A Marriage in the image of Christ

1 Peter 3:1–7 NKJV

Wives, likewise, be submissive to your own husbands, that even if some do not obey the word, they, without a word, may be won by the conduct of their wives, when they observe your chaste conduct accompanied by fear. Do not let your adornment be merely outward—arranging the hair, wearing gold, or putting on fine apparel— rather let it be the hidden person of the heart, with the incorruptible beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is very precious in the sight of God. For in this manner, in former times, the holy women who trusted in God also adorned themselves, being submissive to their own husbands, as Sarah obeyed Abraham, calling him lord, whose daughters you are if you do good and are not afraid with any terror. Husbands, likewise, dwell with them with understanding, giving honor to the wife, as to the weaker vessel, and as being heirs together of the grace of life, that your prayers may not be hindered.

Types of individuals in most marriages.

The Archeologist- digging up the past.

The Dentist-trying to pull something out.

The Construction worker-swinging a hammer.

The Florist-looking to create something beautiful.

The Repairman.-trying to fix something.

The Coach-Trying to correct bad behavior and control.

The Nurse-looking to advance healing.

What type of spouse are you?

WHAT IS THE PURPOSE OF MARRIAGE?

At its very heart, marriage is for the purpose of human companionship.

Genesis 2:18 NKJV

And the Lord God said, “It is not good that man should be alone; I will make him a helper comparable to him.”

God made Eve for the same purpose He made Adam, Fellowship. Thus, it is picturesque of the relationship between God and His children.

It is the very first institution that God created, even before governments, religion, or children. In the very beginning of humanity God established the relationship between husbands and wives.

Marriage is a beautiful institution. It is the relationship that is used to describe the relationship between Jesus and the church.

When done correctly it is one of the greatest pictures of Christ. However, when neglected it can destroy that image, and like a life lived without Christ, it can destroy lives.

Therefore, if marriage is designed to reflect Christ, it must be made in His image.

Here, in this passage, we see the commands for husbands and wives.

Although this passage seems outdated and antiquated by modern standards, a closer examination reveals that its principles have not wavered. Especially when viewed in light of the proper context.

Thus, the speech to husbands and wives is not misogynistic but beneficial because the principles apply to all of us. This is verified by the words of verse seven. “Husbands, Likewise” the word likewise means in the same manner

I. We are to humble ourselves to one another.

1 Peter 3:1 NKJV

Wives, likewise, be submissive to your own husbands, that even if some do not obey the word, they, without a word, may be won by the conduct of their wives,

Now you may say that this passage only applies to wives and therefore the men are the masters of their wives (as some have claimed.) However, Eph 5:20 still says that we are to submit one to another. Therefore, the biblical principle is still taught.

Ephesians 5:20–21 NKJV

giving thanks always for all things to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, submitting to one another in the fear of God.

Philippians 2:3–8 NKJV

Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others. Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men. And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross.

1 Corinthians 12:23 NKJV

And those members of the body which we think to be less honorable, on these we bestow greater honor; and our unpresentable parts have greater modesty,

Here we see that the weaker vessel must be given greater honor. I want to say that Christianity has been a beacon for women’s rights and liberty. Because it is the Bible that declares that you ladies are worthy of greater honor.

So I don’t want to hear anyone ever come to me and say that the bible is against ladies, or for a man to say that he is better. The bible clearly teaches the contrary idea that instead we are all created equally and in God’s image.

A. Surrender our will

However, there are positional differences that are scriptural. Wives are to yield to the husband as he follows God. Husbands are to yield to Christ and to surrender his own will for the benefit and glory of his wife.

Thus, we are all to surrender our will for the glory of God. And a great marriage is not one without conflict or differing of opinions. In fact, I often say that in a marriage without conflict one partner is unnecessary because if both partners are adding insight there will differing of opinions. So a great marriage is not one without conflict but a marriage where each person is willing to humble themselves and surrender there will.

B. Ceremonially clean

This is holy and pure. That we keep our hearts clean and pure before the Lord and our partner. That we guard our hearts and bodies from impurity or anything that would defile our marriage and hearts.

II. We are to understand true beauty.

1 Peter 3:3 NKJV

Do not let your adornment be merely outward—arranging the hair, wearing gold, or putting on fine apparel—

Romans 2:28–29 NKJV

For he is not a Jew who is one outwardly, nor is circumcision that which is outward in the flesh; but he is a Jew who is one inwardly; and circumcision is that of the heart, in the Spirit, not in the letter; whose praise is not from men but from God.

A. Don’t focus on temporal beauty.

B. Attend to matters of the heart.

III. A Word for Husbands.

1 Peter 3:7 NKJV

Husbands, likewise, dwell with them with understanding, giving honor to the wife, as to the weaker vessel, and as being heirs together of the grace of life, that your prayers may not be hindered.

Ephesians 5:25 NKJV

Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself for her,

1 Corinthians 7:3 NKJV

Let the husband render to his wife the affection due her, and likewise also the wife to her husband.

A. Know your wife.

B. Give honor to your wife.

i cor 12.23

C. Love your wife.

I would like to close by saying this. Just as we are to treat our spouse, so are we to treat the other members of the bride of Christ. There is no place for pride or animosity within the people of God.

Rather, we should display the love of Christ as His bride.

This love that we are to have one for another. the forgiveness that we share, and the compassion displayed is only a small picture of the love that Christ offer for us.

I. He humbled himself to the will of the Father. Even to the point of death.

II. He looks beyond what the world sees and knows the heart.

1 Samuel 16:7 NKJV

But the Lord said to Samuel, “Do not look at his appearance or at his physical stature, because I have refused him. For the Lord does not see as man sees; for man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.”

III. He offers eternity to us, if we will but entrust ourselves to Him.

John 3:16 NKJV

For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.

The word believe means to entrust.`Thus, all that stands between you and a relationship with Christ and knowing His love is simply to entrust your life to Him.