A Compelling Testimony: Maintaining a Disciplined Walk, Christlike Character, and Godly Relationships as God's Servant

Ses s i on 5: Cu l t i vat i ng Our Charac ter : The Outward Di sc i p l i nes 203

a. Those to whom we submit will give an account to the Lord for their leadership, Heb. 13.17 – Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they are keeping watch over your souls, as those who will have to give an account. Let them do this with joy and not with groaning, for that would be of no advantage to you.

b. When personal submission is correct, it will cause our leader to be refreshed in the care they provide us.

(1) Phil. 1.4 – Always in every prayer of mine for you all making my prayer with joy . . .

(2) Phil. 4.1 – Therefore, my brothers, whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, stand firm thus in the Lord, my beloved. (3) 1 Thess. 2.19-20 – For what is our hope or joy or crown of boasting before our Lord Jesus at his coming? Is it not you? [20] For you are our glory and joy. (4) 1 Thess. 3.9-10 – For what thanksgiving can we return to God for you, for all the joy that we feel for your sake before our God, [10] as we pray most earnestly night and day that we may see you face to face and supply what is lacking in your faith?

C. The Corporate Dimensions: as slaves to Christ we are to submit to one another in the fear of Christ.

1. In the body of Christ, we are to submit to Christ as head of the Church and Lord of all.

a. Jesus is head over all things to the Church, Eph. 1.22-23 – And he put all things under his feet and gave him as head over all things to the church, [23] which is his body, the fullness of him who fills all in all.