In the Bible, to submit means to willingly place oneself under the authority of another, often in the context of relationships such as that of a wife to her husband (Ephesians 5:22) or believers to God (James 4:7). This act of submission is characterized by humility and respect, reflecting a commitment to serve others and uphold order within the community.
Scripture
Submitting to one another out of reverence for Christ.
22 Wives, submit to your own husbands, as to the Lord.
For the husband is the head of the wife even as Christ is the head of the church, his body, and is himself its Savior.
24 Now as the church submits to Christ, so also wives should submit in everything to their husbands.
25 Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her,
26 that he might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word,
27 so that he might present the church to himself in splendor, without spot or wrinkle or any such thing, that she might be holy and without blemish.
28 In the same way husbands should love their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself.
29 For no one ever hated his own flesh, but nourishes and cherishes it, just as Christ does the church,
30 because we are members of his body.
31 “Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and hold fast to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh.”
32 This mystery is profound, and I am saying that it refers to Christ and the church.
33 However, let each one of you love his wife as himself, and let the wife see that she respects her husband.
Biblical Meaning of Submit
The concept of submission in the Bible transcends mere obedience; it embodies a profound act of humility and honor towards God and the structures He has ordained, whether that’s in marriage, the church, or societal relationships. In Ephesians 5:22-24, for instance, wives are encouraged to submit to their husbands as to the Lord, illustrating a relational dynamic built on mutual respect and love. This submission is not about inferiority or oppression but rather a recognition of order in God’s creation, where both parties have specific roles that contribute to the harmony and effectiveness of the family unit. The husband is instructed to love his wife sacrificially, mirroring Christ’s love for the church (Ephesians 5:25), thereby suggesting that submission is a reciprocal relationship designed to reflect God’s love and grace.
Moreover, submission is a central theme in the believer’s relationship with God. James 4:7 calls for submission to God as a prerequisite for resistance to the devil, highlighting that true spiritual strength arises through humility before God. This understanding of submission includes not just a personal relationship with God but also impacts our interactions with others. 1 Peter 5:5 instructs believers to be submissive to one another, fostering an environment of servitude and love in the community. Therefore, biblical submission, characterized by respect, humility, and a readiness to serve, acts as a vital thread in weaving together the fabric of spiritual and relational lives, ultimately directing attention to the glory and order of God’s kingdom.
The biblical notion of submission further extends into the realm of authority and governance, where Romans 13 teaches that submission to governing authorities is an expression of commitment to God’s established order. By acknowledging that all authority stems from God, believers are called to show respect and obedience to civil laws and those in leadership roles. This idea emphasizes the belief that authority is instituted for the common good and the maintenance of societal order. In this context, submission becomes a testimony of faith, illustrating that trust in God’s sovereignty encompasses all areas of life, including civic responsibilities.
Additionally, in Colossians 3:18-20, the theme of submission is also mirrored in familial relationships, where various roles within the family unit serve to reflect God’s design for unity and love. Wives, husbands, children, and parents are each encouraged to fulfill their roles thoughtfully, underscoring an ecosystem of mutual submission that mirrors Jesus’ understanding of greatness as servitude. This portrayal of submission in family life is not about a hierarchical structure but rather emphasizes a shared devotion to God, fostering an atmosphere where each member chooses to serve and uplift the others. Here, submission is depicted as an essential aspect of Christian living, rooted in love and the desire to reflect Christ’s humility in all relationships. Thus, submission in the biblical context is multifaceted, representing an alignment with God’s order that prioritizes love, respect, and community.
Submission as an Act of Humility
In the Bible, submission is often portrayed as an expression of humility. It involves recognizing one’s place in relation to others and acknowledging the authority of God and those He has placed in positions of leadership. This humility is not a sign of weakness but rather a strength that reflects a willingness to serve and prioritize the needs of others over one’s own desires. By submitting, individuals demonstrate their trust in God’s plan and their commitment to living in harmony with others.
