1. The apostle Peter wrote two of the New Testament "epistles" [letters]. 2. In his first letter, Peter wrote to Christians who were facing severe trials (1:6-7). 3. Even while facing trials, Christians are to: a. be holy before God (1:15-16) b. live honestly before unbelievers (2:11-12). 4. This lesson is a study of the information presented in 1 Peter 3:1-7. 5. In order to be holy before God and to live honestly before unbelievers, Christian wives and husbands must fulfill their responsibilities. 6. Before examining these verses, let us be reminded that: a. God ordained marriage at the Creation 1) He created a man and a woman on the sixth day (Genesis 1:26-28, 31). 2) Additional details are revealed in Genesis 2:7, 18-23. 3) God's will for marriage is given in Genesis 2:24. b. God still approves of marriage (Hebrews 13:4) c. God has given responsibilities to wives and husbands. Discussion: I. (vs.1-6) GOD HAS GIVEN RESPONSIBILITIES TO CHRISTIAN WIVES
A. (vs.1a) Christian wives are to be in subjection to their own husbands. 1. This principle is also taught in: a. Ephesians 5:22-24, 33b b. Colossians 3:18. 2. Previously, Peter showed how: a. Christians are to submit to civil leaders (2:13-17) b. Christian servants are to be subject to their masters (2:18-20) c. Christ set an example of submission when He was crucified (2:21-25). 3. (vs.1b-2) Peter continued by showing how a Christian wife's behavior might win her non-Christian husband. B. (vs.3-4) Christian wives are to be properly adorned. 1. (vs.3) Christian wives do not place too much emphasis on the outward appearance. 2. (vs.4) Rather, Christian wives seek to please God with proper behavior that comes forth from the right kind of inner spirit (1 Timothy 2:9-10; Titus 2:3-5). 3. These principles are also addressed in Proverbs. a. Positive matters are covered in Proverbs 12:4a; 18:22; 19:14b; 31:10-12. b. Negative matters are covered in Proverbs 12:4b; 21:9, 19; 25:24; 27:15. C. (vs.5-6) Peter illustrated his instructions by mentioning Sara's subjection to Abraham. II. (vs.7) GOD HAS ALSO GIVEN RESPONSIBILITIES TO CHRISTIAN HUSBANDS
A. Christian husbands are to: 1. dwell with their wives "according to knowledge" [with understanding] 2. give honor to their wives. B. Similar instructions are given in: 1. Ephesians 5:25-28, 33a 2. Colossians 3:19. C. A proper husband-wife relationship will prevent prayers from being hindered.
