Exiles Within Marriage

[Announce text] Please look with me in Scripture at 1 Peter 3:1-7.

[Scripture introduction] Peter, an Apostle of Jesus Christ writes his letter to the group of spiritually displaced Christians who are living in their homeland and yet they are publicly ostracized and physically harassed by their communities, governing officials, and slave masters.

Now, Peter redirects the conversation from outside authorities to within the household of believers. His exhortation is to each spouse and he has given clear doctrine on how Christians spouses are to live in the household of the Lord.

[Reannounce and read text] Read with me these words on spiritual exile believers within a dysfunctional marriage in 1 Peter 3:1-7.

[Prayer for illumination] . Living God, help us so to hear your holy Word that we may truly understand; that, understanding, we may believe, and, believing, we may follow in all faithfulness and obedience, seeking your honor and glory in all that we do; through Christ our Lord. Amen.

[Introduction] Do you know what was the first institution God ever created? It was not government, education or religion. It was the sacred bonds of marriage and God ordained it for a one husband and one wife to live together for a lifetime. Within marriage, man would never be alone and together both of them to be fruitful and multiply (Genesis 1:22, 2:18). It was given to mankind as a precious gift.

Consequently in marriage, the two are become one flesh and the union of sinners inevitably share everything together, the good, the bad, and the ugly.

Here is where Peter addresses Christians who are united in marriage. Sometime he speaks to the believer who is wedded with an unbeliever after the believing spouse converted, or he speaks to the followers of Jesus who agreed to the marriage proposal. Regardless, Peter main addresses is for those who are in the committed bonds of marriage.

Everyone else who isn’t marriage, this sermon is not for you. But it can be for someone you know, so I would encourage you to pay carefully attention to Peter’s words.

In Peter’s letter he addresses not the marriages that are picture perfect, but the ones that are bitter, unhealthy, and dysfunctional and are not living up to their spiritual status as exiles in this world.

[FCF] How should you live with your spouse in marriage?

[Scripture bond] Which is why I call you eyes to return to 1 Peter 3:1-7 and absorb the truth on how exiles within marriage are to live.

[Proposition] In marriage, Christians live with their spouses in a way so that Christ is revealed through their hearts and actions.

[Main point 1] Wives, be subject to your own husband and adorn yourselves with the inner beauty.

[Explanation] Submit and conduct yourselves in good conduct toward your husband.

[Illustration] Sarah, followed Abraham and submitted as a holy woman who hoped in God. She is your example for life.

[Application] Adorn your life with internal beauty and the cosmetics of the Lord. Acting as Christ to the Father living to in complete submission to the will of God.

[Main Point 2] Husbands, live with your wives in an understanding way, showing honor for they are heirs with you of the grace of life.

[Explanation] Extend sympathy and compassion to your wife. For salvation belongs to them and God cares about how your value her.

[Illustration] The considerable emphasis on vessels in biblical times reflects their integral role in the daily and ritual life of the ancient Israelites. They not only formed part of the domestic life, for cooking, serving, and the storage of food but were also used in religious ceremonies, serving as containers for offerings, libations, and incense.

Your wife is the vessel of your home and spiritual life. She will help you serve the Lord.

[Application] Honor your wife in the same way as Christ honored his church by dying for her.

Set aside dedicated time to listen to your wife's thoughts and feelings, actively engaging in conversations to understand her perspective. Make decisions together, valuing her input and insight.

[Main Point 3] Christians, pray for the marriages of those in the church, so Christ is revealed.

[Explanation] Marriage in the church, should look different because we are the spiritual exiles of God.

[Illustration] The followers of Christ are to have the best marriage because their saturated with daily prayer from others and themselves.

[Application] Pray for wives and husbands to follow in steps of Jesus.

[Conclusion] In marriage, Christians live with your spouses in a way so that Christ is revealed through your hearts and actions.

Let us love, cherish, and honor our spouses and the covenant of marriage so the world and the church will see Christ in us. Amen.