Today we will talk about Bible Verses About Submission. Many Christians do not know what this means. Submission can often feel like a heavy word, laden with obligations. However, in the Bible, it is presented as a beautiful expression of love, respect, and trust. Submission is not about defeat; it’s about aligning ourselves with God’s purpose for our lives and for the harmony within our relationships. As we read through these verses, let’s meditate on the depth of submission, and how it can enrich our walk of faith and strengthen our connections with each other and with the Lord.
Bible Verses About Submission
Submission to God
In our spiritual journey, we must recognize that our ultimate submission belongs to God. Submitting to God means surrendering our will and trusting in His wisdom and guidance. It can be easy to rely on our understanding, but when we submit to God’s divine authority, we open ourselves up to receive His blessings and peace. This act of submission allows us to grow closer to Him, while also positioning us to fulfill His plans for our lives. By choosing to humbly submit to God, we declare our faith in His perfect will, which ultimately leads to a fulfilling life guided by purpose.
James 4:7
“Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” – James 4:7
1 Peter 5:6
“Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time.” – 1 Peter 5:6
Proverbs 3:5-6
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.” – Proverbs 3:5-6
Romans 12:1
“Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship.” – Romans 12:1
Matthew 6:10
“Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.” – Matthew 6:10
Submission in Marriage
When it comes to our relationships, especially in marriage, submission is a core principle that helps build a strong foundation. The Bible teaches us about the mutual respect and love that should exist between spouses. While submission often emphasizes a wife’s role, it is essential to understand that husbands hold responsibilities as well. The key here is that submission involves both parties respecting and valuing each other, creating a partnership where love reigns supreme. When we embody this principle, our marriages can flourish in unity and harmony.
Ephesians 5:22
“Wives, submit yourselves to your own husbands as you do to the Lord.” – Ephesians 5:22
Ephesians 5:25
“Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her.” – Ephesians 5:25
Colossians 3:18
“Wives, submit yourselves to your husbands, as is fitting in the Lord.” – Colossians 3:18
1 Peter 3:1
“Wives, in the same way submit yourselves to your own husbands so that, if any of them do not believe the word, they may be won over without words by the behavior of their wives.” – 1 Peter 3:1
1 Corinthians 11:3
“But I want you to understand that the head of every man is Christ, the head of a wife is her husband, and the head of Christ is God.” – 1 Corinthians 11:3
Submission to Authority
Submission is not limited to our relationship with God or our spouses; it also extends to our interactions with authority figures. This can include leaders in our churches, governments, and workplaces. When we submit to authority, we acknowledge the structure that God has put in place for our benefit. It is vital to discern between submitting to just any authority and recognizing those who lead in alignment with God’s principles. Ultimately, our submission can reflect our trust in God’s plan and providence, even when we don’t necessarily agree with the leaders’ decisions.
Romans 13:1
“Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God.” – Romans 13:1
Titus 3:1
“Remind the people to be subject to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready to do whatever is good.” – Titus 3:1
1 Peter 2:13
“Submit yourselves for the Lord’s sake to every human authority: whether to the emperor, as the supreme authority.” – 1 Peter 2:13
Hebrews 13:17
“Have confidence in your leaders and submit to their authority, because they keep watch over you as those who must give an account.” – Hebrews 13:17
Matthew 22:21
“Give back to Caesar what is Caesar’s, and to God what is God’s.” – Matthew 22:21
Submission to One Another
Submission is not only an act of obedience but also an expression of love and humility towards one another. The Bible encourages us to submit to each other out of reverence for Christ. This invitation puts the spotlight on the importance of community and belonging. When we choose to submit to our brothers and sisters in Christ, we foster a loving environment where we can grow spiritually, support one another, and uplift those around us. It’s about serving one another and developing an attitude of caring and respect that reflects our relationship with Christ.
Ephesians 5:21
“Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ.” – Ephesians 5:21
Philippians 2:3
“Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves.” – Philippians 2:3
Galatians 5:13
“You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh; rather, serve one another humbly in love.” – Galatians 5:13
Colossians 3:13
“Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.” – Colossians 3:13
1 Thessalonians 5:11
“Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.” – 1 Thessalonians 5:11
Submission and Serving
Submission is often intertwined with the act of serving others. When we choose to submit, we embrace the servant-hearted nature of Christ. This act of love reflects our willingness to place others’ needs above our own, emphasizing that true greatness comes from serving rather than being served. Serving requires us to be humble and selfless, letting go of our pride. As we submit and serve in love, we not only honor others but also honor our relationship with God, who calls us to walk in the footsteps of Jesus.
