Category: 1 Peter 03

Baptism Proclaims Resurrection

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For Christ also has once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, so that He might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh, but made alive by the Spirit, by whom He also went and preached to the spirits in prison, who in times past were disobedient, when God waited patiently in the days of Noah while the ark was being prepared, in which a few, that is, eight souls, were saved through water.

1 Peter 3:18–20 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

Peter is writing on the merits of suffering for doing good things. In it, there is the idea to not fear. He says earlier “Do not be afraid of their terror, do not be troubled.” He is paraphrasing something from Isaiah 8.

Jesus likewise also suffered for doing good. And like Jesus, a believer has died to themselves and already been made alive in Him. This is why Peter is saying to not be afraid of their terror. It has no real power.

Peter is going to continue to connect this to the floodwaters of Noah. Jesus goes to have words with spirits in Sheol. The latter idea is not without controversy.

It is my understanding that humanity’s genetics had been corrupted before the flood. Lots of the bodies that perished were of corrupted flesh that was the progeny of certain fallen angels. There is much to explain there and perhaps in future weeks, I may elaborate on that. Suffice it to say, the dead spirits of those progeny were disobedient as well as humans that perished. Their eternity is certain. This is why demons tremble.

What Peter is doing is pointing out that those who went into the water of Noah’s flood… Died. There was no hope for them because of their disobedience. There is no rescue after death.

Peter then uses that idea of the flood and those perishing to connect as anti-type to baptism and the eternal security of the salvation Jesus gives.

Figuratively this is like baptism, which also saves us now. It is not washing off the dirt from the body, but a response to God from a good conscience through the resurrection of Jesus Christ, who has gone into heaven and is at the right hand of God, with angels and authorities and powers being made subject to Him.

1 Peter 3:21–22 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

Jesus passed into the grave but rose again, ascending to His place with God in heaven. All powers and authorities are subject to Him. What a terrifying thought to those spirits that perished. There is no help for them.

Baptism isn’t like the floodwaters. A believer goes into the water not to be made clean. That has already been done. The believer goes into the water to demonstrate there is no claim death can have on them, whether past, present, or future. This is proclaimed as the believer is raised up out of the water. It is a sure demonstration that the watery grave, or any grave for that matter, has no power whatsoever over the believer.

Don’t fear their terror.

Every single time a soul is baptized it is a public announcement that another soul is set aside for resurrection. The grave has no business with that one.

For me, I explain baptism with a similar metaphor. An athlete may sign a contract to play for a team. The moment he agrees, he is part of that team. A public proclamation may be made to celebrate that signing. But it is real when that athlete dons the identity of that team, putting on the uniform and walking on the field of play.

That is baptism for a believer!

He has already been saved by belief and confession. We rightly celebrate such things when they happen. At baptism, the believer dons the uniform, that is he takes on the identity of the team. in this case, it’s the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus. For all intents and purposes, when a believer comes out of the water, he is on the field of play!

Hallelujah! It is serious!

Just as death has no claim on Jesus, death has no claim on a believer!

Those that went into the water of Noah’s flood perished. They did not come out of it. It bears repeating. Baptism proclaims Jesus’ victory over death in showing an already saved person is set aside for resurrection and is brought into and then out of the water.

Live Like Jesus

On By TimIn 1 Peter 03, Daily Walk, Encouragement, Jesus, SanctificationLeave a comment

Who is he who will harm you if you follow that which is good?

1 Peter 3:13 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

This is a rhetorical question. One that Peter asks knowing the obvious answer. For us believers, as the previous citation of Psalms 34 teaches–the eyes of the Lord on the righteous, and He’s set His face against those who do evil. Considering that, there is nobody that can really harm us if we’re doing good.

It’s About Perspective.

In other words, we are to set our minds ahead, just as Jesus did. It is easy to see a simple explanation. Suffer here to live there, which is far better than living here to suffer there.

But even if you suffer for the sake of righteousness, you are blessed. “Do not be afraid of their terror, do not be troubled.”

1 Peter 3:14 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

When we do good and suffer for it, there is a blessing in that. Peter cites Isaiah 8:12 to bolster the truth that for the believer, eternity is secure. It is our real home. Remember, earlier he says we are aliens and refugees in this world. We should not partake of its lusts.

