For Husbands and Wives
1 Peter 3: 1 – 7
Introduction
Looking back on previous chapters, we see that we are to live out our faith by showing Christian actions to our country, civil authorities, neighbours, masters, basically to everybody even to our own enemies. Well that’s all pretty good but let’s not forget that we have a family, a home in which we play a very important role. Peter specifically gives a Godly advice to husbands and wives, and then attached a very important term “”That your prayers be not hindered” (1 Pet. 3:7).
I. Wives duty to her husband:
A. She is to love her husband (Tit. 2:4).
B. She is to submit to her husband (Eph. 5:22-24, 33; Col. 3:18).
C. She is to maintain a meek and quiet spirit (1 Pet. 3:4).
D. She is to keep the home (Pr. 14:1; Tit. 2:5).
E. She is to be trustworthy (Pr. 31:11).
F. She is to do him good and not evil (Pr. 31:12).
G. She is to be virtuous (Pr. 12:4; Tit 2:5; 1Pe 3:2).
H. She is to preach to him by her manner of life, not her words (1 Pet. 3:1-5).
I. She is to meet the physical needs of her husband (1 Cor. 7:2-4).
II. Husband’s duty to his wife:
A. He is to love his wife (Eph. 5:25).
B. He is to leave father and mother and dedicate himself to his wife (Gen. 2:24).
C. He is to nourish his wife (Eph. 5:28-29).
D. He is to cherish his wife (Eph. 5:29).
E. He is not to be bitter against his wife (Col. 3:19).
F. He is to honor the wife as the weaker vessel (1 Pet. 3:7). He is to treat the wife as part of his life and ministry (1 Pet. 3:7).
G. He is to meet the physical needs of his wife (1 Cor. 7:2-4).
H. He is to meet the financial needs of his family (1 Tim. 5:8).
I. He is to be trustworthy (Pr. 5:15-21).
Illustration: The 10 Marriage Commandments
1. Thou shalt show respect
2. Thou shalt be affectionate
3. Thou shalt communicate
4. Thou shalt forgive
5. Thou shalt be kind
6. Thou shalt be appreciative
7. Thou shalt be loyal
8. Thou shalt find balance
9. Thou shalt be honest
10. Thou shalt make decisions together
III. The importance of good relationships in the home:
A. The family is the foundational building block for society and the church; it was the institution first established by God (Gen. 2:18-25).
B. Marriage is a picture of Christ and the church (Eph. 5:22-33).
C. Good relations in the home are commanded by God (Col. 3:18-19).
D. Poor relationships in and with the home are bad testimonies which reflect on Christ (Tit. 2:4-5).
E. Poor marriage relationships hinder the prayer life (1 Pet. 3:7).
F. Poor marriage relationships disqualify men from being pastors (1 Tim. 3:2,4-5; Tit.1:6).
G. Poor parent-child relations populate jail cells (Pr. 29:15) and Hell (Pr. 23:13-14).
Illustration: Four P’s for Prevention
Infidelity can happen to anyone. Here are a few tips for your readers to affair-proof their marriages. I call them “the four P’s” for prevention:
1. Be protective of your marriage. Avoid risky situations such as long lunches with a co-worker or drinks for two after work. Most people do not plan to be unfaithful.
2. Be positive. Look for what is right in your spouse and tell him or her daily. People who have love affairs are often looking for appreciation and affirmation.
3. Be polite. Always talk to your spouse with respect. Be careful what you say to each other and how you say it. Show courtesy and caring in the way you treat one another.
4. Be playful, and make fun, make love, and humour a mainstay in your marriage. Schedule time to play with one another, and have a “date night” at least once a week.
Marriages can and do survive affairs, and many become stronger having weathered the crisis but not without pain and a genuine desire to recommit.
IV. Conclusion:
The husband and wife must love each other and put Christ at the center of their life.
With this come blessings from the Lord. Will you obey the Lord’s commandment to love each other and follow God’s Word? You will be rewarded if you do.
