July 28, 2015
Scripture Reading: Ephesians 5:21; 1 Peter 5:5-7
21Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ.
5In the same way, you who are younger, submit yourselves to your elders. All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because,
“God opposes the proud
but shows favor to the humble.”
6Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. 7Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.
Questions for Reflection:
Bret mentioned that there is a “finger nails on the chalkboard” verse in chapter 5. Verse 22 has a way of rubbing our culture wrong. However before we jump into that verse tomorrow, we need to look at the immediate previous verse. What command does Paul give to the church in verse 21? What motivates that submission?
The concept of submission requires that we view others in a different way. Peter gave instructions to the church as well. He encouraged them to submit themselves to their elders and to “clothe yourselves with humility to one another.” When we submit to one another, we are undergoing the act of placing value on someone besides ourselves. We are re-orienting our view of the world to place a priority on someone else. How can you act in humility to others today? Give one specific act that you can take to value others ahead of yourself today.