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SUBMISSION

from Your Will to God's Will

Perhaps never before in history has there been so little respect for authority, especially in the United States of America. We live in a time when it seems that every rule is subject to challenge. A time when citizens openly and boldly ridicule their leaders publicly. Not to defend President Clinton's actions, but America's attitude was ever apparent during the impeachment hearings. Certainly, any leader, especially an elected one, must be held accountable for his or her's actions, but if the process is not done with dignity the respect, the office itself suffers damage. The partisanship involved in this situation sickened many Americans, as they witnessed one side try to minimize the seriousness of the President's actions, while the other side was trying to show that the charges were so serious that he should be removed from office.

Personally, I was hoping he would be removed from office, but knew that it is God who appoints and removes leaders. As we will see in this study, -there is no authority that has not been established by God, and that he who resists authority opposes the ordinance of God, for they are all ordained by God. "Ordain" means to "appoint" or "set in place." Though we should not follow them in sin nor condone their sinful behavior, God tells us not to even speak against our leaders.

America's police officers, established to serve and protect its citizens are routinely treated with disrespect. Often belittled, called names such as "pigs", and used as the butt of jokes. In times past, I myself have made the comment,- "He's in a hurry to get to the donut shop" as an officer in emergency alert sped by. Even if sometimes true, that was so disrespectful of me, and unfair to the families who have lost loved ones in serving and protecting citizens. They are regularly put into harm's way to serve us, with some getting killed, and we still tend to argue with them over a traffic ticket.

In our society, God has placed our leaders in authority, and our leaders govern through various agencies, including law enforcement. As citizens, God expects us to respectfully submit to them as long as they don't violate the rights given to us by the Constitution, or give us orders contrary to God's orders.

We live in the days of "I'm out of here!"

More than half of America's marriages end in divorce, with more than two-thirds failing in their second marriage.

So often it is heard by the wife,- "He's not going to tell me what to do. . .Nobody's going to tell me what to do!" Sadly, children can be heard to echo the same as they reach their teen years. Because of an independent, unsubmissive mind-set so many run away from home and end up involved in prostitution and on drugs or dead.

Most of America's children speak nicer and more respectful to their friends than to their parents.

And what pleases their peers often means more than what pleases their parents. God thundered from Mt. Sinai,- "Honor and Obey your Father and Mother so that your days on the earth will be prolonged." To "honor" means "to weigh heavily." What your parents say and how they want you to be should weigh heavily on you so as to cause you to do what is pleasing to them as long as it is not contrary to God's Word.

Notice that "father" was named before "mother", it is because the father is placed as the head of the family. A wife should never allow herself to be deceived into believing that her family does not need her husband as its head, for God has ordained the husband for that responsibility. A family where the husband is not the head stands outside the covering of God's blessing.

God's protective covering shelters like an umbrella, stand under it and be protected, move outside it and you are subject to satanic attack. God's covering is His shield of faith which extinguishes the Devil's fiery darts. (Ephesians 6) But a shield only works when you stay behind it. God's blessing is like a flow of water falling in a straight and narrow line, to receive the blessing you must be in line and directly under the flow. The blessing will not fall on you if you move outside the flow. Those out of line, or unruly, will not receive blessing and protection.

Because I am an artist, people sometimes say to me,- "I don't know how you are able to create such art, I can't even draw a straight line." To which I always reply,- "I can't either, that's why I use a ruler." I can draw "unruly" lines easily, but not "straight" lines without a ruler. The rule of faith for the Christian is the Bible, it shows us how to be straight and in line with God, and instructs us to admonish the unruly. In the family, God has placed the husband in authority over his wife, and both parents in authority over the children. Thus, God has placed the wife under submission to her husband and children under submission to their parents.

In the work-place we find employees submitting to their employers only out of fear of losing their jobs. For most, their heart is not in it, in fact many harbor a rebellious, insubordinate attitude toward their superiors and employers. Many go to their family members and friends with grumbling complaints about those over them at work. How often have you been told how incompetent a superior is, meaning how much better the person telling you could do the job? God expects us to give honor to our employers. The Apostle Paul even instructed slaves who had been converted to Christianity, to honor and submit to their masters, even if they were ill-treated by them.

The Church of God has similar problems with lack of submission. While attending two separate church conventions the past two years I had the privilege of hearing two heads of different ministerial organizations speak.. Each freely admitted publicly that they no longer gave corrective sermons. The reason, as one honestly said,- "People leave my church."

The "I'm out of here" attitude is alive and well in the churches.

Pastors find themselves with unruly members who will not accept correction.

Yet God has ordained Pastors not only to oversee and teach, but to correct.

So Pastors stand at the cross-roads of pleasing men or pleasing God. And the church stands at the cross-roads of submission or insubordination. Not that a Pastor has dominion over one's faith, or has the authority to dictate what your conviction must be. The Apostle Paul said brethren stand on their own faith, and instructed tolerance for minor differences in knowledge and understanding. But he also taught that the Church should "submit" (Gr. hupeiko-"yield to") to its leaders because they are held accountable to God for them. And, although Peter instructed Pastors not to lord it over the brethren, the church was told to hold them in "high honor", meaning their counsel should "weigh heavily" on the ears of those who hear.

Paul told the Hebrew Church to "Obey them", from the Greek Peitho meaning to "depend on", "trust in" and "have confidence in." One should never be a part of a fold in which the shepherd is not dependable or trustworthy, or a fold without a shepherd, for this is how Christ built His church. But we should understand that God calls His chosen, His "sheep", and that Jesus Christ, the Chief Shepherd has "under-shepherds" for every fold of His. Pastor and shepherd have the same meaning, so an assembly without a Pastor is like a flock without a shepherd.

If you are truly called by God to be one of His sheep, then understand that He has prepared a fold for you who is overseen by a under-shepherd. The Flock of God has enemies, and must be protected, just as a real flock must be protected. The shepherd is among the Flock to lead, watch over, minister to the needs of the injured or sick, and protect the sheep from predators.

Paul told the Ephesians, that leadership in the church is a gift from Christ. But so many today grumble and find fault with every thing their Pastor says or does. Sadly, they have a rebellious heart and discredit their Pastor in order to convince themselves he is not trustworthy or dependable; nor can confidence be put in him. This attitude always leads to malicious slander and when confronted about it they often say,- "I'm out of here!" All authority in the church and out is ordained by God, if one will not submit to their government, their employer, their husband, their parents, their Pastor, they stand in opposition to God.

My friends listen to these warnings from Jude, the brother of Jesus, and the Apostle Peter, concerning those insubordinate and marked out for condemnation. "Yet in the same manner these men, also by dreaming, defile the flesh, and REJECT AUTHORITY, and REVILE ANGELIC MAJESTIES. But Michael, the archangel, when he disputed with the Devil and argued about the body of Moses, DID NOT DARE PRONOUNCE AGAINST HIM A RAILING JUDGMENT, but said, "The Lord rebuke you." (Jude vs 8-9) Notice these are those who "reject authority" and disrespect angelic authority. Even God recognizes Satan's authority because He gave it to him. Christ will remove him at His return.

"The Lord knows how to rescue the godly from temptation, and to keep the unrighteous under punishment for the day of judgment, and especially those who indulge the flesh in its corrupt desires and DESPISE AUTHORITY. Daring, SELF-WILLED, they do not tremble when they REVILE ANGELIC MAJESTIES, whereas angels who are greater in might and power do not bring a reviling judgment against them before the Lord." (2 Peter 2:9-11) "Self-Willed" rather than God-Willed.

GOD COMMANDS SUBMISSION IN FIVE AREAS OF OUR LIFE

(1) To HIM personally (2) Government (3) Employer (4) Family (5) Church

Through Peter, God tells us to conduct ourselves in fear during the time of our stay upon the earth, carefully submitting to God and His instruction. (1 Peter 1:17)

His thoughts must become our thoughts,- we will ultimately move in the direction of our most dominate thought. (Proverbs 23:7) God cannot use a person that is not yielded to His way.

BIBLE TEXTS with COMMENTARY


SUBMISSION TO GOD

Matthew 22:35-38,- "And one of them, a lawyer, asked Him (Jesus) a question, testing Him, "Teacher, which is the great commandment in the Law? And Jesus answered, "YOU SHALL LOVE THE LORD YOUR GOD WITH ALL YOUR HEART, AND WITH ALL YOUR SOUL, AND WITH ALL YOUR MIND." This is the great and foremost commandment."

Commentary: This means learning to always put God first in everything. It means submitting to His will. It means to cherish Him and His Way in your heart, and having Him always on your mind. Do you ever caress your Bible and gently kiss it, realizing that you are holding the precious Word of God which is Jesus Christ, Himself, in written form? To know the Father and the Son is to adore them. Adoration of God brings forth the desire to please God through the obedience of faith.

God rejected Israel's first King because he did not wait on Samuel to arrive to present an offering to the Lord, but instead offered it himself. King Saul had been appointed King, but God had not authorized him to handle sacrifices to the Lord. Like the fallen angels who left their "proper abode" (Jude) and ascended to heaven, Saul left his abode as King and assumed the role of priest.

1 Samuel 15:22-23, "And Samuel said, "Has the Lord as much delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices as in OBEYING THE VOICE OF THE LORD? Behold, to OBEY IS BETTER than sacrifice, and to heed than the fat of rams. For REBELLION is as the sin of WITCHCRAFT, and STUBBORNNESS is as iniquity and IDOLATRY."

Commentary: "Stubbornness" (KJV) or "Insubordination" (NAS) in Hebrew means to "press in" or to put into our modern vernacular, "set your jaw." It is unwilling to submit to authority.

James 4:7, "SUBMIT therefore to God. Resist the Devil and he will flee from you.

Acts 5:27-29, "And when they (Apostles) had brought them, they stood them before the Council. And the high priest questioned them, saying, "We gave you strict orders not to continue teaching in this name (Jesus), and behold, you have filled Jerusalem with your teaching, and intend to bring this man's blood upon us." But Peter and the apostles answered and said, "WE MUST OBEY GOD RATHER THAN MEN."

Commentary: This was of course after Jesus' death. While still alive, Jesus had instructed His disciples to submit to this same Council, the Sanhedrin, saying "Do as they say, but not what they do, for they are hypocrites!" After Jesus' resurrection He appeared to His disciples and commanded them to take His teachings to the whole world. Here in Acts, they were faced with submitting to the will of the Council or submitting to the will of Christ, they rightly chose Christ.

The night of His betrayal and arrest, Jesus was deeply grieved knowing the suffering that was lying ahead of Him. After the Passover He went into the garden to pray and to ask the Father if there was another way of saving you and me.

Matthew 26:36-39,- "Then Jesus came with them to a place called Gethsemane and said to His disciples, "Sit here, while I go over there and pray." And He took with Him Peter and the two sons of Zebedee, and began to be grieved and distressed. Then He said to them, "My soul is deeply grieved, to the point of death; remain here and keep watch with Me." And He went a little beyond them, and fell on His face and prayed, saying, "My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from Me; yet NOT AS I WILL, but as YOU WILL."

Commentary: Our Lord did not have to lay down His life to save us, but because of His great love for us He did. He knew it was the Father's will, but the option was still His. (Isaiah 53:10) Jesus could have called thousands of angels at any moment. But had He not laid down His sinless life, all who have ever lived would have been lost forever. He was in such agony and mental distress, that He sweated great drops of blood (Luke 22:44) as He said, "Not My will Father, but Yours be done." Jesus SUBMITTED Himself to be beaten, mocked and cruelly nailed to a cross.

1 Corinthians 15:24-29,- "Then comes the end, when He delivers up the kingdom to the God and Father, when He has abolished all rule and all authority and power. For He must reign until He has put all His enemies under His feet. The last enemy that will be abolished is death. For He has put all things IN SUBJECTION UNDER HIS FEET. But when He says, "All things are put in SUBJECTION." it is evident that He (The Father) is excepted who put all things in SUBJECTION to Him (Jesus). And when all things are SUBJECTED to Him, then the SON, HIMSELF ALSO WILL BE SUBJECTED TO THE ONE (the Father) WHO SUBJECTED ALL THINGS TO HIM, that God may be all in all."

Commentary: Here we see that after Jesus brings all things under submission to His will, God the Father will arrive (Rev.21) and Jesus will once again defer to the Father, placing the kingdom at His feet, and submitting to His will. This attitude of Jesus is the attitude God desires in us as we will see in the following passage.

Philippians 2:5-16,- "HAVE THIS ATTITUDE in yourselves WHICH WAS ALSO IN CHRIST JESUS, who, although He existed in the form of God, did not regard equality with God a thing to be grasped, (selfishly held onto) but emptied Himself, taking the form of a bond-servant, and being made in the likeness of men. And being found in the appearance as a man, He HUMBLED HIMSELF by becoming OBEDIENT to the point of DEATH, even DEATH ON A CROSS. Therefore also God highly exalted Him, and bestowed on Him the name which is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those who are in heaven, and on earth, and under the earth, and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. So then, my beloved, just as you have always OBEYED, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your salvation with FEAR AND TREMBLING; for it is God who is at work in you, both to will and to work for His good pleasure. Do all things WITHOUT GRUMBLING or DISPUTING; that you may prove yourselves to be BLAMELESS and INNOCENT, children of God above reproach in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you appear as lights in the world, holding fast the word of life, so that in the day of Christ I may have cause to glory because I did not run in vain nor toil in vain."

POINTS TO REMEMBER The Great Commandment is the very first one, to Love the Lord with all your HEART, SOUL and MIND. To OBEY and SUBMIT to God is better than the sacrifices we may make. Rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft. Stubbornness is as the sin of idolatry. Resist the devil and he will flee from you. When there is a conflict, OBEY GOD instead of men. But remember, God did not say be rebellious toward all other authority God has ordained. Jesus had told His disciples to submit to the Jewish Council previously. Jesus submitted to the Father even unto death on the cross saying, "Your will be done, Father." Jesus will bring everything and everyone into submission at His return, then submit Himself to the Father when He arrives. We are to have His same attitude in us. Work out our own salvation with fear and trembling. Do all things without grumbling or disputing.

SUBMISSION TO OUR GOVERNMENT

Romans 13:1-7,- "Let every person be in SUBJECTION to the GOVERNING AUTHORITIES. For there IS NO AUTHORITY EXCEPT FROM GOD, and those which exist are ESTABLISHED BY GOD. Therefore he WHO RESISTS authority has OPPOSED the ORDINANCE OF GOD; and they who have opposed will RECEIVE CONDEMNATION upon themselves. For rulers are not a cause of fear for good behavior, but for evil. Do you want to have NO FEAR OF AUTHORITY? DO WHAT IS GOOD. But if you do what is evil, be afraid, for it does not bear the sword for nothing; for IT IS A MINISTER OF GOD, an avenger who brings wrath, but also for conscience sake. For because of this you also pay taxes, for RULERS ARE SERVANTS OF GOD, devoting themselves to this very thing. Render to all what is due them; tax to whom tax is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honor to whom honor."

Commentary: As Christians we are commanded to submit to the law of the land, and its leaders. That all authority is established and honored by God. Our governmental agencies are actually called "ministers of God." So God has not only placed ministers in the Church but in the land also. Those who oppose will receive condemnation.

Titus 3:1-2,- "Remind them to be SUBJECT TO RULERS, to AUTHORITIES, to be obedient, to be ready for every good deed, to malign no one, to be uncontentious, gentle, showing every consideration for all men."

1 Peter 2:13-17,- "SUBMIT YOURSELVES for the Lord's sake to EVERY HUMAN INSTITUTION, whether to a KING AS ONE IN AUTHORITY, or to GOVERNORS as sent by him for the punishment of evildoers and the praise of those who do right. For such is the WILL OF GOD that by doing right you may silence the ignorance of foolish men. Act as free men, and do not use your freedom as a covering for evil, but use it as bondslaves of God. Honor all men; love the brotherhood, fear God, HONOR THE KING."

POINTS TO REMEMBER: Every person is to be SUBJECT to the government. ALL AUTHORITY is established BY GOD. Those who oppose this teaching oppose God and will receive condemnation. The government is a MINISTER OF GOD. Rulers are SERVANTS OF GOD. Submit to taxation.

SUBMISSION IN THE WORK PLACE

These Scriptures we will apply to Employee, Employer relationships are those given for Masters, Slaves.

1 Peter 2:18-21,- "Servants, BE SUBMISSIVE to your masters with all respect, not only to those who are good and gentle, but also to those who are unreasonable. For this finds favor, if for the sake of conscience toward God a man bears up under sorrows when suffering unjustly. For what credit is there if, when you sin and are harshly treated, you endure it with patience? But if when you do what is right and suffer for it you patiently endure it, this finds favor with God. For you have been called for THIS PURPOSE, since Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example for you to follow in His steps."

Ephesians 6:5-9,- "Slaves, BE OBEDIENT to those who are your masters according to the flesh, with fear and trembling, in the SINCERITY OF YOUR HEART, as to Christ; not by way of eyeservice, as men-pleasers, but as slaves of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart. With good will, render service, AS TO THE LORD, and not to men, knowing that whatever good things each one does, this he will RECEIVE BACK FROM THE LORD, whether slave or free. And, Masters, do the same things to them, and give up threatening, knowing that both their Master and yours is in heaven, and there is no partiality with Him."

Colossians 3:22-25,- "Slaves, IN ALL THINGS OBEY those who are YOUR MASTERS on earth, not with external service, as those who merely please men, but with sincerity of heart, FEARING THE LORD. Whatever you do, do your work heartily, as for the Lord rather than for men; knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance. It is the Lord Christ WHOM YOU SERVE. For he who does wrong will receive the consequences of the wrong which He has done, and that without partiality."

POINTS TO REMEMBER: Employees are to be SUBMISSIVE to their Employers. Employees should treat their Employers with RESPECT. Even if you are mistreated, bear it, for "you were called for this purpose." SUBMITTING to your Employers is "following in Christ's footsteps." Employees obey your Employers with "SINCERITY OF HEART", not merely to PLEASE THEM, but because it PLEASES GOD. SUBMISSIVE Employees will be REPAID by God. Work for them as if you were working FOR GOD. Employers are to treat their Employees fairly, knowing that the True Master is over both Employee and Employer, and will show no partiality at judgment.

SUBMISSION IN THE FAMILY

Exodus 20:12,- "HONOR your father and your mother, that you days may be prolonged in the land which the Lord your God gives you."

Matthew 15:3-4,- "Why do you yourselves (Pharisees and Scribes) transgress the commandment of God for the sake of your tradition? For God said, HONOR YOUR FATHER AND MOTHER, and, HE WHO SPEAKS EVIL (Curses) OF FATHER OR MOTHER, let him be PUT TO DEATH!"

Commentary: Notice that Jesus told the Pharisees and Scribes which were GROWN MEN that they were still under obligation to "HONOR" their parents. And whoever would dare "SPEAK EVIL" of their parents were worthy of death. To "HONOR" means to weigh heavily or greatly esteem. "SPEAK EVIL" here in the NAS is translated "CURSES" in the KJV from the Hebrew Qalal meaning to make small or lightly esteem. (Jesus was quoting Exodus 21:17) So what Jesus was saying to these grown men is that if they made small or lightly esteemed the desires and needs of their parents they were breaking the fifth commandment and were worthy of death. You will never reach the age where you are no longer obligated to HONOR your parents.

Ephesians 6:1-4,- "Children, OBEY YOUR PARENTS in the Lord, for this is right. HONOR your father and mother (which is the first commandment with a promise) that it may be well with you, and that you may live long on the earth. And fathers, do not PROVOKE YOUR CHILDREN to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord."

Colossians 3:18-21,- "WIVES be SUBJECT to your HUSBANDS as is fitting in the Lord. HUSBANDS love your WIVES, and do not be embittered against them." "CHILDREN, be OBEDIENT to your PARENTS in ALL THINGS, for this is WELL-PLEASING to the LORD."

Ephesians 5:22-31,- "WIVES, BE SUBJECT to YOUR HUSBANDS, as to the Lord. For the HUSBAND is the HEAD of the WIFE, as Christ is the Head of the Church, He Himself being the Savior of the Body. But as the Church is SUBJECT TO CHRIST, so also the WIVES ought to be to their HUSBANDS IN EVERYTHING."

"HUSBANDS, LOVE YOUR WIVES, just as CHRIST ALSO LOVED THE CHURCH and gave Himself up for her; that He might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the Word, that He might present to Himself the Church in all her glory, having no spot or wrinkle or any such thing; but that she should be holy and blameless."

"So HUSBANDS ought also to LOVE THEIR OWN WIVES as their own bodies. He who loves his own wife loves himself; for no one ever hated his own flesh, but NOURISHES and CHERISHES it, just as Christ also does the Church, because we are members of His Body."

"For this cause a man shall leave his father and mother, and shall cleave to his wife; and the two shall become one flesh."

Commentary: Wives are commanded to SUBJECT themselves to their Husbands in "everything", in the Lord, of course. Husbands are commanded to LOVE THEIR WIVES, "nourishing and cherishing" them, realizing that they are "one flesh." Wives are not to examine their Husbands so as to find fault, saying "you don't love me as Christ commanded you", for God has placed him as the head of the one flesh joined. Christ answers to the Father, a Husband answers to his Head, which is Christ and a Wife answers to her Husband.

Breaking God's line of authority is never accepted by God. A wife may suffer unjustly as a slave may as we read earlier, but must bear it patiently, for it pleases the Lord.

King Saul offered sacrifice because Samuel was not there at the time scheduled, but God still considered it an act of rebellion and rejected Saul, because he was usurping Samuel's authority.

At judgment, Husbands will answer for how they cared, provided and guided their wives, and Wives will answer for how submissive or unsubmissive they were to their Husbands. And Husbands, you cannot give what is not yours to give, thus don't deceive yourselves into believing that you can give your Wife the authority to act as the head of your home, as if by YOUR permission. Those who do this live in a home where both Husband and Wife are out of their proper abode.

GODLY SUBMISSION is a BEAUTIFUL THING to witness.

It is UNITY, PEACE and HARMONY in action.

It produces COOPERATION.

IT IS HONORABLE TO BE UNDER SUBMISSION TO HIM WHO PLACED HIMSELF UNDER THE SUBMISSION OF THE CROSS FOR US.

1 Peter 3:1-9,- "In the same way, you WIVES, be SUBMISSIVE to your own HUSBANDS so that even if any of them ARE DISOBEDIENT TO THE WORD, they may be WON WITHOUT A WORD by the BEHAVIOR of their Wives, as they observe your chaste and RESPECTFUL BEHAVIOR."

"And let not your adornment be merely external -braiding the hair, and wearing gold jewelry, and putting on dresses; but LET IT BE the HIDDEN PERSON of the heart, with the imperishable quality of a GENTLE and QUIET SPIRIT, which is PRECIOUS in the SIGHT OF GOD. For in this way in former times the HOLY WOMEN also , who hoped in God, used to adorn themselves, BEING SUBMISSIVE to their own HUSBANDS. Thus Sarah OBEYED ABRAHAM, calling HIM LORD, and you have become her children if you do what is right without being frightened by any fear."

"You Husbands likewise, live with your Wives in AN UNDERSTANDING WAY, as with a WEAKER VESSEL, since she is a woman; and GRANT HER HONOR as a fellow-heir of the grace of life, so that YOUR PRAYERS MAY NOT BE HINDERED."

"To sum up. Let all be HARMONIOUS, SYMPATHETIC, BROTHERLY, KIND-HEARTED, and HUMBLE IN SPIRIT; not returning evil for evil, or INSULT for INSULT, but giving a BLESSING INSTEAD; for you were called for the very purpose that you might inherit a blessing."

Commentary: The Apostle Peter instructs Wives to be SUBMISSIVE even if their Husbands are not obeying the Word. And to win them WITHOUT A WORD. God has not authorized a Wife to argue with her Husband, but to remain RESPECTFUL toward him in hope of winning him with her CHASTE BEHAVIOR.

Wives are to pay much more attention to the adornment of the hidden person of the heart, clothing themselves with a GENTLE, QUIET SPIRIT.

A Husband is to strive to UNDERSTAND his Wife, to be sensitive to her feelings. He is to esteem her highly and hold her in honor as an equal-heir of the kingdom of God.

Personally, I respect my wife, Treon more than any person I have ever met. It is because she has adorned herself with these imperishable qualities and has the purest heart I know. I truly hold her in honor, and feel honored myself for God allowing me to share the last 27 years of my life with such a woman. Though I realize that she may very well receive a greater reward in the Kingdom, we both know she will not if she rebelled against the order God has placed in the family today.

Deuteronomy 21:18-21,- "If any man has a STUBBORN and REBELLIOUS SON who will NOT OBEY HIS FATHER or HIS MOTHER, and when they CHASTISE HIM, he WILL NOT even LISTEN to them, then his father and mother shall seize him, and bring him out to the elders of his city at the gateway of his home town. And they shall say to the elders of his city, "This son of ours is STUBBORN and REBELLIOUS, he WILL NOT OBEY us, he is a glutton and a drunkard" Then all the men of his city SHALL STONE HIM TO DEATH; so you shall REMOVE THE EVIL from your midst, and all Israel shall hear of it and fear."

Commentary: If you are a parent, you are probably very thankful that you did not live during that time. But this illustrates how God views STUBBORNNESS and REBELLION in children towards parents. And God says, "For I , the Lord, do not change." (Malachi 3:6) and - "Jesus Christ is the same YESTERDAY and TODAY, yes and FOREVER."(Hebrews 13:8)

Notice that this man spoken of is not likely just a child, because he is "a glutton and a drunkard", yet he is still under his parents authority.

Notice also, as Jesus said, "He was worthy of death." Death by stoning was necessary to "remove the evil from their midst." The leaven (sin) of REBELLION, STUBBORNNESS and DISOBEDIENCE would spread to others if it were not removed. We will either remove it from ourselves, or be removed with it, out from the congregation of God.

Proverbs 6:20-23,- "My son, observe the commandment of your father, and do not forsake the teaching of your mother. Bind them continually on your heart; Tie them around your neck. When you walk about, they will GUIDE YOU; When you sleep, they will watch over you; And when you awake, they will talk to you. For the commandment is a LAMP, and the teaching IS LIGHT; And REPROOFS for discipline are the way of life."

Proverbs 13:24,- "He who spares his rod hates his son, But he who loves him disciplines him diligently."

Proverbs 23:13-14,- "Do not hold back discipline from the child. Although you beat him with the rod, he will not die. You shall beat him with the rod, and deliver his soul from Sheol (hell).

Proverbs 29:15,- "The rod and reproof give wisdom. But a child who gets his own way brings shame to his mother."

Commentary: God clearly commands parents to discipline their children. Children learn submission to God, Government, Work Place and the Church, first in the family.

Proverbs 22:6,- "Train up a child in the way he should go, even when he is old he will not depart from it."

Commentary: Parents responsibilities transcend that of merely providing financially for their children,- but are instructed to TRAIN their children in the WAY THEY SHOULD GO. Which means, Parents don't let their children GO IN A DIRECTION THEY SHOULD NOT GO. Christians are not to be conformed to the world but to Christ, teaching their children the right way which is almost always contrary to the ways of the world.

POINTS TO REMEMBER: Grown people are commanded to HONOR their parents. Children are commanded to HONOR and OBEY their parents. One who "speaks evil" (curses)of his parents is worthy of death. To speak evil can simply mean to esteem lightly. Wives are to submit to their Husbands. A Husband is the HEAD of his Wife. Husbands love your Wives dearly. Husbands, honor your Wives. Husband and Wife are one flesh joined by God, -let no one get between them. Wives, adorn yourselves with the precious quality of a gentle and quiet spirit. Wives, don't correct your Husbands. Children, don't correct your parents. God hates rebellion, stubbornness and disobedience toward Parents. A Parent's teaching is a light to their children. Don't withhold the rod of discipline when it is needed. A child that gets its own way brings shame to his mother. Train children in the way they should go.

HOW CHRIST BUILT HIS CHURCH

1 Corinthians 12:27-30,- "Now you are Christ's Body, and individually members of it. And GOD HAS APPOINTED in the CHURCH, first APOSTLES, second PROPHETS, third TEACHERS, then MIRACLES, then gifts of HEALINGS, HELPS, ADMINISTRATIONS, various kinds of TONGUES. All are not Apostles are they? All are not Prophets, are they? All are not Teachers, are they? All are not workers of miracles are they? All do not have gifts of healings, do they? All do not speak with tongues, do they? All do not interpret, do they?"

Commentary: Notice that these gifts are "appointments by God." As the human body has many different parts fulfilling various important functions, the Church, the "Body" of Christ does also. Notice Verses 18-20,- "But now GOD HAS PLACED the members, each one of them, in the Body, just AS HE DESIRED. And if they were all one member,(same body part) where would the Body be? But now there are many members, but one Body."

Ephesians 4:4-8,- "There is ONE BODY and ONE SPIRIT, just as also you were called in one hope of your calling; one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all who is over all and through all and in all." "BUT to EACH one of us GRACE was given ACCORDING TO THE MEASURE OF CHRIST'S GIFT. Therefore it says, -When He ascended on high, He led captive a host of captives, and HE GAVE GIFTS TO MEN."

Verses 11-16,- "And HE GAVE some as APOSTLES, and some as PROPHETS, and some as EVANGELISTS, and some as PASTORS and TEACHERS for the equipping of the Saints for the work of service, to the BUILDING UP OF THE BODY OF CHRIST, until we all attain the UNITY of the FAITH, and of the KNOWLEDGE of the Son of God, to a mature man, to the measure of the stature which belongs to the fullness of Christ.

AS A RESULT we are no longer to be children tossed here and there by waves, and carried about by every wind of doctrine by the trickery of men, by craftiness in deceitful scheming; but speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in all aspects into Him, who is the HEAD, even CHRIST, from whom the WHOLE BODY, being fitted and held together by that which every joint supplies, according to the PROPER WORKING of each individual part, CAUSES THE GROWTH OF THE BODY, for the BUILDING UP OF ITSELF in love."

Commentary: Ephesians 2:19-22 says that the Church is built upon the foundation of the APOSTLES and PROPHETS, with CHRIST being the CORNER STONE. 1 Peter 2, says that the members of the Church are LIVING STONES. Notice that APOSTLES, PROPHETS, EVANGELISTS, PASTORS and TEACHERS are "GIFTS" from Christ, placed in His Church to "equip", "build up", "bring unity to the Church", "cause growth in the Body", and protect the flock from false teachers and their"deceitful scheming."

Titus 1:5-12,- "For THIS REASON I left you in Crete, that you might SET IN ORDER what remains, and APPOINT ELDERS in EVERY CITY, as I directed you, namely, if any man be above reproach, the husband of one wife, having children who believe, not accused of dissipation or rebellion."

"For the OVERSEER must be above reproach as GOD'S STEWARD, not self-willed, not quick-tempered, not addicted to wine, not pugnacious (overly argumentative), not fond of sordid gain (covetous), but hospitable, loving what is good, sensible, just, devout, self-controlled, holding fast the faithful Word which is in accordance with the teaching, that he may be able both to exhort in sound doctrine and to refute those who contradict."

For there are MANY REBELLIOUS men, empty talkers and DECEIVERS especially those of the circumcision (Jews), WHO MUST BE SILENCED because they are upsetting whole families, TEACHING THINGS THEY SHOULD NOT TEACH, for the sake of sordid gain (coveting what God has not given them stewardship over)."

Commentary: An Overseer (Pastor) is "God's Steward" because the Lord has placed His beloved sheep into his care to watch over, guide in sound teaching and protect against false teachers. Notice one of the roles of an Overseer is to "silence" them. 1 Peter 5:3 says Jesus, the Chief Shepherd has ALLOTTED His sheep into the care of under-shepherds.

Paul served as Pastor in Ephesus for three years before he departed for Jerusalem to answer charges against him. Before he left he had a tearful meeting with the Elders (Overseers/Pastors/Shepherds) which is recorded in Acts chapter 20.

Acts 20:28-31,- "BE ON GUARD for yourselves and for all THE FLOCK, among which THE HOLY SPIRIT HAS MADE YOU OVERSEERS, to SHEPHERD the Church of God which He purchased with the blood of His Own.(Jesus) "

" I know that after my departure SAVAGE WOLVES will come in among you, NOT SPARING THE FLOCK; and from AMONG YOUR OWN SELVES men will arise SPEAKING PERVERSE THINGS, to DRAW AWAY the disciples after them."

"Therefore be on the alert, remembering that night and day for a period of three years I did not cease to admonish each one with tears."

Commentary: Notice that Paul said that the "holy spirit" had made these men "shepherds" of God's "flock" which He purchased with the "blood" of His own SON, Jesus. That is, the ability to serve in that capacity was given to them as a "gift" from Christ, the Chief Shepherd. We also see, that a "shepherd" like a "sheep" can become a "savage wolf." Thus, if a Pastor begins to "speak perverse things" the sheep must realize that he is no longer their shepherd, and that he, himself is no longer following the direction of the Chief Shepherd,- the sheep must then leave his fold as they no longer "recognize his VOICE" as a true under-shepherd of Christ. (John 10)

We understand by this passage that Christ, through a gift of the holy spirit makes a man an Overseer of His flock, -and by the passage in Titus by what fruits he would be recognized by. (see also 1 Timothy 2:1-7)

Men and Women that exhibit the "gift" of Deacons and Deaconesses, likewise will show the fruits mentioned earlier concerning Pastors (Elders). Deaconesses who serve under their Pastor are to be dignified, not malicious gossips, temperate and faithful in all things. They must be able to teach the younger women and set a godly example for them to follow. (1 Timothy 3:10-11)

Deaconesses are to receive honor in the assembly as leaders among the women of the Church. They are to teach their fellow sisters in Christ to be humble and submissive to their husbands, receive instruction quietly as women making a claim to godliness in all dignity, and give proper direction in modesty in dress and attitude. (1 Timothy 2:9-15)

1 Corinthians 14:34-35,- "Let the WOMEN KEEP SILENT in the Churches; for they are NOT PERMITTED TO SPEAK, but let them SUBJECT THEMSELVES, just as the Law also says." "And if they desire to learn anything, let them ask their own husbands at home; FOR IT IS IMPROPER FOR A WOMAN TO SPEAK IN CHURCH."

Notice Verse 38, "But if any one DOES NOT RECOGNIZE THIS, HE IS NOT RECOGNIZED."

1 Timothy 2:11-12,- "Let a woman QUIETLY receive instruction with ENTIRE SUBMISSIVENESS. But I do not allow a woman to TEACH or exercise AUTHORITY over a man, but to remain QUIET."

Commentary: Sisters, humbly receive this instruction with joy, putting your faith in Him from whom the command came from. For He, Himself submitted to the will of His Father and suffered death on the cross. It is God's right to make "vessels" for various and different purposes. The "pot" has no right to say to the "Master Potter", -"WHY have you made me thus?" (Romans 9) You are still an equal heir of the kingdom.

Don't allow the Devil to deceive you into believing that you "deserve better", for not one of us deserves anything but death. In so doing, you would be proclaiming that God is "unjust." (Romans 9:14,19)

Women receive "gifts" to serve as "Deaconesses" "Prophetesses", "Teachers" (of other women), "Helps", "Tongues", "Discernment of Spirits", etc.

But they leave their "proper abode" (Jude vs 6) when they usurp the authority to teach during services, or give instruction to men. Understand clearly, that this is not a commandment of men, but of God. Nevertheless, let every "gift" be held in high honor, and give honor to all, men and women alike.

1 Timothy 3:13,- "For those who have served well as Deacon(esses) obtain for themselves a HIGH STANDING and great confidence in the faith that is in Christ Jesus."

SUBMISSION IN THE CHURCH OF GOD

2 Corinthians 1:21-24,- "Now He who established us (church leaders) with you in Christ and anointed us (for their role) is God, who also sealed us and gave us the spirit in our hearts as a pledge. But I call God as witness to my soul, that to spare you I came no more to Corinth. Not that we lord it over your faith, but are workers with you for your joy; for in your faith you are standing firm."

Commentary: God has placed leadership in His Church but NOT FOR THE PURPOSE OF LORDING IT OVER THEIR FAITH, but workers for their joy. No one has the right to ENFORCE THEIR CONVICTION upon their brethren. There has to be room for TOLERANCE, for individual feelings in the assembly.(Romans 14) But the responsibility to teach still lies with those Christ has placed in that role, so likewise, a member of the flock must tolerate their shepherd's teaching that they may not perfectly agree with as long as it isn't a "perverse thing." Remember James said, "Let not MANY of you BECOME TEACHERS, because it is only the PERFECT MAN that NEVER STUMBLES." (Chapter 3)

All teachers teach error on occasion, because Jesus was the only perfect man. We all see where we were wrong periodically as we grow unto the mature man in Christ. But the Church should always remember that it was Christ who placed him in the role of teaching, and Christ is well aware that he will not always be perfect in his teaching. So, don't take issue with it unless you are confident that the Chief Shepherd has removed His "gift" from the teacher. God may be testing your loyalty and faith in Him. You may find yourself leaving one whom God has not.

Remember, in a REAL SHEEP FOLD, sheep examine the shepherd to ensure he is not an imposter, but they have no "staff" or "rod", the shepherd has them. And he uses them as tools to gently guide the flock in the right direction, and as weapons against the enemies of the flock. Sheep never attack, they may leave but they never attack the shepherd, only beasts such as wolves attack the shepherd or his flock.

1 Peter 5:1-4,- "Therefore, I exhort the Elders among you, as your fellow-Elder and witness of the suffering of Christ, and a partaker also of the glory that is to be revealed, SHEPHERD THE FLOCK of God among you, not under compulsion, but voluntarily, according to the WILL OF GOD; and not for sordid gain, but with eagerness; nor yet as LORDING OVER those ALLOTTED to YOUR CHARGE, but proving to be EXAMPLES TO THE FLOCK." "And when the CHIEF SHEPHERD appears, you will receive the unfading crown of glory."

Commentary: Notice that the Lord's Shepherd is to serve as a godly example for the Flock. Notice also, that the Lord's sheep are "ALLOTTED" to the charge of one of His under-shepherds. Shepherds are to submit to God and perform their duty "voluntarily", -it is not an easy responsibility, for as we have read, there are "many rebellious" who "despise authority" of any kind. Many convince themselves that because of the abundance of "hirelings" (John 10) that they don't need a Pastor for their fold. But Jesus, the Good Shepherd will never leave His sheep without a shepherd, they are a necessary part of the Body of Christ.

1 Corinthians 12:17-21,- "If the whole Body were an eye where would the hearing be? If the whole were hearing, where would the sense of smell be?"

"But now GOD HAS PLACED the members, each one of them, in the Body, JUST AS HE DESIRED."

"And if they were all one member, where would the Body be? But now there are many members, but ONE BODY." "And the eye CANNOT SAY to the HAND, "I have NO NEED OF YOU," or again the HEAD to the FEET, "I have NO NEED OF YOU." ("We don't need a "Pastor", "Deacon(esse)", or other spiritual gifts)

Verse 25,- "There should be NO DIVISIONS in the BODY, but that the member should have the same care for one another."

Commentary: Each part that God has placed in His Church, the Body of Christ, is necessary and important. We should not have the attitude that we "don't need" what God has deemed necessary. There is much "division" in the Churches because of this. A Hireling will run from the wolf and ALLOW the Lord's sheep to be scattered, but sheep who act as wolves and "strike their shepherd" also scatter and become prey for the beasts of the field.(Matt.26 / John 10)

Mark 6:34,- "And disembarking, He (Jesus) saw a great multitude, and HE FELT COMPASSION for them, BECAUSE they were like SHEEP WITHOUT A SHEPHERD." Jesus knew well the need for His sheep to be shepherded by a loyal, compassionate servant.

1 Timothy 5:17-21,- "Let the ELDERS who rule well be considered worthy of double honor, especially those who work hard at preaching and teaching."

"For the Scripture says, "You shall not muzzle the ox while he is threshing", and "The Laborer is worthy of his wages."

"Do not receive an accusation against an Elder except on the basis of two or three witnesses. Those who continue in sin, rebuke in the presence of all, so that the rest also may be fearful of sinning."

Commentary: Notice that it is God's will that Shepherds rule (guide and direct) well, are to be treated with honor and respect. Don't "muzzle the ox" because the "Laborer" is worthy of his "wages." Notice Galatians 6:6,- "And let the one who is taught the Word share all good things with him who teaches." 1 Corinthians 9:11,14,- "If we sowed spiritual things in you, is it too much if we should reap material things from you?. . .So also the Lord directed those who proclaim the gospel to get their living from the gospel."

1 Corinthians 16:15-16,- "Now I urge you, brethren (you know the household of Stephanas that they were the first fruits of Achaia, and that they have devoted themselves for ministry to the saints), that you also be in subjection to such men and to everyone who helps in the work and labors."

1 Thessalonians 5:12:18,- "But we request of you, brethren, that you appreciate those who diligently labor among you, and have charge over you in the Lord and give you instruction, and that you esteem them very highly in love because of their work."

"Live in peace with one another. And we urge you, brethren, admonish the unruly, encourage the fainthearted, help the weak, be patient with all men."

"See that no one repays another with evil for evil, but always seek after that which is good for one another and for all men."

"Rejoice always; Pray without ceasing; in everything give thanks, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus."

Hebrews 13:17,- "Obey your leaders, and submit to them, for they keep watch over your souls, as those who will give an account. Let them do this with joy and not with grief, for this would be unprofitable for you."

Commentary: "Obey" here is from the Gr. "Peitho" meaning to "depend on", "trust in" or "have confidence in." "Submit" is from the Gr. "Hupeiko" meaning "to yield to" or "surrender to."

Brethren, don't become easily angered at your Pastor because he says something that rubs you the wrong way, remember, He is going to have to give account to the Lord for how he watched over His sheep.

IN CLOSING: Remember, all authority comes from, and is ordained by, God. Let us find JOY in submission, knowing that in so doing we are pleasing Him who laid down His precious life for us. Amen

Jesus is Lord. Blessed be His Name!