Last Time:
- Submission to rulers
- Submission to masters
Today:
Submission to husbands – 1 Peter 3:1-7
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 jewellery, 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 honour 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.
Comments:
1 Likewise, wives, be subject to your own husbands,
(Click to compare my comments on Ephesians 5 in an earlier podcast)
so that
(there’s a purpose)
even if some do not obey the word, they may be won
(no guarantees cf 1 Cor 7)
without a word by the conduct of their wives,
2 when they see your respectful and pure conduct.
It’s not what you say but how you live
(Cf what Peter says to the slaves)
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.
(Again as in Ch.2, submission is for the Lord’s sake)
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.
(Recognising his authority as head of the family)
And you are her children if you do good and do not fear anything that is frightening.
The exact meaning is unclear. NIV translates:
You are her daughters if you do what is right and do not give way to fear.
But AMP is more helpful:
“just as Sarah obeyed Abraham [following him and having regard for him as head of their house], calling him lord. And you have become her daughters if you do what is right without being frightened by any fear [that is, being respectful toward your husband but not giving in to intimidation, nor allowing yourself to be led into sin, nor to be harmed].”
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.
(Unity is the key to answered prayer)