Summary

This sermon focuses on the Christian code of conduct as outlined in 1 Peter 2, particularly regarding submission. The pastor emphasizes that Christian submission is not forced, but rather a voluntary act of putting others first and serving freely on purpose. He explains how this applies to various relationships including marriage, where wives are called to serve husbands out of love not fear, and husbands are to treat wives with respect as joint heirs.

Intro Prayer

Lord Jesus, as we gather to discuss your Word today, we ask that you would open our hearts and minds to understand what true submission means from your perspective. Help us set aside our cultural assumptions and preconceptions to embrace your way of putting others first. Guide our discussion and show each person here what you want them to learn. Amen.

Ice Breaker

What’s the first thing that comes to mind when you hear the word ‘submission’? Why do you think you have that reaction?

Key Verses

  1. 1 Peter 2:13
  2. 1 Peter 2:17
  3. 1 Peter 2:21
  4. 1 Peter 3:7

Questions

  1. How does the pastor’s definition of submission (putting others first and serving freely on purpose) differ from how our culture typically views submission?
  2. What does it mean practically to ‘respect everyone equally’ as mentioned in 1 Peter 2:17?
  3. How can we show proper respect to everyone while still standing firm in our Christian convictions?
  4. What are some ways husbands and wives can demonstrate mutual submission in marriage?
  5. How does fearing God (having deep reverence) impact how we submit to others?
  6. What are some practical ways we can serve others freely rather than out of obligation?
  7. How does Jesus model perfect submission for us?
  8. What areas of your life do you find it most difficult to practice biblical submission? Why?

Life Application

This week, identify one relationship where you struggle with submission (spouse, employer, authority figure, etc.). Make a conscious effort to serve that person freely and purposefully, putting their needs before your own. Journal about how this changes your perspective and the relationship dynamic.

Key Takeaways

  1. Christian submission is voluntary, not forced – putting others first and serving freely on purpose
  2. We are called to respect everyone equally while reserving our deepest reverence (fear) for God alone
  3. In marriage, wives serve husbands out of love not fear, while husbands treat wives with respect as joint heirs
  4. Jesus modeled perfect submission through His sacrifice, providing our example to follow

Ending Prayer

Heavenly Father, thank you for showing us through Jesus what true submission looks like. Help us to follow His example by voluntarily putting others first and serving freely from hearts of love. Give us the strength to respect everyone equally while reserving our deepest reverence for You alone. Transform our relationships as we learn to submit to one another out of reverence for Christ. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

nst darkness and to share Your love with those around us. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

5 Day Devotional based on the May 11th Sermon

This daily devotional builds on the insights from last Sunday’s sermon, guiding us to deepen our faith and continue our spiritual journey.

Day 1: The Heart of Service

Devotional

When we think about serving others, it’s easy to fall into the trap of viewing it as a burden or obligation. But true service comes from a place of freedom and choice. Just as Jesus freely chose to serve humanity, we are called to serve others not out of compulsion, but out of love. This kind of service transforms both the giver and receiver, creating beautiful relationships built on mutual respect and understanding. When we serve willingly, we reflect God’s heart and His design for human relationships. It’s not about being forced or controlled – it’s about choosing to put others first because we understand our secure position as God’s beloved children.

Bible Verse

“Submit yourselves for the Lord’s sake to every human authority: whether to the emperor, as the supreme authority” – 1 Peter 2:13

Reflection Question

How might your relationships change if you viewed service as a freely chosen gift rather than an obligation?

Quote

This is the way: Put others first. We serve freely on purpose, not forced.

Prayer 

Lord, help me embrace the freedom of choosing to serve others. Transform my heart so that I can serve with joy and purpose, not out of duty or obligation. Guide me in reflecting Your love through my willing service. Amen.

