“Blessing Those Closest To You”

1Peter 3:1-9 Nov.13, 2005  Play video

Rubbed the Wrong Way?

•     a donkey’s tale: criticized no matter what you do
•     insults of close companions especially hurtful (Ps 55:4f,12ff)

Security and Status by Association

•     1Peter 1: God’s mercy, power, blessing, ransom, & new life
•     1Peter 2: built into God’s temple / love-relationship of Trinity

Christ's Priestly Pattern

•     a holy / royal priesthood, offering sacrifices (1Tim 2:4; 1Pet 2:5,9; 1Chron 23:13)
•     God’s go-betweens: others see our lives, are pointed to God (2:12)
•     Christ our high-priestly model, absorbing insults (2:21-25)
•     trusting God makes it possible to re-direct pain, not retaliate
•     order in human relationships always in context of serving God (2:13)

A Christly Cosmetic

•     wives submissive / accept husband’s authority, like Sarah (3:1,5f; Gen 18:12)
•     headship distinctions between Christ / man / woman (1Cor 11:3; Eph 5:23; Gen 3:6,9)
•     voluntary, mutual, humble cooperation out of love and respect
•     husbands to serve not ‘lord it over’ (Mt 20:25-28; Eph 5:21f; 1Jn 4:18)
•     beauty inner not outward: gentle, quiet, like Christ (3:3-6; Mt 11:29, 6:4,6)
•     wife’s behaviour has power to win over unbelieving husband (3:1)

Considerate Co-heirs

•     husbands owe respect to wives as to everyone (3:1; 2:17)
•     considerate / understanding, as with fine china, delicate instrument
•     co-heirs of gracious gift of life: male/female one in Christ (Gal 3:28)
•     prayers hindered if lack respect for wife

Retaliate with Blessing

•     in harmony, sympathetic, compassionate, humble (3:8; Rom 12:15)
•     repay insult with blessing, as called to do, like Christ (3:9; 2:23; Lk 6:28)

Glimpsing God through a Family Member

•     Phil Callaway grateful for deceased dad’s example

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