8/2/2019 CoD - Ch 8 Submission

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CELEBRATION OF DISCIPLINEBY R I C H A R D J . F O S T E R

FINDING FREEDOM IN SUBMISSION

What freedom corresponds to submission? It is the ability to lay down the terrible burden of always

needing to get our own way. The obsession to demand that things go the way we want them to go isone of the greatest bondages in human society today. p.111

Where is the bondage in wanting things your way? What happens internally when things dont go your way?

When we seek submission we are actually surrendering our will so that we may:

1. Truly serve and unconditionally love other people.2. Lose ourselves so we might find ourselves in Christ.

BIBLICAL WITNESS

y Mark 8:34-35y Colossians 3:18-24y Ephesians 5:18-21y Philemon 8-20y Philippians 2:1-8

THE CALL TO SUBMISSION

1. Why would Paul instruct slaves to submit? Did they really have a choice?a. We are called to inner submission, that of attitude. Col 3:22

2. What did Jesus teach and demonstrate as an example of Leadership?a. and whoever humbles himself will be exalted. Matt 23:1-12

RADICAL TEACHINGS

Calling the subordinate to submission-

The revolutionary thing about this teaching is that these people, to whom first-century culture

afforded no choice at all, are addressed as free moral agentsThe gospel had challenged all second-

class citizenships, and they knew it. Paul urged voluntary subordination not because it was their station

in life, but because it was fitting in the Lord p.118

Calling the dominate to submission-

What we fail to see is how much submission those commands demanded of the dominant partner in

his cultural setting. For a first-century husband, father, or master to obey Pauls injunction would make

a dramatic difference in his behavior. The first-century wife, child, or slave would not need to change

one whit to follow Pauls command. If anything, the sting of the teaching falls upon the dominant

partner. p. 119

8/2/2019 CoD - Ch 8 Submission

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THE ONESIMUS EXAMPLE

Perhaps the most perfect illustration of revolutionary subordination is found in Pauls tiny letter to

Philemon p. 119

Read Philemon vs 8-20

Do we dare understate our call to willingly submit for the cause and witness of Christ?

THE 7ACTS OF SUBMISSION

1. To a God the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit yielded daily to Lordship and leading2. To Scripture hear and obey3. Family to look after the needs of our family above ourselves4. Neighbors simple goodness5. The church local and the Church universal we cannot do everything but we can do some things6. The Helpless and Undefended - to lift and love the widows and orphans7.

The World to live as a responsible citizen

REFLECTION AND CHALLENGES

1. What areas of your life are you trying to exert your own will? Do you need to surrender pride and selfishness?2. Meditate this week on what Christ is trying to say to you through Matthew 16:25-26