Gender Roles

1 Peter 3:1–7 LSB

1 In the same way, you wives, be subject to your own husbands so that even if any of them are disobedient to the word, they may be won without a word by the conduct of their wives, 2 as they observe your pure conduct with fear. 3 Your adornment must not be merely external—braiding the hair, and wearing gold jewelry, or putting on garments; 4 but let it be the hidden person of the heart, with the incorruptible quality of a lowly and quiet spirit, which is precious in the sight of God. 5 For in this way in former times the holy women also, who hoped in God, used to adorn themselves, being subject to their own husbands, 6 just as Sarah obeyed Abraham, calling him lord. You have become her children if you do good, not fearing any intimidation. 7 You husbands in the same way, live with your wives in an understanding way, as with a weaker vessel, since she is a woman; and show her honor as a fellow heir of the grace of life, so that your prayers will not be hindered.

2 Commands

Wives, be subject to your husbands

Subject - upotasso means to come under someones authority

Upo means below or under

Used of military rank

Submit is different than obedience

Mutual Submission

What does that mean

Never is a man called to submit to his wife

Situation

Unbelieving Husband

Submitting to one’s husband is called for regardless of the abilities of the husband

Things things to note here

Accusation of Men being superior

Abuse situations

Attitude

Lowly and Quiet Spirit

Example

Not limited to the region

Husbands, live in an understanding way

Why - Weakness of women

Ex. Dad calling me a loser

Ex. Holland and Preston around an angry person

So - Show her honor

Questions for Consideration:

How would you respond to someone who says that submission of a woman to a man does not apply to the Christian today? Do you think it is possible that Paul and Peter were giving cultural commands?

How would you explain biblical gender roles to someone who is a feminist? Does difference in role imply difference in value?

How would you respond to the accusation that gender roles imply that women are inferior to men?

What do you think the difference between submission and obedience is? When would it be appropriate for a wife to push back against the authority of her husband?

In what circumstances would it be appropriate for a man to make decisions for the family even with his wife’s disagreement?

What about marriage situations where the wife is more wise, intelligent, or godly than the husband?

How can a husband balance being an honest and strong leader while being gracious of his wife’s weakness?

How does this section apply to men and women that are not married? To what extent does gender roles play effect between all men and all women?

How does this section affect what you would be looking for in a spouse?

How does this section affect what type of character you as a man or a woman should develop? Do you need to ask God’s help for any specific sins in your life?