Submission- Part #1
This topic is not always a popular one. Why? Probably because submission is an "old fashioned" term and even Christian women in modern day America don't care much for it and don't spend the time in biblical study to know that is a clear command from God.
First let's look at what the dictionary says about submission...........
sub·mit (sb-mt)v. sub·mit·ted, sub·mit·ting, sub·mits v. tr.
1. To yield or surrender (oneself) to the will or authority of another.
2. To subject to a condition or process.
3. To commit (something) to the consideration or judgment of another. See Synonyms at propose.
4. To offer as a proposition or contention: I submit that the terms are entirely unreasonable.
The first definition states "To yield or surrender (oneself) to the will or authority of another". This is an excellent definition! Women are the weaker vessels and are therefore held under less authority than the men.
1Titus 2:11-13 A woman must 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. For it was Adam who was first created, and then Eve.
Genesis 3:16 To the woman He said, "I will greatly multiply Your pain in childbirth, In pain you will bring forth children; Yet your desire will be for your husband, And he will rule over you."
1Peter 3:5-7 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; just as 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 in the same way, live with your wives in an understanding way, as with someone weaker, since she is a woman; and show her honor as a fellow heir of the grace of life, so that your prayers will not be hindered.
The Greek word for "submissive" here is...
ὑποτάσσω
to subordinate; reflexively to obey: - be under obedience (obedient), put under, subdue unto, (be, make) subject (to, unto), be (put) in subjection (to, under), submit self unto.
This does not mean he can boss you around and make you his slave. This does not mean he can beat on you and force you to do things that are against the Word of God. This does not mean you have no say-so in anything. It does however mean that he has the ultimate authority over the decisions of the home, of the children and of you. You have every right to express your opinions and concerns with him, but he is held responsible for your well being as well as your children's. God will hold him accountable for the way he has conducted his responsibility as head of household. There's no need to fear being taken advantage of.
What does it mean to submit? Well, back to the definition....."To yield or surrender (oneself) to the will or authority of another". This can mean so many things, but basically this can pour into your conversations with him, your conversations with your friends and family (when talking about him), in the decisions he makes, in physical things (ex. him driving the car, requesting seats in a restaurant or his opinion on what you should wear, etc.) and his position to have spiritual leadership. Your attitude towards these things is critical. God layed these out for a purpose. As a man, your husband has got to feel his authority in the home. It's his God given role and so many women can't let go of control and rob their marriage of the biggest blessing God has given! When we fulfill our duties as we are commanded to, your husband can fulfill his. It is NOT conditional either. Your submissiveness is based solely on what God has commanded you to do, not on your husband's part in the process. If he not fulfilling his duties, than that is something that needs to be discussed with your elder or pastor. It is not your responsibility to put him in his place.
This doesn't simply mean to "yes dear" him to death like a robot. It HAS to be in your heart. It's all about your attitude and how you look at it. If you struggle with this, I strongly suggest praying for God to give you a heart for submission in all things. If your submission to God is there, most likely your submission to your husband should be as well. You may fail, and we all do, but let this be your passion. Strive to LOVE your submission to your husband. It's a choice. God is glorfied through this! You will see the joy this brings to your marriage in ways you never thought. I do believe this type of attitude should start well before marriage. It should be practiced while courting as well (to a certain degree, I will elaborate more on this in part #2).
In part #2, I will discuss HOW to submit. I will give practical examples and bibical references. If you would like to read about this topic in deapth I highly recommend Created to Be His Help Meet by Debi Pearl or The Excellent Wife by Martha Peace ( I would take this book with a grain of salt as some of the things she says can be a bit harsh. Use your discretion... all in all your bible should be the biggest source of information).
First let's look at what the dictionary says about submission...........
sub·mit (sb-mt)v. sub·mit·ted, sub·mit·ting, sub·mits v. tr.
1. To yield or surrender (oneself) to the will or authority of another.
2. To subject to a condition or process.
3. To commit (something) to the consideration or judgment of another. See Synonyms at propose.
4. To offer as a proposition or contention: I submit that the terms are entirely unreasonable.
The first definition states "To yield or surrender (oneself) to the will or authority of another". This is an excellent definition! Women are the weaker vessels and are therefore held under less authority than the men.
