3.30.25_Husband__Wives.and_Abuse_mss.pdf

Devotional

Day 1: Influence Through Christ-like Behavior

In the context of marriage, the influence of a Christ-like life is profound. Wives are encouraged to demonstrate purity and reverence through their behavior, especially when living with unbelieving spouses. This approach emphasizes the power of living out one's faith authentically, which can be more persuasive than words alone. It challenges individuals to consider how their daily actions can draw others to Christ, serving as a living testimony of His love and grace. By embodying the teachings of Christ in everyday interactions, believers can create a ripple effect that extends beyond their immediate relationships, impacting the broader community.

1 Peter 3:1-2 (ESV): "Likewise, wives, be subject to your own husbands, so that even if some do not obey the word, they may be won without a word by the conduct of their wives, when they see your respectful and pure conduct."

Reflection: Think of a specific behavior or habit that you can change to better reflect Christ's love in your home. How can you start making this change today?

Day 2: The Power of Prayer in Relationships

The effectiveness of prayer is closely linked to the quality of relationships, particularly within marriage. Husbands are reminded of the importance of treating their wives with honor and respect to ensure their prayers are not hindered. This teaching serves as a reminder that our relationships with others can affect our spiritual lives. It calls individuals to examine their integrity and the consistency between their public and private lives, urging them to align their actions with their prayers for greater spiritual effectiveness. By fostering healthy, respectful relationships, believers can enhance their spiritual connection with God and others.

1 Peter 3:7 (ESV): "Likewise, husbands, live with your wives in an understanding way, showing honor to the woman as the weaker vessel, since they are heirs with you of the grace of life, so that your prayers may not be hindered."

Reflection: Consider how you treat those closest to you. Is there a relationship where you need to show more honor and respect? How might this change impact your prayer life?

Day 3: Embracing Servant Leadership

True leadership in the home is modeled after Christ's example of servant leadership. Husbands are called to prioritize the well-being of their families, serving, protecting, and encouraging their spouses. This involves reflecting the sacrificial love of Jesus, challenging traditional views of leadership that prioritize authority and control. Instead, a model of leadership that values humility and service is advocated, promoting a family dynamic that is nurturing and supportive. By embracing this form of leadership, individuals can create a home environment that mirrors the love and grace of Christ.

Mark 10:43-45 (ESV): "But it shall not be so among you. But whoever would be great among you must be your servant, and whoever would be first among you must be slave of all. For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many."

Reflection: Reflect on your role within your family or community. How can you practice servant leadership in a specific situation this week?

Day 4: Redefining Submission in Marriage

Submission in marriage is often misunderstood, but it is not about agreeing on everything or being less competent. Instead, it is an inner quality of strength and gentleness that supports another's leadership. This perspective encourages mutual respect and collaboration in marriage, promoting a partnership that honors both individuals' contributions and strengths. By redefining submission in this way, couples can build a relationship based on mutual support and shared goals, reflecting the unity and love that Christ desires for His followers.

Ephesians 5:21 (ESV): "Submitting to one another out of reverence for Christ."

Reflection: In what ways can you support your spouse or partner's leadership while maintaining your own strengths? How can this mutual respect enhance your relationship?

Day 5: Cultivating Inner Beauty and Lasting Influence

True beauty is found in character, not outward appearance. Women are encouraged to focus on developing qualities like a gentle and quiet spirit, which are of great worth in God's sight. This teaching challenges societal norms that prioritize outward appearance, reminding believers that true beauty comes from within. By investing in qualities that have lasting influence and align with God's values, individuals can enhance their witness to others, drawing them closer to Christ through their example of inner beauty and grace.

1 Peter 3:3-4 (ESV): "Do not let your adorning be external—the braiding of hair and the putting on of gold jewelry, or the clothing you wear—but let your adorning be the hidden person of the heart with the imperishable beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which in God's sight is very precious."

Reflection: What qualities do you want to cultivate in your inner life that reflect God's values? How can you begin to nurture these qualities today?

Sermon Summary

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In this sermon, Pastor Jonathan Schaeffer explores the teachings of 1 Peter 3:1-8, focusing on the roles and responsibilities of husbands and wives in marriage. He emphasizes the importance of reflecting Christ in the home and the incentives for doing so. For wives, the incentive is the potential to influence unbelieving spouses through their behavior, while for husbands, it is the effectiveness of their prayers. Pastor Schaeffer addresses common misconceptions about submission and leadership, advocating for mutual respect and Christ-like servant leadership. He also highlights the significance of inner beauty over outward appearance and introduces a new ministry at Grace called Arise, which supports those who have experienced abuse. The sermon concludes with a call to live lives that reflect Christ's humility and respect, influencing others through love and good deeds.

