Submission is a subject that you don’t hear much about. It seems to be a politically incorrect term, especially in the context of marriage. Even in the context of a job, you won’t hear that employees have to submit to their boss, but rather that they have to be loyal to the company, which basically means the same thing.
The general feeling is that submission stands in the way of freedom, and as such it’s considered a bad thing. But is that a true statement?
The general feeling is that submission stands in the way of freedom, and as such it’s considered a bad thing. But is that a true statement?
The Bible has a lot to say about submission and who we should submit to. Why does the Bible talk so much about submission? Why is it important? But let’s first see to whom we should submit ourselves according to the Scriptures. I will now give a list of 10 types or categories of submission that are mentioned in the Bible.
1. We should of course submit ourselves to Yahweh.
James 4:7
(Jas 4:7) So then subject yourselves to Elohim. Resist the devil1 and he shall flee from you. Footnote: 1Or adversary.
So, that sums it all up. Submit to Yahweh and resist the devil. But there’s more to it. The Word of Yahweh tells us who else we should submit ourselves to.
2. Servants should submit themselves to their masters or mistresses. In today’s society this means that employees should submit themselves to their employer or their boss.
Gen. 16: 6-9
(Gen 16:6) And Ab_ram said to Sarai, “See, your female servant is in your hand, do to her what is good in your eyes.” And Sarai treated her harshly, and she fled from her presence.
(Gen 16:7) And the Messenger of יהוה found her by a spring of water in the wilderness, by the spring on the way to Shur,
(Gen 16:8) and He said, “Haḡar, Sarai’s female servant, where have you come from, and where are you going?” And she said, “I am fleeing from the presence of Sarai, my mistress.”
(Gen 16:9) And the Messenger of יהוה said to her, “Return to your mistress, and humble yourself under her hand.”
So, even though Sarai dealt harshly with Hagar, she had to submit herself to her mistress.
Col. 3:22 - 4:1
(Col 3:22) Servants, obey your masters according to the flesh in all respects, not with eye-service, as men-pleasers, but in sincerity of heart, fearing Elohim.
(Col 3:23) And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Master and not to men,
(Col 3:24) knowing that from the Master you shall receive the reward of the inheritance. It is the Master, Messiah, you serve.
(Col 3:25) But he who does wrong shall be repaid for the wrong which he has done, and there is no partiality.
(Col 4:1) Masters, give your servants what is righteous and fair, knowing that you also have a Master in the heavens.
1 Tim. 6: 1-2
(1Ti 6:1) Let those who are servants under a yoke regard their own masters worthy of all respect, lest the Name of Elohim and His teaching be blasphemed.
(1Ti 6:2) And those who have believing masters, let them not disregard them because they are brothers, but rather serve them because they are believing and beloved ones, those receiving of the good service in return. Teach and urge these matters.
1 Peter 2:18-20
(1Pe 2:18) Servants, be subject to your masters with all fear, not only to the good and gentle, but also to the crooked ones.
(1Pe 2:19) For this is favour, if because of conscience toward Elohim anyone bears up under grief, suffering unrighteously.
(1Pe 2:20) For what credit is there in enduring a beating when you sin? But if you suffer for doing good and you endure, this finds favour with Elohim.
Here we see the apostle Peter giving basically the same instruction as the angel of Yahweh gave to Hagar in Gen. 16. Servants must be submissive to their masters, not only to the gentle ones, but also to the harsh ones.
3. We are to submit to the government
(1Ch 29:24) And all the princes, and the mighty men, and all the sons likewise of king David, submitted themselves unto Solomon the king.
1 Peter 2:13-14
(1Pe 2:13) Be subject to every institution of man because of the Master, whether to the sovereign as supreme,
(1Pe 2:14) or to governors, as to those who are sent by him for the punishment of doers of evil, and a praise for those who do good.
Mark 12: 13-17
(Mar 12:13) And they sent to Him some of the Pharisees and the Herodians, to catch Him in a word.
(Mar 12:14) And when they came, they said to Him, “Teacher, we know that You are true, and it does not concern You about anyone, for You are not partial to any, but teach the way of Elohim in truth. Is it right to pay taxes to Caesar, or not?
(Mar 12:15)“Should we pay, or should we not pay?” And He, knowing their hypocrisy, said to them, “Why do you try Me? Bring Me a silver piece to look at.”
(Mar 12:16) And they brought it, and He said to them, “Whose likeness and inscription is this?” And they said to Him, “Caesar’s.”
(Mar 12:17) So יהושע said to them, “Give to Caesar what is Caesar’s, and to Elohim what is Elohim’s.” And they marvelled at Him.
Rom. 13:1-7
(Rom 13:1) Let every being be in subjection to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from Elohim, and the authorities that exist are appointed by Elohim.
(Rom 13:2) So he who opposes the authority withstands the institution of Elohim, and those who withstand shall bring judgment on themselves.
(Rom 13:3) For those ruling are an object of fear, not to good works, but to evil. Do you wish to be not afraid of the authority? Do the good, and you shall have praise from it,
(Rom 13:4) for it is a servant of Elohim to you for good. But if you do evil, be afraid, for it does not bear the sword in vain. For it is a servant of Elohim, a revenger to execute wrath on him who practises evil.
(Rom 13:5) Therefore, it is necessary to be subject, not only because of wrath but also because of the conscience.
(Rom 13:6) For because of this you also pay taxes, for they are servants of Elohim attending continually to these duties.
(Rom 13:7) Render therefore to all what is due to them: tax to whom tax is due, toll to whom toll, fear to whom fear, respect to whom respect.
So we are to pay taxes -- even if we have to pay more than 50% taxes on our income. And it’s Caesar who determines how much taxes we have to pay, not we ourselves.
(Exo 22:28)“Do not revile Elohim, nor curse a ruler of your people.
(Ecc 10:20) Do not curse the sovereign, even in your thought; do not curse the rich, even in your bedroom; for a bird of the heavens conveys the voice, and a bird in flight makes the matter known.
There is a tendency in our society today of constantly and continually criticizing and even ridiculing the President, or the Prime Minister, or the members of Parliament. I know a Church forum on which many posts are doing just that, instead of uplifting the brethren with spiritual messages. Brethren, that is WRONG! What about us? Do we speak evil one to another of a ruler of our people?
4. Children are to submit to their parents
(Exo 20:12)“Respect your father and your mother, so that your days are prolonged upon the soil which יהוה your Elohim is giving you.
Luke 2:51
(Luk 2:51) And He went down with them and came to Natsareth, and was subject to them, but His mother kept all these matters in her heart.
(1Ti 3:4) One that ruleth well his own house, having his children in subjection with all gravity;
(Heb 12:9) Furthermore we have had fathers of our flesh which corrected us, and we gave them reverence: shall we not much rather be in subjection unto the Father of spirits, and live?