Mark 10:45
“For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” – Mark 10:45
Matthew 23:11
“The greatest among you will be your servant.” – Matthew 23:11
John 15:13
“Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.” – John 15:13
Galatians 6:2
“Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way, you will fulfill the law of Christ.” – Galatians 6:2
Philippians 2:4
“Not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.” – Philippians 2:4
Submission and Spiritual Growth
Embracing submission can play an essential role in our spiritual growth. By submitting to God’s authority and the right leaders in our lives, we expose ourselves to opportunities for learning and molding our character. It’s through these acts of humility that God can teach us valuable lessons about patience, love, and trust. As we grow in submission, we open ourselves up to receive God’s guidance and correction, which ultimately leads us to become more like Him, shining our light brightly in the world around us.
Hebrews 12:11
“No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it.” – Hebrews 12:11
Colossians 1:10
“So that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God.” – Colossians 1:10
1 Peter 5:10
“And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast.” – 1 Peter 5:10
Proverbs 1:7
“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction.” – Proverbs 1:7
Philippians 3:12
“Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already arrived at my goal, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me.” – Philippians 3:12
Submission in the Church
In our community of believers, submission to church authority and structure helps foster unity and spiritual growth. When we actively participate in submission within the church, we help create a welcoming atmosphere where everyone can experience Christ’s love and teachings. Obeying leaders, embracing guidance, and serving in our respective roles are all aspects of this submission. It reflects our commitment to God’s mission and purpose, enabling us to work together to glorify Him and spread His love, while also supporting each other in our walks of faith.
1 Timothy 5:17
“The elders who direct the affairs of the church well are worthy of double honor, especially those whose work is preaching and teaching.” – 1 Timothy 5:17
Hebrews 13:7
“Remember your leaders, who spoke the word of God to you. Consider the outcome of their way of life and imitate their faith.” – Hebrews 13:7
Acts 20:28
“Keep watch over yourselves and all the flock of which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers.” – Acts 20:28
1 Thessalonians 5:12
“Now we ask you, brothers and sisters, to acknowledge those who work hard among you, who care for you in the Lord and who admonish you.” – 1 Thessalonians 5:12
Romans 15:5-6
“May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you the same attitude of mind toward each other that Christ Jesus had, so that with one mind and one voice you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.” – Romans 15:5-6
Submission and Obedience
Submission naturally leads to obedience, guiding our actions in accordance with God’s will. To submit is to be obedient not only to His commands but also to the loving correction that comes our way. When we cultivate an obedient heart, it fosters a spirit of submission characterized by trust and faith in God’s direction. Obeying can be challenging, especially when times are tough, or we struggle to understand the path before us, but through submission, we find peace knowing that God is watching over us. This obedience ultimately brings growth and blessings into our lives, securing our place within His divine plan.
Deuteronomy 5:33
“Walk in obedience to all that the Lord your God has commanded you, so that you may live and prosper and prolong your days in the land that you will possess.” – Deuteronomy 5:33
John 14:15
“If you love me, keep my commands.” – John 14:15
Luke 6:46
“Why do you call me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ and do not do what I say?” – Luke 6:46
1 John 2:5
“If anyone obeys his word, love for God is truly made complete in them. This is how we know we are in him.” – 1 John 2:5
Romans 1:5
“Through him we received grace and apostleship to call all the Gentiles to the obedience that comes from faith for his name’s sake.” – Romans 1:5
Final Thoughts
As we reflect on Bible verses about submission, we are reminded of its profound impact on our faith and relationships. Submission is not merely about yielding but is a beautiful act of trust, love, and respect towards God, our spouses, and our community. By embracing submission, we open pathways to deeper connections and spiritual growth, allowing God’s grace and wisdom to guide us as we serve one another.
In this journey, we recognize that we are not called to submit from a place of weakness but from a place of strength found in humility, recognizing God’s greatness. The examples laid out in Scripture encourage us to embody an attitude of submission in various facets of our lives, leading us toward a life filled with purpose, love, and fulfillment.
Let us take these teachings to heart and integrate them into our daily lives, creating an atmosphere of love, service, and growth in Christ together.
Further Reading
30 Bible Verses About Getting Closer To God (With Commentary)
30 Bible Verses About Removing People From Your Life (With Commentary)
30 Bible Verses About Israel (With Explanation)
30 Bible Verses About Being Lukewarm (With Explanation)
4 Ways to Encounter Grace and Truth: A Study on John, Chapter 4
