OHBC Bible Study: 1 Peter 3:1-7

The principle of submission directly relates to the example and person of Christ (1 Peter 2:21-25), who compels believers to submit to one another in godly obedience. Whether we submit to authority in the government, the workplace, or marriage, Christians should remember that we represent Christ before a watching world. In all three cases (2:13—3:7), Christians are to present themselves before a watching world as people who emulate Christ. In 1 Peter 3:1-7, Peter addresses what it means to have Christian conduct in the home by following Jesus Christ’s example.

Bible Study Outline:

I. Christian Conduct as Wives (1 Peter 3:1-6)

A. The word “Likewise” (homoiōs) means “in the same way.” It connects the reader to the immediate context of what Peter mentioned in the previous discussion. A more concise phrase can be “In the same way as whom?” The immediate context is the example of Christ’s faithfulness to the purpose and plan of God. Therefore, we should not be surprised that Peter reiterates the command given to citizens and servants: “wives, be subject.” Note: Peter will address husbands in verse 7.

B. In the first six verses of chapter 3, Peter gives four “action” principles that inform how and why Christian wives should live godly lives in the home.

1. Principle #1: Examine Your Actions (3:1-2).
2. Principle #2: Watch Your Adornment (3:3).
3. Principle #3: Focus on Your Spiritual Life (3:4). 
4. Principle #4: Evaluate Your Attention (3:5-6).  

II. Christian Conduct as Husbands (1 Peter 3:7)

A. “Likewise” (v. 7) indicates a similar attitude of love, honor, and respect on the husband’s part. Just as Christian wives have specific responsibilities in marriage, Christian husbands have equally essential roles in marriage.

B. Even though Peter addresses Christian husbands in one verse, it does not make it any less important to the context of submission. Verse 7 contains three strong principles, either explicit or implicit, as imperatives: live with your wife, understand your wife, and honor your wife.

1. Principle #1: Live with Your Wife (3:7a).
2. Principle #2: Understand Your Wife (3:7b).
3. Principle #3: Honor Your Wife (3:7c).

Conclusion:

In 1 Peter 3:1-7, we see one overriding principle—submission. We have seen Peter’s twofold plan: (1) women, do not let your adorning be external, but let your adorning be the adorning of the hidden person of the heart; (2) we have heard the call for husbands to live godly lives in the home. Peter’s exhortation for Christian harmony in the marriage is to display what a living hope in Christ looks like. Peter is not disillusioned with the ongoing struggles in marriages to live in harmony with one another. For the Christian husband and wife, with hope in God in difficult times, you can press onward until the fruit of your faithfulness is shared and enjoyed to the glory of God in Christ Jesus.