5. Wives should submit themselves to their husbands
Eph. 5:22-24
(Eph 5:22) Wives, subject yourselves to your own husbands, as to the Master.
(Eph 5:23) Because the husband is head of the wife, as also the Messiah is head of the assembly, and He is Saviour of the body.
(Eph 5:24) But as the assembly is subject to Messiah, so also let the wives be to their own husbands in every respect.
Wow, that is scary! Wives should submit themselves to their husbands in everything! So, before marrying a man, girls and women should ask themselves: do I really trust this man so much that I am willing to submit myself to him in everything?
And to husbands, it’s a two-way street! Let us remember that we have a very important part too to our wives as we see in the very next verse :
Eph 5:25 Husbands, love your wives, as Messiah also did love the assembly and gave Himself for it.
If a husband truly loves his wife as Messiah loves us, how can any wife not submit to him?
6. Members of the assembly should submit to one another
Eph. 5: 18-21
(Eph 5:18) And do not be drunk with wine, in which is loose behaviour, but be filled with the Spirit,
(Eph 5:19) speaking to each other in psalms and songs of praise and spiritual songs, singing and striking the strings in your heart to the Master,
(Eph 5:20) giving thanks always for all to Elohim the Father, in the Name of our Master יהושע Messiah,
(Eph 5:21)subjecting yourselves to each other in the fear1 of Elohim. Footnote: 1Ex. 20:20.
1 Peter 5: 5-6
(1Pe 5:5) In the same way, you younger ones, be subject to elders. Yea, all of you be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility: for “Elohim resists the proud, but gives favour to the humble.”
(1Pe 5:6) Humble yourselves, then, under the mighty hand of Elohim, so that He exalts you in due time,
7. Members of the assembly should submit themselves to their elders
1 Cor. 16:15 - 16
(1Co 16:15) And I urge you, brothers, you know the household of Stephanas, that it is the first-fruit of Achaia, and that they have assigned themselves for service to the set-apart ones,
(1Co 16:16) that you also be subject to such, and to everyone who works and labours with us.
Heb. 13:7, 17
(Heb 13:7) Remember those leading you, who spoke the Word of Elohim to you. Consider the outcome of their way of life and imitate their belief.
(Heb 13:17) Obey those leading you, and be subject to them, for they watch for your lives, as having to give account. Let them do so with joy and not groaning, for that would be of no advantage to you.
8. Students should submit to their teachers
Let’s look at the example of Yahshua and His students, the disciples
(Mat 10:24)“A taught one is not above his teacher, nor a servant above his master.
(Joh 13:13)“You call me Teacher and Master, and you say well, for I am.
On numerous occasions, Yahshua gave orders to His students, the disciples, and they simply did what He told them to do. Here is just one example of this:
Luke 22: 8-13
(Luk 22:8) And He sent Kepha and Yoḥanan, saying, “Go and prepare the Passover for us to eat.”
(Luk 22:9) And they said to Him, “Where do You wish us to prepare?”
(Luk 22:10) And He said to them, “See, as you enter into the city, a man shall meet you carrying a jar of water. Follow him into the house he enters.
(Luk 22:11)“And you shall say to the master of the house, ‘The Teacher says to you, “Where is the guest room where I might eat the Passover with My taught ones?”’
(Luk 22:12)“And he shall show you a large, furnished upper room. Prepare it there.”
(Luk 22:13) And going they found it as He had said to them, and they prepared the Passover.
So Yahshua told His students what to do, and they simply did it. Students today should follow their example, except of course if the teacher’s instructions would be contrary to Yahweh’s law.
9. Travelers, or others who don’t know the way should submit to and follow their guide
(Exo 15:13)“In Your kindness You led the people whom You have redeemed, in Your strength You guided them to Your set-apart dwelling.
10. Sheep should submit to their shepherd
John 10: 1-4
(Joh 10:1)“Truly, truly, I say to you, he who does not enter through the door into the sheepfold, but climbs up by another way, that one is a thief and a robber.
(Joh 10:2)“But he who enters through the door is the shepherd of the sheep.
(Joh 10:3)“The doorkeeper opens for him, and the sheep hear his voice. And he calls his own sheep by name and leads them out.
(Joh 10:4)“And when he has brought out his own sheep, he goes before them. And the sheep follow him, because they know his voice.
We understand that we, the called out ones, are the sheep, and that Yahshua is the Shepherd who we should submit to. This brings us back to point number 1, where I stated that we have to submit to Yahweh, as Father Yahweh and Yahshua are in perfect agreement. If you submit to Yahshua, you automatically submit yourself to Father Yahweh too, and vice versa.
In our day and age, submission is almost a dirty word. Yet in the Bible we see that we have to submit ourselves to Yahweh, to Yahshua, to our employers and bosses, to the government. Children are to submit to their parents, wives must submit to their husbands, members of the assembly should submit to one another and to their elders, students are to submit to their teachers, and when we are traveling on a guided tour, we should submit to our guides.
Each and everyone of those that we are to submit to has their own rules and regulations, and submitting to them means that we must obey all their rules. That’s about a zillion rules! How boring, isn’t it? Why would Yahweh want us to submit to all these many, many rules?
Before I answer this question, I want to remind a basic principle that applies to ALL rules, orders and instructions made by all human beings. That’s the principle explained in
Acts 4: 19-20 and 5: 29.
(Act 4:19) But Kepha and Yoḥanan answering them, said, “Whether it is right in the sight of Elohim to listen to you more than to Elohim, you judge.
(Act 4:20)“For it is impossible for us not to speak of what we saw and heard.”
(Act 5:29) And Kepha and the other emissaries answering, said, “We have to obey Elohim rather than men.
We should NEVER try to please our husband or our boss or our government or anyone else more than Yahweh and Yahshua.
But back to the question, why does Yahweh tell us to obey all these man-made rules and instructions? I will not go back to each of the ten categories of submission that I listed, but just to a couple of them.
Let’s go back to the second category: submission to our masters or bosses. Let’s read Col. 3: 22-24 again.
(Col 3:22) Servants, obey your masters according to the flesh in all respects, not with eye-service, as men-pleasers, but in sincerity of heart, fearing Elohim.
(Col 3:23) And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Master and not to men,
(Col 3:24) knowing that from the Master you shall receive the reward of the inheritance. It is the Master, Messiah, you serve.
So we are to serve our masters as if we are serving our Master Yahshua. And it is from our Master Yahshua that we shall receive the reward of the inheritance.
Luke 17: 7-10
(Luk 17:7)“But who of you, having a servant ploughing or shepherding, would say to him when he has come in from the field, ‘Come immediately and sit down to eat’?
(Luk 17:8)“But would he not rather say to him, ‘Prepare somewhat for my supper, and gird yourself and serve me while I eat and drink, and afterward you shall eat and drink’?
