign no one, to be
uncontentious, gentle, showing every consideration for
all men."
1 Peter 2:13-17,- "SUBMIT
YOURSELVES for the Lord's sake to EVERY HUMAN
INSTITUTION, whether to a KING AS ONE IN AUTHORITY, or
to GOVERNORS as sent by him for the punishment of
evildoers and the praise of those who do right. For such
is the WILL OF GOD that by doing right you may silence
the ignorance of foolish men. Act as free men, and do
not use your freedom as a covering for evil, but use it
as bondslaves of God. Honor all men; love the
brotherhood, fear God, HONOR THE KING."
POINTS TO
REMEMBER: Every
person is to be SUBJECT to the government. ALL AUTHORITY
is established BY GOD. Those who oppose this teaching
oppose God and will receive condemnation. The government
is a MINISTER OF GOD. Rulers are SERVANTS OF GOD. Submit
to taxation.
SUBMISSION IN THE
WORK PLACE
These Scriptures we will apply to
Employee, Employer relationships are those given for
Masters, Slaves.
1 Peter
2:18-21,- "Servants, BE SUBMISSIVE to your masters with
all respect, not only to those who are good and gentle,
but also to those who are unreasonable. For this finds
favor, if for the sake of conscience toward God a man
bears up under sorrows when suffering unjustly. For what
credit is there if, when you sin and are harshly
treated, you endure it with patience? But if when you do
what is right and suffer for it you patiently endure it,
this finds favor with God. For you have been called for
THIS PURPOSE, since Christ also suffered for you,
leaving you an example for you to follow in His steps."
Ephesians 6:5-9,- "Slaves, BE OBEDIENT to those who are
your masters according to the flesh, with fear and
trembling, in the SINCERITY OF YOUR HEART, as to Christ;
not by way of eyeservice, as men-pleasers, but as slaves
of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart. With
good will, render service, AS TO THE LORD, and not to
men, knowing that whatever good things each one does,
this he will RECEIVE BACK FROM THE LORD, whether slave
or free. And, Masters, do the same things to them, and
give up threatening, knowing that both their Master and
yours is in heaven, and there is no partiality with
Him."
Colossians 3:22-25,- "Slaves, IN ALL THINGS OBEY those
who are YOUR MASTERS on earth, not with external
service, as those who merely please men, but with
sincerity of heart, FEARING THE LORD. Whatever you do,
do your work heartily, as for the Lord rather than for
men; knowing that from the Lord you will receive the
reward of the inheritance. It is the Lord Christ WHOM
YOU SERVE. For he who does wrong will receive the
consequences of the wrong which He has done, and that
without partiality."
POINTS TO REMEMBER: Employees
are to be SUBMISSIVE to their Employers. Employees
should treat their Employers with RESPECT. Even if you
are mistreated, bear it, for "you
were called for this purpose."SUBMITTING to your
Employers is "following
in Christ's footsteps." Employees
obey your Employers with"SINCERITY OF HEART", not
merely to PLEASE THEM, but because it PLEASES GOD.
SUBMISSIVE Employees will be REPAID by God. Work for
them as if you were working FOR GOD. Employers are to
treat their Employees fairly, knowing that the True
Master is over both Employee and Employer, and will show
no partiality at judgment.
SUBMISSION IN THE
FAMILY
Exodus 20:12,- "HONOR your father and
your mother, that you days may be prolonged in the land
which the Lord your God gives you."
Matthew 15:3-4,- "Why
do you yourselves (Pharisees and Scribes) transgress the
commandment of God for the sake of your tradition? For
God said, HONOR YOUR FATHER AND MOTHER, and, HE WHO
SPEAKS EVIL (Curses) OF FATHER OR MOTHER, let him be PUT
TO DEATH!"
Commentary: Notice
that Jesus told the Pharisees and Scribes which were
GROWN MEN that they were still under obligation to
"HONOR" their parents. And whoever would dare "SPEAK
EVIL" of their parents were worthy of death. To "HONOR"
means to weigh
heavily or greatly
esteem. "SPEAK
EVIL" here in the NAS is translated "CURSES" in the KJV
from the Hebrew Qalal meaning
to make
small or lightly
esteem. (Jesus
was quoting Exodus 21:17) So what Jesus was saying to
these grown men is that if they made
small or lightly
esteemed the
desires and needs of their parents they
were breaking the fifth commandment and were worthy of
death. You
will never reach the age where you are no longer
obligated to HONOR your parents.