Submission in the Context of Relationships
Submission is also understood within the framework of relationships, particularly in the context of family and community. It emphasizes the importance of mutual respect, love, and support among individuals. In this sense, submission is not about domination or oppression but rather about fostering an environment where each person contributes to the well-being of the whole. This relational aspect highlights the call to love and serve one another, creating a foundation for healthy and nurturing interactions.
Submission to God’s Will
At its core, submission in the biblical context is fundamentally about surrendering to God’s will. It involves aligning one’s life with God’s purposes and trusting in His guidance. This submission is a recognition that God’s wisdom surpasses human understanding and that true fulfillment comes from following His path. By submitting to God’s will, believers express their faith and commitment to living a life that reflects His character and intentions for humanity.
How to Embody Christ-like Virtues in Daily Life
Embodying Christ-like virtues in our daily lives is a beautiful journey that begins with intentionality and a heart open to transformation. Start by immersing yourself in the Scriptures, allowing the teachings of Jesus to shape your thoughts and actions. Practice love and compassion in your interactions, whether it’s a kind word to a stranger or a listening ear for a friend in need. Embrace humility by recognizing that we all fall short and that grace is a gift we can extend to others. Make it a habit to serve those around you, reflecting Christ’s servant heart, and don’t shy away from forgiveness, as it frees both you and those who have wronged you. Remember, it’s in the small, everyday choices that we can truly reflect Christ’s light, so let each moment be an opportunity to live out His virtues with joy and sincerity.
Bible References to the Meaning of Submit:
Colossians 3:18-25: 18 Wives, submit to your husbands, as is fitting in the Lord.
19 Husbands, love your wives, and do not be harsh with them.
20 Children, obey your parents in everything, for this pleases the Lord.
21 Fathers, do not provoke your children, lest they become discouraged.
22 Bondservants, obey in everything those who are your earthly masters, not by way of eye-service, as people-pleasers, but with sincerity of heart, fearing the Lord.
23 Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men,
24 knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ.
25 For the wrongdoer will be paid back for the wrong he has done, and there is no partiality.
1 Peter 2:13-25: 13 Be subject for the Lord’s sake to every human institution, whether it be to the emperor as supreme,
14 or to governors as sent by him to punish those who do evil and to praise those who do good.
15 For this is the will of God, that by doing good you should put to silence the ignorance of foolish people.
16 Live as people who are free, not using your freedom as a cover-up for evil, but living as servants of God.
17 Honor everyone. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the emperor.
18 Servants, be subject to your masters with all respect, not only to the good and gentle but also to the unjust.
19 For this is a gracious thing, when, mindful of God, one endures sorrows while suffering unjustly.
20 For what credit is it if, when you sin and are beaten for it, you endure? But if when you do good and suffer for it you endure, this is a gracious thing in the sight of God.
21 For to this you have been called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you might follow in his steps.
22 He committed no sin, neither was deceit found in his mouth.
23 When he was reviled, he did not revile in return; when he suffered, he did not threaten, but continued entrusting himself to him who judges justly.
24 He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness. By his wounds you have been healed.
25 For you were straying like sheep, but have now returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls.
1 Peter 3:1-7: 3 Likewise, wives, be subject to your own husbands, so that even if some do not obey the word, they may be won without a word by the conduct of their wives,
3 Do not let your adorning be external—the braiding of hair and the putting on of gold jewelry, or the clothing you wear—
3 Do not let your adorning be external—the braiding of hair and the putting on of gold jewelry, or the clothing you wear—
3 Do not let your adorning be external—the braiding of hair and the putting on of gold jewelry, or the clothing you wear—
5 For this is how the holy women who hoped in God used to adorn themselves, by submitting to their own husbands,
6 as Sarah obeyed Abraham, calling him lord. And you are her children, if you do good and do not fear anything that is frightening.
7 Likewise, husbands, live with your wives in an understanding way, showing honor to the woman as the weaker vessel, since they are heirs with you of the grace of life, so that your prayers may not be hindered.
James 4:7-10: 7 Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.
8 Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded.
9 Be wretched and mourn and weep. Let your laughter be turned to mourning and your joy to gloom.
10 Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will exalt you.
