Cornerstone Church,
I Peter 3:8-9 (NKJV)
8 Finally, all of you be of one mind, having compassion for one another; love as brothers, be tenderhearted, be courteous; 9 not returning evil for evil or reviling for reviling, but on the contrary blessing, knowing that you were called to this, that you may inherit a blessing.
Over the last few weeks we have been talking about the implications of having our salvation “Anchored in Eternity.” Last week we saw the freedom that a believer has in relation to submitting to unjust authorities and harsh task masters.
After addressing servants, slaves and citizens. Peter turns his instruction to the family. It is likely that Peter was answering specific questions brought to him by the church. What does a Christian wife do with an unbelieving husband, or a Christian husband do with an unbelieving wife. Peter’s answer is the same as it was for slaves, servants and citizens… Submit in Christ.
The concept of submission is often debated in our modern times and in our free country. The principle and practice of submission are just as relevant approaches today as they were centuries ago.
The secret to submission is two fold. First of all it is submission IN Christ. The leverage we have is that our salvation, our hopes and dreams are anchored in Eternity. We can submit on earth because our focus is heaven. The second secret is that submission is SELF Submission. It is an outflow of the will. We get to choose to be submissive. Because our salvation is secure, no one on earth can threaten us. We get to submit by choice.
You don’t believe me? Let me give you some examples. First of all, Jesus. He is the prime example of voluntary submission. He submitted to sinful mankind for our salvation. But wait, there’s more.
The verb “submit” in this passage has the noun of “you.” The Bible is saying “You” “Submit” Yourself.” We see the act of self submission in a few earthly examples. Example 1. You want the girl to marry you. You propose. What position do you ask the BIG question? That’s right… you take a knee. Willingly lowering yourself before the object of your affection. Example 2… You are going to be “Knighted…” You come before your king or queen, you kneel and they tap each shoulder with a sword. You willingly take this position for the great honor it is to be knighted. Example 3. You are playing football. Your team is in command. You have won, but there is time on the clock. Willingly you hike the ball and take the knee. What they call the victory formation. You willingly submit because the victory is already won.
As believers we can submit on earth because our inheritance is in heaven. We get to choose the position of submission because we have already won. Whether you are a slave, a servant, a citizen, a wife or husband. You can submit in love to others because your salvation, your hope is Anchored in Eternity.
- Pastor Joel Johns
I Peter 3:8-9 (NKJV)
8 Finally, all of you be of one mind, having compassion for one another; love as brothers, be tenderhearted, be courteous; 9 not returning evil for evil or reviling for reviling, but on the contrary blessing, knowing that you were called to this, that you may inherit a blessing.
Over the last few weeks we have been talking about the implications of having our salvation “Anchored in Eternity.” Last week we saw the freedom that a believer has in relation to submitting to unjust authorities and harsh task masters.
After addressing servants, slaves and citizens. Peter turns his instruction to the family. It is likely that Peter was answering specific questions brought to him by the church. What does a Christian wife do with an unbelieving husband, or a Christian husband do with an unbelieving wife. Peter’s answer is the same as it was for slaves, servants and citizens… Submit in Christ.
The concept of submission is often debated in our modern times and in our free country. The principle and practice of submission are just as relevant approaches today as they were centuries ago.
The secret to submission is two fold. First of all it is submission IN Christ. The leverage we have is that our salvation, our hopes and dreams are anchored in Eternity. We can submit on earth because our focus is heaven. The second secret is that submission is SELF Submission. It is an outflow of the will. We get to choose to be submissive. Because our salvation is secure, no one on earth can threaten us. We get to submit by choice.
You don’t believe me? Let me give you some examples. First of all, Jesus. He is the prime example of voluntary submission. He submitted to sinful mankind for our salvation. But wait, there’s more.
The verb “submit” in this passage has the noun of “you.” The Bible is saying “You” “Submit” Yourself.” We see the act of self submission in a few earthly examples. Example 1. You want the girl to marry you. You propose. What position do you ask the BIG question? That’s right… you take a knee. Willingly lowering yourself before the object of your affection. Example 2… You are going to be “Knighted…” You come before your king or queen, you kneel and they tap each shoulder with a sword. You willingly take this position for the great honor it is to be knighted. Example 3. You are playing football. Your team is in command. You have won, but there is time on the clock. Willingly you hike the ball and take the knee. What they call the victory formation. You willingly submit because the victory is already won.
As believers we can submit on earth because our inheritance is in heaven. We get to choose the position of submission because we have already won. Whether you are a slave, a servant, a citizen, a wife or husband. You can submit in love to others because your salvation, your hope is Anchored in Eternity.
- Pastor Joel Johns
Posted in Sermon Devotionals
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