Big Idea: Mutual submission is the means by which we present ourselves  to world, and the strength by which we influence the world. 

1 Peter 3:1-12 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, 2 when they see your respectful and pure conduct. 3 Do not let your adorning be external— the braiding of hair and the putting on of gold jewelry, or the clothing you wear— 4 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. 5 For this is how the holy women who hoped in God used to adorn themselves, by submitting to their own husbands, 6 as Sarah obeyed Abraham, calling him lord. And you are her children, if you do good and do not fear anything that is frightening. 

7 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.  

8 Finally, all of you, have unity of mind, sympathy, brotherly love, a tender heart, and a humble mind. 9 Do not repay evil for evil or reviling for reviling, but on the contrary, bless, for to this you were called, that you may obtain a blessing.  

Peter knew that it would be futile to try to OVERTURN the social structure of his day, and his primary concern was the conversion of unbelieving husbands, not the pursuit of female rights.  

Submission is placing yourself under protection.  All authority is meant to protect and provide. 

Submission is a choice based on freedom accomplished by Christ. 
Submission is not an act of weakness, but of strength, as demonstrated by Christ.  
Submission is in trust in God above all but it’s easier if there trust in the authority itself.  
Submission is a “good work” that God uses to change hearts, declaring His reality and truth. 

NEVER in the Bible is there a directive to HUSBAND to ENSURE their wives SUBMISSION.  The accountability for SUBMISSION is before God.  

A husbands job, a man’s jobs is to ELEVATE their wives/women. This is the definition of HONOR. 

By identifying women as CO-HEIRS Peter is saying that the in Christ the INFERIORITY of women within the FALLEN world has been REDEEMED.  

It’s in community that we fill our PURPOSE.  Whether that be the FAMILY or the CHURCH we are all equal partners with a common calling: Be fruitful, multiply, fill and subdue the earth. 

ONENESS is expressed in Marriage and in the Church: 

  • Unity of mind – That hold to the gospel, and contend for its implications. 
  • Sympathy – Seek to know one another, instead of forming judgments.  
  • Brotherly Love – Consider everyone in the church as part of the family of God, equal and called.  
  • Tender Heart – A heart that choose to love not be defensive. 
  • Humble mind – Resisting the need to be right.