Message Notes for May 3, 2020

Series: Finding Strength

Title: Finding Strength to Submit to Another

Series Verse: Philippians 4:13 I can do all things through him who strengthens me.

Worldly submission is about law, obligation, and consequence.

Biblical submission is about grace, honor, love and harmony.

The Bible speaks of submission to leaders, spouse, older people, bosses, governmental authorities.

Hebrews 13:17, Titus 3:1, 1 Corinthians 16:15-16, Ephesians 5:22-28, 1 Peter 5:5, Colossians 3:22-24, 1 Peter 2:13-14, Romans 13:1-7.

Why does God have us submit to Him and to others?

Ephesians 5:21 Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ.

1. To revere Christ. Ephesians 5:21, Luke 22:42, John 13

2. To change us.

3. To value others. Philippians 2:3-8

4. To live harmoniously.

5. To protect us. James 4:7-10

How does God strengthen us to submit?

1. Through Prayer.

2. Through seeking Biblical greatness. Luke 22:24-26

Worldly Submission = Who do I have to serve?

Godly Submission = Who do I get to serve?

Family/Group Study Notes for the Week of May 3, 2020

Series: Finding Strength

Title:  Finding Strength to Submit to Another

• When you think of submitting, who are the hardest people for you to submit to?  Why do you think this is so?  Why is submission difficult?

• What is the definition of submission – in a worldly sense?  In a Godly sense?  What are some Biblical synonyms for or adjectives describing submission?

• Read Ephesians 5:21. Where does submission need to begin?  Why? Once we decide to submit to God and His will, what happens in us?  To us?

• Read Philippians 2:3-8.  Reread verse 3.  When have you “counted others more significantly than yourself”?  How did that feel?  What impact did your humility make in the situation and with the people involved?  What changed in you?  Was your day/life more or less harmonious?  In what way?

• Read James 4:7-10.  How are submission and God’s protection connected?  Can you think of a time in your own life to illustrate this point?

• Luke 22:24-26 describes Biblical greatness.  What can you do this week to strive for Biblical greatness?  What exactly will that look like?  How can you be strengthened for Biblical greatness? 

• Gather in small groups (2-3), share prayer praises and requests, and pray for each other to find strength in God this week to submit and show others Biblical greatness.