Strength in Submission

December 16th, 2024

From Pastor Jeff Maness' Sermon on December 15, 2024. Click here to watch or listen.

In today’s image-conscious world, we often focus on appearances, curating how we want to be seen. But the story of Christmas, particularly the birth of Jesus, tells a deeper truth about submission and strength.

When Jesus was laid in a manger that first Christmas, it wasn’t a polished or filtered moment. It was raw and real, a profound message to humanity. Last week, we explored the sovereignty of God. This week, we dive into the message of submission, a concept often misunderstood.

The Bible recounts how Mary and Joseph arrived in Bethlehem with no place to stay. In Luke 2:6-7, Mary gives birth to Jesus and lays Him in a manger. This isn’t just a historical detail—it’s a symbol of profound humility. The Creator – who spoke the world into existence with the breath of His mouth – becomes part of His own creation. The all-powerful, sovereign, and in-control God becomes a helpless child with no control or ability at all, completely dependent on beings He created.

This act was submission in its purest form. While submission may seem like weakness in our culture, the message of the manger reveals it as true strength. Philippians 2:6-11 captures this beautifully. Though Jesus was God, He did not cling to His divine privileges. Instead, He “emptied himself” and took the form of a servant, ultimately humbling Himself to die on a cross.

This Christlike submission is not forced or weak; it’s a voluntary, powerful choice. Let’s explore three aspects of the submission Jesus displayed:

1. Submission in Surrender

Philippians 2:6 says, “Though he was God, he did not think of equality with God as something to cling to.” Jesus released His divine privileges to fulfill God’s plan. He surrendered fully, modeling the strength found in trusting God. We, too, must ask: where are we clinging to control instead of surrendering to God’s will?

2. Submission Through Selflessness

Verse 7 continues, “He gave up his divine privileges.” Jesus left the glory of heaven for the challenges of earth. He didn’t empty Himself of His divinity but of the privileges it brought. This selflessness stands in stark contrast to our often self-centered pursuits. Jesus gave up everything for us, showing that true strength lies in putting others first.

3. Submission Through Service

Finally, Jesus “took the humble position of a slave” (v. 7) and obeyed to the point of death. His life was marked by serving others, even those who opposed Him. This servant-hearted submission challenges us to think of others as better than ourselves, as Philippians 2:3-4 instructs.

Christ’s submission teaches us that strength isn’t about power or position—it’s about surrender, selflessness, and service. As we reflect on the manger, let’s adopt the same attitude of Christ. How can we embody His humility in our lives?

This Christmas, may the message from the manger inspire us to embrace Christlike submission, not as weakness but as a testament to God’s strength working through us.

Watch or listen to the full message, "Strength in Submission", from the series The Message From The Manger by clicking below.

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Posted in Christmas
Posted in Christmas, Submission, Strength