I Peter 3:1-7

Introduction:

1. These seven verses are speaking about the exact same thing spoken of in the closing verses of chapter 2, suffering according to the way Christ would have us suffer. We might not think of marriage as a state of suffering, but sometimes it is. Especially in the circumstance when one partner is saved, and the other partner is lost. We can only assume that the couple was married, then Christ saved one partner, leaving the other partner lost. I must say that in all my ministry, every time God saved one partner in a marriage, He always saved the other, sooner or later. The reason for this is that when two people get married, they become one in the eyes of God. I have observed that when a saved person marries a lost person, God doesn't always save the lost partner, because the saved partner has broken a commandment of God joining themselves in an unequal yoke.

2. It is also important to notice that there are six verses given to the wife, and only one verse given to the husband. This is not because the husband needs less instruction than the wife, but because of the God given "family order" that is in the heart of every man and woman. The woman has a God given desire to follow her husband, to obey him, and submit herself to his desire. The husband on the other hand has the God given desire to be the head of his home, ruling his wife and children because of his great love for them. God has not given the husband the desire to be obedient unto his wife, therefore God has given the wife additional instructions as to how she can win her husband to the Lord - by giving exactly what he desires from her while she serves God. The wife has a God given desire to be obedient to her husband, therefore the husband doesn't need many additional instructions.

Verse 1, Likewise, ye wives, be in subjection to your own husbands; that, if any obey not the word, they also may without the word be won by the conversation of the wives;

I.

 

 

 

 

Verse 2, While they behold your chaste conversation coupled with fear.

 

 

 

Verse 3, Whose adorning let it not be that outward adorning of plaiting the hair, and of wearing of gold, or of putting on of apparel;

I. This verse doesn't mean that a woman isn't supposed to plait her hair, or wear gold, or wear apparel.

A. It means that these things are not to be the focus of her life.

B. The main word is the word "outward".

1. There should be an inward work of serving God, not just something on the outside.

2. There is the example of the woman who was in subjection to her husband. When he asked her to do something, she agreed to do it, but she huffed at him so bad, he knew she didn't want to do it, and only obeyed him because she was obeying her false religion.

3. That is not subjection, because subjection involves love.

 

 

Verse 4, but let it be the hidden man of the heart, in that which is not corruptible, even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price.

I. Hidden man of the heart.

A. It may be hidden inside the body, but the body will reveal it is in there!

B. Not corruptible.

1. The outward adorning is corruptible.

2. But the grace of God, working in the heart is an everlasting prize.

II. An ornament.

A. This is a great piece of jewelry, which every woman should wear at all times.

B. Meek - doesn't mean weak.

1. Just because she is a woman, doesn't mean she doesn't think!

2. Meek means "teachable".

a. This is a great grace for all of us, not just the women.

b. Moses was the meekest man on the earth, and a great leader of men.

c. Women can be meek and great leaders at the same time.

 

 

Verse 5, For after this manner in the old time the holy women also, who trusted in God, adorned themselves, being in subjection unto their own husbands

I. Peter here gives women additional encouragement to win their husbands.

 

 

 

 

Verse 6, Even as Sara obeyed Abraham, calling him lord: whose daughters ye are, as long as ye do well, and are not afraid with any amazement.

 

 

Verse 7, Likewise, ye husbands, dwell with them according to knowledge, giving honour unto the wife, as unto the weaker vessel, and as being heirs together of the grace of life; that your prayers be not hindered.