INTRODUCTION

 

Peter’s “Exhortation to Submission” series begins in Lesson 4, Chapter 2:1-10 where the expectation of service growth of the believer begins with each believer recognizing that they are to self-submit to their “Priestly Service.” Believers are being prepared here on earth to become part of a heavenly “holy priesthood” (1 Peter 2:5-9). In order to make that future as potent as it needs to be we need to “submit.” That basically means that we are expected to take on the holy attributes of God’s Son - during our earthly lives. We are to “grow up” in Christ. We are to see every good and seemingly bad moment in our believing lives as opportunities to mirror Christ’s attitude and purpose as one “Who for the Joy set before Him endured the cross, setting aside the shame of it, in order to sit down at the right hand of the throne of God His Father” (Heb. 12:2). There is our purpose: to accomplish holy growth, with an attitude of Joy, even for the worst moments - that we may become the holy Royal Priesthood of God Almighty.

 

THE OUTLINE

Exhortation to Submission

- be subject to every human institution 1:17-21

- to have love for each other 1:22-23

- to Priestly Service - 2:1-10

- Citizens to Government - 2:11-17

- Slaves to Masters - 2:18-25

- Wives to Husbands - 3:1-6

- Husbands to Christ - 3:7

- All in the Church - to seek Unity and Peace - in Love - 3:8-12

 

Take a moment or two and consider that all of these submission areas are actually for every one of us as Believers in Christ. While each area seems specific - they all touch some point in our lives that needs to be reminded about Jesus Christ’s Submission to His heavenly Father and to recognize that the future is the reason we are to do all this because of the Joy that is set before us, in Christ for eternity.

 

Here’s a cheap little example of God’s plan for us. Consider the little baby. He’s born with a brain, but it doesn’t have much in it. With some time and growth, when they are able to think and react to a parent, that parent may offer the child a visit to Disney World, or some other destination that the child has their heart set upon for the experience of “real joy.” However, the destination is going to be only fully available to that child if they are submissive to their parent(s). In the child’s relationship to their parents… they also have a great desire to please them in the process.

 

Jesus’s example to us is that He so honored His Father that He would do anything for Him - even the pain and shame of treatment, torture, conviction, and pain of death on the Cross. He did all this because of the future that would come as the result of His Father’s request. A Royal Priesthood Kingdom of believing human beings that would become His adopted brothers and sisters. Ready and willing to be His and do His missions and ministries for a future in eternity.

Now, Peter is relating this story to us about submission - that we might desire the Joy that Jesus had - before the Cross - to serve and honor His Father and prepare for an eternal future with Jesus and His Father, and His indwelling Spirit.

 

Now, as we move into Chapter 3, we need to begin to focus on things that are much more intimate than the lessons of Chapter 2. We move from “macro” to “micro” in Peter’s teaching.

 

 

3:1-6 - EXHORTATION TO SUBMISSION - WIVES TO HUSBANDS

 

THE VISUALIZED TEXT

1 In the same way,

you wives,

be submissive

to your own husbands

so that even if any of them are disobedient

to the word,

they may be won without a word

by the behavior of their wives, 2

as they observe your     

chaste and

respectful behavior.

3 Your adornment

must not be merely external—

braiding the hair, and wearing gold jewelry, or putting on dresses;

4 but let it be the hidden person of the heart,

with the imperishable quality of a

gentle and

quiet spirit,

which is precious

in the sight of God.

 

5 For in this way in former times

the holy women also,

who hoped in God,

used to adorn themselves,

being submissive to their own husbands; 6

just as Sarah obeyed Abraham,

calling him lord, and

you have become her children

if you do what is right

       without being frightened

                                    by any fear.

 

 

3:1-6 - Exhortation to Submission - Wives to Husbands
3:1a - Submission to God and His calling

 

1 In the same way,

 

So, what “same way” is Peter speaking of? We can step back to Chapter 2 and the last few verses. Peter was writing to servants and their masters at that point. In verse 18 Peter writes, “be submissive… with all respect… not only to those who are good and gentle, but also to those who are unreasonable. I don’t think that it is unreasonable to understand that, on some occasions, each of us can be unreasonable. In the marriage relationship unreasonableness can be quite destructive. But, as in the master-slave relationship of Chapter 2, Peter states in the following verse, “For this finds favor, if for the sake of conscience toward God a person bears up under sorrows when suffering unjustly.” This full statement then sets the tone for this much more personal relationship.

