Does your heart recoil at the thought of submission to authority? Do you consider levels of authority and/or gender roles to be a social construct or simply a result of the fall? Power struggles, abuse of authority, and rebellion certainly have resulted from the first sin. Both the abuse of authority and my natural resistance to authority are a direct result of sin found within every human heart. However, the Trinity has always enjoyed perfect love within the context of authority structure and unified yet unique roles.
All of mankind fits under both the category of subordinate and the category of authority in one or more areas of earthly relationships, and God intends that we reflect Him accurately in every arena of life. If we look to our hearts or the example of corrupt humans for insight into loving leadership we will fall short every time. But, if we look to the example of perfect love found within the Trinity, we will be better informed about true leadership and submission. Yesterday we focused on Jesu Christ’s example of perfect obedience to the Father from a heart of perfect love. Today we focus on the perfect authority under the control of perfect love.
Love existed in perfection before anyone or anything else was created. While we were not there to witness this love, we do get tiny glimpses from Scripture as to what it looks like. The most concentrated chapters that give us insight into the love shared by the members of the Trinity is found in John 13-17. While this section of Scripture helps us to better picture the authority structure and roles found within the Trinity, many other individual passages speak to the Divinity and role of each member specifically. There is so much about the Trinity that is a complete mystery, and I don’t claim any form of superior knowledge on this topic. This brief study is simply designed to whet your appetite. I encourage you to study God’s Word for yourself concerning His perfect love found within the Trinity. This study of love will continue to unearth rich, beautiful treasures during this lifetime and throughout all of eternity.
Study it Out
- Read John 14:28-31 and John 16:12-15. Can you see the authority structure laid out within the Trinity? Who is the ultimate authority or final decision maker? Who is “Second-in-Command” within this structure? ***Remember that each member of the Trinity is completely equal in nature and power. There is no member of the Trinity that is inherently smarter, stronger, better, or more equipped than the others. God would not be perfect and self-sufficient if this were the case. Yet God expresses love within the confines of gracious authority and loving submission. If you are confused about this, you may find this downloadable Scripture card set focusing on the individual divinity, unity, and roles of each member of the Trinity.***
- When we think of earthly authorities, we often think of power-hungry men who selfishly cling to their authority and do everything in their power to control or manipulate those under their rule. What is the contrasting posture of the Father toward the Son, according to John 17:1-5 and Phillippians 2:9-11? What was the posture of God toward His creation according to Genesis 1:26-31, and what authority did He gladly share with them? What is God’s eternal desire for His redeemed people according to Revelation 5:9-10? It might also help to take a moment to consider the price the Father paid for us to one day rule with Him? Would you sacrifice what was most precious to you in order to make it possible for your enemy to rule with you? How does that type of authority differ from the human authorities you have experienced?
- What is a title or role of the Holy Spirit given by Jesus in John 14:15-18 and John 16:6-15? If the everlasting God gladly takes on the role of Helper to His creation both in the Old Testament and New Testament, should we diminish that God-given role of being created as a “suitable helper” within the context of the family? How does our role differ from the Holy Spirit’s and how is it similar?
- Jesus is our ultimate example of both an obedient servant and the sovereign authority over the entire universe. Studying His life through the Gospels helps us to understand how He desires us to live in this sin-cursed world.
– How does Jesus’ willing submission to sinful, earthly authority help you to view your own need to submit to earthly authorities as He has commanded?
– When Jesus challenged earthly authorities, was it ever for selfish personal gain or to protect His rights? Whose kingdom was He most concerned about?
– How do the responses of Christ help you discern what your response should be to earthly authorities who are actively rebelling against God? - What can you learn about reflecting God accurately in your roles of authority according to Mark 9:30-37, John 13:3-5, 12-17, and Ephesians 5:1, 19-32? Consider that part of the “all things” that Jesus knew concerning Himself from John 13 was also the following truths about His ultimate power and authority over creation found in Colossians 1:15-20.
I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit—just as you were called to the one hope that belongs to your call—one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all. But grace was given to each one of us according to the measure of Christ’s gift. (Ephesians 4:1-7)
Additional Resources
Are you looking for more devotional or Scripture memory resources? Find gifts, artwork, crafts and other devotional printables at Etsy.com/Shop/BreathingGrace. You can also find the original Breathing Grace 50 day devotional on Amazon.com/author/RobertsSarah along with a 30 day devotional for Thanksgiving and a 31 day devotional and ornament maker for Advent. All devotionals are available in both KJV and ESV versions of the Bible.