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. 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. For this is how the holy women who hoped in God used to adorn themselves, by submitting to their own husbands, as Sarah obeyed Abraham, calling him lord. And you are her children, if you do good and do not fear anything that is frightening.

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. – 1 Peter 3:1-7

A. Salt and Light: Our Conduct in Public: 1 Peter 2:13-17

B. Salt and Light: Our Conduct in our Callings: 1 Peter 2:18-21

C. Salt and Light: Our Conduct in Marriage

1. God’s Design for Marriage

a. A covenantal union between a man and woman – Genesis 2:18-25

b. A three-part covenantal union between a man and woman – 1 Peter 3:7

2. God’s Purposes in Marriage

a. Procreation – Genesis 1:27-28

b. Companionship – Genesis 2:18, 21-23

c. Model Christ’s Relationship with His church – Ephesians 5:22-33

3. Roles in a Christ-Honoring, Salt and Light Marriage

a. Wives
– Empower their husbands – Genesis 2:18
– Encourage their husbands – 1 Peter 3:1, 1 Peter 3:2-4

b. Husbands
– Foot-washing service to their wives – 1 Peter 3:7a
– Spiritual leadership over their wives – 1 Peter 3:7b, Ephesians 5:25-27

APPLYING THE WORD

1. Do I understand God’s design and purposes for marriage?

2. Am I fulfilling my role in my marriage as God would have?

3. Is my marriage portraying Christ and His church? If not, why not? What must I do to change my marriage?