(Luk 17:9)“Would he thank that servant because he did what he was commanded? I think not.
(Luk 17:10)“So also you, when you have done all that you were commanded, say, ‘We are unworthy servants, we have done what was our duty to do.’”
If we simply wait for orders to execute them, we are unprofitable servants. We must be pro-active, and look for ways to serve our master, even when he is not around. Joseph was an excellent example of this.
Gen. 39: 1-6
(Gen 39:1) And Yoseph had been taken down to Mitsrayim. And Potiphar, an officer of Pharaoh, captain of the guard, a Mitsrite, bought him from the Yishmaʽelites who had taken him down there.
(Gen 39:2) And it came to be that יהוה was with Yoseph, and he became a prosperous man, and was in the house of his master the Mitsrite.
(Gen 39:3) And his master saw that יהוה was with him and that יהוה made all he did to prosper in his hand.
(Gen 39:4) So Yoseph found favour in his eyes, and served him, and he appointed him over his house, and gave into his hand all that he had.
(Gen 39:5) And it came to be, from the time that he appointed him over his house and all that he had, that יהוה blessed the Mitsrite’s house for Yoseph’s sake. And the blessing of יהוה was on all that he had in the house and in the field.
(Gen 39:6) And he left in Yoseph’s hand all that he had, and he did not know what he had except for the bread which he ate. And Yoseph was handsome in form and appearance.
We discover a principle here: the more and the better you serve your boss, the more authority and freedom he will give you. This is true not only for Potiphar with Joseph, but also for Yahshua and us.
Matt. 24: 45-47
(Mat 24:45)“Who then is a trustworthy and wise servant, whom his master set over his household, to give them food in season?
(Mat 24:46)“Blessed is that servant whom his master, having come, shall find so doing.
(Mat 24:47)“Truly, I say to you that he shall set him over all his possessions.
What kind of household is this talking about? Let’s read in Gal. 6: 10
(Gal 6:10) So then, as we have occasion, let us do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of the belief.
This passage in Matthew 24 is obviously referring to Yahshua’s servants, whom He set over His household in the faith.
Notice this, initially the Master set His faithful servant only over His household. Notice also, the servant was already faithful and wise when the Master gave him authority over His household. But this servant still had to prove that he would stay faithful until the return of his Master. It’s only after the servant had persevered in his loyalty until the end that the Master set him over ALL that He has.
Now let’s see another category of submission, the wife submitting to her husband. Proverbs 31 gives an outstanding example of a submissive wife.
Let’s read verse 12.
(Pro 31:12) She shall do him good, and not evil, All the days of her life.
This verse gives a simple definition of what her submission entails: she does him good and not evil all the days of her life. Notice how consistent she is: she does him good ALL the days of her life. There is not a single day in her life that she does him even a little bit of harm. The consequence is mentioned in verse 10: her husband trusts in her. As a result of his trust in her, he gives her great authority and freedom in the affairs of the family, even to the point that she considers a field and buys it, and plants a vineyard on it (verse 16). In verses 28 - 29 we read that her husband praises her, saying: “Many daughters have done worthily, but you excel them all.”
This husband praising his wife sounds very similar to what Yahshua says to His faithful servants in the parable of the talents in Luke 19: 12-17
(Luk 19:12) He therefore said, “A certain nobleman went to a distant country to receive for himself a reign and to return.
(Luk 19:13)“And calling ten of his servants, He gave them ten minas, and said to them, ‘Trade until I come.’
(Luk 19:14)“But his subjects were hating him, and sent a delegation after him, to say, ‘We do not wish this one to reign over us.’
(Luk 19:15)“And it came to be, when he came back, having received the reign, that he sent for these servants to whom he had given the silver, in order to know what each had gained by trading.
(Luk 19:16)“And the first came, saying, ‘Master, your mina has earned ten minas.’
(Luk 19:17)“And he said to him, ‘Well done, good servant. Because you were trustworthy in a small matter, have authority over ten cities.’
Here we see the pattern that Yahweh and Yahshua are always following. They have given every one of us, except babies and very small children, authority over our own body, what we eat and drink and over our own tongue, that is, what, how and when we speak, where we go and what we do with our time. As students, we are given authority over what we study, and how much we study, what sports we do, if any, who we choose as our friends, and so on. As we grow older and become adults, we are given authority over our possessions and eventually over other human beings. This kind of authority is given to everyone, whether they are called by Yahweh or not.
What is unique however for us who are called by Yahweh and chosen by Yahshua, is that They are observing us very closely what we do with the limited authority we are given in this life. Even in this life there is a good chance that we will receive more authority if we show that we are good and trustworthy employees, or if we run our own business with wisdom. But our ultimate reward comes later, and is absolutely sure.
Why has submission become a dirty word in our world today? Because so many have taken advantage of those over whom they had authority. Employers exploit their employees, especially in developing countries. Husbands abuse and oppress their wives. Governments spend too much, make us pay too much taxes and make too much debts. Banks mismanage the money of their clients, etc… And I am certainly not saying that you should just let other people continue to take advantage of you. You should take action to try and stop such situations, in a biblical manner of course, but that’s another topic.
Nevertheless, the Bible puts heavy emphasis on the importance of submission in all kinds of situations. So, again I ask the question: why?
Well, simply put, it is so important that we learn to submit to imperfect human beings, because we will have to submit to Yahweh and Yahshua and one another for all eternity. Let’s see how Yahshua’s government works.
Rev. 5: 9-10
(Rev 5:9) And they sang a renewed song, saying, “You are worthy to take the scroll, and to open its seals, because You were slain, and have redeemed us to Elohim by Your blood out of every tribe and tongue and people and nation,
(Rev 5:10)and made us sovereigns and priests to our Elohim, and we shall reign upon the earth.”
We will be sovereigns or kings and priests.
In Luke 19 we already saw that good servants of Yahshua will be rewarded with authority over cities. Let’s read a few more verses in Luke 19.
(Luk 19:15)“And it came to be, when he came back, having received the reign, that he sent for these servants to whom he had given the silver, in order to know what each had gained by trading.
(Luk 19:16)“And the first came, saying, ‘Master, your mina has earned ten minas.’
(Luk 19:17)“And he said to him, ‘Well done, good servant. Because you were trustworthy in a small matter, have authority over ten cities.’
(Luk 19:18)“And the second came, saying, ‘Master, your mina has earned five minas.’
(Luk 19:19)“And he said to him also, ‘And you – be over five cities.’
So the number of cities that we will be sovereigns of, depends on what we do during this life with the gifts that Yahshua gave us.
Let’s now turn to Rev. 17:14
(Rev 17:14)“They shall fight with the Lamb, and the Lamb shall overcome them, for He is Master of masters and Sovereign of sovereigns. And those with Him are called, and chosen, and trustworthy.”
