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TODAY’S SCRIPTURE

Wives, in the same way submit yourselves to your own husband so that, if any of them do not believe the word, they may be won over without words by the behavior of their wives. 1 Peter 3:1

Read: 1 Peter 3:1
Listen: 1 Peter 3

TODAY’S MESSAGE

Peter’s next discussion about submitting to authority is in the most challenging area—the home. Peter told wives to “submit yourselves to your own husbands.” In this patriarchal culture, it was sadly not unusual for a husband to treat a wife like property. Men in this culture were allowed to pursue sexual relations outside the home. Peter told wives to submit to their husbands for an important reason—so their husbands might move toward God. Peter encouraged wives to love their unsaved husbands into following Jesus. Their actions could lead to belief.

This command is just as counter-cultural today. We do not like to submit to anyone, especially in the home. But here are some vital things to note. (1) Husbands are to love their wives as Jesus loved the church (Ephesians 5:25). When husbands serve as Jesus served, it makes all the difference. (2) Our character is to be shaped by the fruit of the Spirit including love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control (Galatians 5:22-23).

When we exhibit the Spirit’s fruit, doors may open to gospel conversations, especially in the home. An unbelieving wife might ask questions about God because of her Jesus-following husband’s goodness and love. An unbelieving husband might move towards God because of his Jesus-following wife’s patience and kindness. Another general principle about living out the Spirit’s fruit is it can impact a neighbor of a different religion or a co-worker hostile to Christianity. Over time, conversations without words might ultimately lead someone to Jesus.

IN YOUR CHAIR TIME TODAY

Reflect on your closest relationships and how well you’re helping people move closer to God. What is your behavior telling your spouse about God? Is your character moving someone at work closer to Jesus? Determine which fruit of the Spirit you most would like to grow in and pray for God’s Spirit to work in your heart today.

2023 SPIRITUAL PRACTICES

Join us all of 2023 developing a different spiritual practice each month. SPIRITUAL PRACTICES are intentional regular activities to deepen our relationship with God and mold us to be more like Jesus.

February is SABBATH. Keep track of our spiritual practices at beyondtheweekend.org/spiritualpractices.

Download a printable PDF of the BTW week here.