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Submitting (Part 1)
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh*Hupotasso* (G5293) is a Greek term central to understanding submission in the New Testament. This word, meaning "to arrange in order under," carries a military connotation, implying a systematic arrangement under authority, much like soldiers under their superiors, from sergeants up to the highest ranks. It appears in various English translations as "submit," "subordinate," "obey," "subject to," "surrender," "be weak," "afflicted," "humbled," "put under," and even "stay in your place," depending on the context. In the New Testament, *hupotasso* is used in diverse situations. For instance, in Luke, it describes Jesus at twelve years old being subject to His parents, translated as "obedient" in some versions. Elsewhere, Paul uses it to convey the idea of submission, as seen in translations like "submit" or "subordinate" in various contexts, including instructions for women to be in submission. It's also rendered as "subdue" or "under control" in other passages, showing its broad application. Another example circles back to Luke, where it's again translated as "obedient," "submissive," or "subject to," highlighting respect for authority. The distinction between submission and obedience tied to *hupotasso* is subtle but significant. While obedience means simply following a command or complying, submission involves yielding or deferring out of respect, authority, affection, persuasion, or compulsion. Submission, as conveyed by *hupotasso*, engages a person's will more deeply, making it crucial for character development and aligning with God's desires. It's not just about compliance but about a deliberate choice to arrange oneself under authority, reflecting a thoughtful and purposeful act.
Sovereignty and Submission
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughThe concept of submission to God is central to understanding our relationship with Him, and the Greek term *hupotasso* (G5293), a verb meaning to arrange under or rank below, captures this idea vividly. Used in the New Testament, often alongside its noun form *hupotage*, it is a military term that implies a hierarchy of ranks, ensuring order by placing each individual under another's authority. In this context, God holds the highest rank as the sovereign King of kings and Lord of lords, and our duty, as those who rank below Him, is to submit voluntarily. This submission involves arranging ourselves under His authority in a way that pleases Him and yields the best results, ultimately leading to eternal life and entrance into His Kingdom. Unlike human sovereigns who may force subjection, God rarely compels submission, allowing us the choice to align ourselves under His will, as choosing to submit is choosing life.
Self-Government and Responsibility (Part One)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThe term *hupotasso* (G5293) is a military word meaning to arrange in order under. It describes an act of submission, not through external control by God, but as a voluntary choice. Unlike a drill instructor who uses force to make recruits subject to authority, individuals can arrange themselves under authority by their own decision. The carnal mind, being physically oriented and unconverted, cannot subject itself to God, lacking the ability to make such a choice. However, when God converts a person and imparts a new spirit, they gain the ability to submit, though they must still make the choice without external coercion. In specific contexts, *hupotasso* illustrates personal responsibility in submission. For instance, a wife's submission to her husband is an act of arranging herself under his authority, not due to inherent superiority, but because God requires it for order. This submission is given, not forced, as an act of faith in God's command. Similarly, individuals are to submit to human ordinances, controlling their human nature to stay within God's parameters, unless such laws cause them to sin against God. Even then, they remain subject to the penalties of man's laws, whether fines, imprisonment, or other consequences. Within the church, submission to authority, such as to an elder or deacon, follows the same principle of self-governance. If an authority's request conflicts with God's law, one arranges themselves under God's authority instead, though still subject to potential consequences from the human authority. The concept of *hupotasso* emphasizes that submission is an internal act of aligning oneself under God's will or designated authority, reflecting a conscious choice rather than enforced control.
Self-Government (Part One)
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)The Greek word *hupotasso* (G5293), translated as "subject" in Romans 8:7, carries a military connotation meaning to arrange in order under. This term implies a voluntary act of submission, where one can choose to make oneself subject to another, as opposed to being forcibly controlled. In various scriptures, *hupotasso* is used interchangeably with terms like "submit" and "submissive," and could equally be rendered as "subject." For Christians, commands involving *hupotasso* emphasize the choice to submit, highlighting the importance of self-governance in aligning with God's purpose. An example of this submission is seen in the context of family order, where a wife submits to her husband, not due to inferiority, but for the sake of maintaining order within the family and to conform to God's will. This act of making oneself subject is a deliberate decision. Through conversion and ongoing education in God's ways, individuals are called to use their free moral agency to submit to God wherever they recognize the need, distinguishing the converted mind from the carnal mind, which refuses to be subject. In I Corinthians 14:34, *hupotasso* is translated as "obedient" in the KJV and "submissive" in the NKJV, showing that the intent behind the term involves choosing to obey God's directives, whether in family, civil government, or other situations. The purpose of such commands to submit is to steer and govern oneself within God's creation, producing the right fruit and progressing in the intended direction. Submission, as exemplified by Jesus in John 8:29, is given voluntarily without indication of being controlled by God, demonstrating perfect subjection to the Father in all things. By contrast, the carnal mind, as described in Romans 8:7, cannot consistently subject itself to God due to its bondage to satan the devil, who exerts control over unconverted minds. It is God who grants freedom, enabling individuals to submit and conform to the image of His Son. Jesus' consistent submission, never seeking His own will or glory, reinforces the importance of voluntary subjection for achieving God's objective of eternal life through governing oneself according to His will.
