THOTS ON 1 Peter 3a

Note: I am well aware that in the past few decades the view of many regarding marriage has changed, dramatically so. It is estimated that the divorce rate in Canada is approximately 37%.In the USA divorce rates between 40%-50%. The number of religious marriages in Canada is 76%. I mention this as Peter talks about the importantnce of marriage relationship. Paul goes into more detailed discussion. The view, which is God’s view, is not popular here. The attitude in relationships has changed. Again I remind my readers that these thots are not complete or detailed study of 1 Peter.  skypilot

Peter is continuing his discussion on relationships from 2:18 only here he speaks of the relationship between husband and wife. The wife is to be submissive to her husband. I searched several translations and commentaries to see if any changes were made that would fit with 21^st century thinking. Every one of the translations and commentaries say basically the same thing. God’s Word never changes it stands firm. But what about this �?I>submissive�?attitude wives are to demonstrate towards an unsaved husband? God has created the Family system based on a spiritual system. Briefly, there is God, then His Son who was in obedience to His Father. Christ is the Head of His church. As Christ is the head of His church so husbands are head of the wife, of their households.  For more detailed discussion please read/study Ephesians 5:22-33. This does not mean that a husband has the right to be abusive towards his wife. She is not a floor mat to have a husband wipe his feet on. In certain cultures I am told the wife gets lies on the floor in the morning so her husband as he gets out of bed doesn’t have to stand on a cold floor. This is NOT what God’s Word teaches. Nor are men to be abusive to their wives in any shape, way or form in fact they are to love, honour, respect their wives. Peter uses Sarah as an example of a wife’s role, she called Abraham, “lord�?this was her way of recognizing Abraham’s position of authority as a husband.  Peter admonishes husbands to honour, respect their wives, �?/SPAN>with a weaker vessel…�?this refers to her physical weakness not her spiritual weakness. Never underestimate the spiritual strength of a godly wife or any godly woman. In the marriage and home life there needs to be harmony, love, honour, and understanding. Husbands beware. Ever wondered why your prayers are vain? Because of abusive, ungodly behaviour.

Let me go back to the beginning of this chapter. There are two very important things I need to touch on. Peter starts off by saying that a Christian woman should also be submissive to her unsaved husband. Through her unspoken love and devotion to God she may well lead her husband to the Lord.  Often a sermon seen is more effective than a sermon heard. Then Peter talks about the outward/inward apparel of a woman, though I believe I remain in context of the thought here when I include men here as well. Don’t be so concerned with your outward apparel that you neglect your spiritual apparel. Too many spend too much time hiding their true beauty under make up.

Peter makes it clear that the saved husband/wife are equal in God’s sight. Christian couples are �?heirs of the grace of life.—Easy-To-Read Commentary Series, The. Together they serve God, join their hearts in prayer.  Please let me share two true stories with you. When my older sister got married many years ago her husband was not a Christian. She faithfully served God, attended worship services and did God’s will. One day about three years later I received a joyous letter telling me her husband had yielded his life to Christ. Her silent godly example encouraged him to yield his heart to our Lord.

I grew up in a godly home and my parents set an example that I still respect. Dad was the head of the household. When certain decisions had to be made my folks discussed it, looking at the pros and cons but it was dad who made the final decision often based on their “joint�?discussions. There were times when dad made his decisions without consulting mom. Those decisions were for our benefit, for our good kept in context with his faith and belief in God and His word. If dad was wrong he was man enough to admit he was wrong and change his decisions accordingly.

Due to the length of this devotion I am doing it in two parts

As always your feed back and suggestions are welcome

Scriptures to read: Genesis 3:16). ; Philippians 1:27a).; Ephesians 5:33). ; (Colossians 3:23-24). :(2 Thessalonians 3:12; Proverbs 31:10-12;  1 Corinthians 7:4:  Ephesians 5:25-26, 28, 33

QUESTIONS

• Why did Sarah call her husband lord?
• How is the husband the head of the wife?
• What is one of the main causes for marital problems today
• How should we dress both physically and spiritually?
• Husbands, why may our prayers be in vain?