Read I Peter 3:1-6
“Wives, in the same way be submissive to your husband so that if any of them do not believe the word, they may be won over…” (v 1)
Some Thoughts…
OK, now we turn to what is a very touchy subject in today’s world. It is one of those “hot-buttons” that give folks reason to argue that Christianity is outdated and out of touch with reality.
Women called to submit?! Are you serious?! Call their husbands “master”?! Women are weaker… WHAT? This sounds so Mid-evil!!!
But we need to take a breath and hear the heart of God…and see how this passage empowers women to live by faith. The context of this discussion goes back to 2:13 where Peter calls ALL believers (male and female) to live a submissive life in an unjust world – “for the sake of Christ!” And that is the message here. The point is to live like Jesus, not the world, and one example of that is a believing wife married to an unbeliever choosing Christ-likeness in hopes that the man could believe. – God’s ways are not the ways of this world. Manipulating and nagging will never accomplish His work of salvation…it takes more than outward beauty or persuasive words…it goes deeper to inner beauty and gentleness.
Remember again the context: “Submission in the face of injustice.” Peter’s words to Christian women was powerful…It said they mattered, they had a choice…God’s plan will work, if they stick with it…and at the core of it all is the Glory of Jesus and our faith in Him to carry us through as we trust the power of meekness to overcome this harsh world…But Peter doesn’t just talk to the women, He tells the husbands a thing or two as well. (We’ll get into that next time), but for now, let’s focus on the responsibility of the woman’s side of the marriage…. (I use Chuck Swindoll’s outline):
1) Analyze your actions (v1-2)– Submit don’t manipulate, pray, show by example the love of Jesus to a lost husband or a backslidden one…trust God not your own womanly ways.
2) Watch your adornment (v3)– Don’t just focus on outward beauty and neglect the most important part – the inner person – the place where you and Jesus are connected.
3) Check your attitude (v4)– A gentle-quiet spirit is hard to come by when the man seems disconnected or unresponsive…But God needs time to work on His heart.
4) Evaluate your attention (v5-6)How do you treat him, how important are his dreams, are you supporting his decisions or shooting every crazy idea down that comes out of his mouth? Are you empowering him or emasculating him?
A Prayer…
Father, give me wisdom to understand this very complex issue of submission and the depth of the marriage relationship… It is just not that easy…have mercy, Lord. Amen.