Mutual Condescension
T. Manton, D. D. Ephesians 5:21 Submitting yourselves one to another in the fear of God. In the words observe — 1. The connection or dependence; for the construction is continued from that clause, "Be filled with the Spirit, submitting yourselves one to another in the fear of God." The construction is the same. The Spirit's influence is necessary for the duties of our relations, as well as the duties of worship. 2. The substance of the duty — "Submitting yourselves one to another." The exhortation is to mutual submission, keeping the order set by God. 3. The manner of performance — "In the fear of God"; that is, so as they would approve themselves to God, who is the author of all order in every community and society of mankind; and to Him we must give an account as our proper Judge (1 Peter 1:17).That mutual condescension to one another in the duties of our places and relations doth very much become those who are filled with the Spirit. I. I shall inquire wherein this mutual condescension doth consist? I answer — It may be considered with respect to ecclesiastical, or civil, or economical power. 1. With respect to ecclesiastical power, which must be determined by the nature of that community for which it serveth. 2. There is political or civil power, principally greatness and authority in the civil state. This is the Lord's ordinance, and must be submitted to for God's sake (1 Peter 2:13, 14). 3. There is economical power; that of the husband, parent, master. There are duties which belong to these relations. Well, then, this submission is by discharging the duties we owe to each relation. But why is this called submission? (1) Because superiors have a debt of duty upon them, as well as inferiors, which in some cases is hard to perform. This submission on the superior's part lieth in the faithful and loving discharge of their duty to the meanest within their charge. The husband is to cherish the wife in all conditions, sick and well; masters to stoop to do good to the meanest of their servants, and not rule them according to passion and will; they have souls to save or lose as well as the best of the family, and therefore they are to take care of all of them, that they may serve the Lord, they and all their household; their outward condition doth no way hinder our duty to them. (2) Because this duty calleth upon us for the meanest services for the common good; as when a magistrate defendeth the poor against the mighty, and disdaineth not to appear for his meanest subjects (Job 31:34). (3) With all patience to bear their infirmities. (4) As to equals, there is a submitting ourselves one to another (Romans 12:10; Philippians 2:3). We are better acquainted with ourselves than others, we want some perfection and accomplishment God bath given to them. We ought to speak of our own gills with modesty, of theirs with charity; to be severe at home, without a jealous inquiry. (5) We are to speak to one another by way of instruction and reproof (Colossians 3:16; Leviticus 19:17), Now it is a submission to take it well. II. The graces which are necessary for this, to submit ourselves one to another. It is required that we be filled with the spirit. But I answer — 1. Love, which is the cement of human society; for where love reigneth, there will be mutual service and submission (Galatians 5:13). 2. Humility, which is opposite to fastidiousness, disdain, and contempt (1 Peter 5:5). 3. "The fear of God," that is in the text. Now this "in the fear of God" — (1) Noteth the impulsive cause, that obedience to this precept floweth from this cause. It is done in conscience to His command, and then it is acceptable to God. (2) The fear of God is the rule and measure of this submission. As it influenceth, so it limiteth it (Acts 5:29). (3) The fear of God is necessary, and a great help to this duty. (a) Partly to tame that natural fierceness that is in the heart of man, that we may not refuse the yoke; as Nabal was "such a son of Belial, that a man could not speak to him" (1 Samuel 25:17). 2. To check our pride, that we may not be ashamed to serve our neighbour in love. 3. To bridle and curb excess of power. III. I am now to prove that this is an unquestionable duty. 1. It is required in Scripture (Galatians 5:13). 2. I prove it by example. I shall first produce the example of our Lord Jesus Christ (John 13:3, 5). 3. Now I shall give you the reasons of this duty. 1. To prevent contempt. Human nature is incapable of bearing it. Whatsoever rank we are in, we should not despise others, but acknowledge the gifts of God in them. 2. Because there are none living whom God alloweth only to live to themselves. We are all bound to promote the common good. 3. Submitting ourselves to one another is required for a supply of mutual necessities. We lack something that the meanest have; if they have strength for labour, others have wisdom and conduct for government. There must be a contemperation; if some are fitted to serve, those that have wealth should bless God that He hath put them into such an able condition to hire their service; if some have wisdom to contrive, others have elocution to recommend a good design; both must serve one another in love. 4. Because of equality; the equity of this mutual submission is built upon a double equality. 1. The actual equality of all men by nature. 2. The possible equality in the course of God's providence. 1. To show how much the Christian religion befriendeth human societies; for we owe duties one to another in our several stations. It is neither injurious to princes nor subjects, but it commandeth everyone to do good according to his calling. 2. Where the fear of God is rooted in the heart of any, it will make him tender and careful of his duty to man, and from a right principle and motive, and in a right manner, and to a right end. (T. Manton, D. D.) Parallel Verses KJV: Submitting yourselves one to another in the fear of God. WEB: subjecting yourselves one to another in the fear of Christ.