Ephesians
6:1-4,- "Children, OBEY YOUR PARENTS in the Lord, for
this is right. HONOR your father and mother (which is
the first commandment with a promise) that it may be
well with you, and that you may live long on the earth.
And fathers, do not PROVOKE YOUR CHILDREN to anger, but
bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the
Lord."
Colossians
3:18-21,- "WIVES be SUBJECT to your HUSBANDS as is
fitting in the Lord. HUSBANDS love your WIVES, and do
not be embittered against them." "CHILDREN, be OBEDIENT
to your PARENTS in ALL THINGS, for this is WELL-PLEASING
to the LORD."
Ephesians 5:22-31,- "WIVES, BE SUBJECT to YOUR HUSBANDS,
as to the Lord. For the HUSBAND is the HEAD of the WIFE,
as Christ is the Head of the Church, He Himself being
the Savior of the Body. But as the Church is SUBJECT TO
CHRIST, so also the WIVES ought to be to their HUSBANDS
IN EVERYTHING."
"HUSBANDS, LOVE YOUR
WIVES, just as CHRIST ALSO LOVED THE CHURCH and gave
Himself up for her; that He might sanctify her, having
cleansed her by the washing of water with the Word, that
He might present to Himself the Church in all her glory,
having no spot or wrinkle or any such thing; but that
she should be holy and blameless."
"So HUSBANDS ought also to
LOVE THEIR OWN WIVES as their own bodies. He who loves
his own wife loves himself; for no one ever hated his
own flesh, but NOURISHES and CHERISHES it, just as
Christ also does the Church, because we are members of
His Body."
"For this cause a man
shall leave his father and mother, and shall cleave to
his wife; and the two shall become one flesh."
Commentary: Wives
are commanded to SUBJECT themselves to their Husbands in "everything", in
the Lord, of course. Husbands are commanded to LOVE
THEIR WIVES, "nourishing
and cherishing" them,
realizing that they are "one
flesh." Wives
are not to examine their Husbands so as to find fault,
saying "you
don't love me as Christ commanded you", for
God has placed him as the head of the one flesh joined.
Christ answers to the Father, a Husband answers to his
Head, which is Christ and a Wife answers to her Husband.
Breaking God's line of authority is never accepted by
God. A wife may suffer unjustly as a slave may as we
read earlier, but must bear it patiently, for it pleases
the Lord.
King Saul offered sacrifice because Samuel was not there
at the time scheduled, but God still considered it an
act of rebellion and rejected Saul, because he was
usurping Samuel's authority.
At judgment, Husbands will answer for how they cared,
provided and guided their wives, and Wives will answer
for how submissive or unsubmissive they were to their
Husbands. And Husbands, you
cannot give what
is not yours to give, thus don't deceive yourselves
into believing that you can give your Wife the authority
to act as the head of your home, as if by YOUR
permission. Those who do this live in a home where both
Husband and Wife are out
of their proper abode.
GODLY SUBMISSION is a BEAUTIFUL
THING to witness.
It is UNITY, PEACE and HARMONY in
action.
It produces COOPERATION.
IT IS HONORABLE TO BE UNDER
SUBMISSION TO HIM WHO PLACED HIMSELF UNDER THE
SUBMISSION OF THE CROSS FOR US.
1 Peter 3:1-9,- "In the same way, you
WIVES, be SUBMISSIVE to your own HUSBANDS so that
even if any of them ARE DISOBEDIENT TO THE WORD, they
may be WON WITHOUT A WORD by the BEHAVIOR of their
Wives, as they observe your chaste and RESPECTFUL
BEHAVIOR."
"And let not your
adornment be merely external -braiding the hair, and
wearing gold jewelry, and putting on dresses; but LET IT
BE the HIDDEN PERSON of the heart, with the imperishable
quality of a GENTLE and QUIET SPIRIT, which is PRECIOUS
in the SIGHT OF GOD. For in this way in former times the
HOLY WOMEN also , who hoped in God, used to adorn
themselves, BEING SUBMISSIVE to their own HUSBANDS. Thus
Sarah OBEYED ABRAHAM, calling HIM LORD, and you have
become her children if you do what is right without
being frightened by any fear."
