In what ways can we submit to Christ's lordship in our lives today? Christ’s Universal Sovereignty “ ‘He has put everything under His feet.’ ” (1 Corinthians 15:27) • Paul paints a sweeping picture: nothing lies outside Christ’s authority—visible or invisible, present or future (cf. Colossians 1:17–18). • Submission, then, is simply agreeing with God about who rules and ordering life accordingly. Personal Submission: Heart and Mind • Offer the whole person to Him—“present your bodies as a living sacrifice” (Romans 12:1–2). • Take every thought captive to obey Christ (2 Corinthians 10:5). • Let Scripture reshape desires; daily reading and memorization place the King’s voice above competing claims. Daily Obedience and Lifestyle Choices • “If you love Me, you will keep My commandments” (John 14:15). • Small decisions—speech, media, spending—either affirm or deny His lordship (Luke 6:46). • Ask, “Does this choice demonstrate that Christ is over everything?” (Colossians 3:17). Stewardship of Time, Gifts, and Resources • “Whatever you do, do it all to the glory of God” (1 Corinthians 10:31). • Schedule: prioritize worship, fellowship, service. • Finances: firstfruits giving (Proverbs 3:9), generosity toward need (2 Corinthians 9:7). • Spiritual gifts: employ them as “faithful stewards of God’s grace” (1 Peter 4:10). Relationships Under His Lordship • Mutual submission “out of reverence for Christ” (Ephesians 5:21). • Marriage: love and respect patterned after Christ and the church (Ephesians 5:22–25). • Friendships and work: humility and service (Philippians 2:3–5). Witnessing to His Reign • “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Me… Go therefore” (Matthew 28:18–20). • Speak the gospel, model kingdom values, and rely on the Spirit’s power (Acts 1:8). • Every testimony declares that the One under whose feet all things rest is alive and reigning. Persevering with Hope • Fix eyes on Jesus, who endured the cross and now sits enthroned (Hebrews 12:1–3). • Trials become opportunities to display confidence that nothing escapes His rule (Romans 8:28). • Live expectantly: “There is reserved for me the crown of righteousness… to all who have loved His appearing” (2 Timothy 4:8). Living It Out Today • Start each day acknowledging His rightful place: “Lord, everything is under Your feet—including me.” • Align priorities with kingdom purposes; adjust when conviction comes. • Celebrate victories of obedience, repent quickly of resistance, and keep moving forward under the feet of the risen King. |
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