Discussion Jumpstarter
Study leader reference - not a definitive answer
Question 3
The passage reading begins with “submitting to one another in the fear of God,” then moves into wives and husbands—how does the speaker’s emphasis on reverence/fear (as careful respect, not panic) reshape what “mutual submission” can and cannot mean in a household?
Another way to ask: The passage starts with “submit to one another in the fear of God”—how does understanding “fear” as deep respect (not panic) change what mutual submission should look like at home? What limits does it set?
Discussion Jumpstarter
Direct Answer
The speaker treats “fear” as reverent, careful respect toward God, which frames mutual submission as ordered cooperation under God rather than anxious intimidation. It can mean both spouses obey God’s call to serve, but it cannot mean erasing distinct roles or turning submission into panic-driven compliance.
- He reads the flow: “submitting to one another in the fear of God…Wives, submit…Husbands, love,” stressing context and purpose.
- He explains fear’s meaning: “we tend to think of fear as panic…rather than a reverence and a respect and a careful consideration…that’s the sense he’s using it.”
- He says submission isn’t only for wives: “As men, we’re commanded to submit to Christ and to submit to each other…this is something we all do.”
- Yet he argues roles remain: “There must by necessity be a single guiding authority…Harmony comes when each part fills its role.”
- He reframes submission positively: “making it your mission to support another’s mission…full realization of…power…impact.”