1 Peter 3:1-7 — The Gospel in the Home

main themes

  • When women and men display the Gospel in marriage, it draws unbelievers toward life in Christ (cf. 2:12)

  • True beauty is tied to growth in character and union with Christ, not external appearance or conformity to social expectations (3:4-5)

READ

1 Peter 3:1-7

explore: beauty (3:3-4)

  1. To what extent do you seek worth based on your appearance? (appearance = looks, gifts, intelligence, how others perceive you, etc.)

  2. Do you find yourself evaluating others based on their external attractiveness?

  3. How does the Gospel transform how you view yourself, or how you view/treat others, with regard to beauty and worth?


EXPLORE: MARRIAGE

Note: this can be a difficult topic due to the bias of culture and the bias from receiving bad teaching in the past. However, God only asks us to do that which is best for us, and never asks to do something that is for our spiritual harm. With this principle in mind, approach the topic at hand.

  1. How is this passage good news to women in Greco-Roman households with little say over their lives? (there are many things to point out)

  2. At first glance it looks like 3:2 says that a wife’s conduct toward her husband is what will influence him, however the verse literally reads “when they see your pure conduct in fear [toward the Lord].” What is Peter highlighting? How does this apply to you regardless of your marital status?

  3. Look at the first word of 3:1 and 3:7.

    1. Explain the relationship Peter’s drawing between these sections and the previous ones (2:12-2:25)

    2. Peter places the roles of men and women in the context of Christ’s actions (2:21-25). How does Christ’s example encourage wives to live out their role, putting aside natural impulses and instead acting in Christ-centered ways? How does Christ’s example encourage husbands to live out their role in the same way?

  4. God’s model for marriage is often viewed as antiquated or detrimental, and believers often feel like they need to apologize for the things God says in His Word. How might this passage—in the context of 2:21-25—help you explain to unbeliever that God’s design is actually immensely beautiful?

  5. Do you find yourself wrestling with God’s design for marriage, either in principle or how to work it out practically?


Pray

  • for one another, our church, our city

Doxology Admin