THE WOMBED MAN
“SHE’S MEAN”
Text: 1Pet.3:1-7a
Introduction: “You Know What I Mean?”
Tonight we’re going to discover some specific purposes for which God created the female. If you are a woman, this lesson will especially encourage you. You’re going to understand more about yourself and why you are the way you are & what makes you tick. You’re going to learn how to be fulfilled by living according to God’s design. Many men don’t have a clue why their women are the way they are. If a man continues down this road of misunderstanding, he will misuse the gift that God gave to him. This lesson is not to be taken in the sense that you have to be married in order to be complete. We simply want to use the principle in which Paul is conveying.
(Eleanor Roosevelt) “Women have one advantage over men. Throughout history they have been forced to make adjustments. The result is that, in most cases, it is less difficult for a woman to adapt to new situations than it is for a man.” The primary object of our study on this evening is to bring the knowledge of who the woman is to light, so that she will not be devalued or abused. The principle lies within the adjustability of the woman more so than the controllability of the woman.
I. SHE MOTIVATES vs.1 “…without the word be won…”
“Likewise”—Peter begins vs.1 picking up where he left off in the previous chapter with the word ”Likewise”=in the same manner of that spoken, observed or demonstrated previously. (2:21-25) Peter spake of the vicarious suffering of Christ as an example that we should follow. Jesus’ suffering was an example of sacrifice for the purpose of remission of sins & motivation for the sinner. In the same manner Peter speaks of the woman having the God given mandate to sacrifice in such a way that she both save the home and motivate the house!
II. SHE EXASPERATES vs.2 “While they behold…”
This word behold gives the indication of one caught up in a daze. One’s entire attention is directed upon a person, object or an event. There is something about a woman who knows who she is, what her purpose is & what she was designed to do that draws the best out of those connected to them. Women have the ability to pull out of people & resources the best they have to offer.
“…coupled with fear”—Some of the strongest people who have ever lived and yet live today are women. They are strong mentally, socially, economically & sexually. Because of these facts…You’ve gotta respect ‘em…You’ve gotta give ‘em honor…You’ve gotta reward ‘em…You’ve gotta give it up ‘cause SHE’S MEAN!!!
III. SHE ANTICIPATES vs.5 “…who trusted in God
(side-bar) vs.3 misinterpreted=No Hair-Do’s, No Jewelry & No Clothes-N-o-o-o-o!!! Peter gives us the meat of the message in vs.4 ”…let it be the hidden man of the heart…”. So, there is a man in every wo-man of God. There is actually an inner-man, sent from God who dwells within every woman who gives her inner-strength & insight of all that she has been given charge of (women know some kind of way).
“…in a meek and quiet spirit…”—It is said that men are more like dogs and women more like cats. Well when you analyze the hunting techniques of any cat (big or small), they lie quietly, camouflaged…waiting peaceably for an opportunity to leap into action. Impulsive actions could cause you to lose out on something that may not come along again. These are priceless moments explains Peter.
vs.5 “…who trusted God”—This woman’s anticipation is not in men, money, moments or meetings. She was totally & completely sold out on God. It’s God or Bust. It has nothing to do with whether you have a man or not. When you put your trust in God, you can anticipate God doing the miraculous in your life. “Some trust in horses, some trust in chariots, but I will trust in the Lord!” “Trust in the Lord with all thine heart & lean not on your own understanding and he will direct thy path”.
IV. SHE NEGOTIATES vs.6 “…not afraid with any amazement”—Peter deals with something that many don’t like to talk about (especially if you’re married) and that is one-sided relationships. Peter gave an example using Sara of the O.T. (elab…Abram) to visualize a picture of how a one-sided relationship should be handled. To be submissive means to cooperate voluntarily with someone else out of love and respect for God and for that person.
Eph.5:21 “Submitting yourselves unto your own husbands, as unto the Lord.” Ideally submission is mutual , even when it is one-sided, the expression of submission can be an effective Christian strategy. Submission acts as a negotiator in the place of carnal tactics (elab…Sex-Strike; Conversation-Cancellation; Dinner-Drought; etc.). Submission does more than persecution, especially when the Holy Ghost is involved.
Rom.12:17-21—Paul gives instruction to all who reside in the body of Christ to be in submission to those who are in conflict with you. By doing this, you defuse & disarm them of their weaponry…”Control”. Negotiate your freedom through your fear of God!!
**CONCLUSION**
“YOU KNOW WHAT I MEAN?” 1Pet.3:7
“…according to knowledge”—Women have been yearning for men to understand their disposition. Men, since the fall of Adam have been trying to avoid the issue just to keep peace. When Peter calls women the “weaker” vessel, he does not mean any moral or intellectual inferiority, but he is recognizing women’s physical limitations. Though woman have made strives all over the world, life can be demanding alone. God said, “It is not good for man to be alone. I will make a helper suitable for him”. The word alone is composed of two words, “all” and “one.” Placed together they basically mean “all in one”. For all the married couples, you have no business being married and attempting to be all in one. God drew a person out of man, so that the man would have this other self to share with. We must share in order to know what we truly mean to one another. If you are single, then the text still applies to you. “I will make a helper”. God has sent a helper, a comforter, a guide and a counselor to assist you in every endeavor you heart desires. Rest in the fact that you and God are a MAJORITY, and the Majority is on your side. “If God be for you…WHO!!