All in All
'Personal' from John W. RitenbaughThe Greek word *hupotasso* (G5293), meaning to arrange under or to subject, is central to the concept of oneness with God as described in I Corinthians 15:28. This term illustrates the ultimate goal where all things are brought into subjection under the Father, achieving complete harmony and unity within His creation. It reflects the process where Jesus turns over all things to His Father, emphasizing the Father's role as the focal point of this unity. This act of subjection is not merely a future event but a process that has already begun in us, drawing everyone and everything into a state of total agreement with our Creator. Through yielding to God's will and the power of His Spirit, we participate in this ongoing arrangement under His authority, moving toward the all in all where division and confusion cease to exist.
The Christian Walk (Part Four): Mutual Submission in Godly Fear
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughIn Ephesians 5:21, the apostle Paul emphasizes mutual submission as a foundational principle of the Christian walk, using the Greek word *hupotasso* (G5293). This term generally means to place or arrange under, derived from *hypo* (under) and *tasso* (to place), implying subordination, submission, or rendering obedience. In this context, it denotes voluntary submission or yielding to others, suggesting a willingness to be amenable to suggestions and to give deference. In Paul's epistles, *hupotasso* often relates to order under authority, as seen in hierarchical structures like a private in the army being under higher ranks, a child under parents, or a slave under a master. Specifically in Ephesians 5:21, it conveys the idea of submitting to one another, indicating a mutual arrangement where all parties willingly place themselves under each other, regardless of status. This concept of mutual submission is presented as challenging to human nature, which resists being subject to others and desires dominance. Yet, Paul insists that with God's Holy Spirit, such submission is possible, countering the carnal inclination to assert authority. It undergirds dealings within the church and extends to interactions with others, reflecting an attitude of humility and service. Paul's instruction to submit to one another in the fear of God aligns with the broader call to adopt Christlike attitudes of lowliness and gentleness. By arranging ourselves under others in humility, as *hupotasso* implies, we approach situations from a position of meekness rather than control or superiority, mirroring the example of Christ who placed Himself under everyone in sacrificial love.
Parenting (Part 2): Fathers
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughThe Greek word *hupotasso* (G5293), used in the context of submission, literally means to arrange or position under. It combines *hupo*, meaning under, and *tasso*, meaning to arrange or set. This term, often used in military contexts, implies subordination or ranking under, as a lieutenant is under a captain, ensuring order and efficiency within the structure. In civilian life, it translates to being subject to or obeying, suggesting one should remain in their designated place under another with contentment, recognizing there are lessons to be learned in that position. In the family structure, *hupotasso* underscores the importance of each member submitting to their role as placed by God. Wives are instructed to submit to their husbands, aligning themselves under their authority, just as the church submits to Christ. This submission is not about inferiority but about functioning effectively in the position God has assigned, fostering growth and learning for a future role in His Kingdom. Similarly, husbands, in loving their wives, engage in an act of submission through sacrifice, placing themselves under God's instruction to care for and cherish their wives as Christ does the church. Thus, both roles involve submission, reflecting a mutual commitment to God's order within the family.
All in All (Part 2)
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)The Greek word *hupotasso* (G5293), as used in I Corinthians 15:28 and Philippians 3:21, conveys the concept of placing things in order or under in an orderly fashion. It paints a vivid picture of objects scattered in confusion being neatly arranged according to a pattern. In the context of these verses, the primary focus is not merely on things but on people, living beings who are in disordered and scattered states due to deceitful attacks of demonic forces, as well as their own disobedience and sometimes rebellious choices stemming from the misuse of free moral agency. Jesus Christ, in His role as High Priest, is actively working to bring order, moving elements into organized positions under the Father and Himself. This process of subduing or subjecting, as described by *hupotasso*, aims to arrange everything and everyone into oneness with God. As part of this divine ordering, there is a place prepared for each individual under the Father and the Son, with the ultimate transformation of our bodies to be conformed to His glorious body, ensuring that even our very life becomes one with His.
All in All
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughIn I Corinthians 15:24-28, the concept of hupotasso (G5293) emerges as central to the ultimate order and unity under God. It describes how Jesus Christ must reign until He has put all enemies under His feet, with death being the last enemy to be destroyed. All things are to be placed under Him, excepting God who placed all under Christ, and when everything is subdued, the Son Himself will be subject to the Father, ensuring that God is all in all. This Greek term hupotasso, meaning to place under in an orderly fashion, illustrates a process of arranging what is scattered and confused into a neat pattern, specifically referring to people brought into order under Christ and ultimately under the Father. In Philippians 3:21, hupotasso appears again, emphasizing Christ's power to subdue all things unto Himself. This act of subduing involves transforming our bodies to be like His glorious body, aligning with the broader theme of bringing everything into oneness. The term conveys the idea of ordering and placing under, reflecting Christ's work as High Priest to first bring us under Him, then ultimately under the Father, achieving complete unity across creation. The usage of hupotasso in these passages, though translated as "subdue," "subject," or "under" in different tenses, consistently points to a deliberate ordering process. It underscores Christ's role in reorganizing a disordered creation due to human actions, deception by satan, and enmity against God, into a harmonious structure where everything is aligned first under Him and then under the Father, fulfilling the vision of God being all in all.