Sermon by Fr. Carl Smith
Suffering and Glory Series
My message today was on "Suffering in (Pagan) Society," with a heavy focus on the subject of submission. This is not a popular topic, but I think it is foundational to our discipleship as well as a crucial posture for living Christianly in the world. Here are some questions that should generate some thoughtful and impactful discussion this week:
Discussion Questions:
- Does the topic of submission cause a negative reaction in you? If so, what do you think is the basis of that reaction? (E.g., is it cultural, bad experiences, or what?).
- Do you think more about Jesus Christ as your "Savior" or as your '"Lord"? What is the difference to you?
- Do you think submission to someone requires that you trust them? If not, what does it require? Or, what does submission entail and look like for you?
- Do you think about Christianity as a revolutionary religion? If so, in what sense or manner is it revolutionary? Do you think that it advocates political violence?
- Do you have the sense that submitting to God first and foremost gives you freedom to submit to others? Is it difficult for you to honor those to whom you are called to submit?
- Do you view Jesus as an example for you in terms of suffering and submission? What does this look like practically for your life?
- Does the challenge to "entrust your soul to him who judges justly" seem like a helpful way to embrace submission and suffering? What difference would this make?
- In what ways might submission promote the mission of Jesus Christ? Does "putting to silence the ignorance of foolish men" sound missional to you?
- Think of your most difficult relationship for you to embrace submission. What might "doing good" look like in that relationship?