 

Day 2: Equal Respect, Equal Value

Devotional

In God’s kingdom, there’s no hierarchy of human worth. Whether we’re interacting with a CEO or a janitor, a professor or a student, each person deserves the same level of respect and dignity. This radical equality stems from the understanding that every person bears God’s image. When we truly grasp this truth, it revolutionizes how we treat others. We begin to see beyond titles and social status, recognizing the inherent value in each person we meet. This perspective challenges us to examine our own biases and prejudices, calling us to a higher standard of treating everyone with equal respect and consideration.

Bible Verse

“Show proper respect to everyone, love the family of believers, fear God, honor the emperor.” – 1 Peter 2:17

Reflection Question

In what ways do you unconsciously treat some people with more respect than others, and how can you work to show equal respect to everyone?

Quote

Respect everyone equally. You don’t give the emperor more, you give the emperor the same.

Prayer 

Heavenly Father, open my eyes to see the value You’ve placed in every person. Help me treat everyone with equal respect and dignity, regardless of their status or position. Transform my heart to see others as You see them. Amen.

 

Day 3: Partners in Purpose

Devotional

Marriage is not about power dynamics or control – it’s about partnership in God’s mission. When both spouses understand their unique roles as complementary rather than competitive, something beautiful emerges. This partnership isn’t just about dividing household chores or making decisions together; it’s about joining forces to fulfill God’s calling in your lives. Whether raising children, serving your community, or pursuing ministry, you’re better together. This kind of partnership requires mutual respect, open communication, and a shared commitment to God’s purposes.

Bible Verse

“For you were like sheep going astray, but now you have returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls.” – 1 Peter 2:25

Reflection Question

How can you better support and encourage your spouse (or future spouse) in pursuing God’s mission together?

Quote

We work together as partners in our homes to raise our children. If we don’t have children, to care for our neighborhood, whatever it might be, we have a mission together and we do it as partners.

Prayer 

Lord, thank You for the gift of partnership. Help us work together in harmony, supporting and encouraging one another as we pursue Your purposes. Unite our hearts in serving You. Amen.

 

Day 4: Love-Driven Leadership

Devotional

True leadership, especially in marriage, is marked by love, respect, and service – not dominance or control. When husbands lead with consideration and honor toward their wives, they create an environment where both can flourish. This kind of leadership reflects Christ’s own example of sacrificial love. It means actively listening, showing consideration, and making decisions that benefit the whole family. A husband’s spiritual life is directly connected to how he treats his wife, demonstrating the sacred nature of this relationship.

Bible Verse

“For to this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps.” – 1 Peter 2:21

Reflection Question

In what specific ways can you demonstrate more Christ-like leadership in your relationships?

Quote

If men use their position to mistreat their wives, their relationship with God will suffer. A man should not expect to have a vital ministry in life or prayer if he’s mistreating his wife in any way.

Prayer 

Father, teach me to lead like Jesus – with humility, love, and sacrifice. Help me honor and respect those You’ve placed in my life, treating them with the dignity they deserve as Your creation. Amen.

 

Day 5: Living as Light

Devotional

As followers of Christ, we’re called to be different – to stand out like stars in a dark sky. This difference isn’t about being superior or separate from others, but about reflecting God’s character in our relationships and actions. We are set apart for God’s purposes, called to demonstrate His love and truth through our daily lives. When we live this way, treating others with respect, serving willingly, and partnering in God’s mission, we become living testimonies of His grace. Our lives become beacons of hope, showing others what God’s kingdom looks like in practice.

Bible Verse

Then Moses and Aaron went to Pharaoh and said, “This is what the LORD, the God of Israel, says: ‘Let my people go, so that they may hold a festival to me in the wilderness.'” – Exodus 5:1

Reflection Question

How can your daily interactions with others better reflect God’s character and become a testimony of His grace?

Quote

We are to declare the praises of God through our worship and witness. We are pockets of light in a dark world.

Prayer

 

Lord, make me a light in this world. Help me live in such a way that others see Your love and truth through my actions and relationships. Use my life to draw others to You. Amen.

Worship • Connect • Grow • Love