1 Peter 3:1-7 This passage and others like it have received a lot of disparaging opinion in recent years. if we can put that aside for just an instant we can see the beauty of what is being taught.
'Likewise' in both vs.1 and 7 refers back to the example of Jesus in the preceding verses as well as how we respond to government and our employers. The problem rises when we allow ourselves to be influenced from outside of God's word. Let's let God be God and His Word be His Word.
Submission is a common theme in the New Testament as we have already seen in the previous verses. Here it defines another God given role and introduces some thought provoking benefits of following his order. Ladies I will let you work through Peter's thoughts, but urge you to notice the positive results. An unwritten thought common to the preceding verses (beginning in 13) and these is the underlying peace that comes from surrender. What really is at stake is a call to willingly surrender.
Men, verse 7 also begins with 'likewise'. Surrender is also a necessary part of how we respond and care for our wives. There is no hint of superiority here. That is not the intent. Rather recognize the likelihood of less physical strength (not necessarily spiritual), less mental strength (not IQ, mentally she breaks easier), be sure you aren't abusing her mentally, recognize equality with her before God (joint heirs of the grace of life), recognize the larger weight of the household does fall on your shoulders, respect her, be a part of her, allow her to be a part of you (live, dwell with, don't be aloof), remember you're in it together...that your prayers may not be hindered. We suffer significant spiritual loss when we mistreat our wives. This almost suggests that if we do mistreat her, we walk alone without God.
These are strong verses, let's take them to heart. Here is a site you may want to read. Enduring Word
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