[:en]SCRIPTURE: 1 PETER 3
“Wives, in the same way, be submissive to your husbands so that, if any of them do not believe the word, they may be won over without words by the behavior of their wives when they see the purity and reverence of your lives. Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as braided hair and the wearing of gold jewelry and fine clothes. Instead, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God’s sight” (1 Peter 3:1-4)
“Husbands, in the same way, be considerate as you live with your wives, and treat them with respect as the weaker partner and as heirs with you of the gracious gift of life, so that nothing will hinder your prayers” (1 Peter 3:7)
“Finally, all of you, live in harmony with one another; be sympathetic, love as brothers, be compassionate and humble. Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult, but with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing” (1 Peter 3:9-10)
“Whoever would love life and see good days must keep his tongue from evil and his lips from deceitful speech. He must turn from evil and do good; he must seek peace and pursue it. For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous and His ears are attentive to their prayer, but the face of the Lord is against those who do evil” (1 Peter 3:10-12)
Peter stressed the importance of submission in several areas of Christian life:
- At Home – Christian wives with unsaved husbands should seek to win them to the Lord with true spiritual beauty and not with artificial glamour or conspicuous fashions. Sarah was cited as an example of a beautiful woman who was devoted to her husband and called him “master”. Husbands should love and respect their wives with gentleness.
- In Church – Live in harmony with one another. Be sympathetic, compassionate and humble. Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult but with blessings. An assembly of God should be a place of peace.
- Under Suffering – Christians must learn to suffer for doing what is right. Let Jesus be our example of submission by showing meekness and gentleness.
Peter told us to set apart Christ as Lord in our hearts (v. 15). Let Him control our lives so that we will always have an answer when people ask about the hope we have in Him. Keep a clear conscience with gentleness and respect when people accuse us falsely so that there will be peace.
Peter warned us to keep our tongues and lips from deceitful speech. He encouraged us to do good, seek peace and pursue righteousness.
Peter tied Noah to the subject of baptism. The flood was a global baptism of water. But in the future, there will be a global baptism of fire (2 Pet. 3:7). Baptism is a picture of death, burial and resurrection. The water that buried the wicked people brought Noah to safety through the ark. Christian baptism pictured by the flood indicated our submission to the Lord with the illustration of His death, burial and resurrection.
LESSON:
True beauty comes from within. Christian women can be beautiful and attractive without being worldly and fashionable. She must submit to her husband and express her love to him. Husbands must give honor to the wife by being considerate and treat them with respect. Christians who suffer for what is right will be blessed. Meet the slanderers and persecutors with patience and grace and let God do the rest. Submit to God with a good conscience. For God sees our problems and He hears our cries. He will deal with those who persecute us for His sake.
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