So Yahshua will be Master of other masters, and Sovereign of other sovereigns. These other masters and sovereigns will be us -- the called, and chosen, and trustworthy.
Let’s look at a few of these sovereigns whose position in the Millennium is already mentioned in the Bible.
Ez. 34: 23-24
(Eze 34:23)“And I shall raise up over them one shepherd, My servant Dawid_, and he shall feed them. He shall feed them and be their shepherd.
(Eze 34:24)“And I, יהוה, shall be their Elohim, and My servant Dawid_ a prince in their midst. I, יהוה, have spoken.
Ez. 37: 21-28
(Eze 37:21)“And speak to them, ‘Thus said the Master יהוה, “See, I am taking the children of Yisra’el from among the gentiles, wherever they have gone, and shall gather them from all around, and I shall bring them into their land.
(Eze 37:22)“And I shall make them one nation in the land, on the mountains of Yisra’el. And one sovereign shall be sovereign over them all, and let them no longer be two nations, and let them no longer be divided into two reigns.
(Eze 37:23)“And they shall no longer defile themselves with their idols, nor with their disgusting matters, nor with any of their transgressions. And I shall save them from all their dwelling places in which they have sinned, and I shall cleanse them. And they shall be My people, and I be their Elohim,
(Eze 37:24) while Dawid_ My servant is sovereign over them. And they shall all have one shepherd and walk in My right-rulings and guard My laws, and shall do them.
(Eze 37:25)“And they shall dwell in the land that I have given to Yaʽaqob_ My servant, where your fathers dwelt. And they shall dwell in it, they and their children and their children’s children, forever, and My servant Dawid_ be their prince forever.
(Eze 37:26)“And I shall make a covenant of peace with them – an everlasting covenant it is with them. And I shall place them and increase them, and shall place My set-apart place in their midst, forever.
(Eze 37:27)“And My Dwelling Place shall be with them. And I shall be their Elohim, and they shall be My people.
(Eze 37:28)“And the gentiles shall know that I, יהוה, am setting Yisra’el apart, when My set-apart place is in their midst – forever.”’”
So David will be the sovereign of all 12 tribes of Israel, and Yahshua, the Yahweh of the Old Testament, will be their Elohim and dwell with them. This is the time when Yahshua will be called Immanuel, meaning El with us, as prophesied in Matthew 1:23
(Mat 1:23)“See, a maiden shall conceive, and she shall give birth to a Son, and they shall call His Name Immanu’el,” which translated, means, “Ěl with us.”
Let’s now turn to
(Mat 19:28) And יהושע said to them, “Truly I say to you, when the Son of Ad_am sits on the throne of His esteem, you who have followed Me in the rebirth, shall also sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Yisra’el.
So, the 12 apostles of Yahshua, except Judas, who was replaced by Matthias, will judge the 12 tribes of Israel.
So those who are in the first resurrection, including David and the 12 apostles, as well as we, if we persevere until the end, will have positions as rulers and priests, while Yahshua will be Sovereign over all the firstborn.
How will we exercise our authority?
Matt. 20: 25-28
(Mat 20:25) But יהושע called them near and said, “You know that the rulers of the gentiles are masters over them, and those who are great exercise authority over them.
(Mat 20:26)“But it shall not be so among you, but whoever wishes to become great among you, let him be your servant.
(Mat 20:27)“And whoever wishes to be first among you, let him be your servant,
(Mat 20:28) even as the Son of Ad_am did not come to be served, but to serve,1 and to give His life as a ransom for many.”Footnote:1See Mark 10:45 and Isa. 49:1-7.
So please understand this: we will submit ourselves for all eternity to Yahshua and one another. If there is anything that you remember from this presentation, let it be this: we must learn to submit ourselves to Yahshua and to other human beings in this life, because we will submit ourselves to Yahshua and other resurrected saints throughout all eternity. We must learn submission NOW, or we will simply not make it into the Kingdom.
Let’s read a few verses in 1 Cor. 15: 22-28
(1Co 15:22) For as all die in Ad_am, so also all shall be made alive in Messiah.
(1Co 15:23) And each in his own order: Messiah the first-fruits, then those who are of Messiah at His coming,
(1Co 15:24) then the end, when He delivers up the reign to Elohim the Father, when He has brought to naught all rule and all authority and power.
(1Co 15:25) For He has to reign until He has put all enemies under His feet.
(1Co 15:26) The last enemy to be brought to naught is death.
(1Co 15:27) For “He has put all under His feet.” But when He says “all are put under Him,” it is clear that He who put all under Him is excepted.
(1Co 15:28) And when all are made subject to Him, then the Son Himself shall also be subject to Him who put all under Him, in order that Elohim be all in all.
So we see here that Yahshua will continue to submit Himself to His Father for all eternity, and so will we.
A second point that I would like you to remember is this: In Yahweh’s Kingdom, authority is given to faithful servants from the top down. Yahweh has given all authority to His Son Yahshua, and Yahshua in turn gives authority to king David, to the 12 apostles and all the others who will be in the first resurrection. But understand this: In Yahweh’s Kingdom obedience and compliance with the rules is NOT enforced from the top down. Yet everyone in the Kingdom WILL obey Yahweh’s rules, because we will all freely submit to them.
So Yahweh’s Kingdom works like this: authority is given from the top down by the One who has all authority, that’s Yahshua. Yahweh is the Lawgiver. Obedience to Yahweh’s laws is obtained by freewill submission of the resurrected saints.
In conclusion: In Yahweh’s Kingdom, authority is given from the top down. There is perfect unity and harmony in his Kingdom because this authority is exercised according to Yahweh’s law of love, by all the firstfruits freely submitting themselves to Yahweh, Yahshua and one another. Yahweh and Yahshua will give us enormous freedom to exercise our authority, because They know that they can trust us that we will always submit ourselves to them. They will know this, because we have learned to submit ourselves now. THAT’S why it’s so important that we learn to submit ourselves to others now, in this life.
Let me end with these verses from Rom. 8: 15-23 :
Rom 8:15 For you did not receive the spirit of bondage again to fear, but you received the Spirit of adoption by whom we cry out, “Abba, Father.”
Rom 8:16 The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of Elohim,
Rom 8:17 and if children, also heirs – truly heirs of Elohim, and co-heirs with Messiah, if indeed we suffer with Him, in order that we also be exalted together.
Rom 8:18 For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the esteem that is to be revealed in us.
Rom 8:19For the intense longing1 of the creation eagerly waits for the revealing of the sons of Elohim. Footnote: 1Lit. anxiously looking with outstretched head.
Rom 8:20 For the creation was subjected to futility, not from choice, but because of Him who subjected it, in anticipation,
Rom 8:21 that the creation itself also shall be delivered from the bondage to corruption into the esteemed freedom of the children of Elohim.
