I Corinthians 11:3 But I would have you know, that the head of every man is Christ; and the head of the woman is the man; and the head of Christ is God.

Ephesians 5:22 Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as unto the Lord.

23 For the husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is the head of the church: and he is the saviour of the body.

24 Therefore as the church is subject unto Christ, so let the wives be to their own husbands in everything.

I Peter 3:1 Likewise, ye wives, be in subjection to your own husbands; that, if any obey not the word, they also may without the word be won by the conversation of the wives;

2 While they behold your chaste conversation coupled with fear.

3 Whose adorning let it not be that outward adorning of plaiting the hair, and of wearing of gold, or of putting on of apparel;

4 But let it be the hidden man of the heart, in that which is not corruptible, even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price.

5 For after this manner in the old time the holy women also, who trusted in God, adorned themselves, being in subjection unto their own husbands:

6 Even as Sara obeyed Abraham, calling him lord: Whose daughters ye are, as long as ye do well, and are not afraid with any amazement.

Ephesians 6:1 Children, obey your parents in the Lord: for this is right.

Colossians 3:20 Children, obey your parents in all things: for this is well pleasing unto the Lord.

MEMORY VERSE: Submitting yourselves one to another in the fear of God. —Ephesians 5:21

CENTRAL THOUGHT: As Christ in His human nature submitted Himself unto God, so the man is in submission to Christ, the wife submits herself to her husband, and the children are to be in submission to their parents.

WORD DEFINITIONS

I Corinthians 11:3 “Head”: lord; ruler; a cornerstone, uniting two walls. Anything supreme; chief; prominent. “The head of Christ is God”: not as to his Divine nature, for in that they are equal and of the same essence; but as touching His human nature and his capacity as Mediator, Christ prayed to God the Father, yielded to Him, and obeyed Him even unto death.

Ephesians 5:21, 22 and 24; I Peter 3:1 and 5 “Submitting; submit; is subject; subjection;” (also Titus 2:5 “Obedient”): I place myself under; to subject to. “Properly, under God’s arrangement, i.e. submitting to the Lord (His plan)” —Helps Word Studies

23 “Savior”: deliverer; preserver.

I Peter 3:1 “Conversation”: conduct; behavior; manner of life

2 “Chaste”: free from defilement; pure. “Fear”: reverence for authority, rank or dignity.

6 “Amazement”: terror; dismay; nervous excitement. These verses teach the vital element of trust in God in the matter of submission.

LESSON BACKGROUND

Paul wrote to the Corinthians many admonitions concerning private and public worship and the proper deportment and conduct of worshipers; he also dealt with matters of the relationship between husbands and wives. The verse from the eleventh chapter describes the divine order that has been in place since the creation of man and the institution of the home. Our focus today is on the concept of the man’s submission to Christ and the wife being subject to her husband.

The rest of our lesson contains Paul’s further teachings of a wife’s submission to her husband, his manner toward her as not only head, but savior—deliverer and preserver—and the obedience God commands for children to give to their parents.

Peter wrote teachings along this line also. He instructs both wives and husbands to treat each other with much honor and respect, citing Old Testament example women of holiness, especially Sarah and her husband Abraham.

The memory verse gives an important secret for all relationships, especially in the family: mutual submission and yielding to the needs, desires, and requests of each other. This is the attitude that brings peace and harmony within the home.

–Sis. Angela Gellenbeck

DISCUSSION:

1. The Head of Every Man: When a man is living with Christ as his head, how will that affect his attitudes, actions, and words toward his wife?
2. The Head of the Woman: Modern women in general have rebelled against this vital teaching. How will obedience to this principle affect a wife in her attitudes, actions, and words toward her husband?
3. Chain of Command: Explain how the failure of a husband and father to submit to Christ, and the failure of a wife and mother to submit to her husband will negatively affect the children, who should be brought into submission and obedience as well.

    

    

   COMMENTS AND APPLICATION

Submission is truly a wonderful treasure of the godly home. Sadly, it has been misunderstood, disregarded, misused, and abused by many people.

The wicked abuse of women in the name of godly authority is truly appalling; the consequence is that women then justify rebellion and have turned away from godliness and Christianity in disgust. A further ripple effect is that the children are also left to rebellion.

Certainly the Lord intended that the husband’s obedience to Him, and his heart’s consent to lay down his life for his wife, put down his own selfish desires, and nourish, cherish and honor his wife, would create the atmosphere of submission in his home, making it a joy for his wife to reverence him, and providing positive motivation for the children to follow as well.

The beauty in these Scriptures is that the heart, not just outward control, is involved. Note the very words (as referenced in Word Definitions): subject, submit, submitting, obedient—have to do with a voluntary heart surrender. “I place myself under.” When this is in the heart, there may be difficulties, there will most certainly be times of battle where one must pray through to victory; but the heart’s consent is already won. The Lord won. It is unto Him. It is in faith. It is trusting Him to work things out when I feel I am submitting blindly, and maybe to my hurt.

Remember that a godly home is our goal. Mutual submission is one of the vital elements of that goal.

—Sis. Angela Gellenbeck

REFLECTIONS

The spirit of submission is obviously something that can be practiced by each member of the family. This creates a happy and harmonious home. While meditating on this subject, it seems that there are a few key ingredients that can be helpful in bolstering this kind of environment:

The Importance of Prayer: “The family that prays together stays together.” While praying individually is a necessary part of our personal devotion to the Lord, it is also needful to pray collectively as a family. Praying together is a wonderful time to learn how to bring our needs to the Lord, as well as thanking him for all that he has done in our lives. This is something that can bepracticedbyeachmemberofthefamily;itshouldnotalwaysbeleftuptotheparentstodo. I have heard some sweet prayers from the mouths of little children, as they have an innocent and pure faith.

The Power of Repentance: “I’m sorry.” While the Lord has placed parents to be the authority over their children, it does not mean that there will be no mistakes made. Just as no child is perfect – no parent is perfect either. When the father or mother makes an incorrect call of decision, judgment or discipline, it is completely okay to say, “I’m sorry”. This also works well with the husband and wife to each other and children to their parents or siblings. Repentance practiced by each member of the family goes a long way toward building a consistent and strong relationship.

The Necessity of Service: “Each for the other and all for the Lord.” No matter what position you hold in the family, remember to serve one another well.  Acts of courtesy and a good dose of manners should be commonly exercised between each other. Words of derision, sarcasm or harmful teasing should cease. Look for ways to make life easier for one another. A helping hand with an unsavory chore, a sweet note in a lunch bag or a favorite dish prepared with love – all of these expressions of service lead to a healthy and happy home environment.

Building a strong and harmonious family unit is no small task. It takes a lot of time and humility. It is not for the slothful or the faint hearted, but the benefits are reaped from time to eternity. May you too enjoy the benefits of a “home sweet home.”

–Sis. LaDawna Adams