The Sacredness Of Submission

The Sacredness Of Submission

Text: Rom.12: 1-2

Intro: The philosophy of our world today seems to be summed up in the phrase made popular in the 60’s: “Do your own thing.” The basic idea of that philosophy was individualism; just be yourself; throw off the antiquated restrictions of the past and be free. The problem is society has expanded on this 60’s idea somewhat in our day, so that it means, “Submit to no one; you are your own boss, and no one has the right to tell you what to do.”

Though there is much to be said for individualism, the attempt to throw off all restraints, whether ancient or modern, has lead to the lack of discipline in our school system, a legal system run amok in chaos, and in reduced productivity in our nation’s corporations.

The world system says, “Do your own thing.” God says, “Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time” (I Pet.5: 6). The Scriptures are very clear about the fact that the Christian is not to be a self-seeking person, but a submissive person. Submissiveness is precisely what Paul is addressing in our text.

Submission to God is the key to the Christian’s success in life. Yet many of God’s children have never wholly surrendered themselves to the Lord. Their lives are spiritually unproductive, self-centered, and confused. They selfishly want God’s blessings, but only as long as it does not require them to take their hands off the controls of their lives. The fact is God does not operate His kingdom on the “do your own thing” philosophy. If we want success in our walk with God, we must submit to His Lordship and rule.

Submission to God is a sacred thing, for it is a pivotal point in the Christian’s life. Submission to God is the starting point of Christian maturity, and continues to be a decision we face everyday.

Today we will examine what the Apostle Paul had to say on this sacred subject.

Theme: The sacredness of submission is seen by:

I. THE PLEA FOR SUBMISSION

A. This Plea Is Extended By Beseeching.

Rom.12: 1a “I beseech you therefore…”

NOTE: The idea of this phrase is, “I beg of you, please” (Kenneth S. Wuest, Wuest’s Word Studies From The Greek New Testament, published by Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Company, Grand Rapids, Michigan; Romans In The Greek New Testament, pg. 204). Paul realizes the great importance of submitting to God. So much so that he literally begs the saints to submit themselves.

B. This Plea Is Extended To The Brethren.

Rom.12: 1b “…I beseech you therefore, brethren…”

NOTE: Paul is obviously addressing Christians here. The lost certainly cannot be expected to submit themselves to God, since the Bible says, “…The carnal mind is enmity (in opposition) against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be” (Rom.8: 7).

C. The Plea Is Extended On Mercies’ Basis.

Rom.12: 1c “I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God…”

NOTE: [1] The word “therefore” directs the reader back to the content of the previous chapters in which Paul spoke of the justification, sanctification, and glorification of the saints through the death and shed blood of Christ. God saved us by no merit of our own, and then provided us the wherewithal to serve Christ in the same manner. It was all of grace; not of works (Eph.2: 8-9). You see folks; it was the “goodness of God” that led us to repentance and salvation (Rom.2: 4).

[2] What a shame that Paul should have to beg Christians to submit themselves to the God, who has justified them in spite of their sins, sanctified them—set them apart for the Savior’s service, and who will one day glorify them with Christ.

II. THE PRESENTATION IN SUBMISSION

A. It Involves Sacrifice.

Rom.12: 1d “…present your bodies a living sacrifice…”

NOTE: [1] The word “present” simply means, “to put at one’s disposal” (Ibid, pg. 205). Too many Christians hold on to the mistaken idea of, “It’s my life. I can do what I want to with it.” God’s Word reveals just the opposite.

I Cor.6: 20 “For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s.”

[2] The word “bodies” actually refers to more than this outer shell we walk around in.

The word “bodies,” mindful of the Old Testament sacrifices, represents the totality of one’s life and activities, of which his body is the vehicle of expression (John F. Walvoord and Roy B. Zuck, Editors, The Bible Knowledge Commentary, New Testament edition, published by Victor Books, Wheaton, Illinois; pg. 487).

[3] Andrew Murray said, “God is ready to assume full responsibility for the life wholly yielded to Him.”