"You Husbands likewise,
live with your Wives in AN UNDERSTANDING WAY, as with a
WEAKER VESSEL, since she is a woman; and GRANT HER HONOR
as a fellow-heir of the grace of life, so that YOUR
PRAYERS MAY NOT BE HINDERED."
"To sum up. Let all be
HARMONIOUS, SYMPATHETIC, BROTHERLY, KIND-HEARTED, and
HUMBLE IN SPIRIT; not returning evil for evil, or INSULT
for INSULT, but giving a BLESSING INSTEAD; for you were
called for the very purpose that you might inherit a
blessing."
Commentary: The
Apostle Peter instructs Wives to be SUBMISSIVE even if
their Husbands are not obeying the Word. And to win them
WITHOUT A WORD. God has not authorized a Wife to argue
with her Husband, but to remain RESPECTFUL toward him in
hope of winning him with her CHASTE BEHAVIOR.
Wives are to pay much more
attention to the adornment of the hidden
person of the heart, clothing themselves with a GENTLE,
QUIET SPIRIT.
A Husband is to strive to
UNDERSTAND his Wife, to be sensitive to her feelings. He
is to esteem her highly and hold her in honor as an
equal-heir of the kingdom of God.
Personally, I respect my wife, Treon more than any
person I have ever met. It
is because she has adorned herself with these
imperishable qualities and has the purest heart I know.
I truly hold her in honor, and feel honored myself for
God allowing me to share the last 27 years of my life
with such a woman. Though
I realize that she may very well receive a greater
reward in the Kingdom, we both know she will not if she
rebelled against the order God has placed in the family
today.
Deuteronomy 21:18-21,- "If
any man has a STUBBORN and REBELLIOUS SON who will NOT
OBEY HIS FATHER or HIS MOTHER, and when they CHASTISE
HIM, he WILL NOT even LISTEN to them, then his father
and mother shall seize him, and bring him out to the
elders of his city at the gateway of his home town. And
they shall say to the elders of his city, "This son of
ours is STUBBORN and REBELLIOUS, he WILL NOT OBEY us, he
is a glutton and a drunkard" Then all the men of his
city SHALL STONE HIM TO DEATH; so you shall REMOVE THE
EVIL from your midst, and all Israel shall hear of it
and fear."
Commentary: If
you are a parent, you are probably very thankful that
you did not live during that time. But this illustrates
how God views STUBBORNNESS and REBELLION in children
towards parents. And God says, "For
I , the Lord, do not change." (Malachi
3:6) and
- "Jesus
Christ is the same YESTERDAY and TODAY, yes and
FOREVER."(Hebrews 13:8)
Notice that this man spoken of is not likely just a
child, because he is "a
glutton and a drunkard", yet
he is still under his parents authority.
Notice also, as Jesus said, "He
was worthy of death." Death
by stoning was necessary to "remove
the evil from their midst." The
leaven (sin) of REBELLION, STUBBORNNESS and DISOBEDIENCE
would spread to others if it were not removed. We will
either remove it from ourselves, or be removed with it,
out from the congregation of God.
Proverbs 6:20-23,- "My
son, observe the commandment of your father, and do not
forsake the teaching of your mother. Bind them
continually on your heart; Tie them around your neck.
When you walk about, they will GUIDE YOU; When you
sleep, they will watch over you; And when you awake,
they will talk to you. For the commandment is a LAMP,
and the teaching IS LIGHT; And REPROOFS for discipline
are the way of life."
Proverbs 13:24,- "He who
spares his rod hates his son, But he who loves him
disciplines him diligently."
Proverbs 23:13-14,- "Do
not hold back discipline from the child. Although you
beat him with the rod, he will not die. You shall beat
him with the rod, and deliver his soul from Sheol
(hell).
Proverbs 29:15,- "The rod
and reproof give wisdom. But a child who gets his own
way brings shame to his mother."
Commentary: God
clearly commands parents to discipline their children.
Children learn submission to God, Government, Work Place
and the Church, first in the family.
Proverbs 22:6,- "Train up
a child in the way he should go, even when he is old he
will not depart from it."
