Preached by Apostle Aje Pelser as a part of the series about God’s LOVE at Harvester Reformational Church, Cape Town, South Africa. 13th September 2926

1Co 13:6  LOVE does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth;

What is Iniquity?

When we think of iniquity we tend to bracket a certain set of activities that we think is sinful. By studying the word, you will find that iniquity is a chosen state of being that distorts your identity as a person. Only acknowledging the Lord Jesus in every part of our life will rearrange and retore the order of spiritual synergy in and among us as a body of Christ.

How does Submission counter iniquity?

Submission is a wilful yielding of oneself to rightful authority that deals with the inward person, allowing the Lord’s “work of construction and interior decorating” and the scalpel of God’s Word to remove what is displeasing to Him and hidden in the heart. The Greek hypotasso means “to rank under” or “set in array under,” while the Hebrew terms kachash, nathan yad, anah and rophas convey “to lie down,” “to give the hand,” “to humble oneself” and “to humble or stir up self”; together, they present submission as the action of obedience, a choice of the will, humility and willing surrender rather than rebellion, an impudent attitude or a stiff heart. (see “MBTC Subject Blessings of Submission.”)

What is truth and how do we rejoice in it?

Truth is a Person – Jesus is the Way, the Truth and the Life. If Jesus did nothing unless the Father showed Him. The way of his submission as the truth should be revealed in our lives too. His Spirit reminds us of His truth, His words, His life, the power in His name. There can be no true submitting to God without the humility and meekness of Christ, and the enabling power of the Holy Spirit. |The good news, is that when we submit to God this way and indeed one to another in the spirit:

Joh 14:6  Jesus said to him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.

Apostle Paul writes to the church in Corinth:

1Co 16:14  Let all that you do be done with love.

1Co 16:15  I urge you, brethren—you know the household of Stephanas, that it is the first fruits of Achaia, and that they have devoted themselves to the ministry of the saints—

1Co 16:16  that you also submit to such, and to everyone who works and labors with us.

Why would the apostle writing the New Testament Epistles emphasize submission? The context of the writing surveys the devastation of idols of iniquity where the new converts from Corinth did what was right in their own eyes. It would be a fair judgment that Society today, reflects the Corinthian dilemma, much knowledge and giftedness without the supporting spiritual fruit and integrity.

Core of Iniquity

• Insubordination is the opposite of submission and can become a hidden form of idolatry.
• Rebellion and stubbornness reject God’s word, authority, and intended order.
• The appropriate response is honest self-examination, repentance, gratitude, and renewed obedience.

Biblical Foundation

• 1 Samuel 15:23: Rebellion is likened to witchcraft, and stubbornness to iniquity and idolatry.
• Isaiah 13:11; 21:3; 24:1 and Psalm 38:6: Iniquity is linked to distortion, anguish, humiliation, and the overthrow of what is right.
• 1 Peter 3:1: Insubordination is shown as a distortion of God’s intended order.

Key Hebrew Concepts

• Aven (H205): Nothingness, vanity, trouble, wickedness, sorrow, injustice, and idolatry.
• Avon (H5771): Perversity, guilt, moral evil, sin, and its consequences.
• Avah (H5753): To bend, twist, distort, pervert, turn aside, or act wrongly.
• Collectively, these words describe iniquity as bending God’s truth and fixed principles to suit personal desires or worldly views.

Practical Consequences of Insubordination

• Distorts truth and leads a person away from God’s direction.
• Confuses spiritual zeal with selfish ambition and boldness with self-reliance.
• Replaces God’s order with personal preferences or worldly values.
• Produces wrongdoing, ungodliness, discouragement, and spiritual disorder.
• Defiles the believer through wilful disobedience, affecting spirit, soul, and body.

THE BLESSINGS OF SUBMISSION

Key idea: Submission is willing obedience to God—marked by humility, trust and faith. 1 Peter 2:5, 13–23

1. Grace and Inner Beauty

• A gentle spirit reflects inner beauty. 1 Peter 3:3–4
• Reverence for God matters more than appearance. Proverbs 31:30

2. Trust, Commitment and Faith

• Trust God rather than yourself. Proverbs 3:5–6
• Pray, wait and obey instead of acting impulsively. 1 Peter 2:21–23

3. Responsibility and Balance

• Keep God, home and duties in right order. 1 Peter 4:7
• Serve responsibly and wholeheartedly. Colossians 3:23–24

4. Spiritual Fruit and Growth

• Yielding to the Spirit produces godly character. Galatians 5:22–23
• Humility and trials bring growth. James 4:6–7; Romans 5:3–5

5. Hope and Obedience

• Hope in God overcomes fear. 1 Peter 3:5–6
• Build relationships on mutual respect. Ephesians 5:21

6. Service, Wisdom and Safety

• Act with integrity, prayer and wise counsel. Ecclesiastes 4:9–10
• Find security in God, not control. Psalm 91

Applications

• Yield to God and His order;
• honour spiritual authority 1Ti 5:17 Let the elders who rule well be counted worthy of double honor, especially those who labor in the word and doctrine.
• Submit to spiritual rank that shows spiritual fruit and biblical accuracy; 1 Cor. 12:28
• live with humility, peace, obedience and love. James 4:7; 1 Peter 5:5–7

Personal Response

Dear Lord Jesus, I repent of idols of stubbornness and iniquity in my life. I am tired of striving in my own ways and acknowledge Your Lordship in my life. I submit to your word, the leading of your Spirit and respond to the anointing in the mentors and spiritual leadership you have placed in my life, in the context of a local church. Thank you for your mercy and grace that empowers me to overcome iniquity and strengthened me in spirit, soul and body to rebuild a righteous stronghold of Godly submission in my life and extended circles of influence too. In Jesus name. Amen.