Submission to God:
Good Friday is often a day of heavy reflection, but at 3C South Coast, we see it through a slightly different lens. While it marks a “terrible” Friday in history, we call it “Good” because we already know what happens on Sunday.
This Friday, Pastor Larry Elliott continued our “Go!” series by talking about a topic that many of us tend to dodge: Submission to God.
It is the third key in fulfilling the Great Commission. If we want to make a difference in our communities and our nation, we have to understand that authority doesn’t come from being “the boss” — it comes from being under the right mission.
A Vision for a Restored South Africa
The service kicked off with a powerful video message from Pastor Bert Pretorius, representing the 3C family of over 2,000 churches. It wasn’t just a greeting; it was a collective cry for our nation.
We aren’t praying for a fragmented or hopeless future. We are believing for a South Africa where God is back at the center of public life. One where the economy flourishes with innovation, and where our streets are defined by peace rather than anxiety.
Pastor Larry reminded us that while we pray upward, we must also move forward. As his mentor Pastor Ray taught him: “You can pray, but you’ve got to put feet to your prayers.” We aren’t going to sit back and let criminals or despair take over this land. Not on our watch.
Defining the “Sub-Mission”
Let’s be honest — submission has a bad reputation. For many, the word tastes like control or manipulation. But biblical submission is actually about freedom. When you break the word down, it’s quite simple: Sub (to be under or aligned with) and Mission (purpose or vision).
Matthew 28:18-19 NKJV “And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, ‘All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.’”
Jesus didn’t just give us a “Great Suggestion.” He established His Lordship first. Lordship always demands a response. We either accept it or we don’t. True authority in our own lives is only possible when we are submitted to His assignment for the church. You cannot execute a mission effectively if you aren’t aligned with the one who holds the power.
The Ultimate Act of Humility
If we want to know what submission looks like in action, we only have to look at the cross. Jesus didn’t go to the cross because He was forced by Roman soldiers; He went because He chose to obey the Father.
Philippians 2:8 NKJV “And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross.”
Submission is the truest expression of humility. Most of us would much rather be served than serve. We want to feel special and important. But if the King of the universe wasn’t above washing dirty feet and laying down His life for the brokenhearted, then we certainly aren’t above it either. Humility is the magnet for God’s grace — that divine empowerment that helps us do what we could never achieve on our own.
Straight Paths and Overflowing Barns
When our lives feel chaotic or “crooked,” we usually need to check our alignment. Are we leaning on our own limited understanding, or are we trusting the process God has laid out?
Proverbs 3:5-10 NIV “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight. Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord and shun evil. This will bring health to your body and nourishment to your bones. Honor the Lord with your wealth, with the firstfruits of all your crops; then your barns will be filled to overflowing, and your vats will brim over with new wine.”
Notice the order there. It doesn’t say “chase the wealth.” It says trust, submit, and honor. When we align with His principles, the flow follows. Health, abundance, and straight paths aren’t things we have to hunt down — they are the natural results of walking in submission to Christ’s plan.
Overcoming the Barriers
So, if submission is so good for us, why do we fight it? Pastor Larry pointed out five main reasons we struggle:
- Fear: We think we’re losing our voice (the truth is, submission empowers your voice).
- Pride: The “I” at the center of our lives that wants its own way.
- Ignorance: Not realizing the protection that accountability provides.
- Lack of Faith: Being afraid to be vulnerable.
- Independence: Thinking we know better than those who have walked the road before us.
True submission isn’t blind. It allows for “intense fellowship” and robust conversation. Pastor Larry shared how 3C South Coast spent years building a relationship with Pastor Bert and the 3C leadership before aligning. It wasn’t about losing identity; but about gaining access to more wisdom and resources so we could make a bigger difference.
Walking in Authority
We need to be vigilant — not just looking for the devil behind every bush, but vigilant about staying humble.
1 Peter 5:5-9 NKJV “Likewise you younger people, submit yourselves to your elders. Yes, all of you be submissive to one another, and be clothed with humility… Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time… Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. Resist him, steadfast in the faith.”
When you are submitted and humble, the enemy has no place to “hook” into you. You don’t have to be terrified of him. Like the great evangelist Lester Sumrall once said when he saw a vision of demons in his room: “Oh, it’s only you. Put my bed back and leave.” That is the kind of authority that comes from knowing exactly who you are in Christ because you are properly aligned under Him.
Practical Application: Marriage and Business
Submission acts as a “position for power” in everyday life.
- In Marriage: A healthy marriage does not thrive on control but on mutual submission to Christ. When both spouses align with Him, selfishness is replaced by honor and sacrifice.
- In Business: Success is more than just strategy; it is about aligning decisions and ethics with Godly principles. This alignment leads to long-term sustainability and integrity
What’s Next in Submission to God?
As we move forward from this Easter weekend, let’s choose to put “feet” to our prayers. Whether it’s in your marriage, your business, or how you serve your community, remember that submission to God is your position for power.
If you missed last Sunday’s service on the foundation of worship, you can catch up here: Wholehearted Worship: Power and Purpose.
Do you feel the Holy Spirit tugging at your heart and you want to make a fresh start today? Please use our Salvation Prayer.
We are also incredibly excited about the youth in our nation! Check out the details for 3C Youth Fest (VoltFest 2026) happening this June at Supersport Park.
Let’s stand together, South Coast. Our nation shall be saved, and it starts with each of us submitting to the God-given purpose on our lives. Amen!
