SCRIPTURE: 1 PETER 3
BIBLE VERSES:
“Wives, in the same way submit yourselves to your own 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 elaborate hairstyles and the wearing of gold jewelry or fine clothes. Rather, 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, be like-minded, be sympathetic, love one another, be compassionate and humble. Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult. On the contrary, repay evil with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing.” (1 Peter 3:8-9)
“But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander.” (1 Peter 3:15-16)
WIVES AND HUSBANDS (vs. 1-7)
Christian wives should win their unsaved husband with true spiritual beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit. Beauty should not come from outward adornment of braided hair, wearing of gold and jewelry or fine clothes because external grandeur will fade away.
Husband should be considerate and treat their wives with respect and love.
SUFFERING FOR DOING GOOD (vs. 8-22)
General Instruction for Christians:
- Live in harmony with one another (v. 9a)
- Be sympathetic and love as brothers (v. 8b)
- Be compassionate and humble (v. 8c)
- Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult but with blessing (v. 9)
- Keep your tongue from evil and lips from deceitful speech (v. 10)
- Seek and pursue peace (v. 11)
- Do not fear to suffer for what is right (v. 14)
- Set apart Christ as Lord (v. 15a)
- Be prepared to give an account when people ask you about the hope that you have (v. 15b)
- Treat people with gentleness and respect (v. 15c)
- Keep a clear conscience (v. 16)
THOUGHTS:
Christian wives should develop their inner beauty instead of outward appearance. It is by love, not the looks that won husband over to Christ. By showing godly behavior, their husband would join her to become Christian.
Husband must be considerate to their wives. Since women are weaker, husbands should protect and help her. If a man is not respectful to his wife, his prayer will not be answered.
The qualities that believer need to have:
- Submissive (v. 1)
- Considerate (v. 7a)
- Respectful (v. 7b)
- Harmonious (v. 8a)
- Sympathetic (v. 8b)
- Love (v. 8c)
- Compassionate (v. 8d)
- Humble (v. 8e)
- Forgiving (v. 9)
- Self-control (v. 10)
- Holiness (v. 15a)
- Readiness (v. 15b)
- Gentlemeness (v. 15c)
- Clear conscience (v. 16)
- Patient (v. 19)