A Sinner’s Guide to Life 

Wk 6, The Submissive Marriage 

1 Peter 3:1-7 

May 19, 2024 

Darin Elquist 

Message Notes 

 1 Peter 3:1-6 

In the same way, you wives, be subject to your own husbands so that even if any of them are disobedient to the word, they may be won over without a word by the behavior of their wives, 2 as they observe your pure and respectful behavior. 3 Your adornment must not be merely the external—braiding the hair, wearing gold jewelry, or putting on apparel; 4 but it should be the hidden person of the heart, with the imperishable quality of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is precious in the sight of God. 5 For in this way the holy women of former times, who hoped in God, also used to adorn themselves, being subject to their own husbands, 6 just as Sarah obeyed Abraham, calling him lord; and you have proved to be her children if you do what is right without being frightened by any fear. 7 You husbands in the same way, live with your wives in an understanding way, as with someone weaker, since she is a woman; and show her honor as a fellow heir of the grace of life, so that your prayers will not be hindered. 

For Wives

Hypotasso (gk) 

to subject yourself to another with the idea of following the other’s lead in obedience.  

Malachi 3:6  

6 “For I, the LORD, do not change; therefore you, the sons of Jacob, have not come to an end. 

Hebrews 13:8 

8 Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today, and forever. 

4 Ways for Wives to Submit to Their Husbands

1. Watch Your Actions (Vs. 1-2) 

 Observe- 

Epopteo (gk)  

Careful observation 

2. Watch Your Adornment (Vs. 3-4) 

 Adorment- 

Kosmos (gk) From which we get the word, “cosmetics” Cosmetics includes make up, skincare, fragrance, haircare. It refers to anything used to beautify or decorate. 

3. Watch you Attitude (Vs. 4) 

 (Behold, the Underlying Truth) 

 Heart- 

Kardia, (gk) Refers to the source of one’s true character 

4. Watch Your Attention (Vs. 5-6) 

 Abraham and Sarah’s life together from Sarah’s perspective 

• Abraham claimed to have visions telling them to move. Remember they were old by this time. 

• He convinced her to lie about being his sister while they were in Egypt, where the Pharaoh took Sarah as his wife. (Temporarily) (Gen 12) 

• She took his lad when he gave up the best grazing land to his cousin Lot. (Gen 13) 

• He tried again to pass Sarah off as his sister, because it worked so well the first time… this gained the attention of Abimelech the king of Gerar who also wanted Sarah as his wife. (Gen 20) 

• She made it through the near sacrifice of her only son, Isaac. Remember when God told Abraham to take him up the mountain and d=sacrifice him. (Gen 22) 

“Sarah obeyed Abraham calling him, “lord.”” Not because of her perfect marriage, but because of her imperfect marriage. Sarah became a poster child for submission for all believers. 

Reflective question wives can think about. 

• Am I looking to women like Sarah as role models. Or to today’s celebrity trendsetters? Is my husband at the top of my prayer list? 
• Do I put my husband first in my planning? 
• Do I look for ways to honor him? 
• Do I make his life easier, or more difficult? 

Are you a hopeful and holy wife?  

Husbands 

1 Peter 3:7  

You husbands in the same way, live with your wives in an understanding way, as with someone weaker, since she is a woman; and show her honor as a fellow heir of the grace of life, so that your prayers will not be hindered. 

“You husbands in the same way…” (1 Peter 3:7) 

“In the same way, you wives…” (1 Peter 3:1) 

1. Live with Your Wife 

2.  Know Your Wife 

3.  Honor Your Wife 

Here are few things you can talk about to help your marriage be more, to be better, to be what it’s meant to be. A relationship the glorifies Jesus. 

1.  At some point this week sit down together and talk about some qualities you appreciate most about your spouse. 
2. Using 1 Peter 3:1-7 as a guide, admit one thing you would like to change about yourself as it relates to the treatment of your spouse. Don’t talk about things you want to change about your spouse… this may backfire if you did that, 
3. If you, your spouse, or both of you struggle with these idea taught in 1 Peter 3:1-7 find a mentor. Someone who is in a good marriage and solid in faith to spend time with and to learn from. 

May 26- “Worship on the Grounds”! @ the Bridge Church Reno, 1330 Foster drive.  No services at the Bridge Spanish Springs.  A wonderful time of worshipping God outside!! 

*** May 26th – NO SERVICE AT THE BRIDGE SPANISH SPRINGS*** 

1. Read 1 Peter 3:1-6, using a Bible app/concordance, what is the Greek worded used for submission in verse one?  How do these verses tie in with the verses on submission to government authorities in chapter 2?  What are the similarities and what are some of the differences? 

2. Has this section of scripture been used for other motives that the text does not support?  What are some of the ways it has been used that are not scriptural? 

3. What are some of the things Darin pointed out that wives can do to answer to call to submit to their husbands authority?   What are some of the attributes of each? 

4. What does “disobedient to the Word” mean in verse 1?  Should a wife have to listen to submit to her husband if the husband is not submitting to Jesus?  Why or why not? 

5. Are there any restrictions in scripture on how we should or should not dress for church? Please cite scripture references for your answer. 

6. Read 1 Peter 3:7, what are some ways a man can understand a woman?  Why do you think prayers would be hindered for not following these verses? 

7. What are some of the important commands for men noted in this verse that were pointed out in the sermon? 

8. What does it mean when it says in verse 7 “as with someone weaker”?  Using a Bible app, read the verse in the NLT version.  What does it mean to be an equal partner (or fellow heir of the grace of life)? 

9. What are some things couples can do to work on their relationship that were pointed out in the message?  What are some of the things that we should not do? 

10. Pray for your marriage!  God says with Him all things are possible.  Maybe consider an impromptu date night some night this week.  Tell that person how and why they are special and resist the temptation to list off the things they need to work on.  For those who are not married ask God to continue to guide you in your relationships with others.