Husband And Wife Series

Husband and Wife - 1 Peter 3:1-7

Introduction: “The Lord is good and his love endures forever. “ I greet you all in the name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

1. Lasting Purity (1 Peter 3:1-2)

Joke:

A husband and wife were dining at a restaurant. When their food arrived, the husband said: "Our food has arrived! Let's eat!" His wife reminded him: "Honey, you always say your prayers at home before your dinner!" Her husband replied: "That's at home, my dear. Here the chef knows how to cook." (Adopted).

Peter addresses the wives with a call to submission. He says in the same way be submissive to your husband. Which way? The way Jesus submitted himself to suffering. He set an example for all. Peter was talking about the submissive attitude of subjects (2:13-17), slaves (2:18-21) and now turned to wives. Submission without retaliation, without threats.

One newly married daughter called her mother and said mom, I am coming home because my husband has insulted me. Mother replied, ‘No, you don’t come, I am on my way to my mom’s house because my husband insulted me.’

The teaching about submission to the husband was relevant for the married woman who follow Jesus from other faiths at all times. She would ask questions such as, Should I leave my husband? Should I change my behavior towards him? Should I assume a superior position to him because now I am in Jesus? (Enduring word). In Greco-Roman society, it was expected that the wife would have no friends of her own and would worship the gods of her husband (ref: biblical scholarship).

The submission to authority can be totally consistent with equality in importance, dignity, and honor. Peter carefully observed that wives are called to submit to their own husbands and not to all men in a general sense. Peter reminds them that God’s plan is that wives impact their husbands not through persuasive lectures, but through godly submission, chaste conduct, and the fear of God. No woman can shape her husband but by the word of God (Enduring Word).

“An attitude of submission to a husband’s authority will be reflected in numerous words and actions each day which reflect deference to his leadership and an acknowledgment of his final responsibility.” (Grudem)

2. Lasting Beauty (1 Peter 3:3-6)

Joke:

“On a wedding day, a mother-in-law told her daughter-in-law, “No refunds, no exchanges on sale items.”(Adopted).

Peter did not forbid all adornment. But for the godly woman outward adornment is always in moderation, and her emphasis is always on inward adornment. During the days of Peter women often arranged and dyed their hair. They also wore wigs, especially imported blonde wigs (William Barclay).

Real beauty comes from the hidden person of the heart. It isn’t something you wear or primp before the mirror. The inner beauty of a godly woman is incorruptible. This means that it does not decay or get worse with age. Instead, incorruptible beauty only gets better with age (Enduring).

Peter’s definition of beauty is not the outward appearance but inner qualities. According to the world of Peter, beauty was understood with braided hair and wearing of gold jewelry and fine linens. But Peter brought a new dimension of beauty such as a gentle and quiet spirit. God loves, appreciates, and admires such beauty.

The “inner person of the heart” refers to a person’s thoughts, dispositions, and intentions. The Greek word praus means “gentle,” “humble,” “modest,” “unassuming,” and “meek”. The Greek word hesychios [tranquil] denotes “a state of inner peacefulness and calm, quiet serenity, and tranquility, unruffled by the vicissitudes and disturbances of the daily round” (Elliott).

3. Lasting compatibility (1 Peter 3:7)

Joke:

If I have to choose between a husband and shoes, I choose shoes. They tend to last longer and are easier to replace.(Adopted).

In the same way, you husbands must give honor to your wives. Treat your wife with understanding as you live together. She may be weaker than you are, but she is your equal partner in God's gift of new life. Treat her as you should so your prayers will not be hindered (NLT).

Peter says husbands to pray, understand, consider, and honor their wives. A wife is a gift from the Lord according to Preacher Solomon. Parents can give you wealth, riches, and luxuries but not the quiet and gentle woman, not a holy and noblewoman.

Lasting compatibility refers to a state in which two things are able to exist or occur together without problems or conflict. The veracity or reliability of one another is the final touch of Peter. Reciprocity is the key to such relationships within the Christian faith.

A godly husband lives with his wife. He doesn’t merely share a house, but he truly lives with her. He understands her and applies those things on daily basis. A godly husband makes his wife feel honored.