Description

27/07/2025 - Jody Destry

Reclaiming a healthy, Christlike vision of submission that leads to freedom, peace, and flourishing.

Key Scriptures:

Isaiah 30:15–18

Ephesians 5:21–25

John 5:19, John 16:13–14, John 5:22–23

Luke 22:42 (“Not my will, but yours be done.”)

James 4:7, Psalm 37:5

Big Idea:

Submission often carries baggage — misunderstood as weakness or misused to justify control – but Scripture reveals a better way.

Submission is woven into the very nature of God: Father, Son, and Spirit live in a divine rhythm of mutual love, honour, and deference. Jesus models submission not as defeat, but as strength — surrendering to the Father’s will for the sake of our redemption.

God’s call to submission is not about losing voice or value. It’s about finding peace and purpose in trusting the One who knows us best and loves us most.

Like Judah in Isaiah 30, we often run to false security and control when we’re afraid — but God calls us back:

“In repentance and rest is your salvation, in quietness and trust is your strength.”

(Isaiah 30:15)

Submission isn’t passivity. It’s a posture of active trust. When we lay down control, we make space for God’s peace, clarity, and power to work in and through us.

Key Takeaways

1/ Submission is rooted in the Trinity — God models mutual submission in love (John 5:19; 16:13–14).

2/ Submission is a strength, not a weakness — it takes courage to trust and let go.

3/ Submission requires trust — which can feel risky in a world of broken authority.

4/ God’s vision is freedom and flourishing — not control or oppression.

5/ Rebellion isn’t just cultural — it’s spiritual — like Judah, we resist God’s way, often to our own harm. Jesus shows us the way — “Not my will, but Yours be done.”

Reflection Questions

1. Where in your life are you grasping for control rather than trusting God?
2. Has your understanding of submission been shaped more by culture or by Christ?
3. What would it look like to say “Not my will, but Yours” in this season of your life?
4. How could mutual submission strengthen your relationships?
5. Are there areas where pride or fear has kept you from yielding in love?
6. How does seeing submission in the Trinity reshape your understanding of God’s nature?
7. Why is submission essential to Christian community (Ephesians 5:21)?

Prayer:

God, I confess the places where I’ve held too tightly to control. Help me surrender my way and trust Your wisdom. Teach me the beauty of mutual submission — with You, and with others — so I might walk in peace, strength, and love. Amen.