September 30 2018
Morning Service

Andy helped walk us through a very challenging chapter 2 last week as Peter encouraged us to “lay aside” the attitudes of this world and to become living stones in the kingdom God is building with Jesus as the chief cornerstone.  He described us as a “chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation.”  We are to live as pilgrims in this land with conduct so honorable that all will see the reflection of Christ in our lives.  We are to be good citizens obeying and showing respect to all the authorities that we are under.  He even took that down another level and said we likewise should be in submission to our supervisors at our place of work.  We are to have a good attitude and work ethic even if they treat us poorly.  Peter also told us to look to Jesus’ suffering as an example for us to follow in our time of suffering.  It was through His suffering that we have the forgiveness of sin and are healed from our wounds.  He now begins a teaching on what marriage should look like as a Christ follower.

1 Peter 3:1-2 Likewise, wives, be submissive to your own husbands, so that if any do not obey the Word, they may also be won without the Word by the conduct of their wives,  (2)  having witnessed your chaste behavior in the fear of God.

·        When a man became a Christian in this culture and time, he usually brings his entire family with him into the church (Phil. jailer).  A woman however, when she was the first in her family to become a Christian; she would normally come alone.  Under Roman law, the man had total authority over his entire household which included his wife.  If she were to demand her free rights as a Christian woman, her marriage would be in serious trouble if her husband disapproved.  It was a difficult situation for her to be in. Peter here speaks directly to her and encourages her to win over her husband not by standing up to him, but by submitting to him.  True Godly submission means to cooperate voluntarily out of love and respect for her husband as well as to God (yielding to both of them in authority).  It is an attitude of submission and obedience in love that God requires in a marriage and Peter says that will speak far louder than any words the wife could speak.   Paul instructed the wife like this in his letter to the Ephesian church.

Ephesians 5:22-24 Wives, submit yourselves to your own husbands, as to the Lord.  (23)  For the husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is the head of the church; and He is the Savior of the body.  (24)  Therefore as the church is subject to Christ, so let the wives be to their own husbands in everything.

·        Paul gives us a two way view of submission here as he compares marriage between a man and a woman to the marriage of the church with Christ.  Depending on our view we can learn how to be a good spouse or a good Christian.

·        Overall it is a changed life that speaks far louder and clearer than words and that is true for all Christians not only the wives.  Peter instructs us to allow our conduct and attitude to be the main witness to the unsaved.  How we act and interact with others as we imitate Christ should be a magnet for those who are not following Christ.  Our actions will give power to our words at the proper time as we will see next week.  He then continues with his discourse with the women of the church.

   1 Peter 3:3-6  Of whom let not be the adorning of garments, or outward braiding of hair and wearing of gold, or of putting on clothing,  (4)  but let it be the hidden person of the heart, in that which is not corruptible, the meek and quiet spirit, which is of great price in the sight of God.  (5)  For so once indeed the holy women hoping in God adorned themselves, being in subjection to their own husbands;  (6)  as Sarah obeyed Abraham, calling him lord; whose children you became, doing good and fearing no terror.

·        Ladies, if you have questions about how to dress or not dress, this is the place to start.  You should not be obsessed with the latest fashions, but neither should you be totally unconcerned with how you look at all.  There needs to be a moderate balance between the two.  Read this scripture at a quiet time of your day and ask God to show you what He is pleased with.  Peter instructs you to place the greater importance on the things of the heart and spirit where true beauty lies.

1 Peter 3:7 Likewise, husbands, dwell with them with understanding, giving honor to the wife as to the weaker vessel, the female, as truly being co-heirs together of the grace of life, not cutting off your prayers.

·        Peter means no disrespect in speaking of women as the “weaker vessel” as he is not addressing their inferiority in intelligence or morality, but in their physical limitations.  In that culture a woman who was unprotected by a man was very vulnerable to attack, abuse and financial disaster.  His point is directing the man to honor his wife by protecting, respecting, and serving her.  God has set the man as the head of the house to be a servant leader as Paul again explains it this way to the Ephesian church.

Ephesians 5:25-33 Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself for it,  (26)  that He might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the Word,  (27)  that He might present it to Himself as the glorious church, without spot or wrinkle or any such things, but that it should be holy and without blemish.  (28)  So men ought to love their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself.  (29)  For no man ever yet hated his own flesh, but nourishes and cherishes it, even as the Lord loves the church.  (30)  For we are members of His body, of His flesh, and of His bones.  (31)  "For this cause a man shall leave his father and mother and shall be joined to his wife, and the two of them shall be one flesh."  (32)  This is a great mystery, but I speak concerning Christ and the church.  (33)  But also let everyone of you in particular so love his wife even as himself, and the wife that she defers to her husband.

·        Paul again continues the comparison of marriage as we know to the marriage between Christ and the church.  As head of the Church Jesus sacrificed all for His bride, taking no thought to His own well-being but willingly placed the needs of His bride above His own.  Husbands we are to exhibit the same attitude.  Just because our wives are instructed to submit to us does not mean life is all about us.  We are to be servant leaders putting the needs of our wife and family above our own.  It is our job to protect and care for our family physically, financially and most of all spiritually.  Just as Christ does for the church (see the comparison there?).  This is a huge burden to bear, but one the Holy Spirit will guide you in doing if you let Him.  He wants you to feel overwhelmed by it, so you will call and rely upon Him for help.

·        Ladies can you see the importance of the help mate role plays right here.  It is hard to lead; but it is much easier when the ones we are leading are on our side loving, encouraging and supporting us.

·        The union of marriage between man and woman changes the two people into one flesh.  God has chosen the husband to be the leader of the family and the wife to be his helpmate.  When we vary from that plan there will be trouble.  Is it easy, no?  Will it work, yes!  Husbands stand up and lead thus fulfilling your role in the marriage.  Wives, submit to your husbands as the leader and build him up, support him, and pray for him and in so doing you are fulfilling your role in the marriage.  Christian, live a life with an attitude and conduct that reflect the love God has for you.  Love never fails.

 

Heavenly Father, thank You for Your plan for marriage and help us each to fulfill our roles with the right loving attitude.