There is nothing in this world from which we ought to be afraid. It’s the next world where we reside already. This is inherent as Peter discusses this. He uses the dichotomy of flesh and spirit. We would die in the flesh. But live in the spirit. We ought not live in the flesh and die in the spirit.
Be Ready.

But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts. Always be ready to give an answer to every man who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you, with gentleness and fear.

1 Peter 3:15 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

The expectation here is to be ready. Whether we are a newfound believer or not, we all ought to be able to give an answer to anyone that asks.

Given this era and the tendencies of the culture, suffering is right here in these sorts of discussions. Often the God-deniers would attempt to easily twist us up with all sorts of controversies. Their hope is that we will lose cool. But we are encouraged to learn to give an answer with gentleness. That is, to suffer under their needling.

We are to set aside the Lord in our hearts. This is to know that we have a ready-made sanctuary from where we can rest. It’s always in us as the Spirit of God dwells in us. Understand that. Rest in that. Even when being asked the most daunting of questions or confronting the most difficult of challenges—it is our conduct that brings shame to those who would accuse. Not the eloquent and erudite answers we might give.

Have a good conscience so that evildoers who speak evil of you and falsely accuse your good conduct in Christ may be ashamed. For it is better, if it is the will of God, that you suffer for doing good than for doing evil.

1 Peter 3:16–17 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

Peter has circled back to this juxtaposition of living it up here while in the flesh only to suffer in the next life. That is as opposed to suffering here to live in the next life. The latter is far better than the first.

In other words, there is no amount of suffering that can happen to you in this fleshly body that can even begin to compare of the suffering coming to those who do evil.

Live like Jesus

For Christ also has once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, so that He might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh, but made alive by the Spirit, by whom He also went and preached to the spirits in prison, who in times past were disobedient, when God waited patiently in the days of Noah while the ark was being prepared, in which a few, that is, eight souls, were saved through water.

1 Peter 3:18–20 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

This is a long sentence to digest. Jesus once suffered for sins. He being just, died for the unjust. He put Himself in flesh and made Himself subservient to even death. By His death, that suffering once for sins, He satisfied the wages of sin. (The wages of sin being death, not an eternity in Hell.) This provides a respite of judgment due for sin. That is, sudden and sure death, which is often alluded to as being cut-off.

That He Might Bring Us to God.

It is not an automatic thing. There is a tacit understanding in that statement that each of us has a responsibility to come to God. This is the long-suffering of God.

He has put up with all sorts of evil and wickedness from the foundation of the world. It surely grieves Him. Yet He subjected Himself to that same evil, and even died. For what cause may be a question on the mind. It’s for us humans… You, me… All of us.

He suffers through the grief we all give Him, waiting patiently for the maximum number of folks to be saved. He gently asks us to do the same, and even gives us provision to do just that.

He Was Made Alive by the Spirit.

And that is how we are made alive. It’s by the Spirit. Of course, as believers, He indwells us, that’s that provision I spoke of previously. But it is by the same power in Jesus’ resurrection that we are made alive. Remember how Paul said it.

If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men most miserable.
But now is Christ risen from the dead and become the first fruits of those who have fallen asleep.

1 Corinthians 15:19–20 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

It’s the resurrection. It’s the Spirit life that’s important.

He Went and Preached.

Jesus went and preached to the spirits in prison. Most scholars agree that Jesus descended into Sheol, the abode of the dead. There is some disagreement on who the spirits are. Some say it is the dead people, good and evil. Others say it was to preach to those real fallen angels who are locked in chains until judgment that their plan to overthrow God didn’t work.

Let me explain succinctly. Since the fall, when God promised to destroy the enemy by the seed of the woman, Satan has sought to prevent that from happening. Before the flood, he ensures evil was rampant knowing God would have to judge that generation. The goal was to destroy humanity. Thus destroying the advent of the Savior. Yet evil was so bad, God did have to judge.

So God said to Noah, “The end of all flesh is come before Me, for the earth is filled with violence because of them.