 

 

3:1b - Personal Submission of the most intimate kind.

you wives,

be submissive

to your own husbands

It is important to understand that what God is talking about through Peter is your relationship to Him. It is also important to understand that Jesus was given to us as our life’s example on how to please God the Father in our lives - here on earth and for an eternal future. It is by being submissive to the will of God that His work is accomplished in us and in those around us - through God’s work IN US. The verses ahead bring up some things which may not seem deeply spiritual to us, however, we must not lose sight of the central theme - Submission to the will of God, keeping the image of Jesus and His submission to His Father deep in our hearts, accomplishes God’s will in and through us.

It is apparent that the world situation has not much changed as to human culture and relationships. Here’s Peter, nearly 2,000 years ago, dealing with a church culture where there are enough believer/unbeliever marriages and relationships to make him write about it.

We need to be mindful of when Peter was writing. In his day and age, women basically had no rights what-so-ever. It was only in a Christian home setting where a woman held a portion of the authority within the home - and that was only if the husband was the Christian. Thus, Peter is speaking of two situations. First there is the Christian husband with a Christian wife. Then a Christian wife with an unbelieving husband (there are other relationships, but Peter is expressing these two). It is also interesting that Peter tells Christian wives not to be submissive to other husbands. Again, remembering these ancient cultures. The women had no rights. Therefore, as a Christian married woman, God is telling them that “you belong to your own husband, don’t be submissive to other women’s husbands.”

So, wives… be submissive to your own husbands.

:1c-2 - Winning your unbelieving spouse to Christ is the intended result.

 

3:1c-2 so that even if any of them (unbelieving husbands) are disobedient

to the word (God’s word),

they may be won without a word (from you)

by the behavior of their wives, 2

as they observe your     

chaste and

respectful behavior.

 

You may notice that I used the word “spouse” instead of husband above. It is my personal stand that we are to believe and use the word of God as teaching eternal truths. We are to look for applications of His word that work in situations that are perhaps more various than the application of a certain writer (Peter at the moment). In the background of Peter’s words to wives here, there are truths that apply to husbands, and other men and women who are reading or listening to these words. So, my immediate point here is that not only husbands, but wives, other men and women, and children need to understand their roles in life as being under the subjection of God and His word. The end result here is as important for a believing wife and an unbelieving husband - as it is for a believing husband and an unbelieving wife. Always, keep your ears and mind open to the fullness of God’s Word, not just the immediate application.

 

Peter’s point here is that the constant preaching to an unbelieving spouse will force them further away. The constant chaste and respectful behavior you express to your loved one gives them the best encouragement to make their peace with God and put their trust in the one who gives you peace with God - our Savior, Jesus.

 

 

1:3-6 - Taking care of your internal adornment

1:3a - The Quality of your adornment

 

3 Your adornment

must not be merely external—

 

We don’t want to miss Peter’s assessment of the word adornment. Most of us probably have only focused upon the external qualities associated with this word. The meaning of the word is simply the attachment or display of a quality whose design is expected to produce love and respect. Webster tells us that the root word (adore) means to worship or honor as divine. I bring this up so we don’t immediately think of just putting pretty things in your hair or on your body, for a woman, or fancy clothes and shoes for a man. The word has much deeper meanings, especially for a culture so long ago. There would be a big difference between what you would (should) wear to worship God in church and what you would wear to attract a possible mate.

 

Peter is talking about focusing upon important inner qualities that produce a state of love and respect. And I repeat that these inner qualities apply to both women and men in the larger picture.

 

1:3b - What adornment should not be between a wife and her husband.

braiding the hair, and

wearing gold jewelry, or

putting on dresses;

 

Peter is not saying that a woman should not do these things. He’s saying that the deepest felt kind of adornment will not be brought about through external, physical, beautiful things or styles. Our context indicates that the situation here is one between two people where one or both seek a fuller godly relationship in their union, one where a loved one who has gone astray from the Lord may come to know and love Him because of their mate’s godly loving attention - not their hair or clothes.

 

1:4-6 - Abraham’s wife Sarah is our best example.

 

Again, the quick reminder that I’m focusing on getting to see how Peter’s words should, in many ways, apply to both men and women - even though this section is written to married women. These are massive messages that we all can learn from.

 

4 but let it be the hidden person of the heart,

with the imperishable quality of a

gentle and

quiet spirit,

which is precious

in the sight of God.

