1. Husbands and Wives 1 Peter 3:1-7

2. Introduction It is essential that we understand God’s pattern for marriage. We live in culture that seeks to pervert the roles of the marriage relationship. Many seek to diminish the necessity of marriage all together. Many in Jesus’ day had similar attitudes according to Mark 10:4-12.

3. Marriage in the Beginning God’s pattern in the beginning was for all time: Mark 10:6 Lessons from the first marriage: Gen. 1:27; 2:18, 24 Marriage after the fall: Gen. 3:16, 17 ◦ Roles were the same, just more difficult. ◦ Men, provide by sweat of brow. ◦ Women bear children, desire for husband. Prov. 3:5, 6: Trust God by following His pattern and not our own understanding.

4. The Role of the Husband Eph. 5:25-33: Love wife as Christ loves the church Col. 3:19: Love and not be bitter. 1 Pet. 3:7: Dwell with understanding. ◦ Give honor as to weaker vessel. ◦ You have control over her life—care for her best interests. ◦ Acknowledge equality as fellow heirs. ◦ It will affect your relationship with God. Eph. 6:4: Active role in raising children.

5. The Role of the Wife Eph. 5:22-24: Submit to husbands as to the Lord Col. 3:18: Submit as fitting to the Lord. 1 Pet 3:1-6: In godly character ◦ If good husband, submit as to the Lord ◦ If bad, convert through godly example ◦ Let adornment be in character and good works. Titus 2:4-5: Learn to love husbands and to be keepers at home.

6. The Worthy Woman Prov. 31:10-31 ◦ 31:16, 18: buys a field, has good merchandise (income). ◦ 31:21, 27-28: looks to the ways of her household— where her heart is. ◦ 31:13-20: Industrious, hard working ◦ 31:10-12: Honors her husband’s trust, responsible with her authority as ruler in the home. ◦ 31:10, 28-31: Given honor by husband

7. Conclusion Marriage roles, as defined by God, result in mutual honor and respect. Symbiotic relationship wherein spouses complete one another. To seek to exceed either role is foolishness. Submission to God’s pattern will result in a strong, a lasting, and a pleasing relationship