“Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” – James 4:7
Bible Verses About Submission
The Call to Submit to God
As we explore submission, we find it begins with our relationship with God. The call to submit to God is intertwined with our faith journey. When we yield our will and desires to Him, we acknowledge His sovereignty over our lives. Submitting to the Lord means trusting that His plans for us are good, even when we don’t understand them. We are reminded to seek His guidance in our decisions, knowing that in our submission, we find protection and a pathway to wisdom. It’s an invitation to lay down our struggles and anxieties at His feet, fostering a close relationship built on trust and love. Understanding submission to God shapes how we interact with others, as He shows us the way through His Word.
James 4:7
“Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” – James 4:7
Romans 12:1
“Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship.” – Romans 12:1
1 Peter 5:6
“Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time.” – 1 Peter 5:6
Proverbs 3:5-6
“Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.” – Proverbs 3:5-6
James 4:10
“Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up.” – James 4:10
Submission in Relationships
When we think about submission, it’s essential to understand its significance in our relationships with one another. In a loving partnership, whether between spouses, family members, or friends, submission is all about mutual respect and selflessness. Submission is not about one person being superior but rather about placing the needs of others above our own. It teaches us to listen, to compromise, and to work through issues together. When we embody the spirit of submission within relationships, we nurture peace and harmony. As we love and serve one another, we also demonstrate Christ-like humility in our interactions, reflecting the love He has shown us.
Ephesians 5:21
“Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ.” – Ephesians 5:21
Colossians 3:18
“Wives, submit yourselves to your husbands, as is fitting in the Lord.” – Colossians 3:18
Ephesians 5:22
“Wives, submit yourselves to your own husbands as you do to the Lord.” – Ephesians 5:22
Titus 2:4-5
“Then they can urge the younger women to love their husbands and children, to be self-controlled and pure, to be busy at home, to be kind, and to be subject to their husbands, so that no one will malign the word of God.” – Titus 2:4-5
1 Peter 3:1
“Wives, in the same way submit yourselves to your own husbands so that, if any of them do not believe the word, they may be won over without words by the behavior of their wives.” – 1 Peter 3:1
Submission to Authority
Submission doesn’t stop with our relationship with God and peers. We are also called to respect and submit to the authorities placed over us. This can often be challenging, especially when we disagree with those in power, but it is a vital part of living out our faith. Submission to authority means recognizing that God is in control and trusting His plan even when we are faced with difficult circumstances. By obeying earthly authorities, we demonstrate our trust in God’s ultimate authority and purpose. It creates a peaceful environment and honors our commitment to God.
Romans 13:1
“Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established.” – Romans 13:1
Titus 3:1
“Remind the people to be subject to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready to do whatever is good.” – Titus 3:1
1 Peter 2:13-14
“Submit yourselves for the Lord’s sake to every human authority: whether to the emperor, as the supreme authority, or to governors, who are sent by him to punish those who do wrong and to commend those who do right.” – 1 Peter 2:13-14
Hebrews 13:17
“Have confidence in your leaders and submit to their authority, because they keep watch over you as those who must give an account.” – Hebrews 13:17
Matthew 22:21
“Give back to Caesar what is Caesar’s, and to God what is God’s.” – Matthew 22:21
Christ’s Example of Submission
Our ultimate model of submission can be found in the life of Jesus Christ. He exemplified perfect submission to His Father and willingly accepted the calling placed on Him. Through prayer and obedience, He showed us how to surrender our will for a greater purpose. Christ’s actions serve as a guide for us in our submission. With His humility and willingness to serve, we can learn to submit our lives and desires to God and put others first. Each step Jesus took toward His crucifixion was a step of submission that ultimately led to our salvation, teaching us the profound impact of self-denial and obedience.
Philippians 2:8
“And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death—even death on a cross!” – Philippians 2:8
John 6:38
“For I have come down from heaven not to do my will but to do the will of him who sent me.” – John 6:38
Matthew 26:39
“Going a little farther, he fell with his face to the ground and prayed, ‘My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me. Yet not as I will, but as you will.'” – Matthew 26:39
Luke 22:42
“Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done.” – Luke 22:42
Isaiah 53:7
“He was oppressed and afflicted, yet he did not open his mouth; he was led like a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before its shearers is silent, so he did not open his mouth.” – Isaiah 53:7
The Fruits of Submission
Choosing to submit lovingly yields beautiful fruit in our lives. There is freedom in surrendering our will to God and to those we are called to submit to. This freedom brings peace, joy, and fulfillment as we deepen our relationships and grow in our faith. The more we embrace submission, the more we experience God’s blessings in our lives. It nurtures our hearts and helps us cultivate a spirit of grace and compassion—qualities that are vital to reflecting Christ’s love. By choosing submission, we allow God to work through us and bring about transformation in our hearts and communities.
Galatians 5:22-23
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.” – Galatians 5:22-23
Romans 12:2
“Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” – Romans 12:2
Colossians 3:12-14
“Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.” – Colossians 3:12-14
Philippians 4:7
“And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” – Philippians 4:7
Psalm 37:4
“Take delight in the LORD, and he will give you the desires of your heart.” – Psalm 37:4
The Challenges of Submission
While submission is beautiful, it is not without its difficulties. We often face challenges in submitting to God, authority, and the people in our lives. Our human nature can rebel against the idea of giving up control, fearing vulnerability. However, it is in these moments of struggle that we must remind ourselves of the importance of submission. By relying on God’s strength, we can overcome the obstacles in our hearts. Each challenge we face is an opportunity for growth, trust, and the strengthening of our relationship with God and others. Let’s lean into these challenges and allow them to refine us into the people God created us to be.
Hebrews 12:11
“No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it.” – Hebrews 12:11
1 Peter 5:9
“Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that the family of believers throughout the world is undergoing the same kind of sufferings.” – 1 Peter 5:9
Philippians 2:14
“Do everything without grumbling or arguing.” – Philippians 2:14
Romans 7:15
“I do not understand what I do. For what I want to do I do not do, but what I hate I do.” – Romans 7:15
Proverbs 25:28
“Like a city whose walls are broken through is a person who lacks self-control.” – Proverbs 25:28
Final Thoughts
As we reflect on submission, we see it is a vital aspect of our faith. Submitting to God allows us to grow closer to Him and recognize His authority in our lives. In our relationships, submission fosters healthy interactions filled with respect and love. We are reminded to submit to the authorities around us, trusting God’s plan. Jesus is our ultimate model, showing us how to submit in obedience. While challenges may arise, embracing submission brings us peace and joy. Let us encourage one another to submit in love and humility, continually seeking God’s guidance in our lives.
If you want to dig deeper into the roles within relationships, consider exploring verses about a wife’s role and the husband’s spiritual leadership. Each verse will provide additional insights into how we can live out submission in all areas of our lives.