MARRIAGE BUILDING BLOCKS (2)

TOPIC: MARRIAGE BUILDING BLOCKS (2)
TEXT: 1 PETER 3:1-9

Peter said husbands, in like manner, dwell with their wives according to knowledge, giving honour unto the woman, as unto the weaker vessel, as being also joint-heirs of the grace of life; to the end that your prayers be not hindered.” In the first century, a man did not win a woman by his life. A woman, when Peter wrote, was a thing, she was chattel (personal property). Women were bought and sold like cows. If a husband became a Christian, his wife did too. A woman could not argue with her husband in the first century. All she could do was live a beautiful, lovely life before him.

Peter here is now telling husbands to live with their wives. Ephesians 5 tells men to love their wives as their own bodies as Jesus Christ did the church. Beloved, that is Calvary-love. Any man that is responsible has a greater degree of accountability. When husbands love their wives as Jesus Christ loved the church, it is not going to be real difficult for women to submit to those kinds of men. When a husband leads his house in love, the woman will regale in it and be secure in it. When Peter said, “Live with your wives,” he did not say “Make a living.” The problem with modern man is that he spends too much time making a living. He thinks that buying his wife a car, a house, or clothes is a substitute for himself. All the trinkets and doo-dads on earth will not take the place of the husband himself. Men need to make a living and provide, and women need to be satisfied with their husband’s pocketbook. But if a couple cannot get along in money matters, they will not make it very far in the home. Peter says, “Men, live with your wives.” That takes time, effort, and the giving of yourself.

Peter says to know your wife “as the weaker vessel.” In our courtship, we wear a mask. We are trying to please each other. But the minute the preacher says, “I pronounce you husband and wife,” the masks come off. After the wedding some men become just brutish. They have no more patience or understanding. They believe that their wife has no feelings, no rights, and no needs and they can just come, go, and do as they please. Then they cry, “I didn’t marry the right person.” Peter says that we must be the right person. Peter said, “You husbands, realize the makeup of your wife and treat her accordingly.”

Peter says to honour your wife, he referred to unconditional acceptance and unending commitment. A husband, Peter says, is the main instrument in his wife’s spiritual growth. He said you are partners in the grace of life. It is the role of a man to lead and to create the atmosphere in which his wife and children can best spiritually grow.

Word Affirmation: They that hate ME shall be clothed with shame - Job 8:22 (Don't just say it, mean it!)

“It is the role of a man to lead and to create the atmosphere in which his wife and children can best spiritually grow.”

Central Truth