Genesis 6:13 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

When the promise of the seed was given to Abram, Satan had a people to destroy. He set in motion all sorts of ways to waylay Abraham’s lineage to prevent the Anointed One from being born.

When the Messiah came, Satan knew it. He persuaded Herod to put babies to death in order to stop God’s plan. When Jesus began ministry as John baptized Him, Satan met with Jesus. He (Satan) knew immediately Who Jesus is, the very God Who made him. In his mind, Jesus had come into his domain. Satan had the power there, he could kill God and cement his dominion of creation.

How that plan backfired with the resurrection! For all those minions of the evil one in prison and held for judgment, Jesus did go and preach. He assured them by showing them Himself alive in the Spirit, that they had made a grave error.

When you read the Scriptures, note how we never here another word ascribed to Satan after the resurrection of Jesus.

A Way of Rescue.

Just as God had planned to destroy the evildoers, He had a way of rescue in mind for Noah and his family. They were saved through water.

It is with this imagery that Peter continues.

Figuratively this is like baptism, which also saves us now. It is not washing off the dirt from the body, but a response to God from a good conscience through the resurrection of Jesus Christ, who has gone into heaven and is at the right hand of God, with angels and authorities and powers being made subject to Him.

1 Peter 3:21–22 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

Figuratively… Peter is not going to say that the water saves. Think of the dichotomy that has presented before, the difference between living in flesh and living in spirit.

It’s not that water baptism saves us. Water can only can wash dirt off of the body. It is the same Spirit that made Jesus alive that makes us alive. It is the one baptism, that immersion in the Spirit that rescues us.

Figuratively, it’s a picture given to us by baptism, being buried in the grave and rising in newness of life. It’s a proclamation of the good triumphing over evil. It’s a reminder to everyone looking on, that God surely saves. Yet as He did with Noah in times before, He saves us now.

It’s by pledge of a good conscience that we do water baptism. It’s symbolic. It’s a reminder of reality. In a way, it’s spiritual warfare. Every single time someone is baptized in water, it’s a visual reminder of the promises of God to both the believer and the scoffer. Even to the fallen angels that are of the principalities and powers that are now subjected to Jesus.

Time is short for those who do evil, and the coming incarceration is inevitable. There is a time of escape for humans. And just as God called Noah and his family into the ark and left the door open for seven days, He is still waiting for you to believe; to cease living in the flesh, and to live in the Spirit, for Him.

You are the only one responsible for how you will spend eternity.

Love Life and See Good Days

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For “He who would love life and see good days, let him keep his tongue from evil, and his lips from speaking deceit. Let him turn away from evil and do good; let him seek peace and pursue it. For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous, and His ears are open to their prayers; but the face of the Lord is against those who do evil.”

1 Peter 3:10–12 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

This is a simple prescription from the Great Physician on how to live life. Peter is quoting it from Psalms 34:12-16. It could be seen as the key to a long life, but that would be reading an idea into the text that I don’t think is there. We are to love life and see good days.

But what if Peter is talking to those whose patient endurance salts the Earth?

Since the encouragement, Peter has offered centers on how to live righteously in long-suffering. That idea would carry into why he quotes this from the Psaltry. As we believers walk in Jesus, we are to consistently try to avoid evil. In so doing, we will gradually reduce the evil in the world being a good influence toward Godliness. Then to be a blessing to the world, as Jesus Himself is.

Furthermore, if God’s eyes are on the righteous, and He hears their prayers when we pray for our unsaved friends we can trust God hears. That alone is a reason to abstain from evil.

It’s the Way You Talk

I cannot help but notice the first emphasis is on the way we speak. It must be important. Fix the way we talk, seems to be the first step in turning away from evil and then doing good. I am reminded of what James is saying.

We all err in many ways. But if any man does not err in word, he is a perfect man and able also to control the whole body.

James 3:2 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

I need to keep hearing those things. I know in my own self, my tongue is not as tame as I would like, but it is wholly up to me. Yet James tells us that proper speech controls our body. It’s reasonable. Changing the way we speak requires a change in the way we think.

There is another purpose. Maybe because when we speak as we ought, our conscience would have a sure-fire witness of hypocrisy when our doings don’t align with our talking.

