Blessing is promised to those who submit themselves to righteousness.
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Previous DIG DEEPER posts on 1 Peter
1 Peter 3 Summary
Peter has been writing about the need for submission in the Christian's life at work, to the government, and even at home. Wives are called to be subject to their husbands, not just because that corresponds to the created order as Paul argues, but so that unbelieving husbands might be won without a word by the conduct of their wives (v1).
Women are also commanded to adorn themselves internally, rather than with the external trappings of beauty. Dress and act in a way that impresses God more so than other people. Notice how Peter ties this concept right back to the subject of submission to husbands: doing so is how you demonstrate your hope in God, just as Sarah did so long ago (v5-6).
This chapter concludes with with a list of general imperatives for Christian living. As Peter implores us to unity, a focus on blessing others, turning away from evil and towards peace, gentleness & respect, and a willingness to endure suffering, you can hear echoes of Jesus' teaching in the Sermon on the Mount, which Peter obviously took to heart.
It's not enough for you to emulate these traits in a half hearted manner. Once again you're reminded to zealously do what is good (v13)
Dig Deeper
At first glance it seems Peter gives a way more onerous set of instructions for how wives ought to submit (6 verses) compared to husbands (1 verse).
Husbands must live with your wives in an understanding way (v7). The NIV translates this as be considerate. Literally, the text says husbands must know their wives.
But Peter drops a bomb at the end of v7. The only reason husbands ought to expect submission from their wives is so that your prayers may not be hindered!
Husbands: are you using the benefits you gain from the submission of your wives and children to lead your family into Godliness, or are you just soaking it up for your own selfish gain?
In other words, if men are not leading their families as the Bible commands, then they have no right to the benefits of headship the Bible provides.
AAA Prayer:
ACKNOWLEDGE WHO GOD IS: Our Father, who accepted us - His unrighteous children - because Christ suffered once for sins (v18)
ALIGN YOUR LIFE WITH GOD'S WILL: Pray for the strength to follow God, even if that means you might suffer for righteousness’ sake (v14)
ASK GOD FOR WHAT YOU NEED:
