The scripture setting for this message is found in Ephesians 5:15-21, focusing on verse 21:
Submitting yourselves one to another in the fear of God (KJV).
In the Word of God, there are few scriptures that explicitly state guidelines and expectations for the family. However, in Ephesians, Paul addresses the foundational principle of successful relationships—that foundational principle is submission. Submission is leveraging time, talent, and treasure to the benefit of our family.
When we submit to our family, we take our mission and put it in second place. Paul identifies four relationships in the family where submission is key:
4. Parent’s submission to their children (Ephesians 6:4)
We submit ourselves one to another out of fear (reverence) to God. Jesus died on the cross so we could live. He put His own agenda aside; He was last, so we could be first. Jesus’ example of submission was for the church–but, when God created the church, He had the family in mind.
In each family relationship, we all can ask each other “How can I help?” By placing our family’s needs before our own, we are following Christ’s example of submission—loving others more than ourselves.
