Topical Bible: The Gospel: Those Who Receive, should Live in Subjection To

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The Gospel, the good news of Jesus Christ, is central to the Christian faith. It is the message of salvation, redemption, and reconciliation with God through the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus. Those who receive the Gospel are called to live in a manner that reflects their new identity in Christ, which includes living in subjection to various authorities and principles as outlined in Scripture.

Subjection to God and Christ

The primary allegiance of a believer is to God and His Son, Jesus Christ. This subjection is foundational, as it acknowledges God's sovereignty and Christ's lordship. In James 4:7 , believers are exhorted, "Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you." This submission involves obedience to God's commandments and a life that seeks to honor Him in all things.

Subjection to Church Leadership

The New Testament emphasizes the importance of being subject to church leaders, who are tasked with shepherding the flock. Hebrews 13:17 instructs, "Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they keep watch over your souls as those who must give an account. To this end, allow them to lead with joy and not with grief, for that would be of no advantage to you." This subjection is not blind obedience but a recognition of the God-given authority and responsibility of church leaders.

Subjection to Governing Authorities

Believers are also called to be subject to civil authorities, recognizing that such authorities are established by God. Romans 13:1-2 states, "Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which is from God. The authorities that exist have been appointed by God. Consequently, whoever resists authority is opposing what God has set in place, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves." This subjection is part of living peaceably and responsibly within society.

Subjection in Family Relationships

The Gospel also transforms family dynamics, calling for mutual submission and respect. Ephesians 5:21-22 advises, "Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ. Wives, submit to your husbands as to the Lord." This passage, along with others, outlines a framework where love, respect, and mutual submission are key to family relationships, reflecting the relationship between Christ and the Church.

Subjection to One Another

In the broader Christian community, believers are encouraged to live in humility and service to one another. Philippians 2:3-4 exhorts, "Do nothing out of selfish ambition or empty pride, but in humility consider others more important than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others." This subjection is characterized by love, service, and a willingness to put others first.

Subjection to the Law of Christ

Finally, those who receive the Gospel are to live in subjection to the law of Christ, which is the law of love. Galatians 6:2 states, "Carry one another’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ." This law transcends legalistic adherence to rules and calls for a heart transformed by the love of Christ, manifesting in love for God and neighbor.

In summary, receiving the Gospel calls for a life of subjection to God, church leadership, governing authorities, family structures, fellow believers, and the law of Christ. This subjection is not burdensome but a joyful response to the grace and truth found in Jesus Christ.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

2 Corinthians 9:13
Whiles by the experiment of this ministration they glorify God for your professed subjection to the gospel of Christ, and for your liberal distribution to them, and to all men;
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Confessing Christ an Indispensable Duty.
... may do with those who have not the gospel, those to whom it is sent must believe,
receive and obey it ... word of truth, that we wonder doubts should arise in ...
/.../lee/sermons on various important subjects/sermon xix confessing christ an.htm

On the Words of the Gospel, Matt. v. 22, "Whosoever Shall Say to ...
... 1. The section of the Holy Gospel which we just now ... better that He should scourge
thee and receive thee, than ... Thou wast a refuge to feed those that forsake Thee ...
/.../sermons on selected lessons of the new testament/sermon v on the words.htm

St. Ambrose, Treating of the Words in the Gospel Concerning ...
... Ambrose, treating of the words in the Gospel concerning eunuchs ... that is able to receive
it let him receive it." [3394 ... so as not to make little of those who follow ...
/.../ambrose/works and letters of st ambrose/chapter xiii st ambrose treating.htm

Luther -- the Method and Fruits of Justification
... call them, plainly disagree with the Gospel and Christian ... manner, withdraw from faith
more than those manifest and ... the law, that we might receive the adoption ...
/.../various/the worlds great sermons volume i/luther the method and.htm

"And this is his Commandment, that we Should Believe on the Name ...
... God and men, bestirring itself for God and those who are ... He lays open his commission
in preaching the gospel. ... is his charge to you, to come and receive it from ...
/.../binning/the works of the rev hugh binning/sermon i and this is.htm

The Necessity of Regeneration, Argued from the Immutable ...
... on them that know not God, and that obey not the Gospel of our ... 4:8. And yet more
expressly he says when he speaks of those who should receive the crown of ...
/.../practical discourses on regeneration/discourse iv the necessity of.htm

Arguments in Opposition to Tatian, Showing that it was Consonant ...
... Similarly also did the woman [receive] toil, and labour, and groans, and the pangs
of ... this same thing does the Lord also say in the Gospel, to those who are ...
/.../irenaeus/against heresies/chapter xxiii arguments in opposition to.htm

V. ...
... strengthen yourselves with the mind which you receive from Christ ... of Mark: "Go ye
forth and preach the Gospel to all ... in such a manner, there will those be found ...
/.../the epistles of st peter and st jude preached and explained/chapter iv v .htm

The King's Charge to his Ambassadors
... for all-surrendering following, and the rewards of those who receive ... thus guarded,
each shall be preserved to receive the honour ... The gospel is the great solvent ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture b/the kings charge to his.htm

On the Words, and in one Holy Catholic Church, and in the ...
... and they are removed only from those who receive the washing ... her due honours from
kings and those who are ... all the Saviour Himself says in the Gospel, And these ...
/.../cyril/lectures of s cyril of jerusalem/lecture xviii on the words.htm