Submission and Authority

On Eagle’s Wings – Radical Discipleship (Volume 2)

Submission and authority are among the most misunderstood and resisted truths in the life of a disciple. Yet, they are not optional principles—they are foundational realities in the Kingdom of God. A believer who desires to walk “on eagle’s wings” must come to terms with this: there is no elevation without submission, and no true authority without alignment under God’s order.

1. The Divine Order of Authority

God is a God of order, not confusion. From the beginning, He established structure—not to restrict man, but to sustain him.

1 Corinthians 11:3 (KJV)
“But I would have you know, that the head of every man is Christ; and the head of the woman is the man; and the head of Christ is God.”

Even Christ Himself operates within divine order. Authority flows from God downward, and every level of authority is accountable to the One above it. This reveals a powerful truth: submission is not weakness—it is alignment with heaven.

A disciple who rejects authority is not merely resisting man—he is resisting the system through which God governs His Kingdom.

2. Jesus: The Perfect Model of Submission

No one embodied submission more perfectly than the Lord Jesus Christ. Though He was equal with God, He chose the path of obedience.

Philippians 2:8 (KJV)
“And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.”

Submission is proven in obedience, especially when it costs something. Jesus did not submit because He was inferior, but because He was aligned with the Father’s will.

John 6:38 (KJV)
“For I came down from heaven, not to do mine own will, but the will of him that sent me.”

Here lies the essence of discipleship: not my will, but His will.

3. Submission Releases Authority

Many desire authority, but few embrace submission. Yet in the Kingdom, authority is not seized—it is entrusted.

The Roman centurion understood this principle:

Matthew 8:9 (KJV)
“For I am a man under authority, having soldiers under me...”

He recognized that his authority over others was rooted in his submission to higher authority. Jesus marveled at this understanding.

Spiritual authority flows from spiritual submission.

If a disciple is not under authority, he cannot be trusted with authority. Rebellion disqualifies; submission qualifies.

4. The Danger of Rebellion

Scripture consistently warns against rebellion because it strikes at the very order of God.

1 Samuel 15:23 (KJV)
“For rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft, and stubbornness is as iniquity and idolatry...”

Rebellion is not merely an attitude—it is a spiritual force that opens the door to deception and disorder. It was the sin that caused Lucifer to fall, and it remains one of the greatest hindrances to spiritual growth.

A disciple must guard his heart against:

• Independent spirit

• Resistance to correction

• Dishonor toward leadership

These are subtle forms of rebellion that erode spiritual authority.

5. Submission in the Body of Christ

God places believers within a spiritual family—not as isolated individuals, but as members of a body.

Hebrews 13:17 (KJV)
“Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls...”

Submission within the Church is not blind obedience—it is a recognition of God-appointed leadership for spiritual covering, guidance, and growth.

True submission involves:

• Teachability

• Accountability

• Honor

Where there is no submission, there is no protection. Where there is no authority, there is no direction.

6. Authority Must Reflect Christ

Authority in the Kingdom is not about control—it is about stewardship.

Matthew 20:25–26 (KJV)
“…the princes of the Gentiles exercise dominion over them… But it shall not be so among you…”

Kingdom authority is servant-hearted. It builds, not destroys. It covers, not crushes.

Those in authority must remember:

• They are under authority

• They will give account

• Their role is to serve, not dominate

Abuse of authority is a distortion of God’s design, but misuse does not nullify the principle—it calls for restoration to the pattern of Christ.

7. Submission as a Path to Elevation

God exalts those who humble themselves under His mighty hand.

1 Peter 5:6 (KJV)
“Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time:”

Submission is not a downward path—it is an upward journey in disguise. The eagle rises not by resisting the wind, but by aligning with it.

So it is with the disciple:
When you align with God’s authority, you are carried by His power.

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Final Exhortation

Submission and authority are not burdens to bear—they are wings to carry you.

To resist them is to remain grounded.
To embrace them is to soar.

Let every disciple ask:

• Am I submitted to God fully?

• Am I aligned with spiritual authority?

• Am I walking in humility and obedience?

For in the Kingdom of God, those who kneel lowest…
rise highest.