1 Peter: Odd Life, Good God Sýnishorn

The Bible teaches that marriage was a sacred covenant created by God for one man and one woman to illustrate the loving relationship between Jesus Christ and the Church that He loves and serves like a husband loves and serves his wife. For this reason, a Christian marriage is part of worship to God, as well as being a witness to the world and the world in which we raise our children to learn about God. 

Continuing the theme of humility, godly servant leadership that Peter began in the previous section, he speaks specifically to husbands and wives, including the difficult situation of some wives who have been saved after marrying, when their husband has not yet met Jesus Christ.  

Peter himself was married (Mark 1:29–31; 1 Cor. 9:5). He is said to have owned a house in Capernaum (Mark 1:29). Like ordinary folks, Peter had a hometown, worked a job, grew up in a family with parents and siblings, got married, and spent his life  living and working not far from where he was born. Everything in his life was normal, until He met Jesus, and then everything changed. The same is true of each of us.  

Today, when divorce is so common, it’s our relationship with Jesus that leads to a successful marriage. Only by the power of the Holy Spirit can a couple love, serve, and grow together over their entire lifetime. Additionally, culture has redefined gender roles, masculinity, and marriage in ways that are totally contradictory to God’s definitions. We know that we are not facing new sexual problems in our day, because Peter speaks to the same issues and has the same advice: God calls men to rise up and take their place as head of household in a way that is loving towards their wives and leads their families towards godliness.

Reflection: 

1. What is the difference between the relationship between a wife and a husband in an honoring and loving marriage, versus women in general deferring to men in general? How are Peter’s words solely for marriage in specific, and not a general rule for all men and women? 

2. Why is it important for the health of the marriage and family for the husband to be the spiritual leader; loving and leading like Jesus, so that the wife and children are blessed?   

3. What does the Holy Spirit most convict you of as you read these Bible verses?