Week 1: Incarnation

Incarnation and Submission

In today's reading, you'll notice that Paul urges Timothy to pray and give thanks for all people, especially those in power and authority.

We don't know the exact circumstance for this reminder to Timothy. It might be a standard reminder that Paul offers a few times in his letters. Or there might be a specific circumstance that has led to this reminder. Maybe Timothy has been in trouble with some of the members of the church who are becoming too political or aligning themselves against the king and authorities.

Ephesus was a hotbed for political talk as an up-and-coming Roman city. Also, remember that Paul himself caused a massive riot in Ephesus. Maybe that has had long-term implications for Jesus' followers in that city. Whatever the case, Paul reminds Timothy that he has been placed under the king's authority and the powers at his time and place. This is incarnational living. As we enter into a context, we enter into submission to the political authorities.

See, the incarnation is born out of submission. Paul teaches in Philippians 2 that the Son submits to the will of the Father, giving up his place and humbling himself. In the incarnation, Jesus is submissive. He submits his will in perfect alignment with the Father’s will. Then in taking on flesh, he submits to the rulers and powers of his day and age to the point of crucifixion. To be incarnate is to willingly submit to the authority of another. As we are formed into Gospel, we continually learn how to submit.

Paul reminds the young, zealous Timothy to pray for the authorities and the kings. He continues to teach Timothy that he should learn to live a quiet and godly life out of this prayerful submission, for this resembles Christ. In this incarnation posture, Timothy can also teach other disciples how to live quiet and godly lives.

These are three interrelated aspects of our transformation. Through submission, we learn and grow deeper into incarnation. This cultivates quietness and godliness.

How have you seen these three things interrelated in your own life?

Is quietness even something you desire in your life?

In what ways might an inability to be submissive keep you from a quiet and godly life?