Wives, Beauty, Submission, and Fear 1 Peter 3:1-6

[1] Likewise, wives, be subject to your own husbands, so that even if some do not obey the word, they may be won without a word by the conduct of their wives,

Likewise – Here Peter is saying that we’ve already talked about how to live successfully as Christians both in society and work now we have to talk about family life and church.

First Peter addresses wives, and he tells us to be subject to our own husbands. Now here we know that we are not inferior to our husbands, after all, we were both made in the image of God (Genisis 1:27). We are however in a role in which we should submit to our husbands as the head of our relationship, and our husbands submit to Christ. In the garden, this would have been the most beautifully perfect relationship. Unfortunately, we live in a fallen world, and neither my husband nor I am perfect, but God’s design remains flawless.

We are reminded that as we submit to our husbands, yes, even those that are unbelievers, God may use our faith and obedience as a means that they may be won without a word by the conduct of their wives.

I’m sure you’ve heard testimonies from women who didn’t preach to their husbands or try to save them but simply lived a life of grace and mercy and the Lord worked out the husband’s salvation. Of course, all salvation comes from the Lord, but God uses our faithfulness even though He doesn’t need us.

[2] when they see your respectful and pure conduct.

[3] Do not let your adorning be external—the braiding of hair and the putting on of gold jewelry, or the clothing you wear—[4] but let your adorning be the hidden person of the heart with the imperishable beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which in God’s sight is very precious.

The woman of God cares about her personal appearance; she’s not haggardly because she’s a living temple that houses the Holy Spirit. A woman after God’s own heart knows that the most important aspect of her workout is keeping her character in shape (but let your adorning be the hidden person of the heart). She can be firm in all the right places, and if her character can’t endure the race, she gains nothing. A Christian woman cherishes aging because while her outward body may be decaying, she can she the beautiful results of progressive sanctification. Things like humility, gentleness, love, joy, peace, and patience are her permanent make-up.

[5] For this is how the holy women who hoped in God used to adorn themselves, by submitting to their own husbands, [6] as Sarah obeyed Abraham, calling him lord. And you are her children, if you do good and do not fear anything that is frightening.

You are a daughter of Sarah, even if your husband is an unbeliever! You are a daughter of the KING! Don’t ever let your circumstances make you feel like you are less than redeemed!

Remember, even in the midst of your circumstances that [because Jesus died for you] you are:

BLESSED
CHOSEN
PREDESTINED
ADOPTED
ACCEPTED
REDEEMED
FORGIVEN
ENLIGHTENED
GIVEN AN INHERITANCE
SEALED
ASSURED

When I was reading this verse today, it spoke to me in a way it never had before. When Peter says if you do good and do not fear anything that is frightening. WOW! How powerful is that? As women fear and anxiety has so much power over our lives doesn’t it? All we have to do is trust in our Lord, live a quiet and humble life, and not fear. Ha! That’s all. That is tough for most of us. I think that’s difficult because we don’t know God. Not really. So why do we not know our God? Are there not enough books, movies, tracks, and studies? No, there are plenty of those.

If you struggle with fear and anxiety, you don’t need another book. You don’t need to clean your house or change your diet. All you need to do is pray and read your Bible. Seriously. Pray as much as you possibly can. They don’t have to be fancy prayers either. Pray that God will draw you close to Him. Pray that He will HELP you. Start a prayer journal. Pray in the closet. Pray in the bathroom. Pray in the bedroom. Pray everywhere. Pray out loud. Pray silently. Sing your prayers. Talk to your Father. He wants a relationship with you. A real one on one relationship where you know each other. Oh, and you get to know Him by reading His word after you pray. Just read His word. You can study it closely too, but you can start by just reading it. Again, nothing fancy.

Do you need accountability? Need help getting started? Email me. [email protected]

I can tell you from personal experience that I have been afraid! I have been through some of the scariest things one can imagine and I know our Father is faithful. Please reach out to me if you need help building a relationship with our Father! I would love to help you!