SERMON SHORT FOR NOVEMBER 8th, 2020

SERMON SHORT FOR NOVEMBER 8th, 2020

A CELEBRATION OF DISCIPLINE – SUBMISSION

Philippians 2:1-11, Matthew 5:38-48

            I squirm to confront the discipline of submission this week. We are all too aware of how so much abuse has been suffered by people because others have asserted a distorted hierarchical definition of submission over them. The word “submit” conjures up images of defeat, dominance, violence. I don’t think I can completely dispel those negative images. But using Foster’s chapter on this discipline I hope to bring us to a clearer understanding of what submission means to the Christian and how it is actually a freeing rather than a restraining sensation.

          Submission, admits the rightful influence of others over us. It involves a humble understanding that “no one is an island.” To find a home in any community means we will be in relationship with others. To be committed to fellowship requires us to acknowledge that others have a say in what we do. Paul gave us a memorable expression on this, “Be subject to one another out of reverence for Christ” (Eph. 5:21).

          We have often seen this subjection become terribly garbled and abused. But Christ calls us to a more excellent way – a way of love and compassion, a way of submission and service.

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