MY NEXT STEP TODAY IS:

I need to receive Jesus Christ as my personal Savior for the first time

I need to be baptized
https://www.thebridgevenice.com/baptism

I need to attend Starting Point
https://www.thebridgevenice.com/starting-point

I need to join a small group
https://www.thebridgevenice.com/small-groups

I need to join a serve team
https://www.thebridgevenice.com/serve

Dig Deeper:
1. What does our culture tell us about marriage? How is marriage depicted in movies and television?
2. The title of this week’s message is “Marriage and the Gospel.” Do you often associate marriage with the Gospel? Why or why not?
3. Read 1 Peter 3:1-7. A definition of submission is “the action or fact of accepting or yielding to a superior force or to the authority or will of another person.” How does that definition contribute to people having varying views on what submitting means?
4. How does our culture define submitting? Give examples of when someone has to submit to someone else.
5. What is the opposite of submitting? Why is submitting difficult at times? How does pride and our own desires play a part in submitting? What attitude should we have when submitting?
6. Does the receiver play a part in submitting? How should someone you are submitting to receive it?
7. Based on the biblical definition, what does submitting not mean? Why is it so important in understanding what submitting is and what it is not?
8. How can submitting be both simple and powerful, especially in regard to wives submitting to their husbands?
9. In connection with submission, verse 2 mentions “purity” and “reverence.” Why would these qualities result in a husband being “won over” by his wife?
10. Read 1 Peter 3:4. Why is a “gentle and quiet spirit” considered beautiful and “of great worth in God’s sight”? Identify ways of how meekness does not equal weakness.
11. Define “true beauty” by God’s standards. Define “true beauty” by the world’s standards. What influences our definition of beauty?
12. To be reminded of Sarah’s story, review Genesis 12:10-20, 18:12, and 20:1-18. How do you react to Sarah’s submission to Abraham?
13. Read 1 Peter 3:7. What are some practical ways a husband can be understanding to his wife? How can he show her honor?
14. What does it mean for the husband and wife to be “co-heirs”?
15. Why would not honoring a wife hinder a husband’s prayers?
16. Name other ways, outside of prayer, that a husband’s relationship with his wife has a direct connection to his relationship with God.
17. Describe a marriage you have observed in your own life that is a living reflection of God’s love for us. How did that marriage reflect God’s love? Did the example set by that marriage influence you? If so, how?

Live It Out:
Marriage is a living reflection of God’s love for us.

Women:
1. Would you describe yourself as having a submissive heart? Would others agree with you?
2. Are you more focused with your outward appearance or your inward appearance? What aspects influence your focus?
3. Married Women: Are you submitting to your husband? Is so, is it done out of love and respect? Is something hindering you at a heart level to submit? If so, what is it?
4. Married Women: List five tangible ways you can make your husband feel loved and supported.
5. Single Women: Are you walking out your faith in a way that models God’s love for us? Where do you need Jesus to redeem you and grow you?
6. If your marriage is in an extended season of trial: How are you hoping to see Jesus redeem your marriage? Where do you need to repent? Where do you need prayer and encouragement? How is your hope and endurance?

Men:
1. How are we reinforcing the lies the world tells us about submitting and of true beauty (intentionally or unintentionally) in the minds of women?
2. How can we actively encourage our wives, daughters, moms, sisters and female friends to reject these lies?
3. Married Men: How are you loving your wife as Christ loves the church? Where do you need to be praying to see Jesus redeem you and grow you?
4. Married Men: List five tangible ways you can make your wife feel understood and honored.
5. Single Men: Are you caring for women in our church family well in how you think about dating and marriage? Where do you need Jesus to redeem you and grow you?
6. If your marriage is in an extended season of trial: How are you hoping to see Jesus redeem your marriage? Where do you need to repent? Where do you need prayer and encouragement? How is your hope and endurance?

Reading Plan:
Monday: 1 Peter 3:1-7
Tuesday: Ephesians 5:21-30
Wednesday: Matthew 5:38-44
Thursday: Proverbs 15:1-10
Friday: Proverbs 3:13-26
Saturday: Romans 5:6-11

Recommended Resources:
“1-2 Peter: An Expositional Commentary” by R.C. Sproul

“1 Peter: A Living Hope in Christ” by Jen Wilkin