1 Peter 3:5-6 For in this manner, in former times, the holy women who trusted in God also adorned themselves, being submissive to their own husbands, as Sarah obeyed Abraham, calling him lord, whose daughters you are if you do good and are not afraid with any terror.
In today's verses Peter uses the women of old, specifically Sarah, to demonstrate what it means for a wife to be submissive to her own husband. A godly woman's submission comes from her faith in the Lord. Sarah obeyed Abraham, and called him lord, not because of her faith in him, but because she trusted God. When a wife's faith and trust is in the Lord, she will not fear submitting to her own husband; even if that husband is an unbeliever. She can still, with a gentle spirit, worship the Lord, read her Bible, pray, give, and love her husband; just as God leads and directs, without fear. Even if her husband mocks her, she is to maintain godly and chaste behavior that God will use to influence the husband. Again, I want to make it abundantly clear that this is not an excuse for a husband to abuse his wife, or for that type of behavior to be tolerated by a wife. If a believing wife has an unbelieving husband who walks away, then God says, let him go. 1 Corinthians 7:15 clearly states, "But if an unbeliever departs, let him depart; a brother or sister is not under bondage in such cases: but God has called us to peace." This does not mean that a believing wife has permission to instigate the unbelieving husband, in an attempt to drive him away. Instead, she is to demonstrate her faith in God, by her submission to her husband, and her chaste and godly behavior, so that there will be greater opportunity to win that unsaved, or backslidden, husband. Sisters, stand your ground like the women of former times who trusted in God. Let your faith and trust be not in man, not even your husbands, but in the Lord God Almighty. In the end, it will be that trust that will give you the strength and courage to submit under the authority God has established for our homes.
Today, God extends an invitation to you to accept His free gift of salvation (Rom 6:23). Will you accept it? Anyone who calls on Jesus, by faith, in repentance, confessing your sins, will receive eternal life. Do not put off calling on Him, and receive His free gift of salvation today (Rom 10:13).
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