Submission in Marriage 1 Peter 3:1-7 Lesson 7 One would naturally think that successful marriages would be at an all-time high since we live in a time where information abounds. Yet, despite all the counselors, books, seminars, podcasts and every other type of resource available to us, Christian marriages are unraveling at an alarming rate! How can this be? Perhaps it is because the real issue is not in the knowing but in the doing. We can have all the Bible knowledge in the world, but nothing good will happen nor will any change take place unless we obey and do what it says. A happy marriage takes work and a willingness to constantly invest in its success. Likewise, God s Word is powerful when we choose to obey and apply it to our lives. Peter gives us simple and straightforward instructions on marriage in this week s passage. In seven short verses, he pours out enough practical instruction to last us a lifetime. He begins by talking directly to Christian wives specifically wives who have unsaved husbands. God s plan for women to impact their husbands spiritually is not through persuasion, wise words or preaching at them but through godly submission. After six verses of talking to wives, Peter gives husbands one powerful verse where he challenges them to step up to their Godordained responsibilities. He makes it short and simple by telling them to dwell with their wives in understanding and to honor them. Let s face it - Hollywood does not provide good examples of marriages to follow. We should not imitate the world. Our marriage manual is the Bible, and we are to follow it even when it seems to be asking us to do a very difficult thing. Submission may not be a popular concept, but it works! It works because it is God s plan for leadership in the home. If we want our marriages to thrive, we must lay aside ourselves and follow Jesus example of submission and obedience. 1
Open your Bible and begin with a word of prayer This Week s Scripture: 1 Peter 3:1-7 Wives, likewise, be submissive to your own husbands, that even if some do not obey the word, they, without a word, may be won by the conduct of their wives, 2 when they observe your chaste conduct accompanied by fear. 3 Do not let your adornment be merely outward arranging the hair, wearing gold, or putting on fine apparel 4 rather let it be the hidden person of the heart, with the incorruptible beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is very precious in the sight of God. 5 For in this manner, in former times, the holy women who trusted in God also adorned themselves, being submissive to their own husbands, 6 as Sarah obeyed Abraham, calling him lord, whose daughters you are if you do good and are not afraid with any terror. 7 Husbands, likewise, dwell with them with understanding, giving honor to the wife, as to the weaker vessel, and as being heirs together of the grace of life, that your prayers may not be hindered. NKJV This Week s Memory Verse: Rather let it be the hidden person of the heart, with the incorruptible beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is very precious in the sight of God. 1 Peter 3:4 1. In our modern time, it seems old fashioned or even archaic for a wife to submit to her husband. However, there is a reason that the Word of God calls for this behavior. What is the reason, according to verses 1-2 of this week s scripture? a. Is this reason enough for you? Why or why not? The will of God is not something you add to your life. It s a course you choose. You either line yourself up with the Son of God or you capitulate to the principle which governs the rest of the world. Elizabeth Elliot (1926-2015) 2
2. According to verse 3 of this week s scripture, what is our adornment not to merely consist of? a. What does Proverbs 31:30 tell us about this kind of adornment? 3. In contrast, list what we should be adorned with, according to verse 4? a. How does God look at this inner beauty? 4. How do the following verses affirm our inner beauty? a. Psalm 139:14-17: b. 2 Corinthians 4:16: c. Ephesians 2:10: d. Philippians 1:6: e. Which one of these verses encourages you most? Why? We will stand amazed to see the topside of the tapestry and how God beautifully embroidered each circumstance into a pattern for our good and His glory. Joni Eareckson Tada 3
Even though the last verse of this week s scripture addresses the husband s roll in marriage, it is important to note that in order for a husband and wife to live in complete harmony and surrender to the lordship of Christ, we must each do our part. If a husband does not do his part, the wife is not released from her responsibility to do what God has called her to do so that they [husbands], without a word, may be won by the conduct of their wives (1 Peter 3:1). 5. We will now turn our attention to verse 7 of this week s scripture. This verse has been the topic of many discussions. Therefore, let us first dissect this verse by filling in the blank portions below using the NKJV translation. a. Husbands, likewise, dwell with them with, b. giving to the wife, c. as to the vessel, d. and as being together of the grace of life, e. that your prayers may not be. 6. It is always important to let scripture explain scripture and it is to that end that we are going to look at each of these sections. Note what the following verses tell us about each topic below. a. Dwelling with understanding James 1:19: b. Giving honor Ephesians 5:28-29: c. Weaker vessel Ephesians 5:30 & 1 Corinthians 12:14-19: d. Heirs together Romans 8:17: e. Hindered prayers Isaiah 59:1-2: 7. In light of the information given in questions 5 and 6, how do we as people or as couples dwell in harmony? 4
Reflect and Respond What has touched your heart and encouraged your spiritual growth during this week s study? Result In what practical ways can you apply what you have learned this week? 5
Thoughts & Prayers 6