The Power of Spiritual Partnership in Marriage

Unlock the transformative power of spiritual partnership in marriage with our latest episode. Could the essence of true beauty and worth be found in a quiet spirit? Join me, Christie, as we unravel the teachings of the First Epistle of Peter, Chapter 3, exploring the concept of submission within Christian marriage. Discover how mutual submission to the Holy Spirit fosters a harmonious relationship anchored in spiritual equality. Through an engaging discussion, we reveal how godly conduct by wives can inspire faith in their husbands, emphasizing the pivotal spiritual leadership role of women.

We'll journey through a historical and cultural exploration, offering clarity on the often-misunderstood biblical directives for wives. Our conversation clarifies that submission in no way implies subordination but speaks to a deeper commitment to God. Together, we’ll reflect on how Peter and Paul’s teachings harmonize to promote a balanced partnership, where mutual respect and honor lead to spiritual blessings. Tune in to understand how the holy women of the past embraced their faith, allowing their inner beauty and gentle spirit to shine, and learn how this wisdom can cultivate a flourishing marriage in the eyes of God.

Thank you for joining us in this episode of In the Field Audio Bible, where we explore the richness of God’s Word, one chapter at a time. We hope today’s reading brought insight, comfort, or inspiration to your journey of faith.

We’d love to hear your thoughts and questions! Feel free to send us a text to let us know how In the Field Audio Bible is impacting your faith journey. Until next time, may God’s Word guide and bless you.

Transcript

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Welcome to the reading of the First Epistle of Peter, Chapter 3, with In the Field Audio Bible.

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My name is Christie, your host for this episode.

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In this chapter, Peter teaches women about submitting to their husbands.

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If we take this phrase word for word, which the Apostle Paul uses similar wording in his epistles, many angry women will refuse to submit to their husbands.

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So let's take the word submit and analyze it biblically, or what we say in the hermeneutical sense, adding archaeological context, culture and God's plan to it.

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First, in a Christian marriage, the husband and wife submit to each other through the Holy Spirit, committing each other to God.

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Listen to me again.

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They commit who?

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Each other to God.

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Peter's advice to Christian wives is a new commitment to God, as godly women can win their husbands to Christ simply through their conduct and behavior.

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She does not have to say a word, but her motions and behaviors will set her apart from ungodliness.

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Her behavior will add curiosity to her husband, leaving him to want to know more about her faith.

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It is the woman who can change her husband's life before God.

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Second, the Bible does not teach women that they cannot make decisions on their own or that she is her husband's servant.

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Rather, god shows favor to the couple so that the husband is the spiritual leader of the home and together the husband and wife are to submit themselves to Christ.

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Finally, holy women of God are not under the authority of their husbands, or any man for that matter.

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Rather, women should submit themselves to the Lord first and then to their husbands.

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Because the husband and wife come together in marriage before God, they have equal worth before Him.

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So let's review Women.

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We are not to take offense to Peter or Paul for that matter, when the Bible states that we are to submit to our husbands.

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First, the husband and wife submit to each other through the Holy Spirit, committing each other to God.

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Second, god favors the couple so that the husband is the spiritual leader of the home and together the husband and wife are to submit themselves to Christ.

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And finally, women should submit themselves to the Lord first and then to their husbands.

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And why?

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Because when the husband and wife come together in marriage before God, they will have equal worth before Him.

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I hope you are in your quiet place with your favorite coffee or tea while enjoying this reading of the First Epistle of Peter, Chapter 3.

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The First Epistle of Peter, Chapter 3.

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Wives follow the lead of your own husbands.

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Suppose some of them don't believe God's word, then let them be one to Christ without words.

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By seeing how their wives behave, let them see how pure you are.

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Let them see that your lives are full of respect for God.

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Fancy hairstyles don't make you beautiful.

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Wearing gold jewelry or fine clothes doesn't make you beautiful.

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Instead, your beauty comes from inside you.

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It is the beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit.

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Beauty like this doesn't fade away.

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God places great value on it.

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This is how the holy women of the past used to make themselves beautiful.

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They put their hope in God and they followed the lead of their own husbands.

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Sarah was like that.

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She obeyed Abraham.

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She called him her master.

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Do you want to be like her?

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Then do what is right and don't give in to fear husbands.

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Consider the needs of your wives.

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They are weaker than you.

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So treat them with respect.

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Honor them as those who will share with you the gracious gift of life.

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Then nothing will stand in the way of your prayers.

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Finally, I want all of you to agree with one another.

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I want all of you to agree with one another.

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Be understanding, love one another.

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Be kind and tender, be humble.

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Don't pay back evil with evil.

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Don't pay back unkind words with unkind words.

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Instead, pay back evil with kind words.

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This is what you have been chosen to do.

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You will receive a blessing by doing this.

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Scripture says suppose someone wants to love life and see good days, then they must keep their tongues from speaking evil.

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They must keep their lips from telling lies.

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They must turn away from evil and do good.

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They must look for peace and go after it.

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The Lord's eyes look on godly people and he blesses them.

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His ears are open to their prayers.

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But the Lord doesn't bless those who do evil.

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Who is going to hurt you if you really want to do good?

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But suppose you do suffer for doing what is right?

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Even then you will be blessed.

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Scripture says Don't fear what others say they will do to hurt you.

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Don't be afraid, but make sure that in your hearts you honor Christ as Lord.

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Always be ready to give an answer to anyone who asks you about the hope you have.

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Be ready to give a reason for it, but do it gently and with respect.

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Live so that you don't have to feel you've done anything wrong.

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Some people may say evil things about your good conduct as believers in Christ.

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If they do, they will be put to shame for speaking like this about you.

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God may want you to suffer for doing good.

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That's better than suffering for doing evil.

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Christ also suffered once for sins.

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The one who did what is right suffered for those who don't do right.

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He suffered to bring you to God.

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His body was put to death, but the Holy Spirit brought him back to life.

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After that, Christ went and made an announcement to the spirits in prison long ago.

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These spirits did not obey.

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That was when God was patient while Noah was building the ark and only a few people went into the ark.

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In fact, there were only eight.

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Those eight people were saved through water.

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The water of the flood is a picture.

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It is a picture of the baptism that now saves you too.

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This baptism has nothing to do with removing dirt from your body.

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Instead, it promises God that you will keep a clear sense of right and wrong.

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This baptism saves you by the same power that raised Jesus Christ from the dead.

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He has gone into heaven.

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He is at God's right hand.

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Angels, authorities and powers are under His control.