Rom 8:22 For we know that all the creation groans together, and suffers the pains of childbirth together until now.
Rom 8:23 And not only so, but even we ourselves who have the first-fruits of the Spirit, we ourselves also groan within ourselves, eagerly waiting for the adoption, the redemption of our body.
1. We should of course submit ourselves to Yahweh.
James 4:7
(Jas 4:7) So then subject yourselves to Elohim. Resist the devil1 and he shall flee from you. Footnote: 1Or adversary.
So, that sums it all up. Submit to Yahweh and resist the devil. But there’s more to it. The Word of Yahweh tells us who else we should submit ourselves to.
2. Servants should submit themselves to their masters or mistresses. In today’s society this means that employees should submit themselves to their employer or their boss.
Gen. 16: 6-9
(Gen 16:6) And Ab_ram said to Sarai, “See, your female servant is in your hand, do to her what is good in your eyes.” And Sarai treated her harshly, and she fled from her presence.
(Gen 16:7) And the Messenger of יהוה found her by a spring of water in the wilderness, by the spring on the way to Shur,
(Gen 16:8) and He said, “Haḡar, Sarai’s female servant, where have you come from, and where are you going?” And she said, “I am fleeing from the presence of Sarai, my mistress.”
(Gen 16:9) And the Messenger of יהוה said to her, “Return to your mistress, and humble yourself under her hand.”
So, even though Sarai dealt harshly with Hagar, she had to submit herself to her mistress.
Col. 3:22 - 4:1
(Col 3:22) Servants, obey your masters according to the flesh in all respects, not with eye-service, as men-pleasers, but in sincerity of heart, fearing Elohim.
(Col 3:23) And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Master and not to men,
(Col 3:24) knowing that from the Master you shall receive the reward of the inheritance. It is the Master, Messiah, you serve.
(Col 3:25) But he who does wrong shall be repaid for the wrong which he has done, and there is no partiality.
(Col 4:1) Masters, give your servants what is righteous and fair, knowing that you also have a Master in the heavens.
1 Tim. 6: 1-2
(1Ti 6:1) Let those who are servants under a yoke regard their own masters worthy of all respect, lest the Name of Elohim and His teaching be blasphemed.
(1Ti 6:2) And those who have believing masters, let them not disregard them because they are brothers, but rather serve them because they are believing and beloved ones, those receiving of the good service in return. Teach and urge these matters.
1 Peter 2:18-20
(1Pe 2:18) Servants, be subject to your masters with all fear, not only to the good and gentle, but also to the crooked ones.
(1Pe 2:19) For this is favour, if because of conscience toward Elohim anyone bears up under grief, suffering unrighteously.
(1Pe 2:20) For what credit is there in enduring a beating when you sin? But if you suffer for doing good and you endure, this finds favour with Elohim.
Here we see the apostle Peter giving basically the same instruction as the angel of Yahweh gave to Hagar in Gen. 16. Servants must be submissive to their masters, not only to the gentle ones, but also to the harsh ones.
3. We are to submit to the government
(1Ch 29:24) And all the princes, and the mighty men, and all the sons likewise of king David, submitted themselves unto Solomon the king.
1 Peter 2:13-14
(1Pe 2:13) Be subject to every institution of man because of the Master, whether to the sovereign as supreme,
(1Pe 2:14) or to governors, as to those who are sent by him for the punishment of doers of evil, and a praise for those who do good.
Mark 12: 13-17
(Mar 12:13) And they sent to Him some of the Pharisees and the Herodians, to catch Him in a word.
(Mar 12:14) And when they came, they said to Him, “Teacher, we know that You are true, and it does not concern You about anyone, for You are not partial to any, but teach the way of Elohim in truth. Is it right to pay taxes to Caesar, or not?
(Mar 12:15)“Should we pay, or should we not pay?” And He, knowing their hypocrisy, said to them, “Why do you try Me? Bring Me a silver piece to look at.”
(Mar 12:16) And they brought it, and He said to them, “Whose likeness and inscription is this?” And they said to Him, “Caesar’s.”
(Mar 12:17) So יהושע said to them, “Give to Caesar what is Caesar’s, and to Elohim what is Elohim’s.” And they marvelled at Him.
Rom. 13:1-7
(Rom 13:1) Let every being be in subjection to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from Elohim, and the authorities that exist are appointed by Elohim.
(Rom 13:2) So he who opposes the authority withstands the institution of Elohim, and those who withstand shall bring judgment on themselves.
(Rom 13:3) For those ruling are an object of fear, not to good works, but to evil. Do you wish to be not afraid of the authority? Do the good, and you shall have praise from it,
(Rom 13:4) for it is a servant of Elohim to you for good. But if you do evil, be afraid, for it does not bear the sword in vain. For it is a servant of Elohim, a revenger to execute wrath on him who practises evil.
(Rom 13:5) Therefore, it is necessary to be subject, not only because of wrath but also because of the conscience.
(Rom 13:6) For because of this you also pay taxes, for they are servants of Elohim attending continually to these duties.
(Rom 13:7) Render therefore to all what is due to them: tax to whom tax is due, toll to whom toll, fear to whom fear, respect to whom respect.
So we are to pay taxes -- even if we have to pay more than 50% taxes on our income. And it’s Caesar who determines how much taxes we have to pay, not we ourselves.
(Exo 22:28)“Do not revile Elohim, nor curse a ruler of your people.
(Ecc 10:20) Do not curse the sovereign, even in your thought; do not curse the rich, even in your bedroom; for a bird of the heavens conveys the voice, and a bird in flight makes the matter known.
There is a tendency in our society today of constantly and continually criticizing and even ridiculing the President, or the Prime Minister, or the members of Parliament. I know a Church forum on which many posts are doing just that, instead of uplifting the brethren with spiritual messages. Brethren, that is WRONG! What about us? Do we speak evil one to another of a ruler of our people?
4. Children are to submit to their parents
(Exo 20:12)“Respect your father and your mother, so that your days are prolonged upon the soil which יהוה your Elohim is giving you.
Luke 2:51
(Luk 2:51) And He went down with them and came to Natsareth, and was subject to them, but His mother kept all these matters in her heart.
(1Ti 3:4) One that ruleth well his own house, having his children in subjection with all gravity;
(Heb 12:9) Furthermore we have had fathers of our flesh which corrected us, and we gave them reverence: shall we not much rather be in subjection unto the Father of spirits, and live?
5. Wives should submit themselves to their husbands
Eph. 5:22-24
(Eph 5:22) Wives, subject yourselves to your own husbands, as to the Master.
(Eph 5:23) Because the husband is head of the wife, as also the Messiah is head of the assembly, and He is Saviour of the body.
