How can a godly, Christian woman win her unbelieving husband to the Lord? Is she to reject his leadership role in the home or respect it? How does the Christian man’s treatment of his wife reflect and impact his relationship with the Lord? May he dishonor her and yet honor his God? As Peter challenged citizens and slaves in the preceding chapter, and pointed to Christ as their model, so he does again now as by inspiration he addresses relationships in the home.
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Questions to consider as we begin …
How can a Christian wife draw her unbelieving husband to the Lord rather than drive him away?
Why is one’s behavior so vital in one’s efforts to influence others?
When should we use words, or not use words, to persuade people?
What does to mean to be “chaste?”
What is adornment or beauty in the world’s eyes?
What is true adornment or beauty in the Lord’s eyes?
How can we teach our children the difference?
Does Peter see the example of Abraham and Sarah as outdated?
Was it ultimately to Sarah’s benefit that she obeyed Abraham?
Was it really necessary for Sarah to speak to Abraham respectfully?
Abraham is the father of the faithful. Sarah is the mother of … whom?
How does a Christian woman become a daughter of Sarah?
Is it a woman’s priority to look like the world, or to behave like Sarah?
What are the marks of a considerate husband?
How does a husband honor his wife?
What does that have to do with his prayer life?
3:1-2 Wives: Supportive and Exemplary
3:1 In the same way, you wives, be submissive to your own husbands so that even if any of them are disobedient to the word, they may be won without a word by the behavior of their wives, 2 as they observe your chaste and respectful behavior.
If to the emperor, governor, or one’s master … what about home?
Why? To imitate Christ, obey God, and perhaps win their men!
Marry a Christian! If already married, see 1 Cor 7:12-16.
Silence is golden. Actions speak louder than words.
As they observe the sermon you live. “I’d Rather See a Sermon.”
Chaste = pure, undefiled, without flaw. Respectful = “with fear.”
Consistent. Faithful. Holy. Godly. Within what limits?
3:3-4 Wives: Sincere and Godly
3:3 Your adornment must not be merely external—braiding the hair, and wearing gold jewelry, or putting on dresses; 4 but let it be the hidden person of the heart, with the imperishable quality of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is precious in the sight of God.
How does the world define beauty? How does God?
Priority: a pretty package … or precious content?
To attract a godly man, or win an ungodly husband, here’s the key!
Adornment: 1 Tim 2:9-10; Tit 2:9-10.
Hidden: must be sought, uncovered. Imperishable: unfading.
Gentle: Matt 5:5; 11:29; 21:5. 2 Cor 10:1; Gal 5:23; 6:1.
Quiet: peaceful, calm. 1 Tim 2:2.
3:5-6 Wives: Respectful and Righteous
3:5 For in this way in former times the holy women also, who hoped in God, used to adorn themselves, being submissive to their own husbands; 6 just as Sarah obeyed Abraham, calling him lord, and you have become her children if you do what is right without being frightened by any fear.
Before submission, first holiness and hope in God.
Obedience and respect – tough at times! Gen 16, 22.
Lord – “Sir.” Term honoring one’s leader, one in authority
Abraham: father of the faithful. Sarah: mother of all godly women.
As Sarah is an example to women today, they will be to others.
Do right. Live in security and confidence, not in terror and alarm.
3:7 Husbands: Aware and Appreciative
3:7 You husbands in the same way, live with your wives in an understanding way, as the weaker vessel, since she is a woman; and show her honor as a fellow heir of the grace of life, so that your prayers will not be hindered.
In the same way – as …
Know her personality, needs, desires, worries, joys.
Vessel: Ac 9:15; 2 Cor 4:7; 1 Th 4:4; 2 Tim 2:20-21.
Weaker: not in value or intellect, but how? Protect and guard her!
Fellow heir: one who shares equally in the inheritance.
Honor. Love is a Decision, Gary Smalley. Top Ten Dishonoring Acts, ch. 2. See in a separate post here: http://servingandsharing.com/the-top-ten-dishonoring-acts-in-a-home-by-gary-smalley/
Love and Respect, Dr. Emerson Eggerichs. Eph 5:33.
