8-24-2025 Submit to One Another.

https://www.sunnysidebaptist.us/   “Submit to One Another” There is greatness in subjection to one another. I. We are to follow Christ in subjection. -- How? A. Be subject to one another. Ephesians 5:21 - “and be subject to one another in the fear of Christ.” B. Definition: to yield to another’s admonition or advice; to obey someone, be subject to. 1. In non-military use, it was “a voluntary attitude of giving in, cooperating, assuming responsibility, and carrying a burden”. C. Passage context (v15-20): Subjection is the last instruction that fulfills three principles for spiritual readiness: 1. Being careful how we live for Christ, 2. Making the most of our time on earth, and so 3. Understanding the will of the Lord. D. Our subjection should be done in the fear of Christ. 1. Christ, not the Father (Jn 5:22), is to be our judge. Thus our reverential fear of displeasing Christ is the motive for doing our duties as Christians. II. There is a pattern of subjection in the God head. A. Christ Jesus always subjected His will to that of God the Father. 1. John 6:38 — “For I have come down from heaven, not to do My own will, but the will of Him who sent Me.” 2. Matthew 20:28 — "just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many.”” B. Subjection displays the attitude of Christ to accomplish great things for God. Philippians 2:5–7 — "5 Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus, 6 who, although He existed in the form of God, did not regard equality with God a thing to be grasped, 7 but emptied Himself, taking the form of a bond-servant, and being made in the likeness of men.” C. The eternal state will be inaugurated by a great subjection: 1 Corinthians 15:28 — "When all things are subjected to Him, then the Son Himself also will be subjected to the One who subjected all things to Him, so that God may be all in all.” III. What are the benefits of being subject to one another? Matthew 20:25–27 — "25 But Jesus called them to Himself and said, “You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great men exercise authority over them. 26 “It is not this way among you, but whoever wishes to become great among you shall be your servant, 27 and whoever wishes to be first among you shall be your slave;” A. Mutual subjection makes servanthood possible. 1 Peter 5:5 — "… clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, for God is opposed to the proud, but gives grace to the humble.” 1. We have to give in to one another’s needs. 2. We need to prefer our brother’s needs above our own. 3. We need to subject our will to that of the Holy Spirit as we fellowship with others. B. Mutual subjection will distinguish the great from the small in the Kingdom of God. 1. Without subjection, no one can rise to that greatness that the Lord desires for us. 2. If we put others first, God will put us first on that day. THINK, PRAY AND OBEY: