Week 4: Submission and Obedience

Spiritual Discipline: Submission and Obedience

Submission is difficult.

In an American culture that promotes independence and egocentrism, the very idea of needing to submit to anyone other than ourselves is contrary to our way of life. We’ve been told to “pull yourself up by your bootstraps” or “nothing is ever free” as a way to remind each other that only you can determine your success.

But, here’s the truth. We were created for relationships. We were designed for community. When we look beyond ourselves, we begin to see how important relying on one another actually is for a Christ-glorifying life. That requires submitting to one another—not in a hierarchical way, but in a mutual love, humble, respectful manner. Submission puts aside our pride. It reflects God’s nature. Sometimes, submitting means giving something up, taking something on, or relying on someone else. Submission means we put others before ourselves.

I think I find submission difficult for one reason: submission requires humility. And I struggle with humility. How about you?

—Bryan Haley

Scriptures and Confessions

“This, then, is how you should pray:

“‘Our Father in heaven,

hallowed be your name,

your kingdom come,

your will be done,

on earth as it is in heaven.

Give us today our daily bread.

And forgive us our debts,

as we also have forgiven our debtors.

And lead us not into temptation,

but deliver us from the evil one.’”

—Matthew 6:9-13

Q123. What does the second petition mean?

A. “Your kingdom come” means: Rule us by your Word and Spirit in such a

way that more and more we submit to you. Preserve your church and make it grow. Destroy the devil’s work; destroy every force which revolts against you and every conspiracy against your holy Word. Do this until your kingdom fully comes, when you will be all in all.

Q124. What does the third petition mean?

A. “Your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven” means: Help us and all people to reject our own wills and to obey your will without any back talk. Your will alone is good. Help us one and all to carry out the work we are called to, as willingly and faithfully as the

angels in heaven.

Q125. What does the fourth petition mean?

A. “Give us this day our daily bread” means: Do take care of all our physical needs so that we come to know that you are the only source of everything good, and that neither our work and worry nor your gifts can do us any good without your blessing. And so help us to give up our trust in creatures and trust in you alone.

Songs of Reflection

I Surrender  (Lyrics)

I Surrender All (Lyrics)

We Fall Down (Lyrics)

For Kids: Practicing Submission

Inviting: the Lord is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and rich in love. (Psalm 145:8)

Stilling: In the silence, ask the Holy Spirit to help you pay attention to God.

Bible Reading: Isaiah 64:3-6, 8-9

Long ago you [God] did some wonderful things we didn’t expect.

You came down and the mountains trembled

when you showed your power.

No one‘s ears have ever heard of a God like you.

No one’s eyes have ever seen a God who is greater than you.

No God but you acts for the good

of those who trust him.

You come to help those who enjoy doing what is right.

You help those who thank you for teaching them how to live.

But when we continued to disobey you,

you became angry with us.

So how can we be saved?

All of us have become like someone who is “unclean.”

All the good things we do are like dirty rags to you.

All of us are like leaves that have dried up.

Our sins sweep us away like the wind.

Lord, you are our Father.

We are the Clay. You are the potter.

Your hands made all of us…

Please have mercy on us.

All of us belong to you.

Dwelling: What pictures come to mind when we hear these bible verses? What might the spirit be showing us?

Praying: Potter God, we are your clay. But We’ve become stiff and dry in our sin and tough to work with. But even rocky mountains tremble and soften when you are near. Come and shape our hard hearts into something soft and beautiful. In the power of Jesus’ grace we pray. Amen.