November 8
Jesus’ Example for Wives
1 Peter 3:1

He’s been talking about treating with respect those who don’t treat you well, especially those in authority over you.  This verse starts with "Likewise" so we need to go back and see what he’s comparing this to.

In the verses preceding this one he gives an example of how Jesus suffered terribly by those who reviled Him, but He didn’t sin.  He didn’t insult them in return and He didn’t threaten them.  Instead He committed Himself to Him who judges righteously (Chapter 2:22-23).

He says for wives to be in subjection to their husbands in the same way Jesus was when He was treated badly (Of course this isn’t an excuse for husbands to treat their wives bad because he’s talking about those husbands who are disobedient to the Word of God).

When the flesh wants to rise up and retaliate by returning insults with insults or threats with threats, he says to do as Jesus did and commit yourself to the ultimate judge who judges righteously.

Of course He wouldn’t want you to stay in a situation that is physically dangerous to you but He wants you to realize that He sees everything and knows how difficult it is not to return insults with insults.  We need to commit ourselves to Him and instead of retaliating, follow the example of Jesus.

Confession:

I will use Jesus as my example and not react to threats with threats or insults with insults but I commit myself to Him who judges righteously.

Wives:

As a wife I know if I am obedient to the Word when my husband is disobedient, He will be won over not by my words but by my godly behavior.