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Loyalty and Submission (Part 1)

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

Submission is a vital component of loyalty, deeply tied to the concept of meeting duties or obligations to persons or conditions to which one feels legally bound. Finding oneself in subjection and following through in submission is crucial to becoming one, whether with God or with one's spouse. Human nature, driven by self-centeredness and a desire to control, often resists this subjection, influenced by satan, infusing pride into both genders to defend or dominate within a union. Subjection, as outlined in biblical instruction, is essential to loyalty and requires placing oneself under the authority of righteousness with devoted affection. It demands significant faith, humility, and self-control. The term "submit" can be translated as either submit or subject, indicating a state of being under the power or authority of another, owing obedience or allegiance. Loyalty absolutely depends on being in subjection, as exemplified by Adam and Eve, who, when tested, chose to be subject to satan rather than to God, resulting in disloyalty and ultimately death. Loyalty equals life, while disloyalty equals death. God, as Creator, has established a line of authority to remove confusion and create order in virtually every circumstance. All of mankind is accountable for recognizing His authority, seen clearly in creation, and is condemned if not subject to Him. Jesus willingly subjected Himself to His Father, and all authority we are to be subject to is His delegated authority from the Father. This authority extends through civil governments, to which we must be subject, as resistance to them is akin to resisting God Himself, unless commanded to break a commandment. Within the church, subjection is a general rule for establishing and maintaining peace and order, applicable to all, regardless of gender. It plays a role in various aspects of life, including employment, family discipline, and marital relations, where husband and wife are subject to each other in specific contexts. The line of authority flows from the Father through the Son to mankind, distributed specifically through various roles, with responsibilities of subjection shifting between genders as needed. Godly leadership and subjection utilize the same attributes of character, meaning that regardless of gender, one in godly subjection is already a leader. When placed in a position of direct leadership, the same knowledge and character attributes apply, making one effective in that role. God produces leaders through subjection, contrary to fears that it leads to weakness or slavery; instead, it sets one free in the end. These attributes are not dependent on gender or age but are shared by all Christians, making one a better husband or wife through the basic principles of Christianity applied to marriage. As slaves to righteousness, freed from the wages of sin and bondage to satan, Christians are not free to sin or be disloyal. Subjection to God as Master demands undivided allegiance, tested through obedience in relations with government, institutions, employment, and family. Our loyalty to Him is proven by this subjection, reflecting the love and loyalty He has shown us through His sacrifice.

Loyalty and Submission (Part 2)

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

Subjection to God is a vital principle that prepares us for life and leadership in the Kingdom of God. It does not enslave but frees, producing success in various endeavors such as marriage or work. Jesus Himself exemplified this by always doing what pleased the Father, showing that loyal subjection to God's truth brings freedom and success, even overcoming death. In contrast, Adam and Eve subjected themselves to satan rather than God, resulting in death. Success and leadership stem from following God's instructions, as seen in various illustrations. Just as a student must accept a teacher's truth to succeed in mathematics, or athletes must submit to a coach's disciplined methods to achieve victory, subjection to God's way ensures a positive outcome in life. Subjection to God is required regardless of the situation or the authority over us, as all authority flows from the Father through Christ. Our faith is in Him, and we submit because He instructs it, even in uncomfortable circumstances. Jesus demonstrated this by subjecting Himself to the Father unto death, achieving resurrection and leadership. In marriage, subjection to God is crucial for both husbands and wives. A husband's relationship with God hinges on his subjection to Him, not on his wife's behavior. If a man neglects this subjection, his prayers are hindered, cut off from reaching God. Similarly, a wife's subjection to her husband is proper and right because God commands it, implying no inferiority but reflecting her faith and relationship with Him. Subjection to God's instructions, whether in marriage or other roles, produces blessings of order, peace, and accomplishment. Righteousness, defined as doing what God assigns, brings peace and satisfaction, essential for success. By subjecting ourselves to Him, we show we are God-centered, pleasing Him as Christ did by always doing what the Father desired.