Commentary: Parents
responsibilities transcend that of merely providing
financially for their children,- but are instructed to
TRAIN their children in the WAY THEY SHOULD GO. Which
means, Parents don't let their children GO IN A
DIRECTION THEY SHOULD NOT GO. Christians are not to be
conformed to the world but to Christ, teaching their
children the right way which is almost always contrary
to the ways of the world.
POINTS TO
REMEMBER: Grown
people are commanded to HONOR their parents. Children
are commanded to HONOR and OBEY their parents. One who "speaks
evil" (curses)of
his parents is worthy of death. To speak
evil can
simply mean to esteem
lightly. Wives
are to submit to their Husbands. A Husband is the HEAD
of his Wife. Husbands love your Wives dearly. Husbands,
honor your Wives. Husband and Wife are one flesh joined
by God, -let no one get between them. Wives, adorn
yourselves with the precious quality of a gentle and
quiet spirit. Wives, don't correct your Husbands.
Children, don't correct your parents. God hates
rebellion, stubbornness and disobedience toward Parents.
A Parent's teaching is a light to their children. Don't
withhold the rod of discipline when it is needed. A
child that gets its own way brings shame to his mother.
Train children in the way they should go.
HOW CHRIST BUILT
HIS CHURCH
1 Corinthians 12:27-30,-
"Now you are Christ's Body, and individually members of
it. And GOD HAS APPOINTED in the CHURCH, first APOSTLES, second PROPHETS, third TEACHERS,
then MIRACLES, then gifts of HEALINGS, HELPS,
ADMINISTRATIONS, various kinds of TONGUES. All are not
Apostles are they? All are not Prophets, are they? All
are not Teachers, are they? All are not workers of
miracles are they? All do not have gifts of healings, do
they? All do not speak with tongues, do they? All do not
interpret, do they?"
Commentary: Notice
that these gifts are "appointments
by God." As
the human body has many different parts fulfilling
various important functions, the Church, the "Body" of
Christ does also. Notice Verses
18-20,- "But now GOD HAS PLACED the members, each one of
them, in the Body, just AS HE DESIRED. And if they were
all one member,(same body part) where
would the Body be? But now there are many members, but
one Body."
Ephesians 4:4-8,- "There
is ONE BODY and ONE SPIRIT, just as also you were called
in one hope of your calling; one Lord, one faith, one
baptism, one God and Father of all who is over all and
through all and in all." "BUT to EACH one of us GRACE
was given ACCORDING TO THE MEASURE OF CHRIST'S GIFT.
Therefore it says, -When He ascended on high, He led
captive a host of captives, and HE GAVE GIFTS TO MEN."
Verses 11-16,- "And HE
GAVE some as APOSTLES, and some as PROPHETS, and some as
EVANGELISTS, and some as PASTORS and TEACHERS for
the equipping of the Saints for the work of service, to
the BUILDING UP OF THE BODY OF CHRIST, until we all
attain the UNITY of the FAITH, and of the KNOWLEDGE of
the Son of God, to
a mature man, to the measure of the stature which
belongs to the fullness of Christ.
AS A
RESULT we
are no
longer to
be children tossed
here and there by
waves, and carried about by every wind
of doctrine by
the trickery of men, by craftiness in deceitful
scheming; but speaking
the truth in love, we are togrow up in
all aspects into Him, who is the HEAD, even CHRIST, from
whom the WHOLE BODY, being
fitted and held together by
that which every joint supplies, according
to the
PROPER WORKING of each individual part, CAUSES THE
GROWTH OF THE BODY, for the BUILDING UP OF ITSELF in
love."
Commentary: Ephesians
2:19-22 says
that the Church is built upon the foundation of
the APOSTLES and PROPHETS, with CHRIST being the CORNER
STONE. 1
Peter 2, says
that the members of the Church are LIVING STONES. Notice
that APOSTLES, PROPHETS, EVANGELISTS, PASTORS and
TEACHERS are "GIFTS" from Christ, placed in His Church
to "equip",
"build up", "bring unity to the Church", "cause growth
in the Body", and protect the
flock from false teachers and
their"deceitful scheming."