Key Takeaways

1. like life can have on others, especially within marriage. Wives are encouraged to influence their unbelieving spouses through their behavior, demonstrating purity and reverence. This approach emphasizes the power of living out one's faith authentically, which can be more persuasive than words alone. It challenges us to consider how our daily actions can draw others to Christ.
2. The Power of Prayer:
For husbands, the sermon underscores the importance of treating their wives with honor and respect to ensure their prayers are not hindered. This teaching serves as a reminder that our relationships with others can affect our spiritual lives. It calls us to examine our integrity and the consistency between our public and private lives, urging us to align our actions with our prayers for greater spiritual effectiveness.

3. Servant Leadership:
Pastor Schaeffer calls husbands to embrace Christ-like servant leadership in their homes, prioritizing the well-being of their families. This involves serving, protecting, and encouraging their spouses, reflecting the sacrificial love of Jesus. The message challenges traditional views of leadership, advocating for a model that values humility and service over authority and control.

4. Redefining Submission:
The sermon addresses misconceptions about submission, clarifying that it is not about agreeing on everything or being less competent. Instead, it is an inner quality of strength and gentleness that supports another's leadership. This perspective encourages mutual respect and collaboration in marriage, promoting a partnership that honors both individuals' contributions and strengths.

5. Inner Beauty and Lasting Influence:
Emphasizing the value of inner beauty, the sermon encourages women to focus on developing qualities like a gentle and quiet spirit, which are of great worth in God's sight. This teaching challenges societal norms that prioritize outward appearance, reminding us that true beauty comes from character. It invites us to invest in qualities that have lasting influence and align with God's values, ultimately enhancing our witness to others.

Bible Study Guide

**Bible Study Discussion Guide**

**Bible Reading:**
- 1 Peter 3:1-8
- Matthew 5:16
- Ephesians 5:21-28

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**Observation Questions:**

According to 1 Peter 3:1-8, what are the specific instructions given to wives and husbands?
How does Pastor Schaeffer describe the impact of a Christ-like life within marriage?
What incentives does Peter provide for husbands and wives to reflect Christ in their homes?
What does Pastor Schaeffer say about the significance of inner beauty compared to outward appearance?

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**Interpretation Questions:**

How might the behavior of a believing spouse influence an unbelieving partner, according to the sermon and 1 Peter 3:1-8?
What does Pastor Schaeffer mean by "servant leadership," and how does it challenge traditional views of leadership in marriage?
How does the sermon redefine submission, and what misconceptions does it address?
In what ways does the sermon suggest that our relationships can affect our spiritual lives, particularly in the context of prayer?

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**Application Questions:**

Reflect on your own marriage or relationships. How can you demonstrate Christ-like behavior to influence others positively?
Consider your prayer life. Are there any relationships where you need to seek reconciliation or show more respect to ensure your prayers are not hindered?
How can you practice servant leadership in your home or community this week? Identify one specific action you can take.
What steps can you take to cultivate inner beauty, such as a gentle and quiet spirit, in your daily life?
Think about a time when you misunderstood the concept of submission. How can you apply the sermon’s teaching to promote mutual respect and collaboration in your relationships?
Identify one societal norm regarding beauty that you feel pressured by. How can you shift your focus to align more with God’s values of inner beauty?
If you or someone you know has experienced abuse, how can you support them in finding healing and support, perhaps through a ministry like Arise?

Sermon Quotes

"Peter is calling all believers to understand their identity in Christ, and to live like Him. The goal is to 'live such good lives' that people around us will be attracted to a relationship with Christ."

"We can live in such a way that we have a profound and lasting influence on other people who don’t yet have a relationship with Christ. Even without words, the quality of your life can be a compelling draw."

"If we don’t treat our wives with honor and respect, the impact of our prayers is actually limited. God doesn't listen to the prayers of hypocrites."

"Husbands, take primary responsibility for Christ-like servant leadership in your home. Treat her as a treasure. Serve your family, look out for their best, protect, provide, encourage, affirm."

"Peter is telling his Christian brothers, 'I want you to think of your wives a whole lot differently. See your wife as a partner in life, a treasure, worthy of great honor and respect.'"

"Submission is an inner quality of strength and gentleness that affirms another’s leadership. It’s about trusting the other person to take the lead in a partnership."

"Our best investment is working on our character, even more than we work on our physical beauty. Outer beauty is short-lived. Inner beauty lasts forever."

"When you cultivate an inner beauty and live winsomely, you will have powerful influence. You may even persuade those who might not have otherwise believed."

"Let’s reflect the Lord Jesus—his humility and respect for all—in every relationship. That kind of love for others, perhaps even more than our words, will have an influence on those around us."

"Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us."

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