Walking in Faith

Tonight, I asked my wife to pray and ask the Lord for discernment on a good topic to study. As is evident by the blog, she has struggled with her quiet time over this past week. Most of that has to do with her trying to manage the kids, clean the house so we can sell it, feeling under the weather, and the list goes on… She prayed and this passage came to her mind. Thus, a quiet time study of 1 Peter 3:1-7.

ESV uses the word “subject”, NIV and NASB use the word submissive. Strong’s defines the word submissive as:

1. to arrange under, to subordinate
2. to subject, put in subjection
3. to subject one’s self, obey
4. to submit to one’s control
5. to yield to one’s admonition or advice
6. to obey, be subject

A Greek military term meaning “to arrange [troop divisions] in a military fashion under the command of a leader”. In non-military use,it was “a voluntary attitude of giving in, cooperating, assuming responsibility, and carrying a burden”.

There is no difference in the word submissive or subject from the Greek perspective.

In this context, I think of how a husband is told he is the head of the house (Numbers 1:4, Ephesians 5:22-31) just as Christ is the head of the Church. Peter does not give us this verse to be controversial about the relationship between husband and wife but to make very clear the expectations of the Lord. The controversy around this piece of Scripture exists only because we are sinful. We are not obedient to the Lord. If every man loved his wife like the Lord loved him and if every woman loved her husband like the Lord loves her, marriages would be very different today. As is, my opinion is that many women do not like the idea of being subject to anything or anyone. They have their rights and are equal to a man. Well… yes, if you mean in the way that the Lord loves us. A woman is built different and a woman serves a different purpose on earth. Woman was created by God for companionship for man.

Then the LORD God said, “It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him a helper fit him.” (Genesis 2:18 ESV)

…and…

⁸For man was not made from woman, but woman from man. ⁹Neither was man created for woman, but woman for man. (1 Corinthians 11:8-9 ESV)

I’m not trying to say that this is a bad thing, this is a great thing! I don’t know where I would be if it wasn’t for my wife. As Scripture said, I left my family so that I could be joined with my family. I want that to be for eternity. I am not with her because I want her to subject herself to me and be obedient to me. I want her to be obedient to the Lord. Hopefully, if I am doing my job correctly, the only thing I am really disciplining or rebuking her about is obeying and listening to the Lord.

Peter also tells us that a woman should conduct herself in a way that could win over her husband just by her conduct. Peter tells us exactly what that conduct should be:

when they see your respectful and pure conduct.
(1 Peter 3:2 ESV)

Respectful and pure conduct only comes from the Lord. If the woman is living in sin, she will never win over her husband to the Lord. She must show him Christ in her life every moment possible. Respect and pure conduct could be restated as Jesus’s command:

You shall love your neighbor as yourself…
(Mark 12:31)

Your neighbor can be your husband (or wife) as well. People simply need to show others love. Not puppy dog love but true, heart wretching, love.

Jason Worthen 1 Peter, Quiet Time

Tonight, Jason challenged me to pick a passage in the Bible and blog about it. Why did he challenge me in this way? Because I haven’t sat down even once this week for quiet time. He’s quite disappointed in me, and feels like he’s harping on me when he reminds me or asks me why I hadn’t done it (again). The worst part is, I have no idea why I haven’t done it. None what-so-ever! So, when he asked me to do this, I wasn’t going to say no. I first went into Ephesians 5 (which talks much about husbands and wives), but was more interested in looking at the cross referenced passages. I happened upon 1 Peter 3:2,5 and decided to read and study that tonight. So, here goes…

Reading: 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, the wearing of gold, or the putting on of clothing— 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 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.

Passages like this one tend to be like walking on glass for many women. Just the thought of being submissive or (as the ESV puts it) to “be subject to” our husbands makes them feel as though they are second class citizens, that they don’t have an equal value to men, etc etc. It’s such a shame that so many women who feel like that can’t see past the ends of their own noses. It’s not about them, it’s about God and His glory, not our own.

God created this perfect place for man to exist – we didn’t have to work for our food, we lived in harmony with nature and all of God’s creations, and best of all, we had a perfect existence where we could walk and talk with God. Man and woman completely messed that up for everyone. God in his perfection could not have that same relationship with us anymore. Unfortunately, with that removal from Eden also came the exact curses that cause women to spit nails when they read a verse like this. Women are cursed with the desire to rule over men:

Genesis 3:16
…Your desire shall be for your husband,
and he shall rule over you.”

No woman wants to be ruled over. It’s not in our nature – our sin nature, that is. But, when a woman is able to devote herself to the Lord, to be found pleasing in God’s eyes – gentle and quiet in spirit – then are we not threatened by a passage like this.

The passage goes on to talk about how a woman can win over a disobedient husband not with words, but with actions and conduct. I think that this goes for not only spiritual matters, but in any aspect of a married life. How many husbands are going to respond positively when their wives are harping on them and displaying harsh conduct and a rough actions? But when leading by example, God promises women that they will win over their husbands. It’s not being underhanded or manipulative, it’s being gentle, submitting ourselves and respecting them as the head of the house/marriage.

Don’t go thinking that husbands get off easy, getting to be in charge and boss their wives around all the time. That’s not what God intended a marriage to be like. God reminds husbands in v.7 that they, likewise, have certain responsibilities to their wives as well, lest their prayers be hindered:

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 (v7)

I can’t imagine any man not wanting to live up to that with their bride. God appointed them as the head of household, to protect and protect their wives (and family). There is no greater honour (or weight upon one’s shoulders!) than to be responsibile for your wife as heir with him of the grace of life!!