I cannot write these words without that prick of the conscience in my own mind. I hear the tsk-tsk in knowing I must (and can) do better. It’s not shaming. Just a gentle encouragement.

Again, me bettering my behavior begins with bettering how I communicate. Bettering how I communicate necessitates a change in thinking. Though… It has a certain benefit for me, as Peter is teaching, the real benefit is for the world and those around me. After all, it is those who we all serve.

Our Speech has a Cistern from Which to Draw

Jesus taught it this way.

For by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned.

Matthew 12:37 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

These words show how important it is to learn to control what we say. This is the summary of what Jesus said as He answered the Pharisees and those around them. They had just seen Him cast out a demon and said Jesus used the power of the ruler of the demons. Jesus explains how their words are a judgment against them.

He who is not with Me is against Me, and he who does not gather with Me scatters abroad. Therefore I say to you, all kinds of sin and blasphemy will be forgiven men, but the blasphemy against the Holy Spirit will not be forgiven men. Whoever speaks a word against the Son of Man will be forgiven. But whoever speaks against the Holy Spirit will not be forgiven, neither in this world, nor in the world to come.

Matthew 12:30–32 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

Sometimes, this portion of Scripture may be misunderstood. It contains what is called The Unforgivable Sin. Ponder the context as we continue. This entire teaching comes from what these men said about Jesus, especially His works.

He basically tells them that they aren’t with Him! Worse is the fact that they actively work against Him.

Next, look at how Jesus points out that all sorts of behavior would be forgiven. Then we come back to this idea of speaking. Those Pharisees were seemingly speaking against Jesus. Yet He is pointing out the deeper truth, they were speaking against the Holy Spirit belting their unbelief.

Keep these ideas in mind as we continue.

It’s up to You

Either make the tree good and its fruit good, or else make the tree corrupt and its fruit corrupt. For the tree is known by its fruit.

Matthew 12:33 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

This statement will be elaborated upon by Jesus. Succinctly, He is telling them something profound. It is weird to expect what you are doing is pleasing when what you think and believe is not. Or, what you do is righteous when what you believe is not.

These Pharisees were the leaders. The ones who were to teach the people of God about God. Their fruit wasn’t commensurate with what they knew deep down. The facade they presented was this vibe of Holy men. The fruit (what they said) was corrupt.

Jesus is telling them to fix that! In other words to live what they believe, whether it’s truth or not.

Or… change what they believe to bring forth good fruit.

O generation of vipers, how can you, being evil, speak good things? For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks. A good man out of the good treasure of his heart brings forth good things. And an evil man out of the evil treasure brings forth evil things.

Matthew 12:34–35 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

In this very instance, what those so-called holy men said revealed what they believed.

It’s the same for us. We can tell what we believe by the way we talk, especially if it is about Jesus. In the same fashion, we can begin to correct our behavior by changing the way we communicate. We change the way we communicate by acknowledging and believing the truth as witnessed to us by the Holy Spirit. The theological word for that is repentance.

Jesus is the foundation for everything. He is the very God these Pharisees purported to teach about. His presence in their midst and their reaction to what He did revealed the lack of treasure in their hearts.

Read the conclusion to the matter.

But I say to you that for every idle word that men speak, they will give an account on the Day of Judgment. For by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned.

Matthew 12:36–37 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)
It Starts with What we Believe.

Just as Peter is saying up until this point–what we believe ought to change our entire pursuit of living. Knowing that our eternity is secure and we lose nothing there, we can choose the righteous way. All the while living in liberty. In other words, make the tree and its fruit good.

Not to do what we want, but to do what we ought until that becomes what we want.

In Conclusion.

I want to circle back around to that unforgivable sin. Many have concerns over what it is, and if they’ve done it. My hope and prayer is that the Holy Spirit would lead you to see. It is clearly tied to unbelief… The abject lack of treasure (belief in Truth) in the heart.

If one doesn’t believe the witness of the Holy Spirit, such is not forgiven in this life or the next. What is done here has eternal consequences.

Willingly Suffering for Another is Holiness

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Finally, be all of one mind, be loving toward one another, be gracious, and be kind. Do not repay evil for evil, or curse for curse, but on the contrary, bless, knowing that to this you are called, so that you may receive a blessing.