1Titus 2:11-13 A woman must 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. For it was Adam who was first created, and then Eve.
Genesis 3:16 To the woman He said, "I will greatly multiply Your pain in childbirth, In pain you will bring forth children; Yet your desire will be for your husband, And he will rule over you."
1Peter 3:5-7 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; just as 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 in the same way, live with your wives in an understanding way, as with someone weaker, since she is a woman; and show her honor as a fellow heir of the grace of life, so that your prayers will not be hindered.
The Greek word for "submissive" here is...
ὑποτάσσω
to subordinate; reflexively to obey: - be under obedience (obedient), put under, subdue unto, (be, make) subject (to, unto), be (put) in subjection (to, under), submit self unto.
This does not mean he can boss you around and make you his slave. This does not mean he can beat on you and force you to do things that are against the Word of God. This does not mean you have no say-so in anything. It does however mean that he has the ultimate authority over the decisions of the home, of the children and of you. You have every right to express your opinions and concerns with him, but he is held responsible for your well being as well as your children's. God will hold him accountable for the way he has conducted his responsibility as head of household. There's no need to fear being taken advantage of.
What does it mean to submit? Well, back to the definition....."To yield or surrender (oneself) to the will or authority of another". This can mean so many things, but basically this can pour into your conversations with him, your conversations with your friends and family (when talking about him), in the decisions he makes, in physical things (ex. him driving the car, requesting seats in a restaurant or his opinion on what you should wear, etc.) and his position to have spiritual leadership. Your attitude towards these things is critical. God layed these out for a purpose. As a man, your husband has got to feel his authority in the home. It's his God given role and so many women can't let go of control and rob their marriage of the biggest blessing God has given! When we fulfill our duties as we are commanded to, your husband can fulfill his. It is NOT conditional either. Your submissiveness is based solely on what God has commanded you to do, not on your husband's part in the process. If he not fulfilling his duties, than that is something that needs to be discussed with your elder or pastor. It is not your responsibility to put him in his place.
This doesn't simply mean to "yes dear" him to death like a robot. It HAS to be in your heart. It's all about your attitude and how you look at it. If you struggle with this, I strongly suggest praying for God to give you a heart for submission in all things. If your submission to God is there, most likely your submission to your husband should be as well. You may fail, and we all do, but let this be your passion. Strive to LOVE your submission to your husband. It's a choice. God is glorfied through this! You will see the joy this brings to your marriage in ways you never thought. I do believe this type of attitude should start well before marriage. It should be practiced while courting as well (to a certain degree, I will elaborate more on this in part #2).
In part #2, I will discuss HOW to submit. I will give practical examples and bibical references. If you would like to read about this topic in deapth I highly recommend Created to Be His Help Meet by Debi Pearl or The Excellent Wife by Martha Peace ( I would take this book with a grain of salt as some of the things she says can be a bit harsh. Use your discretion... all in all your bible should be the biggest source of information).
posted by Stacey at 10:24 PM
5 Comments:
That is very good. I haven't commented in a while but see that you have a great new design. I realize that it is very hard for women to understand that God has a place for them. It is a special place, but also requires a quiet spirit. Through your presence, women influence history. In times it is also required that women stand up for what is right, like in the story of David, where the quick act of a women saved her whole household, including her evil husband. I would like to feature your article in my lifestyle section located at my new website. freewebs.com/religionplus
I would be most grateful for your permission,
Thanks!
Yes that is fine :-)
Fab post!! :)
Great, I will see if I can fit it in. I am featuring another article at my blog and will be sure to post it at both places soon.
Great Post!! It is a great encouragement to read your blogs and see your evident ferver for the things of Christ. I had one question regarding the book suggestion by Martha Peace. It has been a long time since reading it. I really enjoyed the book and highly recommend it. What in your opinion seemed harsh about her book? Also have you ever read "Helper by Design" by Elyse Fitzpaterick. Great readings here. In Christ,
April
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