(Eph 5:24) But as the assembly is subject to Messiah, so also let the wives be to their own husbands in every respect.
Wow, that is scary! Wives should submit themselves to their husbands in everything! So, before marrying a man, girls and women should ask themselves: do I really trust this man so much that I am willing to submit myself to him in everything?
And to husbands, it’s a two-way street! Let us remember that we have a very important part too to our wives as we see in the very next verse :
Eph 5:25 Husbands, love your wives, as Messiah also did love the assembly and gave Himself for it.
If a husband truly loves his wife as Messiah loves us, how can any wife not submit to him?
6. Members of the assembly should submit to one another
Eph. 5: 18-21
(Eph 5:18) And do not be drunk with wine, in which is loose behaviour, but be filled with the Spirit,
(Eph 5:19) speaking to each other in psalms and songs of praise and spiritual songs, singing and striking the strings in your heart to the Master,
(Eph 5:20) giving thanks always for all to Elohim the Father, in the Name of our Master יהושע Messiah,
(Eph 5:21)subjecting yourselves to each other in the fear1 of Elohim. Footnote: 1Ex. 20:20.
1 Peter 5: 5-6
(1Pe 5:5) In the same way, you younger ones, be subject to elders. Yea, all of you be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility: for “Elohim resists the proud, but gives favour to the humble.”
(1Pe 5:6) Humble yourselves, then, under the mighty hand of Elohim, so that He exalts you in due time,
7. Members of the assembly should submit themselves to their elders
1 Cor. 16:15 - 16
(1Co 16:15) And I urge you, brothers, you know the household of Stephanas, that it is the first-fruit of Achaia, and that they have assigned themselves for service to the set-apart ones,
(1Co 16:16) that you also be subject to such, and to everyone who works and labours with us.
Heb. 13:7, 17
(Heb 13:7) Remember those leading you, who spoke the Word of Elohim to you. Consider the outcome of their way of life and imitate their belief.
(Heb 13:17) Obey those leading you, and be subject to them, for they watch for your lives, as having to give account. Let them do so with joy and not groaning, for that would be of no advantage to you.
8. Students should submit to their teachers
Let’s look at the example of Yahshua and His students, the disciples
(Mat 10:24)“A taught one is not above his teacher, nor a servant above his master.
(Joh 13:13)“You call me Teacher and Master, and you say well, for I am.
On numerous occasions, Yahshua gave orders to His students, the disciples, and they simply did what He told them to do. Here is just one example of this:
Luke 22: 8-13
(Luk 22:8) And He sent Kepha and Yoḥanan, saying, “Go and prepare the Passover for us to eat.”
(Luk 22:9) And they said to Him, “Where do You wish us to prepare?”
(Luk 22:10) And He said to them, “See, as you enter into the city, a man shall meet you carrying a jar of water. Follow him into the house he enters.
(Luk 22:11)“And you shall say to the master of the house, ‘The Teacher says to you, “Where is the guest room where I might eat the Passover with My taught ones?”’
(Luk 22:12)“And he shall show you a large, furnished upper room. Prepare it there.”
(Luk 22:13) And going they found it as He had said to them, and they prepared the Passover.
So Yahshua told His students what to do, and they simply did it. Students today should follow their example, except of course if the teacher’s instructions would be contrary to Yahweh’s law.
9. Travelers, or others who don’t know the way should submit to and follow their guide
(Exo 15:13)“In Your kindness You led the people whom You have redeemed, in Your strength You guided them to Your set-apart dwelling.
10. Sheep should submit to their shepherd
John 10: 1-4
(Joh 10:1)“Truly, truly, I say to you, he who does not enter through the door into the sheepfold, but climbs up by another way, that one is a thief and a robber.
(Joh 10:2)“But he who enters through the door is the shepherd of the sheep.
(Joh 10:3)“The doorkeeper opens for him, and the sheep hear his voice. And he calls his own sheep by name and leads them out.
(Joh 10:4)“And when he has brought out his own sheep, he goes before them. And the sheep follow him, because they know his voice.
We understand that we, the called out ones, are the sheep, and that Yahshua is the Shepherd who we should submit to. This brings us back to point number 1, where I stated that we have to submit to Yahweh, as Father Yahweh and Yahshua are in perfect agreement. If you submit to Yahshua, you automatically submit yourself to Father Yahweh too, and vice versa.
In our day and age, submission is almost a dirty word. Yet in the Bible we see that we have to submit ourselves to Yahweh, to Yahshua, to our employers and bosses, to the government. Children are to submit to their parents, wives must submit to their husbands, members of the assembly should submit to one another and to their elders, students are to submit to their teachers, and when we are traveling on a guided tour, we should submit to our guides.
Each and everyone of those that we are to submit to has their own rules and regulations, and submitting to them means that we must obey all their rules. That’s about a zillion rules! How boring, isn’t it? Why would Yahweh want us to submit to all these many, many rules?
Before I answer this question, I want to remind a basic principle that applies to ALL rules, orders and instructions made by all human beings. That’s the principle explained in
Acts 4: 19-20 and 5: 29.
(Act 4:19) But Kepha and Yoḥanan answering them, said, “Whether it is right in the sight of Elohim to listen to you more than to Elohim, you judge.
(Act 4:20)“For it is impossible for us not to speak of what we saw and heard.”
(Act 5:29) And Kepha and the other emissaries answering, said, “We have to obey Elohim rather than men.
We should NEVER try to please our husband or our boss or our government or anyone else more than Yahweh and Yahshua.
But back to the question, why does Yahweh tell us to obey all these man-made rules and instructions? I will not go back to each of the ten categories of submission that I listed, but just to a couple of them.
Let’s go back to the second category: submission to our masters or bosses. Let’s read Col. 3: 22-24 again.
(Col 3:22) Servants, obey your masters according to the flesh in all respects, not with eye-service, as men-pleasers, but in sincerity of heart, fearing Elohim.
(Col 3:23) And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Master and not to men,
(Col 3:24) knowing that from the Master you shall receive the reward of the inheritance. It is the Master, Messiah, you serve.
So we are to serve our masters as if we are serving our Master Yahshua. And it is from our Master Yahshua that we shall receive the reward of the inheritance.
Luke 17: 7-10
(Luk 17:7)“But who of you, having a servant ploughing or shepherding, would say to him when he has come in from the field, ‘Come immediately and sit down to eat’?
(Luk 17:8)“But would he not rather say to him, ‘Prepare somewhat for my supper, and gird yourself and serve me while I eat and drink, and afterward you shall eat and drink’?
(Luk 17:9)“Would he thank that servant because he did what he was commanded? I think not.
(Luk 17:10)“So also you, when you have done all that you were commanded, say, ‘We are unworthy servants, we have done what was our duty to do.’”