 

We’re not talking about a man or a woman trying to “woo” someone in the hopes of acquiring them to become a boyfriend or girlfriend. We’re talking about a married couple, and the possibility that one of them is not a believer. There is also the application that one of them is possibly abusive.

 

The end of verse 4 is the most important part. We should be acting in such a way to reflect those things which are “precious in the sight of God.” You want to change your husband (or wife) in such a relationship - then do the things which are precious in the sight of God.

 

Peter starts the verse revealing that he suspects that the woman in this case is hiding who she is deep in her heart and is possibly living in fear of her husband. So, how do you win your mate to God and Christ? You do it with godly love and respect. I like the word imperishable. It here describes the “quality of a gentle and quiet spirit.”

 

We also should see that this “gentle and quiet spirit” is “Precious in the sight of God.” When I think of some teachers and preachers of God’s word, one comes to mind, especially in his latter years. Alistair Begg. I became an internet follower of his a number of years ago. He is retired now but still leads an active teaching and preaching life at colleges and Christian pastor’s conventions. He preaches God’s word with a “quiet spirit.” He often makes his audience laugh. He can be very open about those in a congregation who are present because of a believing wife or husband, and those who just come to church as a habit. He makes it obvious that belief in Jesus is the point. He does that with a kind, gentle and quiet spirit.

 

5 For in this way in former times

the holy women also,

who hoped in God,

used to adorn themselves,

being submissive to their own husbands;

 

 6

just as Sarah obeyed Abraham,

calling him lord, and

you have become her children

if you do what is right

without being frightened by any fear.

 

We see here that Peter is “using his bible” and pointing his readers back to Genesis. Keeping the story short… Abraham and Sarah were married for a very long time. God had promised them a child - but waited until Sarah was 90 years old to deliver Isaac. Consider waiting all those years for your promised child. Sarah “obeyed Abraham,” and if you follow the Lord’s leading with your gentle and quiet spirit… then you have become one of her children IF you do what is right without being frightened by any fear.

 

Just a side note, I don’t believe Peter is speaking about an extreme hostel and dangerous physical relationship - there are people you should not be married to. There are evil people who will never turn to the Lord - Don’t marry one!

 

 

3:7 - EXHORTATION TO SUBMISSION - HUSBANDS TO CHRIST

 

THE VISUALIZED TEXT

7 You husbands

in the same way,

We came into the beginning of Chapter 3 the very same way… “in the same way.” Now Peter moves on the husbands. So, before we continue with the verses, let’s review the first 6 verses. We need to turn “You wives” into “You husbands” and see where this gets us.

“You husbands be submissive to your wives.” We’re not talking about hierarchy here. We’re talking about developing a mutual respect and submissive spirit for both husband and wife that is based upon the Love of God shown to us in the obedience of His Son.

Then there is focusing upon winning our wife (to the Lord) by NOT constantly reminding here of her unbelief, but by your quiet submission to the Lord and to her when it is the righteous thing to do.

Don’t try to win her with external things - gifts, money, or guy things (fancy cars - expensive restaurants - rings and other jewelry).

Study and live like Abraham through active obedience and submission to the will of the Lord in your relationship with her.

There you have it, And you husbands… “In the same way.”

There’s the introduction to our next paragraph.

live with your wives

in an understanding way,

as with someone weaker,

since she is a woman;

and

show her honor as a fellow heir

of the grace of life,

 

 

so that your prayers

will not be hindered.

 

So, here we are men… In the Same Way! We’ve considered this a couple of times now in the lesson. What Peter is telling the women also applies to we men.

 

Here we’ve separated Peter’s verse 7 into three areas. Way back in Genesis Adam was the “container” of both men and women. Eve was taken as a part of his then body from Adam and made into the first woman. Later in the scriptures we find that the marriage ceremony reunites the man and women into a new creature (metaphorically). My wire Joan and I often reflect upon the possibility that once removed from earth she and I will be in service for the Lord - together - for all eternity. Finally achieving the unification of our love for each other in fullness - forever.

 

Built from the man, from a part of the man - the metaphor seems to be clearly stating that the man is the strong main part, and the woman from a “rib” would be understood as the spiritually connected “weaker” part of that union. In our physical world, men tend to be more muscular and more focused upon the need to be strong (in many ways) - however, there are also many, many, strong women who’s focus is upon control and function. It would seem likely that our Lord God wants we believers to focus upon our relationship to each other as specifically being in submission to each other in specific Biblical ways. It is, again, important to remember that Peter was writing 2000 years ago to a very different audience. We always need to focus on what the Lord is telling us - and not on the specific culture of the day that may be expressed in the writer’s words. Simply put, “Think Bigger.”

