Sermon text
1 Peter 3:1-7
¹ Likewise, wives, be subject to your own husbands, so that even if some do not obey the word, they may be won without a word by the conduct of their wives, ² when they see your respectful and pure conduct. ³ Do not let your adorning be external—the braiding of hair and the putting on of gold jewelry, or the clothing you wear—⁴ but let your adorning be the hidden person of the heart with the imperishable beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which in God's sight is very precious. ⁵ For this is how the holy women who hoped in God used to adorn themselves, by submitting to their own husbands, ⁶ as Sarah obeyed Abraham, calling him lord. And you are her children, if you do good and do not fear anything that is frightening. ⁷ Likewise, husbands, live with your wives in an understanding way, showing honor to the woman as the weaker vessel, since they are heirs with you of the grace of life, so that your prayers may not be hindered.
Understanding the text
In the previous text, we learned that all authority is given by God and therefore, Christians can and should submit to authority. In this text, the principle of submission and authority is applied to marriage. Wives are exhorted to submit to their husbands. Peter assumes that some women had become Christians while their spouses had not yet converted. Rather than focusing on external beauty, Christian women are to cultivate holy character, knowing that their character is a powerful argument for the gospel.
Likewise, husbands need to be considerate of their wives, taking into account their needs and unique disposition. Husbands are not to use their strength to intimidate or bully their wives. Instead, their strength is to be used to love and serve their wives as equal heirs in the Kingdom of God.
Additional scripture
- Ephesians 5:22-33
- 1 Timothy 2:8-10
- 1 Corinthians 7:14
The silent eloquence of his wife’s pure and reverent behavior can preach daily the transforming power of Jesus Christ. —Edmund Clowney
Applying the text
- What is most challenging about this text?
- Why is a spouse’s character so powerful in the life of a marriage?
- How does the gospel transform the way a husband relates to his wife? What might this look like in the day-to-day life of an ordinary marriage?
Call to Worship
Psalm 19:7–10
⁷ The law of the LORD is perfect, reviving the soul; the testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple; ⁸ the precepts of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart; the commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes; ⁹ the fear of the LORD is clean, enduring forever; the rules of the LORD are true, and righteous altogether. ¹⁰ More to be desired are they than gold, even much fine gold; sweeter also than honey and drippings of the honeycomb.
Prayer of Confession
Remember, O Lord, Your great mercy and love, for they are from of old. Remember not the sins of my youth, and my rebellious ways: according to Your love remember me, for You are good, O Lord. For the sake of Your name, O Lord, forgive my iniquity, though it is great. Turn to me and be gracious to me, for I am lonely and afflicted. The troubles of my heart have multiplied; free me from my anguish. Look upon my affliction and my distress and take away all my sins.
Resources for Parents
Did you know that the kids of Coram Deo are following along with our recent study through Genesis? They are! Every Sunday, the children's ministry team creates lessons that cover the scripture and concepts from a recent sermon. The teachers ask simple questions to help the kids learn to understand and apply what God says in the Bible.
We want to equip parents to talk to their kids about what they're learning. The following is the content that the children's classes taught this week. We encourage parents to use this resource at home to help you and your kids grow as you learn from God's word together.
Children's Lesson from Sunday, October 13
Scripture:
Genesis 16
The Main Point:
God sees us.
Questions:
Q: What did Sarai forget?
A: God's promises.
Q: Who does God see?
A: Everyone!
Q: How is Abram like Adam?
A: He didn't stop his wife from sinning/he sinned with his wife.
Q: How can you be different than Abram and Adam?
A: Speak up when someone is sinning, say no to sin and don't join in.
Q: What does God always keep?
A: His promises.
New City Catechism Question #30
Q: What is faith in Jesus Christ?
A: Receiving and resting on him alone for salvation as he is offered to us in the gospel.
(Note: All of our classes work through one question per month from the New City Catechism. You can download the New City Catechism app with all the questions and children's songs for free.)