Making It Work at Home and at Church

Bitter or better? Suffering will take us one way or the other. In 1 Peter 3, we look specifically at how our suffering impacts our conduct in the home and in the church.

Conduct in the Home

First up, Peter addresses women who are wives of men who don’t know the Lord. She is to voluntarily submit to her husband—though unsaved—and invite him to be the head of the house. She must live very carefully in front of him because her preaching won’t do a bit of good; the wordless sermons of her pure life will speak volumes.

Submission is not like the obedience of a child. To our shame, some men think of their wives as a sort of first child who should obey them. That’s not what the Bible teaches. A wife’s submission is voluntary to a man who loves her. Rather than submit, the better word is she should respond to her husband.

Peter also had words for husbands. They are to treat their wives as weaker vessels with honor. He is to give first place to his wife, to treat her as someone special. When a husband honors his wife like this, his prayers won’t be hindered.

Conduct in the Church

How should believers act towards each other? They are to be likeminded, sympathetic, tenderhearted, and courteous, which means they are to be humble, not trying to lord control over one another. This humility should characterize believers’ attitudes and actions toward other believers. They are to turn the other cheek.

If you want a good formula for life, here it is: Refrain from speaking evil of others. Don’t be deceptive, either. Don’t indulge in gossip or evil or sit back and act piously. Live it up by pursuing what brings peace and service. Let’s live for God today.

Why should we live like this? Peter says the Lord’s eyes are on those who live upright lives. He looks favorably on them. He listens to their prayers and is eager to answer them. As for those who practice evil—the Lord turns His face away from them (Psalm 34:15-16). God guarantees to hear the prayers of those who are His own. He has not guaranteed to hear the prayers of those who aren’t His own. The only prayer that an unsaved sinner can pray is, “Lord, I admit I am a sinner and accept Jesus Christ as my Savior, and I ask that You accept me in Him.” God will hear and answer that prayer every time.

Does that mean a child of God will escape the problems of this world? No, it simply means that when you suffer for righteousness’ sake, you will be blessed in it. Don’t be afraid of intimidating threats by the opposition; you have God, and He will give you favor.

In your heart, give Jesus Christ first place as your Lord. Always be ready to tell anyone asking why you put your hope and confidence in Jesus Christ. Let your faith fire up your confidence, and share the Lord with others with gentleness and respect.

When we come to Jesus Christ by faith through His grace, even though we’re sinners, we come to Him, receive Him, and join the great company of the redeemed. The Holy Spirit baptizes us into the body of Christ because He is raised from the dead and is today at God’s right hand. And we are with Him.

Next: Do you belong to Him?