Intro:
Today, we are diving into a powerful passage from Philippians that teaches us about true submission to
God. In a world that encourages independence, self-reliance, and personal ambition, submission often
seems like a weakness. But as followers of Christ, we know that submission to God is not about losing
freedom—it’s about finding true purpose and freedom in Christ. The apostle Paul, writing from prison,
most likely in Rome gives us an incredible example of what it means to submit fully to God’s will, no
matter the cost.
Focus:
Submission to God’s will always point us back to his ultimate glory, and we want to bring that to him, no
matter the path we must take.
Scripture:
Philippians 1:21-30 NLT
21 For to me, living means living for Christ, and dying is even better. 22 But if I live, I can do more
fruitful work for Christ. So I really don’t know which is better. 23 I’m torn between two desires: I long to
go and be with Christ, which would be far better for me. 24 But for your sakes, it is better that I
continue to live.
25 Knowing this, I am convinced that I will remain alive so I can continue to help all of you grow and
experience the joy of your faith. 26 And when I come to you again, you will have even more reason to
take pride in Christ Jesus because of what he is doing through me.
27 Above all, you must live as citizens of heaven, conducting yourselves in a manner worthy of the
Good News about Christ. Then, whether I come and see you again or only hear about you, I will know
that you are standing together with one spirit and one purpose, fighting together for the faith, which is
the Good News. 28 Don’t be intimidated in any way by your enemies. This will be a sign to them that
they are going to be destroyed, but that you are going to be saved, even by God himself. 29 For you
have been given not only the privilege of trusting in Christ but also the privilege of suffering for him. 30
We are in this struggle together. You have seen my struggle in the past, and you know that I am still in
the midst of it.
Three Requirements for Submission To God?
1. Submission To God Requires
Our Lives for His Purpose
(v. 21-24)
a. Vs 23-24 I’m torn between two desires: I long to go and be with Christ, which would be
far better for me. But for your sakes, it is better that I continue to live.
”
b. Paul had one goal in life: to glorify Christ. He saw life and death through the lens of
God’s purpose, not personal gain. He understood that his life was not his own—it
belonged to Jesus.
Questions
i. What does submission look like for us?
It means recognizing that our careers, relationships, finances, and even our
personal dreams should be surrendered to God’s plan. We may have our own
desires, but true submission says,
“Lord, whatever you will, I will follow.
”
ii. Are we living for Christ, or are we living for ourselves?
Paul challenges us to evaluate our priorities. If we are truly submitted to God, our
focus will shift from selfish ambitions to fruitful work for Christ.
2. Submission to God Requires
in His Plan (v. 25-26)
a. Vs 25 -26 “Knowing this, I am convinced that I will remain alive so I can continue to
help all of you grow and experience the joy of your faith. And when I come to you
again, you will have even more reason to take pride in Christ Jesus because of
what he is doing through me.
”
b. Paul longed to be with Christ, but he trusted that God still had work for him to do on
earth.
c. Submission means trusting that God knows best, even when circumstances are difficult.
d. Questions:
i. How do we respond when God’s plan doesn’t match our expectations?
Paul was imprisoned, yet he trusted that God’s plan was good. When life doesn’t
go as planned—when we face struggles, setbacks, or suffering—do we trust that
God is still in control? ( Job said,
“3:15 Though he slay me, yet will I trust in him:)
ii. Submission means believing that God’s purpose is greater than our plans.
Even in hardship, God is shaping us, growing us, and using us for His glory.
iii. Will we trust Him enough to say,
“Lord, not my will, but Yours be done”?
3. Submission to God Demands
and
(v. 27-30)
a. “Above all, you must live as citizens of heaven, conducting yourselves in a manner worthy
of the Good News about Christ. Then, whether I come and see you again or only hear
about you, I will know that you are standing together with one spirit and one purpose,
fighting together for the faith, which is the Good News. Don’t be intimidated in any way
by your enemies. This will be a sign to them that they are going to be destroyed, but that
you are going to be saved, even by God himself. For you have been given not only the
privilege of trusting in Christ but also the privilege of suffering for him. We are in this
struggle together. You have seen my struggle in the past, and you know that I am still in
the midst of it.
”
b. Paul reminds us that submission to God is not easy. It takes courage and endurance
because the Christian life is a battle.
c. Living in submission means standing firm in faith, even when the world opposes us.
Paul tells the Philippians not to be intimidated by the opposition.
d. When we live for Christ, we will face resistance—from the world, from our own sinful
desires, and from the enemy. But submission means standing strong, knowing that our
victory is in Christ.
e. Submission means embracing both the joys and struggles of following Christ.
Paul calls suffering for Christ a privilege.
f. How many of us see it that way? Submission means embracing every part of the Christian life—not just the blessings but also the trials.
Conclusion:
Question - Will We Fully Submit to God?
Paul’s life was a testimony of what it looks like to be fully submitted to God. He told Ananias in Acts 9:16 Go to him and For I will show him how much he must suffer for the sake of my name.
”
- He lived with one purpose: to glorify Christ, whether in life or death.
- He trusted God’s plan, even when it led him to prison.
- He endured opposition with courage because he knew his ultimate reward was in heaven.
Response:
Submission is not about losing—it’s about gaining the greatest treasure of all: Jesus Christ. Let’s live with the same mindset as Paul and surrender every part of our lives to Him.
Three Questions To Consider
- Are we living for Christ, or are we living for ourselves?
- Do we trust God’s plan, even when it doesn’t make sense?
- Are we standing firm in faith, even when it’s difficult?