11/24/12 FORMULA FOR FAMILY
An internet cartoon says God "...promised men that they would find good and obedient wives in all corners of the world... then he made the world round and he laughed and laughed."
An internet cartoon says God "...promised men that they would find good and obedient wives in all corners of the world... then he made the world round and he laughed and laughed."
In some ways that is funny, since it is almost impossible to find an obedient and submissive wife today. I heard a woman say this cartoon should end with, "...and SHE laughed and laughed."
At that point I said, "That would be appropriate, since this is not actually in the Bible." Instead, God promised and provided the components for a successful family, including a husband that loves his wife sacrificially (as Christ loves the Church), and a wife who lovingly submits to her husband (as the Church submits to Christ).
Marital and family breakdown begins with rejecting God's order. Husbands should lead in love and wives should submit in joy. Remember, this is not my opinion, it is God's revelation.
I have quoted 1 Peter 2:21-3:12. I hope you will take the time to read the context. I have used the New Living Translation (NLT), which is a Functional Translation (conveying the ideas of the passage). I usually use KJV or NASV, which are Formal Translations (providing a more literal and exact meaning of the passage). However, the NLT makes it easier to understand the passage. My main focus is 1 Peter 3:1-7, but I have included the context, since verses 2:21-25 are the background and 3:8-12 completes the thought.
1 Peter 2:21-25
New Living Translation (NLT)
21 For God called you to do good, even if it means suffering, just as Christ suffered[a] for you. He is your example, and you must follow in his steps.
22 He never sinned, nor ever deceived anyone.[b]
23 He did not retaliate when he was insulted, nor threaten revenge when he suffered. He left his case in the hands of God, who always judges fairly.
24 He personally carried our sins in his body on the cross so that we can be dead to sin and live for what is right. By his wounds you are healed.
25 Once you were like sheep who wandered away. But now you have turned to your Shepherd, the Guardian of your souls.
Footnotes:
1 Peter 2:21 Some manuscripts read died.
1 Peter 2:22 Isa 53:9.
1 Peter 3:1-12
Wives
1 In the same way, you wives must accept the authority of your husbands. Then, even if some refuse to obey the Good News, your godly lives will speak to them without any words. They will be won over
2 by observing your pure and reverent lives.
3 Don’t be concerned about the outward beauty of fancy hairstyles, expensive jewelry, or beautiful clothes.
4 You should clothe yourselves instead with the beauty that comes from within, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is so precious to God.
5 This is how the holy women of old made themselves beautiful. They trusted God and accepted the authority of their husbands.
6 For instance, Sarah obeyed her husband, Abraham, and called him her master. You are her daughters when you do what is right without fear of what your husbands might do.
Husbands
7 In the same way, you husbands must give honor to your wives. Treat your wife with understanding as you live together. She may be weaker than you are, but she is your equal partner in God’s gift of new life. Treat her as you should so your prayers will not be hindered.
All Christians
8 Finally, all of you should be of one mind. Sympathize with each other. Love each other as brothers and sisters.[a] Be tenderhearted, and keep a humble attitude.
9 Don’t repay evil for evil. Don’t retaliate with insults when people insult you. Instead, pay them back with a blessing. That is what God has called you to do, and he will bless you for it.
10 For the Scriptures say, “If you want to enjoy life and see many happy days, keep your tongue from speaking evil and your lips from telling lies.
11 Turn away from evil and do good. Search for peace, and work to maintain it.
12 The eyes of the Lord watch over those who do right, and his ears are open to their prayers. But the Lord turns his face against those who do evil.”[b]
Footnotes:
1 Peter 3:8 Greek Show brotherly love.
1 Peter 3:12 Ps 34:12-16.
I have quoted 1 Peter 2:21-3:12. I hope you will take the time to read the context. I have used the New Living Translation (NLT), which is a Functional Translation (conveying the ideas of the passage). I usually use KJV or NASV, which are Formal Translations (providing a more literal and exact meaning of the passage). However, the NLT makes it easier to understand the passage. My main focus is 1 Peter 3:1-7, but I have included the context, since verses 2:21-25 are the background and 3:8-12 completes the thought.
1 Peter 2:21-25
New Living Translation (NLT)
21 For God called you to do good, even if it means suffering, just as Christ suffered[a] for you. He is your example, and you must follow in his steps.
22 He never sinned, nor ever deceived anyone.[b]
23 He did not retaliate when he was insulted, nor threaten revenge when he suffered. He left his case in the hands of God, who always judges fairly.
24 He personally carried our sins in his body on the cross so that we can be dead to sin and live for what is right. By his wounds you are healed.
25 Once you were like sheep who wandered away. But now you have turned to your Shepherd, the Guardian of your souls.
Footnotes:
1 Peter 2:21 Some manuscripts read died.
1 Peter 2:22 Isa 53:9.
1 Peter 3:1-12
Wives
1 In the same way, you wives must accept the authority of your husbands. Then, even if some refuse to obey the Good News, your godly lives will speak to them without any words. They will be won over
2 by observing your pure and reverent lives.
3 Don’t be concerned about the outward beauty of fancy hairstyles, expensive jewelry, or beautiful clothes.
4 You should clothe yourselves instead with the beauty that comes from within, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is so precious to God.
5 This is how the holy women of old made themselves beautiful. They trusted God and accepted the authority of their husbands.
6 For instance, Sarah obeyed her husband, Abraham, and called him her master. You are her daughters when you do what is right without fear of what your husbands might do.
Husbands
7 In the same way, you husbands must give honor to your wives. Treat your wife with understanding as you live together. She may be weaker than you are, but she is your equal partner in God’s gift of new life. Treat her as you should so your prayers will not be hindered.
All Christians
8 Finally, all of you should be of one mind. Sympathize with each other. Love each other as brothers and sisters.[a] Be tenderhearted, and keep a humble attitude.
9 Don’t repay evil for evil. Don’t retaliate with insults when people insult you. Instead, pay them back with a blessing. That is what God has called you to do, and he will bless you for it.
10 For the Scriptures say, “If you want to enjoy life and see many happy days, keep your tongue from speaking evil and your lips from telling lies.
11 Turn away from evil and do good. Search for peace, and work to maintain it.
12 The eyes of the Lord watch over those who do right, and his ears are open to their prayers. But the Lord turns his face against those who do evil.”[b]
Footnotes:
1 Peter 3:8 Greek Show brotherly love.
1 Peter 3:12 Ps 34:12-16.