Loyalty and Submission (Part 3)

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

Submission to God's truth is a fundamental principle for preparation for the Kingdom of God, encompassing sanctification and setting apart for His purposes. This subjection to God's commands not only prepares us for leadership in His kingdom but also brings immediate blessings by fostering success in life. Just as submitting to basic truths leads to successful conclusions in practical matters, so does submitting to God's truth resolve relationship challenges. Submission begins with devotion to God, where individuals subject themselves to His instructions regardless of others' conduct. This applies across various relationships, whether with a spouse, employer, or civil government. The focus remains on honoring the paramount relationship with God above all others. For a husband, this means living with his wife according to God's knowledge, giving her honor unconditionally as a precious jewel. For a wife, submission to her husband is deemed fitting, right, and proper in the Lord, without qualifications. This submission yields significant benefits, including peace within relationships, which is crucial for producing the fruits of righteousness. Peace allows one to remain God-centered rather than self-centered, facilitating God's purpose. The success desired by God through submission is threefold: to be a good witness for Him, to achieve success in current life, and to be prepared for His kingdom. Knowledge of His word, belief in it, and faithful submission to it produce truly good outcomes in life. Submission is not based on inferiority or weakness but on love for God. For a wife, it is a duty and service to Him, a good work rooted in deference to God above all. This principle extends to other roles, such as an employee submitting to an employer as unto Christ, mirroring the standard expected in marriage. The attitude of submission must be sincere, conscientious, and solicitous, reflecting a commitment to excellence in service to God, not for selfish gain but out of devotion to Him. For husbands, submission to God's instruction involves nourishing, cherishing, and loving their wives with a sacrificial, volitional love that prioritizes her well-being without expectation of return. This love, defined as keeping God's commandments, often requires sacrifice and action even against personal desires. It is a duty that demands acting in the wife's best interest, equal to care for oneself, thus removing barriers of fear and selfishness in the relationship. Ultimately, submission and leadership are not about mutual love between spouses but about demonstrating love for God. This active demonstration of love through subjection to His will is the driving force for life, reflecting a personal devotion that prepares one for leadership in His kingdom. It requires self-control, akin to a gentled horse ready to follow its rider's direction, maintaining power yet aligning with the Master's will. Sacrifices are inherent in this responsibility, often private and personal, demanding a focus on God's obligations over personal feelings or resentments. Subjection to Him is the path to maturity and completion in His purpose, ensuring readiness for the unimaginable opportunities He offers.

Submission (Part One)

CGG Weekly by John Reiss

Regardless of which political party is in power, God counsels His children in Romans 13:1-7 on how to have peace in an anything-but-peaceful world.

The Christian Walk (Part Four): Mutual Submission in Godly Fear

Sermon by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

Americans have a hard time submitting to authority and like to consider themselves as sovereigns, having the last say over anything including church doctrine.

Submission (Part Two)

CGG Weekly by John Reiss

Those trained in the home to dishonor parents will resist authority on every front, whether civic authorities, supervisors on the job, or teachers in school.

Sovereignty and Submission

Sermon by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

Being reared in a democratic nation sometimes complicates our relationship with God; God's government is actually a sovereign, benevolent dictatorship.

Marriage and the Bride of Christ (Part Four)

Sermon by Martin G. Collins

God established the order of family relationships, creating Eve after Adam, not as a slave, but as a companion, prefiguring Christ and His Church.

Marriage and the Bride of Christ (Part Two)

Sermon by Martin G. Collins

The husband is charged to exercise love to his wife, actually a more demanding task than submitting, carrying more instructions than the command to submit.

Marriage and the Bride of Christ (Part Three)

Sermon by Martin G. Collins

In the order of creation, the husband was designated as the leader. From the Garden of Eden to the present, there have been problems with this arrangement.

