Getting Under and Getting Over

Getting Under and Getting Over

August 16, 2026

For many, “authority” and “submission” are dirty words.

Authority = controlling, abusive, corrupt

Submission = inferior, weak, losing

What if that’s not true?

Authority Issues: The Root of the Chaos

Part 1 Recap:

• God is the author of authority.
• His authority is good.
• Satan attacked God’s authority.
• We choose self-rule and invite chaos into our lives.

Get under and get over

• When we’re under God’s authority, we’re protected.

“The name of the Lord is a strong fortress; the godly run to Him and are safe.” Proverbs 18:10 (NLT)

(Psalm 91, 1 Peter 5:6, John 10:27-29)

• When we’re outside God’s authority, we’re in danger.

“Since they thought it foolish to acknowledge God, He abandoned them to their foolish thinking and let them do things that should never be done.” Romans 1:28 (NLT)

(Proverbs 14:12, John 15:5-6, Galatians 6:8)

• When we’re under God’s authority, we’re entrusted with authority.

“… You have been faithful in handling this small amount, so now I will give you many more responsibilities. …” Matthew 25:21 (NLT)

(Luke 10:19, 2 Corinthians 10:8, Romans 13:1)

• When we’re outside God’s authority, we compromise our authority.

“… Because you have rejected the command of the Lord, He has rejected you as king.” 1 Samuel 15:23 (NLT)

Numbers 20:12

• When we’re under God’s authority
  • we’re protected.
  • we’re entrusted with authority.
• When we’re outside God’s authority
  • we’re in danger.
  • we compromise our authority.

“Everyone must submit to governing authorities. For all authority comes from God, and those in positions of authority have been placed there by God.” Romans 13:1 (NLT)

• Jesus followers submit to human authority unless it requires us to disobey God.
• “But Peter and the apostles replied, ‘We must obey God rather than any human authority.’” Acts 5:29 (NLT)
• Examples of God-given legitimate authorities: marriage, including mutual submission (Eph. 5:21) and wives to husbands (Eph. 5:22); parents; church leaders; employers, bosses, and organizational leaders; teachers; law enforcement; government, etc.

“²So anyone who rebels against authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and they will be punished. ³For the authorities do not strike fear in people who are doing right, but in those who are doing wrong. Would you like to live without fear of the authorities? Do what is right, and they will honor you. ⁴The authorities are God’s servants, sent for your good.” Romans 13:2-4 (NLT)

• When God entrusts you with authority, it’s not about you but about serving others.

“⁴But if you are doing wrong, of course you should be afraid, for they have the power to punish you. They are God’s servants, sent for the very purpose of punishing those who do what is wrong. ⁵So you must submit to them, not only to avoid punishment, but also to keep a clear conscience.” Romans 13:4-5 (NLT)

• Insubordination dishonors God!
• Submission to authority is an act of worship!

Authority and submission are powerful and beautiful.

• Authority = responsibility, stewardship, service
• Submission = humility, trust, strength

From eternity, God has existed in perfect authority, submission, and unity.

• The Father sends the Son. (John 3:16)
• The Son submits to the Father. (John 6:38)
• The Spirit speaks what He receives from the Son. (John 16:14)

Jesus’ humble submission to the Father made our salvation possible.

• “Father, if you are willing, please take this cup of suffering away from me. Yet I want your will to be done, not mine.” Luke 22:42 (NLT)
• “Because one person disobeyed God, many became sinners. But because one other person obeyed God, many will be made righteous.” Romans 5:19 (NLT)
• 1st Garden (Eden) → Rebellion (Adam) → Death
• 2nd Garden (Gethsemane) → Submission (Jesus) → Life

Jesus follower, what do you need to resubmit to God’s authority?

If you’re not following Jesus, are you ready to submit your life to His authority?

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