Wives

582.  "Wives"            August 10, 2012
Summary of 1 Peter
Wives, in the same way, submit yourselves to your own husbands so that, even if some disobey the Christian messaage, they  may be won over without a message by the way their wives live, when they observe your pure reverent lives.   1 Peter 3:1-2 Holman CSB

LET IT GLOW

Review:
Peter was as apostle of Jesus Christ. we can read about his Christian life in the book Acts. He wrote this first letter to Gentile Christians, or Pilgrims, who were possibly led to Christ by Paul and his associates. Peter dictated while Silas wrote it down as a secretary did in those days. Silas delivered the letter. Peter died as a martyr two years after he wrote this letter. Also, he had witnessed his wife's crucificion because of her faith, earlier. Peter's wife traveled with hilm in his ministries (1Cor. 9:5).

Nero was the emperor during this time. He set Rome on fire and blamed the Christians for it. Since the Romans lost everything, including their idols, temples, and shrines, pursecution of the Christians caused them to flee to other places.

Peter wrote this letter trying to encourage his fellow believers so they would not loose hope. It was a living hope in the Second Coming of Jesus, Who will make all things right. It was an encouragment to stand firm in their faith and the grace of God. Hang on through your trials.
Peter helps us see God's prescription for those who suffer. It calls for holiness, for submission, and for acceptance of the amazing truth that suffering can be a gift from God. (Illustrated Bible Handbook by Lawrence O. Richards)


LET IT GROW
Hopefully, we have answered some questions in this book. Questions, such as:

• What is the goal of my faith?
• What does holiness really mean?
• How can I be holy?
• When is submission compromised?
• When should I stand up for my rights? What happens when I do what I think is the right thing, and something terrible happens?
• Was I in the wrong?

What are some themes found in 1 Peter?

• God is no respector of persons. (1:17)
• Christ is identified as a stone rejected by the builders. (2:7-8)
• The name of Christ has a prominent place. (4:14,16)
• Jesus' conversation with Peter. (5:2-4)
• Jesus as the Chief Shepherd. (5:4)
• Being clothed with humility. (5:5)

Instead of picking out several scriptures of significance to me, I decided to only mention a few within each chapter and the main points in each.

Chapter 1
salvation, hope assurance, faith, joy in spite of trials, holiness, power of God, praise, honor, and glory to God, fulfillment in believers' lives

But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation; Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy.  (1:15-16)

Chapter 2
description of the people of God, submission to government, and masters

But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should show forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light. (2:9)

Chapter 3
appeals and promises to the persecuted, susbmission in the family, honorable living before believers,
suffering for righteousness

Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as braided hair and the wearing of gold jewelry and fine clothes. Instead, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God's sight. (3:3-4) NIV

Chapter 4
responsibilities of Christian living, rewards of sufferings

Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you: but rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ's sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy.
(4:12-13)

Chapter 5
requirements of Christian leadership, victory

Humble yourselves, therefore, under God's mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that your borthers throughout the world are undergoing the same kind of sufferings. (5:6-9 NIV)

LET IT GO

Willingly and cheerfully submit to God, my husband, and those in authority over me.

Lay down pride and tie on the apron of humility.

Cast my cares on Jesus.

Resist the devil.

Stand firm in the faith.