“Unbelieving Spouse”

1 Peter 3:1-7

1 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 without a word by the conduct of their wives,

2 as they observe your pure conduct with fear.

3 Your adornment must not be merely external—braiding the hair, and wearing gold jewelry, or putting on garments;

4 but let it be the hidden person of the heart, with the incorruptible quality of a lowly and quiet spirit, which is precious in the sight of God.

5 For in this way in former times the holy women also, who hoped in God, used to adorn themselves, being subject to their own husbands,

6 just as Sarah obeyed Abraham, calling him lord. You have become her children if you do good, not fearing any intimidation.

7 You husbands in the same way, live with your wives in an understanding way, as with a weaker vessel, 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. 

 

Referenced Scripture:

Genesis 18:12

 

Quotes:

“It seems fair to conclude that differences in role or function do not cancel out equality.  Men and women are equally made in God’s image, have equal access to salvation, and share the same destiny.  Similarly, the Son of God, Jesus Christ, is equal to the Father in essence, but He submits to the Father, revealing that He has a different role.  The submission of wives, therefore, does not imply their inferiority.  A different function does not suggest that they are lesser beings.  Those who argue that a different function implies inequality betray a secular worldview that identifies worth with stature and the exercise of authority." - Dr. Thomas R. Schreiner

 

“Wives do not submit in order to satisfy a husband’s vanity or to promote his reputation.  Neither do they submit to show how godly they are, nor to avoid conflict, nor to impress the neighbors, nor to manipulate their husbands, and not even because she thinks he is wise.  She submits because of her relationship with and trust in God." - Dr. Thomas R. Schreiner 

 

“So concerned is God that Christian husbands live in an understanding and loving way with their wives, that he ‘interrupts’ his relationship with them when they are not doing so.  No Christian husband should presume to think that any spiritual good will be accomplished by his life without an effective ministry of prayer.  And no husband may expect an effective prayer life unless he lives with his wife ‘in an understanding way, bestowing honour’ on her.  To take the time to develop and maintain a good marriage is God’s will; it is serving God; it is a spiritual activity pleasing in his sight.” - Dr. Wayne A. Grudem