Wives and Husbands

Intro: In order to faithfully preach this passage, I have to acknowledge a few things

THis passage has been used to abuse people for years. Weak men have and will use this and other passages to assert dominance over women and those weaker than them, and that is incredibly wrong

None of you are currently married. However, that does not mean that this topic doesn’t matter to you. Whether you get married eventually or not, this passage addresses our relationships in any environment. And, if you get married and have me do your wedding, I’m going to ask you about this sermon, so you better be paying attention.

With that in mind, there are two main subjects that this passage talks about.

What should wives do?

1 Peter 3:1–6 NASB95

In the same way, you wives, be submissive 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 behavior of their wives, as they observe your chaste and respectful behavior. Your adornment must not be merely external—braiding the hair, and wearing gold jewelry, or putting on dresses; but let it be the hidden person of the heart, with the imperishable quality of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is precious in the sight of God. For in this way in former times the holy women also, who hoped in God, used to adorn themselves, being submissive to their own husbands; just as Sarah obeyed Abraham, calling him lord, and you have become her children if you do what is right without being frightened by any fear.

Be subject to your husbands

Very similar wording to chapter 2, which talks about serving people out of love, even though you are free

You should love your husband in such a way that it reflects Jesus’ love for you

This does not mean that you are supposed to stay with anyone who is abusive. The Bible does not support that at all, there are definitely times when you should not submit to people, but we will talk about that more when we get to husbands.

Be careful how you dress

Society had dictated what a woman is supposed to look like for a long time.

There are standards for what a girl/woman is supposed to look and dress like, but they simply don’t matter

Peter tells us to avoid looking pretty on the outside without being beautiful on the inside.

Be someone who’s attractive because of you, not because of how you look.

You don’t have to look like a bridge troll, but don’t use your clothes to win affection, let you win affection.

What should husbands do?

1 Peter 3:7 NASB95

You husbands in the same way, live with your wives in an understanding way, as with someone weaker, 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.

Be understanding

Guys are simple, women are not. Do your best to understand them, and remember that you will be confused.

Show them honor.

Remember that women are people too, treat them with respect.

The word ‘honor’ in Greek is akin to saying treat them as something that is precious.

Women are generally physically weaker, but that means that we should care for them, not lord over them.

Be worthy of being submitted to

If you don’t lead your family well, no one is submitting to you, nor should they.

Be someone who is worthy to lead, and people will follow

Concluding Thoughts

1 Peter 3:8–12 NASB95

To sum up, all of you be harmonious, sympathetic, brotherly, kindhearted, and humble in spirit; not returning evil for evil or insult for insult, but giving a blessing instead; for you were called for the very purpose that you might inherit a blessing. For, “The one who desires life, to love and see good days, Must keep his tongue from evil and his lips from speaking deceit. “He must turn away from evil and do good; He must seek peace and pursue it. “For the eyes of the Lord are toward the righteous, And His ears attend to their prayer, But the face of the Lord is against those who do evil.”

Live like Jesus

The church is a community of people who love each other. So, love each other.

Be unified, treat others well, be humble

Bless those who hate you.

Questions.

How does this passage affect your view on the roles of men and women?

Where does the world around you find your worth, and is that different from where God finds your worth? How?

Split question

Guys: How can you become someone worthy of leading?

Girls: What are the characteristics of someone who is worthy of being followed?