Who's In Charge Here? A Series on Authority
Wednesday, January 28, 2004
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My Prayer Today
Heavenly Father, thank You for who You are, and for all You do to provide peace and order in my life. I pray that I may rely on You and the indwelling presence of Your Holy Spirit to empower me to think as You think, speak as You would have me speak, and live in accordance with Your commands. I pray that whatever situations come my way today that I will respond with the same attitude as Jesus. I pray that You will govern my heart, mind and will this day to keep me living fully and faithfully as You desire. Give me a particular burden for those who are suffering this day, and for those who have not yet responded to Your gracious offer of salvation. May my life be one which enhances the lives of others. This I pray in Jesus’ name. Amen.
Bible Verses
1 Peter 3:1-7
1In the same way, you wives must accept the authority of your husbands, even those who refuse to accept the Good News. Your godly lives will speak to them better than any words. They will be won over 2by watching your pure, godly behavior.
3Don’t be concerned about the outward beauty that depends on fancy hairstyles, expensive jewelry, or beautiful clothes. 4You should be known for the beauty that comes from within, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is so precious to God. 5That is the way the holy women of old made themselves beautiful. They trusted God and accepted the authority of their husbands. 6For instance, Sarah obeyed her husband, Abraham, when she called him her master. You are her daughters when you do what is right without fear of what your husbands might do.
7In the same way, you husbands must give honor to your wives. Treat her with understanding as you live together. She may be weaker than you are, but she is your equal partner in God’s gift of new life. If you don’t treat her as you should, your prayers will not be heard.
Reflecting on God's Word
What do you think Peter meant when he said that wives are “weaker” than husbands?
A Deeper Exploration of God's Word
What example from the Old Testament does Peter use to illustrate his call for wives to obey their husbands? (3:1-6)
What are the specific commands that Peter gives husbands? (3:7)
What does Peter tell us will be the consequence if a husband does not treat his wife as he should?
Understanding God's Purpose for Us
Why do you think the Bible makes such a big deal about the importance of marriage?
What are the implications of marriages not being “healthy” according to today’s Scripture?
Applying God's Word to Our Purpose
What one thing will you do differently as a result of reading today’s Scripture?
Thoughts: Husbands, Treat Your Wives as You Should...
The Apostle Peter’s instructions to husband are brief in comparison to those he gave to wives, and yet the consequences he offers for failing to “treat your wives as you should..” are severe! Peter tells us, that if we don’t treat our wives with honor and understanding, and as equal partners in receiving the gift of new life from the Lord, that our prayers will not be answered. Think about that husbands—if we don’t love, honor and respect our wives, if we don’t treat them as we should, God will not answer our prayers. This is no light threat that Peter makes to us who are men and who are married. We are told that if we don’t honor our wives that God will be a little upset. We’re told that He won’t listen to us! So many marriages in America today are struggling, whether they are among Christians or not. Peter’s instructions hold the key: there is too little loving, honoring, respecting and obeying going on. Our marriages are intended to be a microcosm of the church—with Jesus as the head and the “members” in harmony. As we honor that model, God’s blessings are promised!