Titus 1:5-12,- "For THIS
REASON I left you in Crete, that you might SET IN ORDER
what remains, and APPOINT ELDERS in EVERY CITY, as I
directed you, namely, if any man be above
reproach, the husband
of one wife, having children
who believe, not accused of dissipation or rebellion."
"For the OVERSEER must be
above reproach as GOD'S STEWARD, not self-willed,
not quick-tempered,
notaddicted to wine,
not pugnacious (overly
argumentative), not fond
of sordid gain (covetous),
but hospitable,loving
what is good, sensible, just, devout, self-controlled,
holding fast the faithful Word which
is in accordance with the teaching, that he
may be able both to exhort in sound doctrine and
to refute
those who contradict."
For there are MANY
REBELLIOUS men, empty talkers and DECEIVERS especially
those of the circumcision (Jews), WHO MUST BE SILENCED
because they are upsetting whole families, TEACHING
THINGS THEY SHOULD NOT TEACH, for the sake of sordid
gain (coveting what God has not given them stewardship
over)."
Commentary: An
Overseer (Pastor) is "God's
Steward" because
the Lord has placed His beloved sheep into his care to
watch over, guide in sound teaching and protect against
false teachers. Notice one of the roles of an Overseer
is to "silence" them. 1
Peter 5:3 says
Jesus, the Chief Shepherd has ALLOTTED His sheep into
the care of under-shepherds.
Paul served as Pastor in Ephesus for three years before
he departed for Jerusalem to answer charges against him.
Before he left he had a tearful meeting with the Elders
(Overseers/Pastors/Shepherds) which is recorded in Acts
chapter 20.
Acts 20:28-31,- "BE ON
GUARD for yourselves and for all THE FLOCK, among which
THE HOLY SPIRIT HAS MADE YOU OVERSEERS, to SHEPHERD the
Church of God which He
purchased with
the blood of His Own.(Jesus) "
" I know that after my
departure SAVAGE WOLVES will come in among you, NOT
SPARING THE FLOCK; and from AMONG YOUR OWN SELVES men
will arise SPEAKING PERVERSE THINGS, to DRAW AWAY the
disciples after them."
"Therefore be on the
alert, remembering that night and day for a period of
three years I did not cease to admonish each one with
tears."
Commentary: Notice
that Paul said that the "holy
spirit" had
made these men "shepherds" of
God's "flock"which
He purchased with the "blood" of
His own SON, Jesus. That
is, the ability to serve in that capacity was given to
them as a "gift" from
Christ, the Chief Shepherd. We also see, that a "shepherd" like
a "sheep" can
become a "savage
wolf." Thus,
if a Pastor begins to "speak
perverse things" the
sheep must realize that he is no longer their shepherd,
and that he, himself is no longer following the
direction of the Chief Shepherd,- the sheep must then
leave his fold as they no longer "recognize
his VOICE" as
a true under-shepherd of Christ. (John
10)
We understand by this passage that Christ, through a
gift of the holy spirit makes a man an Overseer of His
flock, -and by the passage in Titus by what fruits he
would be recognized by. (see
also 1 Timothy 2:1-7)
Men and Women that exhibit the "gift" of
Deacons and Deaconesses, likewise will show the fruits mentioned
earlier concerning Pastors (Elders). Deaconesses who
serve under their Pastor are to be dignified,
not malicious gossips, temperate and faithful in all
things. They
must be able
to teach the
younger women and set
a godly example for
them to follow. (1
Timothy 3:10-11)
Deaconesses are to receive honor in
the assembly as leaders
among the women of
the Church. They are to teach their fellow sisters in
Christ to be humble and submissive
to their husbands, receive
instruction quietly as
women making a claim to godliness in all dignity, and give
proper direction in modesty in
dress and attitude. (1
Timothy 2:9-15)
1 Corinthians 14:34-35,-
"Let the WOMEN KEEP SILENT in the Churches; for they are
NOT PERMITTED TO SPEAK, but let them SUBJECT THEMSELVES,
just as the Law also says." "And if they desire to learn
anything, let them ask their own husbands at home; FOR
IT IS IMPROPER FOR A WOMAN TO SPEAK IN CHURCH."
Notice
Verse 38, "But if any one DOES NOT RECOGNIZE THIS, HE IS
NOT RECOGNIZED."
