Today’s passage: 1 Peter 3:1-7
Helpful thoughts:
- There are various imperfect relationships that we are called to submit to within in these passages. Marriage is included in that list.
- An unbelieving husband will not be won to the Lord with external physical beauty, but with internal humble godliness.
- This counsel is being given to women who are specifically under the pressure of ungodly leadership from their husbands.
- Sarah’s example of submission should make us think of the episodes where Abraham told her to say she was his sister! (Genesis 12:10-20 & Genesis 20:1-18)
- A husband who takes advantage of his wives’ responsibility to be submissive (Treating her as if she is inferior) will not be heard by God when he prays.
Questions to consider:
- Why is it often so hard for women to commit to the idea of submission? What is inevitably, eventually, going to happen with an imperfect man leading in the home?
- Why is it often too easy for a man to misuse, abuse, or even abandon the leadership role he has been given?
- How could the counsel to “Not let your adorning to be external” or of the “beauty of a quiet and gentle spirit” be misused? Why is it wrong to use this passage to tell women they shouldn’t wear make-up or be allowed to speak their mind? Is it possible to speak your mind and still be submissive? What would that look like?
- Who must women see as their example in submitting to imperfect leadership? (Hint: Go back and read 1 Peter 2:21-25)