 

This part of verse 7 specifically tells us that we men are to “live with our wives…” Specifically - live in such a way that we are sharing and living in such a way as to honor the Lord in living with our wives. “Living” is more than sharing a home. Peter is telling us that men and women need to LIVE together.

 

And to do so, because… your wife is the completion of you as a man - She is the return of your “rib” and the completion of your person, so, therefore “Live with her in an understanding way,” for the Lord’s sake.

 

Then, next our verse moves to the matter of “Honor.”

 

7b “In The Same Way”

and

show her honor as a fellow heir

              of the grace of life,

 

The Lord God is telling us through Peter that husbands need to show the world around them that they HONOR their wives as a FELLOW HEIR of God’s GRACE!

 

There’s a great question that this verse brings us. Do you and your spouse, as believers, HONOR each other BECAUSE of your position of receiving the manifold Grace of God - together?

 

7c “In The Same Way”

so that your prayers

              will not be hindered.

 

There’s Peter’s “Tag Line.” Consider that your lives together as husband and wife can suffer prayer hinderance because you do not always Honor each other as you both are enjoying God’s Grace - even when the two of you are not getting along perfectly - with the exception that God may not be listening (answering) portions of your prayers because you’re not getting along perfectly because you are not Honoring each other as you should. Because of this part of the verse it should become clear that not honoring each other - especially in times of trouble between you… may be causing you more trouble - because God may not be answering your prayers at that time - to teach you a lesson. Apparently loving and honoring each other is very important to The Lord and your ministries for Him.

 

 

2:8-12 - EXHORTATION TO SUBMISSION - EACH TO ALL IN THE CHURCH (Seeking Unity [peace] in Love)

 

Peter now sums up this series of encouragements to being submissive in 5 steps.

 

1 - To Sum Up

THE VISUALIZED TEXT

8 To sum up,

 

The first half of Chapter two ends here with a summary. This is where we see why I wanted to emphasize that the items Peter has spoken of to each category - is for all to learn about what the Lord desires in and of each of us.

 

If for some personal reason you didn’t want to do the swapping of roles in each area and apply God’s word to you life in that way - now would be a good time to go back and re-read these exhortations to submission and re-think them.

 

 

2 - Live a Life of Blessing

all of you be

harmonious,

sympathetic,

brotherly,

kindhearted, and

humble in spirit; 9

not returning evil for evil or insult for insult, but

giving a blessing instead;

It would be to your advantage (and we won’t do it right now) for you to go back to Chapter 1 and go back over verses 1-10. It is there that you will see the “Why should I Submit!.”

Here in verse 8+9 we have the focus words on how we are to act as Christians - not just as wives and husbands - but in our relationships with all people - especially each other. We won't go through defining each of these items - they are clear enough. Just apply them to your life - as a way of life.


3 - Your Calling
for you were called

for the very purpose

that you might inherit a blessing.

Here is a small simple statement that means so much. First, “You were Called.” If you are a believer in God, the Son of God, Jesus, as the Messiah (Savior) and the indwelling Holy Spirit of God. Then you have been Called by God to inherit a specific blessing. You have now become a physical, real, child of God and a member of His Royal Family - to enjoy Him and live in and with Him forever. - That’s your primary blessing.

4 - Exhortations to Submission
Your secondary blessings in this earthly life are somewhat dependent upon how you live for it is up to you to learn how to live as a holy representative of The Lord God in your earthly life as a way to prepare you for your eternal holy life. Previously, here in Peter’s letter, he has told us that God has said that, “You are to be Holy because He is Holy.”

10   For, “The one who

desires life,

to love and

see good days,

Must keep

his tongue

       from evil and

his lips

                           from speaking deceit.
11 (For)

       “He must

              turn away from evil and

              do good;

He must

       seek peace and

              pursue it.

Submission to the “Will of God” is expected of the believer. We’ve addressed the difficulty of doing this in earlier lessons. The main point is that Peter is expressing who we need to become - A. as those over time who are learning and experiencing the grace of God as believers. And B. as those who will be ready to be fully mature upon the end of our earthly lives and go on to live and minister for God Almighty for all of eternity - fully changed and holy - righteous both in mind and all our actions.

12 “For

the eyes of the Lord are

       toward the righteous, And

His ears

       attend to their prayer, But

the face of the Lord

       is against those who do evil.”