This sermon is # 1 of a two-part series on authority/submission—one helps to understand the other. Respect for and submission to authority is a major component of godly character. Society is a bad influence toward disrespect and insubordination. This partly is a reflection of growing ignorance of the Bible, as God’s Word frequently emphasizes God’s requirement of humility, respect and submission to all authority, including family, workplace, civil and church authority. In Paul’s theme of submission from Ephesians 5:21-6:9, he makes the critical point that the primary reason we submit to human leaders “as to Christ” is to honor Christ, and He will reward us for that (6:5-8).