1 Peter 3:8–9 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

Peter’s constant theme is our conduct as Christians. First from a perspective of identity, ours and His. Then he turns toward a call to holy living. He provides practical exhortation to do that.

Peter’s instruction includes how to act toward unbelievers, civic leaders, our bosses, our spouses, and each other. It is this point in how we treat each other that he now calls to our attention.
Be All of One Mind

That’s not the kind of unity one would think it is. It isn’t the sort that ignores doctrinal or ecclesiological (how we do church) differences. It’s to be of the same mind in how we treat brothers and sisters in Jesus. We are to love each other with grace and kindness.

A Practical Example

Some of us may prefer to sit in a certain particular seat, row, or end of a row at church. I know it seems petty and small, but this serves well.

Suppose some usher escorted you (and your party) to a seat in church that was unsuitable to you, for whatever reason. Do you take it, or ask to sit elsewhere?

Of course, we can always ask for something different. I want to know… Why not choose the suffering?

Why not choose to bless the one escorting you by being compliant with his direction?

This is precisely what Peter is saying. Grace and kindness, when extended to someone require a bit of suffering.

First, we don’t get what we want another does.

Second, the person who is receiving the grace and kindness may not like it and give a rebuff, and even become downright nasty. ( Christians aren’t above that sort of thing, sadly. That’s why Peter’s point is needed today.)

Third, the person who receives it may be indifferent toward it.

Even when our kindness is returned with a curse or indifference, it is tempting to reflect such things back toward the other. That’s wrong. We are not to repay evil for evil.

Here is how Paul offers it.

Bless those who persecute you; bless, and do not curse. Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep. Be of the same mind toward one another. Do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly. Do not pretend to be wiser than you are.
Repay no one evil for evil. Commend what is honest in the sight of all men.

Romans 12:14–17 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

It’s the same idea. It’s note new. Paul also iterates the same sentimentality of likemindedness.

Choosing to Suffer is Choosing Holiness

This may seem like an idea that is easily rejected. I mean, God always gets what He wants… Right?

Look to Jesus. He is God. Did He not choose to set aside what it is to be God to take on humanity?

He didn’t just animate a body. He is human, with all of our frailties. He knew to become human was to submit to death. He chose to suffer. He is our example of holiness.

Hear His words on the matter. See if they sound familiar.

But I say to you who hear, love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, and pray for those who spitefully use you. To him who strikes you on the one cheek, offer also the other. And from him who takes away your cloak, do not withhold your tunic as well. Give to everyone who asks of you. And of him who takes away your goods, do not ask for them back. Do unto others as you would have others do unto you.

Luke 6:27–31 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

I think His words are plain enough.

Yet we Christians can be rather pushy. We want our own way. We want the best spots. We want to be first. We want to win.

Peter, Paul and Jesus are teaching us to want holiness. I know it doesn’t go with American pride and all that.

Personally, I think that watching how a person comports themselves with others will show you exactly how far along with the pursuit to holiness they’ve gotten. Some never leave the starting block. The vast majority are still stuck in the elementary principles. Still, others seem to have almost mastered it mostly. (Though I think if you ask them, they would not even own up to being anywhere near holiness.)

Others.

This whole idea of esteeming others above our own selves, placing the needs of others before our own, and even satisfying the needs of others before seeking to do so for ourselves is holy.

Jesus told us to love God and to love others. He used words that echo the superlative nature that is necessary for that love. He also said it is how the entire law is summed up.

The kind of love we ought to have for each other is necessarily sacrificial. That is what love is.

Safe Spaces

There are no real safe spaces for a Christian. Well, save for Jesus. That’s how I read the Bible.

If something offends you. That’s not holiness at all.

Self-love isn’t holiness, either.

If you’re easily offended, I have to be frank. You’re probably not too very much holy. And if that is the case, the safe space in Jesus isn’t going to be so safe. He wants you and me to be like He is.

It is said, be holy for He is holy.

But love your enemies, and do good, and lend, hoping for nothing in return. Then your reward will be great, and you will be the sons of the Highest. For He is kind to the unthankful and the evil. Be therefore merciful, even as your Father is merciful.