1 Timothy 2:11-12,- "Let a woman QUIETLY receive
instruction with ENTIRE SUBMISSIVENESS. But I do not
allow a woman to TEACH or exercise AUTHORITY over a man,
but to remain QUIET."
Commentary: Sisters,
humbly receive this instruction with joy,
putting your faith in
Him from whom the command came from. For He, Himself
submitted to the will of His Father and suffered death
on the cross. It
is God's right to make "vessels" for various and
different purposes. The
"pot" has no right to say to the "Master Potter", -"WHY
have you made me thus?" (Romans 9) You
are still an equal
heir of
the kingdom.
Don't allow the Devil to deceive you into believing that
you "deserve better", for not one of us deserves
anything but death. In so doing, you would be
proclaiming that God is "unjust." (Romans
9:14,19)
Women receive "gifts" to serve as "Deaconesses"
"Prophetesses", "Teachers" (of other women), "Helps",
"Tongues", "Discernment of Spirits", etc.
But they leave their "proper abode" (Jude
vs 6) when
they usurp the authority to teach during
services, or give instruction to men. Understand
clearly, that this is not a commandment of men, but of
God. Nevertheless, let every "gift" be held in high
honor, and give honor to all, men and women alike.
1 Timothy
3:13,- "For those who
have served well as
Deacon(esses) obtain
for themselves a
HIGH STANDING and great
confidence in
the faith that is in Christ Jesus."
SUBMISSION IN THE CHURCH
OF GOD
2 Corinthians 1:21-24,-
"Now He who established us (church leaders) with you in
Christ and anointed us (for their role) is God, who also
sealed us and gave us the spirit in our hearts as a
pledge. But I call God as witness to my soul, that to
spare you I came no more to Corinth. Not that we lord it
over your faith, but are workers with you for your joy;
for in your faith you are standing firm."
Commentary: God
has placed leadership in His Church but NOT FOR THE
PURPOSE OF LORDING IT OVER THEIR FAITH, but workers for
their joy. No one has the right to ENFORCE THEIR
CONVICTION upon their brethren. There has to be room for
TOLERANCE, for individual feelings in the assembly.(Romans
14) But
the responsibility to teach still lies with those Christ
has placed in that role, so likewise, a member of the
flock must tolerate their shepherd's teaching that they
may not perfectly
agree with
as long as it isn't a "perverse
thing."Remember James said, "Let
not MANY of you BECOME TEACHERS, because it is only the
PERFECT MAN that NEVER STUMBLES." (Chapter
3)
All teachers teach error on occasion, because Jesus was
the only perfect man. We all see where we were wrong
periodically as we grow unto the mature man in Christ. But
the Church should always remember that it was Christ who
placed him in the role of teaching, and Christ is well
aware that he will not always be perfect in his
teaching. So, don't
take issue with
it unless
you are confident that the Chief Shepherd has removed His "gift" from
the teacher. God
may be testing
your loyalty and
faith in Him. You may find yourself leaving one whom God
has not.
Remember, in a REAL SHEEP FOLD, sheep
examine the shepherd to ensure he is not an imposter,
but they have no "staff" or "rod", the shepherd has
them. And he uses them as tools to gently guide the
flock in the right direction, and as weapons against the
enemies of the flock. Sheep
never attack, they may leave but they never attack the
shepherd, only beasts such as wolves attack the shepherd
or his flock.
1
Peter 5:1-4,- "Therefore, I exhort the Elders among you,
as your fellow-Elder and witness of the suffering of
Christ, and a partaker also of the glory that is to be
revealed, SHEPHERD THE FLOCK of God among you, not under
compulsion, but voluntarily, according
to the WILL
OF GOD; and not for sordid gain, but with eagerness; nor
yet as LORDING OVER those ALLOTTED to YOUR CHARGE, but
proving to be EXAMPLES TO THE FLOCK." "And when the
CHIEF SHEPHERD appears, you will receive the unfading
crown of glory."
