Submission - Youth
Scripture Reading - 1 Peter 5:5-7 KJV
5 Likewise, ye younger, submit yourselves unto the elder. Yea, all of you be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility: for God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble.
6 Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time:
7 Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.
Today’s lesson will continue to speak on “submission”. We started with the highest level of “submission” which is “submission to God”. We looked at “submission to those in authority” over the land highlighting the fact that “submission” is not stating agreement but a respectful attitude about those in authority over you. We discussed “submission” to spiritual leaders in the church. Emphasizing the fact that you are “submitting” to the whole leadership team not just one individual, that is, if you purpose to “submit” God’s Way. We also looked at the doctrine of wives “submitting” to their own husbands. Although this is not a popular subject it is still necessary to function as a godly partnership (a healthy marriage) in the Kingdom of God. In today’s message we will highlight the subject of “youth submitting unto the elders” both in the church and outside of the church. Inside of the church we previously spoke about “submitting” unto the church leaders which are sometimes referred to as “elders” and it is proper to “submit” to them concerning church affairs (God’s Kingdom Business). However, many people in the church are older, say fifty (50) and above, and they are considered “elders” because of their natural age, not so much their spiritual maturity or position. These elders are considered worthy of honor and respect according to God’s Word simply because they have remained faithful to serve others while serving God too. When we see an elderly person coming in the door we shall “submit” to their will by letting them go first while we hold the door. Isn’t it just like God to make your life a little easier as you grow older? This is true both in the church and in the grocery store. The typical “elder” has been around the block a few times so they know a lot about life, they have extended experience with both the do’s and don’ts of life. Therefore, if we are wise and humble enough to ask them for their advice they will share with us freely and openly. These elders typically want to see others learn from their mistake so ministering to others blesses them and the receiver. If the advice is good wouldn’t we benefit from it and be known for making good sound mature decisions at a young age. However, if we don’t think the “elders” understand how things work today wouldn’t our own arrogance blind our foresight? This happened in 1 Kings 12 when the new King of Israel, Rehoboam, was young and the people asked him to lower their taxes. The “elders” of the land counseled him to relieve the people and listen to the cry of the people at this time and the people would support him both now and in the future. This is wisdom and foresight speaking but the young king didn’t recognize it. However, the young men, which whom he grew up with, counseled him to raise the taxes and don’t expect any sympathy because he is going to be tougher than his father King Solomon. Of course doing this caused King Rehoboam to lose 10 out of 12 tribes of the Children of Israel. Therefore Rehoboam was only king over two tribes while his father King Solomon was over all 12 tribes of the Children of Israel. This is a true story and is still being told today to illustrate “submission to wisdom” while forsaking foolishness. The point is even if King Rehoboam didn’t agree with “the elders” if he would have “submitted” unto their counsel he would have obtained a more favorable result. This happens many times in the lives of people, both Christian and non-Christian, because parents can in some cases be considered “elders” and their very own children will listen to their parents if they have to but often ignore their counsel. If the wisdom of “the elders” is ignored you might be OK and not have any severe consequences but there will be other times where ignoring their counsel is as sinful as ignoring God. The elders who are wise (which are the ones we are saying you should submit to) have been following God a long time so they are sensitive to His Way so if they get a prompting from God to speak a certain word to you it could easily be God speaking through them if danger is a pending (coming up a head). There are many examples of God speaking through elders to help a young believer get established in the Word of God or a new person in the position get familiar with God’s Way of doing business. Remember the prophet Samuel counseled young David in 1 Samuel 16 about his place in the plan of God. Remember how Eli help Samuel discern the voice of God in 1 Samuel 3. Remember how Jethro helped Mose establish a godly government (rank and order) for the children of Israel in Exodus 18. The aged (elder) women are instructed in Titus 2 to teach the younger women to be godly by loving their husband and children. We can remember the story of the young man living in another nation that was planning on going to a party. However while he was in his house his mother told him I am getting a bad feeling about this party tonight you are planning on going to please, my son, don’t go to this party! However, the young man (in pride) ignored the plea of his mother and went anyway and a spell was cast upon him which left him possessed with a devil. We can also remember how Moses, as a leader and elder in age, counseled the Children of Israel on both practical things and spiritual principles. It is said in some cases that God has to wait for us to age in humility so He can use us effectively. When they followed the counsel of their “elder” both spiritually and naturally they prospered and when they forsook it they often paid a great price for their disobedience and pride. This works at family gatherings when Grandma is asked to explain a particular situation concerning members of the family or a current sign of the times we would be wise to listen. Ihlcc openly states some of her elders knew things that the average person just didn’t know and it intrigued her, drawing her closer toward future conversations. Many grandmothers know more about the history of the family than the young person knows about the future of the family. Many “church elders” understand the current state of their church because they were there in the beginning, shouldn’t we at least listen to them to hear their opinion? Many of us have jobs that require knowledge and experience why not look unto an “elder” that has been performing that job for years and they know the history behind why certain decisions were made “submitting” to them won’t hurt you it will usually help you. Gaining their perspective could prove invaluable in the future once they have left the company. We (ihlcc) were recently asked to “submit” to an elder at work to make things go over a little smoother and we did and that “elder” recently retired, so “submission” in that case was only for a season. We (ihlcc) are definitely not saying always obey or “submit” to your “elders” because we know it is hard (foolish) to speak in absolutes since anyone can give you bad counsel. However, if the “elder” you are talking with or seeking to talk with has a reputation of being very knowledgeable, wise, godly and compassionate please listen to their words looking for the wisdom of foresight. If the “elder” is in the church drink of their understanding of God and grow there by. If the elder has a reputation for being astute financially please absorb all you can from that “elder” in hopes of prospering financially too. “Submit” unto the elders that understand what you are going through because they are not trying to hurt you. Godly “elders” truly want to help you because they have a heart for loving and helping people. Of course God first in everything because if the “elder” is not wise or ungodly you should not be “submitted” to them, nor should they be listened to by any Believer in Christ Jesus who is walking the straight and narrow. Amen!