Hebrews 13:17: 17 Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they are keeping watch over your souls, as those who will have to give an account. Let them do this with joy and not with groaning, for that would be of no advantage to you.
Romans 13:1-7: 1 Let every person be subject to the governing authorities.
2 Therefore whoever resists the authorities resists what God has appointed, and those who resist will incur judgment.
3 For rulers are not a terror to good conduct, but to bad. Would you have no fear of the one who is in authority? Then do what is good, and you will receive his approval,
4 for he is God’s servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not bear the sword in vain. For he is the servant of God, an avenger who carries out God’s wrath on the wrongdoer.
5 Therefore one must be in subjection, not only to avoid God’s wrath but also for the sake of conscience.
6 For because of this you also pay taxes, for the authorities are ministers of God, attending to this very thing.
7 Pay to all what is owed to them: taxes to whom taxes are owed, revenue to whom revenue is owed, respect to whom respect is owed, honor to whom honor is owed.
Titus 3:1-2: 1 Remind them to be submissive to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready for every good work,
2 to speak evil of no one, to avoid quarreling, to be gentle, and to show perfect courtesy toward all people.
1 Corinthians 11:3-16: 3 But I want you to understand that the head of every man is Christ, the head of a wife is her husband, and the head of Christ is God.
4 Every man who prays or prophesies with his head covered dishonors his head,
5 but every wife who prays or prophesies with her head uncovered dishonors her head, since it is the same as if her head were shaven.
6 For if a wife will not cover her head, then she should cut her hair short. But since it is disgraceful for a wife to cut off her hair or shave her head, let her cover her head.
7 For a man ought not to cover his head, since he is the image and glory of God, but woman is the glory of man.
8 For man was not made from woman, but woman from man.
9 Neither was man created for woman, but woman for man.
10 That is why a wife ought to have a symbol of authority on her head, because of the angels.
11 Nevertheless, in the Lord woman is not independent of man nor man of woman;
12 For as woman was made from man, so man is now born of woman. And all things are from God.
13 Judge for yourselves: is it proper for a wife to pray to God with her head uncovered?
14 Does not nature itself teach you that if a man wears long hair it is a disgrace for him,
15 but if a woman has long hair, it is her glory? For her hair is given to her for a covering.
16 If anyone is inclined to be contentious, we have no such practice, nor do the churches of God.
Philippians 2:3-11: 3 Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves.
4 Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.
5 Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus,
6 who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped,
7 but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men.
8 And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.
9 Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name,
10 so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth,
11 and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
1 Timothy 2:11-15: 11 Let a woman learn quietly with all submissiveness.
12 I do not permit a woman to teach or to exercise authority over a man; rather, she is to remain quiet.
13 For Adam was formed first, then Eve.
14 and Adam was not deceived, but the woman was deceived and became a transgressor.
15 Yet she will be saved through childbearing—if they continue in faith and love and holiness, with self-control.
1 Timothy 6:1-2: 1 Let all who are under a yoke as bondservants regard their own masters as worthy of all honor, so that the name of God and the teaching may not be reviled.
2 Those who have believing masters must not be disrespectful on the ground that they are brothers; rather they must serve all the better since those who benefit by their good service are believers and beloved.
1 Corinthians 16:15-16: 15 Now I urge you, brothers—you know that the household of Stephanas were the first converts in Achaia, and that they have devoted themselves to the service of the saints—
16 be subject to such as these, and to every fellow worker and laborer.
1 Peter 5:5-6: 5 Likewise, you who are younger, be subject to the elders. Clothe yourselves, all of you, with humility toward one another, for “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.”
6 Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you,
Reverend Ogunlade is a seasoned Church Minister with over three decades of experience in guiding and nurturing congregations. With profound wisdom and a serene approach, Reverend Ogunlade has carried out various pastoral duties, including delivering uplifting sermons, conducting religious ceremonies, and offering sage counsel to individuals seeking spiritual guidance. Their commitment to fostering harmony and righteousness within their community is exemplified through their compassionate nature, making them a beloved and trusted figure among the congregation.