Practicing Submission

In this episode of The Branch Podcast, Pastors Chris, Matthew, and Anthony talk openly about what it means to live a life of submission. The conversation begins with a few lighthearted childhood stories about getting into trouble, but quickly turns toward a deeper reflection on what Scripture teaches about humility, obedience, and trust in God.

Drawing from Philippians 2 and Ephesians 5, the pastors explain that submission is not about control or power- it’s about love. Jesus Himself modeled this when He surrendered His will to the Father, even when it led Him to the cross. His example shows that submission is not weakness but strength rooted in faith.

As Matthew explains, Jesus’ words in the Garden of Gethsemane reveal the heart of submission: “Not my will, but Yours be done.” That prayer shows both honesty and trust. Submission doesn’t mean pretending something is easy- it means choosing God’s way even when it costs us something.

The pastors reflect on how fear often keeps us from trusting God. We fear losing control or being taken advantage of. Yet when we trust that God sees, knows, and honors obedience, we begin to experience the freedom that comes from surrender. Submission becomes an act of faith that deepens our relationship with Him and with others.

The team also addresses the tension found in Ephesians 5, where Paul speaks about submission within marriage and family. They clarify that this passage has often been misused or misunderstood. True biblical submission never excuses abuse or control. Instead, it calls each person- husband, wife, parent, or child- to value others above themselves.

Healthy submission mirrors the relationship between Christ and the church. When a husband loves his wife sacrificially, and a wife responds with trust and respect, both reflect God’s design. The same principle applies in workplaces, communities, and church life: when people serve each other humbly, relationships grow stronger and more secure.

The conversation also explores what happens when authority becomes unhealthy. The pastors remind listeners that submission never means enabling sin or injustice. Christians always have the right, and responsibility, to appeal to a higher authority: God.

Throughout Scripture, faithful followers like Peter, Daniel, and Esther chose obedience to God above human pressure. Their courage demonstrates that submission to God sometimes requires standing firm in truth. Even in those moments, believers are called to speak with grace and respect, keeping love as the motive.

As the discussion continues, the pastors speak candidly about leadership within the church. They acknowledge that authority can be misused but emphasize that godly leadership is rooted in humility and accountability. A healthy leader is one who serves others, listens well, and stays connected to God through prayer and Scripture.

At The Tree Church, the pastoral team works together, seeking counsel from one another before making decisions. They encourage church members to ask questions, share concerns respectfully, and approach leaders with humility and openness. True submission, they explain, builds unity and deepens trust throughout the body of Christ.

As the episode closes, the pastors remind listeners that practicing submission is one of the most transformative postures a follower of Jesus can take. It changes how we see authority, how we relate to others, and how we experience God’s presence in daily life.

In marriage, it strengthens love.
In workplaces, it builds respect.
In the church, it creates harmony.
And in our hearts, it cultivates peace.

Submission invites us to trust that God’s ways truly are better than our own. When we surrender our rights, we don’t lose ourselves- we discover the fullness of life God designed for us.