Obedience vs. Submission in the Bible

 

Obedience vs. Submission in the Bible

Philippians 2:5-11 Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: Who, being in the form of God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but made himself of no reputation, taking the form of a servant, coming in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross. Therefore God also exalted him to the highest place and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

Luke 22:42 “Father, if you are willing, remove this cup from me; nevertheless, not my will, but yours, be done.”

Hebrews 5:8-9 Although he was a Son, he learned obedience from what he suffered. And having been made perfect, he became the author of eternal salvation for all who obey him.

 

Category	Obedience	Submission
Definition	Outward act of obeying orders or instructions	Inward attitude of yielding and voluntarily accepting authority
Original Greek Term	hupakouō – to listen and carry out	hupotassō – to place under, to subject oneself
Spiritual Principle	Doing God's commandments	Yielding to God's authority and divine order
Focus	Action (right or wrong)	Attitude (true or false)
How It's Learned	Hear → Obey	Learned through suffering (Heb. 5:8)
Christ's Example	Jesus obeyed unto death (Phil. 2:8)	Jesus submitted fully, even in suffering (Heb. 5:8-9)
Key Difference	Can be outward compliance	Requires inward surrender
Bible References	Phil. 2:8; Heb. 5:8–9; Rom. 1:5; Rom. 16:26	1 Pet. 2:13; Heb. 13:17; Rom. 13:1; Eph. 5:21–24
Example – Jesus	“It is finished.” (John 19:30) – fulfilled the Father’s mission	Phil. 2:6–11 – submitted to death, then exalted by God
Example – Believers	Abraham obeyed by faith (Heb. 11:8); Paul obeyed God’s calling (Rom. 1:5)	Moses submitted after struggle (Exodus 3)
Application  – Toward God	“To obey is better than sacrifice”  (1 Sam. 15:22)	Submit to God's will in humility  (James 4:7)
Application  – Toward Authority	Children obey parents  (Eph. 6:1)	Wives submit to husbands as to the Lord (Eph. 5:22)
Application  – In Service	Execute God’s commission (Rom. 1:9)	Maintain God’s authority in ministry  (Rev. 22:3)
Result & Blessing	Fulfills God’s will, brings His presence and power	Exaltation by God, union with divine purpose (Phil. 2:9–11)

 

🔍 Key Insights:

• Obedience emphasizes action, while submission emphasizes attitude.
• Christ learned submission through suffering (Heb. 5:8) — a profound lesson for believers.
• Rebellion is the ugliest sin; submission is the highest virtue that sustains divine order.
• True service to God begins with the principle of submission.

 ✨ Conclusion: 

Obedience + Submission = Glorious Testimony

Jesus “became obedient unto death” and was “highly exalted by God” (Phil. 2:8–9).
If we desire to experience the fullness of salvation and walk in God's will, we must not only obey outwardly but also submit inwardly like Christ.
A heart of submission sustains divine authority and leads to divine glory.

 

*Please refer to the 2025 June Semi-Annual Summer Training, General Topic: Experiencing, Enjoying, and Manifesting Christ (Part 3), Part 2: Knowing Christ as Our Model and Taking Him as Our Model