1 Peter 3:1-7 - Witness through internal growth #Family

Witness through internal growth #Family

Problem - When we face issues with family members how do we witness to them?

1 Peter 3:1–7 ESV

1 Likewise, wives, be subject to your own husbands, so that even if some do not obey the word, they may be won without a word by the conduct of their wives, 2 when they see your respectful and pure conduct. 3 Do not let your adorning be external—the braiding of hair and the putting on of gold jewelry, or the clothing you wear— 4 but let your adorning be the hidden person of the heart with the imperishable beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which in God’s sight is very precious. 5 For this is how the holy women who hoped in God used to adorn themselves, by submitting to their own husbands, 6 as Sarah obeyed Abraham, calling him lord. And you are her children, if you do good and do not fear anything that is frightening. 7 Likewise, husbands, live with your wives in an understanding way, showing honor to the woman as the weaker vessel, since they are heirs with you of the grace of life, so that your prayers may not be hindered.

Context

Women & Men are called to be 1 Peter 2:9

The priestly function is not divided by economics, gender, or race

Having “Good Conduct” among the Gentiles 1 Peter 2:12

1 Peter 2:13 human institutions

While marriage is ordained by God Gen 2:18 the structure for marriage is human.

People have used this text to assign roles over who cleans the toilets and who takes care of the mouse traps.

Assumptions Peter is making

Women are Christian and there are husbands that are not.

Still the case today.

The context for submission is for them to be won over.

Abuse....

Without a word

Notice before we talked about word and deed.

Here Wives submit by deed first - the closer the relationship actions speak louder than words

1 Peter 3:15 ESV

15 but in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect,

What’s inside vs what outside

vs 3-4

Adornment - decorate

Outside

Temptation to win over nonbelievers by what we look like on the outside

Clothing, Stickers, where we go, how we look to others

Inside

imperishable (inheritance)

Gentle

Jesus

Matt 5:5 - the beatitudes - blessed are the gentle

Matthew 11:25–30 ESV

25 At that time Jesus declared, “I thank you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that you have hidden these things from the wise and understanding and revealed them to little children; 26 yes, Father, for such was your gracious will. 27 All things have been handed over to me by my Father, and no one knows the Son except the Father, and no one knows the Father except the Son and anyone to whom the Son chooses to reveal him. 28 Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”

Matt 21:5 - Jesus entering Jerusalem on a donkey to be killed

Paul

Fruit of the Spirit

Galatians 5:22–23 ESV

22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.

Ephesians 4:2 ESV

2 with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love,

Quite Spirit - a state of calm & restraint at the proper time

Acts 11:18, Peter testifying before the Jerusalem Council

Acts 21:14, Paul going back to Jerusalem knowing he will be imprisoned

1 Tim 2:2 - Paul says All believers must live peaceful and quiet lives

Genteelness and Quietness are qualities for all believers

vs 5 keeps unpacks adornment of God on the inside

Commentators argue about the reference

Gen 12 Abraham tells Sarah to lie about their marriage

Abraham and Sarah are exiles | Exiles

Sarah was beautiful in appearance | Outward adornment

Abraham was concerned about his own life | Husbands might disobey the word

God delivered Sarah | Holy women hope in God

This section on wives is bookend with a charge to do good and not fear

God judges

What does this mean for us?

Husbands - likewise

Assumes converts to Christianity

Gentle - understanding way

Show honor - revolutionary

Conclusion

When we are faced with difficulty in our conduct to nonbelieving family members here is what we do

Focus on the inside - which lasts forever

Gentle

Quite Spirit

Showing Honor