Do Wives Always Submit?

 

Our teacher, Linda presented a Bible lesson taken from 1 Peter chapter 3.  I took notes as she brought us the study from God's word and present a summary here.

1 Peter 3   Likewise, ye wives, be in subjection to your own husbands; that, if any obey not the word, they also may without the word be won by the conversation (holy behavior) of the wives;  While they behold your chaste conversation coupled with fear.

Whose adorning let it not be that outward adorning of plaiting the hair, and of wearing of gold, or of putting on of apparel; But let it be the hidden man of the heart, in that which is not corruptible, even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price.

For after this manner in the old time the holy women also, who trusted in God, adorned themselves, being in subjection unto their own husbands:  Even as Sara obeyed Abraham, calling him lord: whose daughters ye are, as long as ye do well, and are not afraid with any amazement.

Likewise, ye husbands, dwell with them according to knowledge, giving honor unto the wife, as unto the weaker vessel, and as being heirs together of the grace of life; that your prayers be not hindered. 

Note the word says submit “to your OWN husband.”  Not necessarily to other men as they are not your husband.  I once knew a Pastor who thought the congregation should submit to his authority.  If a Pastor is being controlling and not himself submitted to God's word that is a warning signal. 

A look at another translation gives us a deeper breath, about inward beauty.  Notice it is NOT telling woman it is wrong to dress in style, or wear jewelry, but stressing the importance of a gentle and right spirit.

Sara obeyed her husband when he told her to lie, in order to save his life.  The King found out about Abraham's lie, but spared his life. 

 

Husbands should never ask their wives to sin or do anything against their conscience.

We are to be subject to God first, then to the authority of our husband, our boss, or leaders over us.  It is difficult at times to be humble, but our holy conduct will be an example to others.

God is not impressed with pious prayers, even those written out, or memorized.  God is listening for the cry of our heart, and desires us as women to have a gentle and quiet spirit.  Not a person, trying to get attention, but submissive in service first to God, then to rulers, employers, wives to husbands, and youth to their elders.

Honor your husband knowing God has a plan in the background to bring about a good life.  Some things are perishable, but God brings the natural into the supernatural. 

The flesh must die.  This means dying to self or selfishness.  Being willing to put others first, especially your husband.

Notice the duty of the husband to give his wife honor knowing that the two of you are “one.”  He is responsible for her and should treat her with kindness and respect, lest his prayers be hindered.

A husband should be cautious and not take advantage of his place, or be controlling and dictatorial with an angry attitude.  He needs to be considerate of his wife's feelings and view her as an equal, not crushing her spirit but allowing her to be her own person. 

Each person in a marriage has their own role and responsibility to each other using common courtesy and showing love from a tender heart.

When Adam saw Eve for the first time, he was happy and desired to please her, which got them into trouble and also us.  The husband must listen carefully what his wife says, and know that the final decision weighs heavily on his shoulders.

Ephesians 5:22-23  Wives, submit to your own husbands, as to the Lord,  For the husband is head of the wife, as also Christ is head of the church. . .

In every area of our life may we seek to please God first and then our husband. 

This honors and pleases our Father God.