1 Peter 3:1-6

1 Peter 3:1-6

Women, in the same way while submitting to your own man, in order that even if some are disobedient to the Word, through the behavior of the woman they will be won over without a word after observing your pure behavior in fear.  Of whom, do not let the external adorning - braiding of hair and the wearing of gold ornaments or the clothing you wear – be anything.  But rather the hidden man of the heart in the imperishable nature of humble submission and a peaceable spirit: this is valuable in the presence of God.  For in this manner, the holy women who formerly also put their hope into God were adorning themselves while being submitted to their own men – as Sarah obeyed Abraham while calling him a lord.  Of whom, you are children while doing good and while not being frightened by any terrifying thing.

Thoughts for Today

First Thought:

This topic is about wives submitting to their husbands.  Before I say anything about this topic, let’s make sure that we remember why Peter says these things.  Peter says this because he is concerned about how people who might not care about God’s Word will still hear and be sensitive to the Gospel.  Peter is interested in making sure people are equipped through their actions to impact others who might not be open to listening to them.  For Peter, our conduct is a great tool for reaching the seemingly unreachable.  That is why this topic is important.

Why is it important to understand the motivation for Peter’s words in this section?  Do you consider Peter’s motivation worthy?  Are you willing to behave a certain way just for the possibility of reaching an otherwise unreachable person?

Second Thought:

So what is it that Peter says?  Peter says that women are to submit to husbands – even husbands who are missing the point of God’s Word.  Woman are to put more stock into the beauty of a submitted wife than the external beauty of jewelry, clothing, and hair.  Women are to live with a peaceable spirit towards their husbands.

If you are a woman, do you live with a peaceable spirit toward the men in your life?  When is this easy?  When is this difficult?  If you are a man, do you live in such a way that the women in your life would want to live with a peaceable attitude towards you?

Third Thought:

Finally, let’s pick up an understanding about why Peter has the authority to say this in the first place.  Look at what Peter says at the beginning of this passage.  Peter says, “In the same way.”  In other words, we need to look back at the previous section.  What was the last chapter all about?  The last things that Peter talked about was how Christ lived.  He was reviled and didn’t revile back.  He was self-sacrificial.  He placed His own life in the hands of God rather than striving to get what He wanted.  It is out of the example of Christ that Peter speaks. 

Passage for Tomorrow: 1 Peter 3:7