Wisdom for Wives! (A Study of I Peter 3:1-6)

“in the same way”- In Chapter 2 Paul has been giving clear instructions to slaves about how they should conduct themselves. Wives are not slaves, but need godly advice (like the rest of us) on living out the Christian life.

I. The Challenge to Submit (v. 1)

Notice: “submit yourselves to your own husbands . . .” Though our world rejects the term “submit” and strategically often leaves it out of wedding ceremonies, God’s Word is clear. If the husband is loving his wife as Christ loved the Church, how could the wife not willingly submit to his loving leadership?

II. The Potential Outcome of Submitting (v. 1)

There is the possibility that the wife’s godly submission and behavior may win over her unbelieving husband. Without words.

III. The Impact of Personal Beauty (vv. 2-4)

“the purity and reverence of your lives” (v. 2)

inward versus outward beauty (vv. 3-4)

“the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit” (v. 4)

Note: God’s evaluation (“of great worth”)

IV. The Godly Examples of History (vv. 5-6)

The example of Sarah (v. 6)

Doing what is right versus giving way to fear!

God’s instructions for a Christ-honoring marriage is being attacked in every detail by our culture. And what is the result? Over 50% of marriages end in divorce, many couples live together without the public faithfulness promise of a marriage ceremony, and children wind up being shuttled back and forth for visitation weekends. This is not God’s plan. And so much depends on the godly life of a Christ-following wife!

 

Hard Truth for Husbands! (A Study of I Peter 3:7)

Ten questions about this verse:

1. To what, specifically, is Peter referring when he writes “in the same way”?

2. What is meant by the word “considerate”? Where else is that word used in the New Testament?

3. There are two commands here for the husband: (1) “be considerate” and (2) “treat them with respect.” What are practical ways we can test to see if we men are doing those two things?

4. What does Peter mean by “the weaker partner”?

5. This idea of being “heirs with you of the gracious gift of life” — to what is Peter referring? Salvation? Heaven?

6. How important is prayer to Peter? To the Lord? How do our prayers get “hindered”?

7. Where else in the New Testament do we read of our prayers being hindered because of our conduct in our marriages?

8. Why is only one verse of instructions for husbands given — and so many for the wives?

9. Notice that no excuse is given for husbands not to follow these instructions (if their wives don’t follow the instructions given to them) or vice versa. Our obedience is not conditional on the behavior of the spouse.

10. Do you and your spouse pray together? Linda and I have been married 49 years and only recently have begun praying together (almost) each morning. What took us soooo long?