Luke 6:35–36 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

Choose to suffer. Just like Jesus did.

There’s a real and lasting blessing there.

Peter’s Direction for Living in Marriage

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Peter continues to encourage his readers to live righteously. Yes, that includes living in good moral character. There is an underlying theme in the reason why he says this. He hints at it in chapter 2, verse 9; and says it outright a bit later in verses 12 & 13. It’s for the glorification of God and to make Him known to others

We do it because there are so many who have come before us, laying the foundations for us to live that way. They served us.

The liberty of Christian living is not asserting our own needs but meekly seeking to fulfill the needs of others. Peter continues to develop this pattern of encouragement to those who are married.

Likewise you wives, be submissive to your own husbands, so that if any do not obey the word, they may be won without a word by the conduct of their wives, as they see the purity and reverence of your lives.

1 Peter 3:1–2 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

It is easy to see how most will use this to admonish the wife to be submissive to her own husband. It’s there and that is the proper order.

Shame on the man who is disobedient to the Word of God!

In such a marriage, a wife is called to serve him any way that his heart may be turned.

I am so thankful to God that I have a wife who did this very thing. When we married she wasn’t a believer, and I didn’t live out my faith. She did convert and became a believer. It was at that time that I watched her. Her own reverence for God was the encouragement for me, time and again, to return to God. (She still does that. I marvel at her gift for building relationships.)

Do not let your adorning be the outward adorning of braiding the hair, wearing gold, or putting on fine clothing.

1 Peter 3:3 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

Peter isn’t forbidding jewelry, a fine hair treatment, or fine clothing. He is attempting to show how not to use these as ways to win your man’s heart.

Again, Peter’s attention is toward the wives, this is also for us husbands. God is going to show you what is most important in the marriage relationship.

Nurture the Inner Beauty

But let it be the hidden nature of the heart, that which is not corruptible, even the ornament of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is very precious in the sight of God.

1 Peter 3:4 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

The hidden incorruptible nature of the heart is where the Spirit is. These are the inner treasure from the Holy Spirit. From which flushes out with the fruit that Pail details.

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, and self-control; against such there is no law.

Galatians 5:22–23 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

Peter’s underlying theme is this idea of self-control. That is, not asserting self and your needs, but seeking to honor and fulfill the needs of others even if yours aren’t met.

For in this manner, in the old times, the holy women, who trusted in God, adorned themselves, being submissive to their own husbands, even as Sarah obeyed Abraham, calling him lord. You are her children as long as you do right and are not afraid with any terror.

1 Peter 3:5–6 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

Peter is pointing to the Sarah who put up with the folly of Abraham. She did as he asked, even if it were wrong. In so doing, she was freed from the accountability of the wrong-doing as Abraham has the responsibility. He is the “lord” of the house.

Not Afraid

A woman ought not to have to live with a man that she is afraid of. That isn’t submission, that’s terror. (If you are a woman and find yourself in such a situation, get out to safety, please!)

Sobering Words for Husbands

Likewise, you husbands, live considerately with your wives, giving honor to the woman as the weaker vessel, since they too are also heirs of the grace of life, so that your prayers will not be hindered.

1 Peter 3:7 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

Personally, I see this entire portion of Peter’s epistle as more of instruction to husbands and prospective husbands. Peter says to live considerately with your wife. Knowing that she isn’t as strong as you. You don’t get to bully, control, and/or degrade her into submission like Artaxerxes did with his wife Vashti. Your wife is a child of the Most High if she is saved. Even if not, she is someone else’s daughter and an image-bearer if God. Treat her with that honor. There’s a reason why.

Your Prayers Won’t be Hindered!

Good night nurse Nickel!

If you’re a married man, here is the secret to maintaining an effectual prayer life. Honor your wife!

She isn’t your trophy. She isn’t your possession. She isn’t your servant to be commanded. She isn’t someone to bully. She isn’t someone to degrade in front of others.

She is graciously loaned to you by your Heavenly Father as a helper. Us husbands need help because more often than not, we’re really boys. Serve her! Bless her!