Larissa 1 Peter, Quiet Time

Reading: 1 Peter 1:1-2; 5:1-14

What insights do they give into Peter’s character?

Peter loved these people and wanted to make sure that they knew that God was with them, that they knew what God had entrusted them all with and that he was aware of the suffering they are undergoing for the cause of Christ. As opposed to the Peter we knew before the crucifixion, this Peter was bold and standing firm in his faith.

List the encouragements and instructions that he gives to his fellow Christians, especially the leaders.

• Be shepherds of God’s flock that is under their care (v. 2)
• Be willing to serve, not obligated to serve (v. 2)
• Do not lord their power over others, but serve as an example to those under them (v. 3)
• Young men should be submissive to the older men (v. 5)
• Clothe themselves in humility, humble themselves toward one another (vv. 5,6)
• Cast all anxiety upon Him (v. 7)
• Be self-controlled and alert (v. 8 )
• Resist the devil (v. 9)
• Stand firm in the faith (v. 9)

His care for them is demonstrated by the high standards that he sets. Unlike Peter you are probably not in a position to give such instructions to many Christians, but think of your Christian friends. What are your ambitions for them? Do you long for them to apply Peter’s guidance to their own lives? Putting Peter’s instructions into your own words turn them into prayer bearing your friends in mind.

Lord, I ask that you the elders of our church to be good shepherds to the flock that you have entrusted to us. Help them to provide for us, guide us and serve You with a willing and obedient heart. Your word says that one day, when they have accomplished this, they will receive the crown of glory that never fades – greater by far than any treasures they would have here on earth.

Lord, I ask for my fellow brothers and sisters in Christ that we are able to submit to the older believers in our lives. I ask that they will share their knowledge and faith with us, to disciple us so that we will be able to do the same for other believers. Humble us and make us into vessels for your use, Lord.

Lord, for all of us, I ask that you remind us to cast our anxiety upon you. You care for us more than anyone in this world – you are our strong tower, you are our refuge. In you there is no fear.

The enemy is strong, Lord, and I ask that you help to strengthen my self-control and to be alert to his workings around me. Do not let me fall prey to his deceptions, help me to stand firm.

Lord, I ask these things in your son, Jesus’, holy name. Amen.

Peter has a special concern for his fellow-elders, reminding them of their responsibilities. Pray for the leaders of your church, that they will be able to live up to the standards God requires of them.

(see above. )

Larissa 1 Peter, Quiet Time

1 Peter 1:1-2; 5:1-14

What insights do they give into Peter’s character?

Peter genuinely cared for people. He wanted their efforts to be multiplied and asked the Lord to bless them. Also, Peter spoke boldly. He was not afraid to speak his thoughts. He was not worried about persecution or people not liking his statements — he spoke for the Spirit. Peter appeared to be a man of strong convictions. He didn’t seem to waiver on his position. He also had no problem making others knew what they needed to do. He wasn’t shy about it and he wasn’t worried about popular opinion.

List the encouragements and instructions that he gives to his fellow Christians, especially the leaders.

• Elect (note: not everyone may see this as encouraging, but I certainly do…)
• Foreknowledge of the Father of the elect (again, not everyone will appreciate this, but i am extremely encouraged by this…)
• Sancitified by the Spirit — this is not of me but from the Lord as a precious gift
• Partaker in the glory that is going to be revealed
• Receive the unfading crown of glory
• God will exalt me (assuming my obedience)
• God has called me to his eternal glory in Christ
• God will restore, confirm, strengthen and establish me

His care for them is demonstrated by the high standards that he sets. Unlike Peter you are probably not in a position to give such instructions to many Christians, but think of your Christian friends. What are your ambitions for them? Do you long for them to apply Peter’s guidance to their own lives? Putting Peter’s instructions into your own words turn them into prayer bearing your friends in mind.

I often wish to see many of my Christian friends pass me in knowledge, wisdom and such. I love to see them grow in the Lord but I also like to surround myself with people who are smarter than me (not hard to do), people who know more than me, people who understand more than me. I want to see my friends grow themselves into Christ-centered people that love people more than anything else. They just want to spend time with people, get to know people and to help them to get to know Jesus. I don’t know that Peter’s instructions have ever been my desire or my prayer for my Christian friends. I want to see them “successful” in the eyes of the Lord. I want to see them have a passion for Christ. I want to see them living their life, every single day, like there was nothing more important than living for Christ.

Father, help me and my brothers to care for other people. Give us a heart that cares more for their needs than for our own. Father, they are your people and that means that they are sacred and special. Help us to remember that. Help us to remember that each person on this world, you love deeply and want to connect with relationally. Father, teach us humility in all aspects of our lives. Our society does not promote humility as a respected characteristic of a person but Father your Word tells us otherwise. Give us an ability to live our lives in a way that shows others Christ. Help our daily walk to be a witness to those around us. I pray and ask all of these things in Jesus Christ’s holy name. Amen.

Peter has a special concern for his fellow-elders, reminding them of their responsibilities. Pray for the leaders of your church, that they will be able to live up to the standards God requires of them.

Father, I ask for you to be with Paul, Tom, David, Toby, Bill, Danny and Michael. Help them to have a fire in their souls to be connected with you as their priority. Give them a humble heart — an obedient heart. Help them to care and love for the people in the body of Christ. They are incredible and Godly men but help them to be cognisant of the role they have in the body. Help them to remember their purpose and to carry that purpose out with passion. Remind them of your majesty and your grace. Grant them a patience with people and a love for people that allows them to listen to and provide for others in the body. I pray these things in Jesus Christ’s name. Amen.

Jason Worthen 1 Peter, Quiet Time