If we simply wait for orders to execute them, we are unprofitable servants. We must be pro-active, and look for ways to serve our master, even when he is not around. Joseph was an excellent example of this.
Gen. 39: 1-6
(Gen 39:1) And Yoseph had been taken down to Mitsrayim. And Potiphar, an officer of Pharaoh, captain of the guard, a Mitsrite, bought him from the Yishmaʽelites who had taken him down there.
(Gen 39:2) And it came to be that יהוה was with Yoseph, and he became a prosperous man, and was in the house of his master the Mitsrite.
(Gen 39:3) And his master saw that יהוה was with him and that יהוה made all he did to prosper in his hand.
(Gen 39:4) So Yoseph found favour in his eyes, and served him, and he appointed him over his house, and gave into his hand all that he had.
(Gen 39:5) And it came to be, from the time that he appointed him over his house and all that he had, that יהוה blessed the Mitsrite’s house for Yoseph’s sake. And the blessing of יהוה was on all that he had in the house and in the field.
(Gen 39:6) And he left in Yoseph’s hand all that he had, and he did not know what he had except for the bread which he ate. And Yoseph was handsome in form and appearance.
We discover a principle here: the more and the better you serve your boss, the more authority and freedom he will give you. This is true not only for Potiphar with Joseph, but also for Yahshua and us.
Matt. 24: 45-47
(Mat 24:45)“Who then is a trustworthy and wise servant, whom his master set over his household, to give them food in season?
(Mat 24:46)“Blessed is that servant whom his master, having come, shall find so doing.
(Mat 24:47)“Truly, I say to you that he shall set him over all his possessions.
What kind of household is this talking about? Let’s read in Gal. 6: 10
(Gal 6:10) So then, as we have occasion, let us do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of the belief.
This passage in Matthew 24 is obviously referring to Yahshua’s servants, whom He set over His household in the faith.
Notice this, initially the Master set His faithful servant only over His household. Notice also, the servant was already faithful and wise when the Master gave him authority over His household. But this servant still had to prove that he would stay faithful until the return of his Master. It’s only after the servant had persevered in his loyalty until the end that the Master set him over ALL that He has.
Now let’s see another category of submission, the wife submitting to her husband. Proverbs 31 gives an outstanding example of a submissive wife.
Let’s read verse 12.
(Pro 31:12) She shall do him good, and not evil, All the days of her life.
This verse gives a simple definition of what her submission entails: she does him good and not evil all the days of her life. Notice how consistent she is: she does him good ALL the days of her life. There is not a single day in her life that she does him even a little bit of harm. The consequence is mentioned in verse 10: her husband trusts in her. As a result of his trust in her, he gives her great authority and freedom in the affairs of the family, even to the point that she considers a field and buys it, and plants a vineyard on it (verse 16). In verses 28 - 29 we read that her husband praises her, saying: “Many daughters have done worthily, but you excel them all.”
This husband praising his wife sounds very similar to what Yahshua says to His faithful servants in the parable of the talents in Luke 19: 12-17
(Luk 19:12) He therefore said, “A certain nobleman went to a distant country to receive for himself a reign and to return.
(Luk 19:13)“And calling ten of his servants, He gave them ten minas, and said to them, ‘Trade until I come.’
(Luk 19:14)“But his subjects were hating him, and sent a delegation after him, to say, ‘We do not wish this one to reign over us.’
(Luk 19:15)“And it came to be, when he came back, having received the reign, that he sent for these servants to whom he had given the silver, in order to know what each had gained by trading.
(Luk 19:16)“And the first came, saying, ‘Master, your mina has earned ten minas.’
(Luk 19:17)“And he said to him, ‘Well done, good servant. Because you were trustworthy in a small matter, have authority over ten cities.’
Here we see the pattern that Yahweh and Yahshua are always following. They have given every one of us, except babies and very small children, authority over our own body, what we eat and drink and over our own tongue, that is, what, how and when we speak, where we go and what we do with our time. As students, we are given authority over what we study, and how much we study, what sports we do, if any, who we choose as our friends, and so on. As we grow older and become adults, we are given authority over our possessions and eventually over other human beings. This kind of authority is given to everyone, whether they are called by Yahweh or not.
What is unique however for us who are called by Yahweh and chosen by Yahshua, is that They are observing us very closely what we do with the limited authority we are given in this life. Even in this life there is a good chance that we will receive more authority if we show that we are good and trustworthy employees, or if we run our own business with wisdom. But our ultimate reward comes later, and is absolutely sure.
Why has submission become a dirty word in our world today? Because so many have taken advantage of those over whom they had authority. Employers exploit their employees, especially in developing countries. Husbands abuse and oppress their wives. Governments spend too much, make us pay too much taxes and make too much debts. Banks mismanage the money of their clients, etc… And I am certainly not saying that you should just let other people continue to take advantage of you. You should take action to try and stop such situations, in a biblical manner of course, but that’s another topic.
Nevertheless, the Bible puts heavy emphasis on the importance of submission in all kinds of situations. So, again I ask the question: why?
Well, simply put, it is so important that we learn to submit to imperfect human beings, because we will have to submit to Yahweh and Yahshua and one another for all eternity. Let’s see how Yahshua’s government works.
Rev. 5: 9-10
(Rev 5:9) And they sang a renewed song, saying, “You are worthy to take the scroll, and to open its seals, because You were slain, and have redeemed us to Elohim by Your blood out of every tribe and tongue and people and nation,
(Rev 5:10)and made us sovereigns and priests to our Elohim, and we shall reign upon the earth.”
We will be sovereigns or kings and priests.
In Luke 19 we already saw that good servants of Yahshua will be rewarded with authority over cities. Let’s read a few more verses in Luke 19.
(Luk 19:15)“And it came to be, when he came back, having received the reign, that he sent for these servants to whom he had given the silver, in order to know what each had gained by trading.
(Luk 19:16)“And the first came, saying, ‘Master, your mina has earned ten minas.’
(Luk 19:17)“And he said to him, ‘Well done, good servant. Because you were trustworthy in a small matter, have authority over ten cities.’
(Luk 19:18)“And the second came, saying, ‘Master, your mina has earned five minas.’
(Luk 19:19)“And he said to him also, ‘And you – be over five cities.’
So the number of cities that we will be sovereigns of, depends on what we do during this life with the gifts that Yahshua gave us.
Let’s now turn to Rev. 17:14
(Rev 17:14)“They shall fight with the Lamb, and the Lamb shall overcome them, for He is Master of masters and Sovereign of sovereigns. And those with Him are called, and chosen, and trustworthy.”
So Yahshua will be Master of other masters, and Sovereign of other sovereigns. These other masters and sovereigns will be us -- the called, and chosen, and trustworthy.
Let’s look at a few of these sovereigns whose position in the Millennium is already mentioned in the Bible.
