1. 1 Peter Chapter 3
Transformed marriages, families and churches by the Word applied
© Dr John C McEwan

2. Wives reach your Husbands for the Lord!
Verses 1 – 2 Our focus is to be on our ministry, not our comfort and rights. Subjection=responsiveness not slavery. It is respect (fear), and moral (chaste) behaviours that win souls.
Verses 3 – 6 Emphasis is to be upon character, not externals of dress and hair style. Fruit of the Spirit is to adorn the believer, not excess gold and pearls.

3. Christian Womanliness
1. Modest/appropriate clothing, 1 Tim 2:9, not intending sexual temptation.
2. Acting with modesty and dignity, 1 Pet 3:3, drawing attention to her character, not her body.
3. Love, friendship, humility, and service are her trademarks, 1 Tim 2:10, 1 Pet 3:4,
4. She is mistress of her household, and her husband can depend on her in all areas of life, Prov 31:10-31, Titus 2:5 (keeper at home=mastery of home life)
This woman is no weak, pathetic, beaten, or inactive person, but strong, active, professional, and respected by all who meet her. Such a woman as this will win the heart and mind of any noble man. It is pathetic men who are threatened by such biblical women! Let us be wary of controlling men who wrongly use the Bible to cover their own inadequacies!

4. “Likewise” Husbands
What has been said to the women applies to the men, with these additions in Verse 7 Men are to be thoughtful and respectful to their wives, as to sensitive beings, and not trample their hearts. If a man is brutal or thoughtless towards his wife his prayers won’t be answered by the Lord at all.

5. In the Church
Verses 8 – 12 Peter is concerned that all respond to each other in love, concern, respect, desire to bless. He quotes Ps 34:12-16.
Verses 13 – 17 Set your heart right in Christ and seek to do good. If you must suffer, do so for righteousness! Be ready to give an explanation for your faith and life in Christ Jesus. Be firm unto death in the truth.

6. Christ – Our Example
Verses 18 – 20 Christ suffered to bring the truth to us, and the word of condemnation to the fallen angels from the days of Noah. Gen 6:1-8.
Verses 21 – 22 We are saved now through resurrection power, which we illustrate in water baptism, and enjoy in the baptism of the Spirit. The Lord is glorified now and superior to all angels and demons. We serve a risen Saviour who is King of all kings.