Commentary: Notice
that the Lord's Shepherd is to serve as a godly example
for the Flock. Notice also, that the Lord's sheep are "ALLOTTED" to
the charge of one of His under-shepherds. Shepherds are
to submit to God and perform their duty "voluntarily",
-it is not an easy responsibility, for
as we have read, there are "many
rebellious" who "despise
authority" of
any kind. Many convince themselves that because of the
abundance of"hirelings" (John
10) that
they don't need a Pastor for their fold. But
Jesus, the Good Shepherd will never leave His sheep
without a shepherd, they are a necessary part of the
Body of Christ.
1 Corinthians 12:17-21,-
"If the whole Body were an eye where would the hearing
be? If the whole were hearing, where would the sense of
smell be?"
"But now GOD HAS PLACED
the members, each one of them, in the Body, JUST AS HE
DESIRED."
"And if they were all one member, where would the Body
be? But now there are many members, but ONE BODY." "And
the eye CANNOT SAY to the HAND, "I
have NO
NEED OF
YOU," or
again the HEAD to the FEET, "I
have NO
NEED OF
YOU." ("We
don't need a "Pastor", "Deacon(esse)", or other
spiritual gifts)
Verse 25,- "There should
be NO DIVISIONS in the BODY, but that the member should
have the same care for one another."
Commentary: Each
part that God has placed in His Church, the Body of
Christ, is necessary and important. We should not have
the attitude that we "don't
need" what
God has deemed
necessary. There is much "division" in
the Churches because of this. A Hireling will run from
the wolf and ALLOW the Lord's sheep to be scattered, but
sheep who act as wolves and "strike their shepherd" also
scatter and become prey for the beasts of the field.(Matt.26
/ John 10)
Mark 6:34,- "And
disembarking, He (Jesus) saw a great multitude, and HE
FELT COMPASSION for them, BECAUSE they were like SHEEP
WITHOUT A SHEPHERD." Jesus
knew well the need for His sheep to be shepherded by a
loyal, compassionate servant.
1 Timothy 5:17-21,- "Let
the ELDERS who rule well be considered worthy of double
honor, especially those who work hard at preaching and
teaching."
"For the Scripture says, "You
shall not muzzle the ox while he is threshing", and "The
Laborer is worthy of his wages."
"Do not receive
an accusation against an Elder except
on the basis of two or three witnesses. Those who
continue in sin, rebuke
in the presence of all, so that
the rest also may be fearful of sinning."
Commentary: Notice
that it is God's will that Shepherds rule (guide and
direct) well, are to be treated with honor and respect.
Don't "muzzle
the ox" because
the "Laborer"
is worthy
of his "wages." Notice Galatians
6:6,- "And let the one
who is taught the Word share
all good things with him who teaches."
1 Corinthians 9:11,14,- "If we sowed spiritual things in
you, is it too much if we should reap material things
from you?. . .So also the Lord directed those who
proclaim the gospel to get their living from the
gospel."
1 Corinthians 16:15-16,-
"Now I urge you, brethren (you know the household of
Stephanas that they were the first fruits of Achaia, and
that they have devoted themselves for ministry to the
saints), that you also be
in subjection to such men and
to everyone
who helps in the work and labors."
1 Thessalonians 5:12:18,- "But we request of you,
brethren, that you appreciate
those who diligently laboramong
you, and have
charge over you in the Lord and give
you instruction, and that you esteem
them very highly in love because
of their work."
"Live in peace with one
another. And we urge you, brethren, admonish
the unruly, encourage the
fainthearted, help the weak, be patient with all men."
"See that no one repays
another with evil for evil, but always seek after that
which is good for one another and for all men."
"Rejoice always; Pray
without ceasing; in everything give thanks, for this is
God's will for you in Christ Jesus."
Hebrews 13:17,- "Obey your leaders,
and submit
to them, for they keep watch
over your souls, as those who will give
an account. Let them do this with
joy and not with grief, for this would be unprofitable
for you."
Commentary: "Obey"
here is from the Gr. "Peitho" meaning to "depend on",
"trust in" or "have confidence in." "Submit" is from the
Gr. "Hupeiko" meaning "to yield to" or "surrender to."
Brethren, don't become easily
angered at your Pastor because he says something that
rubs you the wrong way, remember, He is going to have to
give account to the Lord for how he watched over His
sheep.
IN CLOSING: Remember, all
authority comes
from, and is ordained by, God. Let us find JOY in
submission, knowing that in so doing we are pleasing Him
who laid down His precious life for us.Amen
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