Marriage and the Bride of Christ (Part One)

Sermon by Martin G. Collins

Wives are admonished to submit to their husbands, children to their parents, servants to their overseers, and we all are admonished to submit to one another.

WHAT?! Me Submit to Someone Else?

Sermon by Martin G. Collins

Submitting is repugnant to the carnal mind. The church is no place for uncompromising people who demand their own way.

The Perfect Marriage

Sermon by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

Under the best of conditions, marriage takes work to make it succeed. Next to baptism, marriage is the most important decision we could ever make.

God's Pattern of the Family

Sermon by Martin G. Collins

The family structure, with assigned orders of responsibility (not orders of importance implying superiority or inferiority), is paramount to God's plan.

Should We Obey the Laws of Our Government?

Article by John O. Reid

Should we obey the governments of man over us? Should we obey it if we consider it an 'illegal' government?

Submitting (Part 2)

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

Seeking our will at the expense of the group makes conflict inevitable. Society work only when everyone submits to one another in the fear of Christ.

Submitting (Part 1)

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

Liberty without guidelines will turn into chaos. We will be free only if we submit to the truth. All authority, even incompetent authority, derives from God.

The Fruit of the Spirit: Meekness

'Personal' from John W. Ritenbaugh

Meekness is often confused with weakness and considered to be undesirable. But Jesus lists it as a primary virtue of one who will inherit His Kingdom.

The Perfect Wife

Sermon by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

Biblically ordained marriage roles are at odds or in conflict with cultural expectations, especially the influences of radical feminism and postmodernism.

The Meek

Sermon by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

Meekness is the opposite of weakness, exemplifying self-control under immense pressure, demonstrated by Jesus refusing to retaliate.

Presumptuousness

Sermon by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

Individuals arrogating to themselves the authority to change doctrine are on extremely dangerous ground, presumptuously setting up idols in place of God.

No Meeting of the Minds

CGG Weekly by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

People in the world are functioning and reasoning on one wavelength and Christians on another, and the two are diametrically opposed.

Division, Satan, Humility

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

Throughout the course of Biblical history, whenever sin appears, confusion, division and separation are the automatic consequences.

Marriage and the Bride of Christ (Part Twelve)

Sermon by Martin G. Collins

As husband and wife are commanded to become one flesh, members of the Bride of Christ become spiritually unified through the indwelling of God's Spirit.

The Church Family - Convinced and Persuaded

Sermon by Martin G. Collins

Church government should reflect God's government, typified as a family, with Christ as the loving husband and the church as the submissive wife.

The Offerings of Leviticus (Part Two): The Burnt Offering

'Personal' from John W. Ritenbaugh

The burnt offering is completely consumed on the altar. This type of offering teaches us about Christ's total dedication to God—and how we should emulate it.

Parenting (Part 3): Mothers

Sermon by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

The mother provides a gentle, cherishing quality to child rearing compatible with the strength provided by her husband.

Self-Government and Responsibility (Part One)

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

We need free moral agency to be transformed into God's image. Unless one has God's Spirit, he cannot exercise the internal control to be subject to the way of God.

Reconciliation and the Day of Atonement

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

Repentance is something we must do with our God-given free moral agency. Reconciliation is an ongoing process that enables us to draw closer to what God is.

Genesis 3:16: Consequences for Eve

Sermon by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

Spiritually, male and female have equal potential. Rights and legalities are far less important than spiritual development, subject to God-ordained gender roles.

Paul's Letter to Titus (Part 2)

Sermon by Martin G. Collins

The last two chapters of Titus emphasize the importance of sound doctrine to neutralize the negative worldly aspects of culture and the attending heresies.

God Gives Grace to the Humble

Sermon by Martin G. Collins

Genuine humility is one of the most elusive characteristics a person can attain. It consists of of self-respect accompanied by a genuine desire to serve.

New Covenant Priesthood (Part Five)

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

Humility is not low self esteem, but instead it is a proper estimate of our relationship to God, which is a choice to act and behave as a servant or slave.