Ez. 34: 23-24
(Eze 34:23)“And I shall raise up over them one shepherd, My servant Dawid_, and he shall feed them. He shall feed them and be their shepherd.
(Eze 34:24)“And I, יהוה, shall be their Elohim, and My servant Dawid_ a prince in their midst. I, יהוה, have spoken.
Ez. 37: 21-28
(Eze 37:21)“And speak to them, ‘Thus said the Master יהוה, “See, I am taking the children of Yisra’el from among the gentiles, wherever they have gone, and shall gather them from all around, and I shall bring them into their land.
(Eze 37:22)“And I shall make them one nation in the land, on the mountains of Yisra’el. And one sovereign shall be sovereign over them all, and let them no longer be two nations, and let them no longer be divided into two reigns.
(Eze 37:23)“And they shall no longer defile themselves with their idols, nor with their disgusting matters, nor with any of their transgressions. And I shall save them from all their dwelling places in which they have sinned, and I shall cleanse them. And they shall be My people, and I be their Elohim,
(Eze 37:24) while Dawid_ My servant is sovereign over them. And they shall all have one shepherd and walk in My right-rulings and guard My laws, and shall do them.
(Eze 37:25)“And they shall dwell in the land that I have given to Yaʽaqob_ My servant, where your fathers dwelt. And they shall dwell in it, they and their children and their children’s children, forever, and My servant Dawid_ be their prince forever.
(Eze 37:26)“And I shall make a covenant of peace with them – an everlasting covenant it is with them. And I shall place them and increase them, and shall place My set-apart place in their midst, forever.
(Eze 37:27)“And My Dwelling Place shall be with them. And I shall be their Elohim, and they shall be My people.
(Eze 37:28)“And the gentiles shall know that I, יהוה, am setting Yisra’el apart, when My set-apart place is in their midst – forever.”’”
So David will be the sovereign of all 12 tribes of Israel, and Yahshua, the Yahweh of the Old Testament, will be their Elohim and dwell with them. This is the time when Yahshua will be called Immanuel, meaning El with us, as prophesied in Matthew 1:23
(Mat 1:23)“See, a maiden shall conceive, and she shall give birth to a Son, and they shall call His Name Immanu’el,” which translated, means, “Ěl with us.”
Let’s now turn to
(Mat 19:28) And יהושע said to them, “Truly I say to you, when the Son of Ad_am sits on the throne of His esteem, you who have followed Me in the rebirth, shall also sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Yisra’el.
So, the 12 apostles of Yahshua, except Judas, who was replaced by Matthias, will judge the 12 tribes of Israel.
So those who are in the first resurrection, including David and the 12 apostles, as well as we, if we persevere until the end, will have positions as rulers and priests, while Yahshua will be Sovereign over all the firstborn.
How will we exercise our authority?
Matt. 20: 25-28
(Mat 20:25) But יהושע called them near and said, “You know that the rulers of the gentiles are masters over them, and those who are great exercise authority over them.
(Mat 20:26)“But it shall not be so among you, but whoever wishes to become great among you, let him be your servant.
(Mat 20:27)“And whoever wishes to be first among you, let him be your servant,
(Mat 20:28) even as the Son of Ad_am did not come to be served, but to serve,1 and to give His life as a ransom for many.”Footnote:1See Mark 10:45 and Isa. 49:1-7.
So please understand this: we will submit ourselves for all eternity to Yahshua and one another. If there is anything that you remember from this presentation, let it be this: we must learn to submit ourselves to Yahshua and to other human beings in this life, because we will submit ourselves to Yahshua and other resurrected saints throughout all eternity. We must learn submission NOW, or we will simply not make it into the Kingdom.
Let’s read a few verses in 1 Cor. 15: 22-28
(1Co 15:22) For as all die in Ad_am, so also all shall be made alive in Messiah.
(1Co 15:23) And each in his own order: Messiah the first-fruits, then those who are of Messiah at His coming,
(1Co 15:24) then the end, when He delivers up the reign to Elohim the Father, when He has brought to naught all rule and all authority and power.
(1Co 15:25) For He has to reign until He has put all enemies under His feet.
(1Co 15:26) The last enemy to be brought to naught is death.
(1Co 15:27) For “He has put all under His feet.” But when He says “all are put under Him,” it is clear that He who put all under Him is excepted.
(1Co 15:28) And when all are made subject to Him, then the Son Himself shall also be subject to Him who put all under Him, in order that Elohim be all in all.
So we see here that Yahshua will continue to submit Himself to His Father for all eternity, and so will we.
A second point that I would like you to remember is this: In Yahweh’s Kingdom, authority is given to faithful servants from the top down. Yahweh has given all authority to His Son Yahshua, and Yahshua in turn gives authority to king David, to the 12 apostles and all the others who will be in the first resurrection. But understand this: In Yahweh’s Kingdom obedience and compliance with the rules is NOT enforced from the top down. Yet everyone in the Kingdom WILL obey Yahweh’s rules, because we will all freely submit to them.
So Yahweh’s Kingdom works like this: authority is given from the top down by the One who has all authority, that’s Yahshua. Yahweh is the Lawgiver. Obedience to Yahweh’s laws is obtained by freewill submission of the resurrected saints.
In conclusion: In Yahweh’s Kingdom, authority is given from the top down. There is perfect unity and harmony in his Kingdom because this authority is exercised according to Yahweh’s law of love, by all the firstfruits freely submitting themselves to Yahweh, Yahshua and one another. Yahweh and Yahshua will give us enormous freedom to exercise our authority, because They know that they can trust us that we will always submit ourselves to them. They will know this, because we have learned to submit ourselves now. THAT’S why it’s so important that we learn to submit ourselves to others now, in this life.
Let me end with these verses from Rom. 8: 15-23 :
Rom 8:15 For you did not receive the spirit of bondage again to fear, but you received the Spirit of adoption by whom we cry out, “Abba, Father.”
Rom 8:16 The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of Elohim,
Rom 8:17 and if children, also heirs – truly heirs of Elohim, and co-heirs with Messiah, if indeed we suffer with Him, in order that we also be exalted together.
Rom 8:18 For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the esteem that is to be revealed in us.
Rom 8:19For the intense longing1 of the creation eagerly waits for the revealing of the sons of Elohim. Footnote: 1Lit. anxiously looking with outstretched head.
Rom 8:20 For the creation was subjected to futility, not from choice, but because of Him who subjected it, in anticipation,
Rom 8:21 that the creation itself also shall be delivered from the bondage to corruption into the esteemed freedom of the children of Elohim.
Rom 8:22 For we know that all the creation groans together, and suffers the pains of childbirth together until now.
Rom 8:23 And not only so, but even we ourselves who have the first-fruits of the Spirit, we ourselves also groan within ourselves, eagerly waiting for the adoption, the redemption of our body.
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