Sermon Cloud

1 Peter 3:1-7

God’s roles for men and women in marriage have been offensive in varying ways in each of the cultures that the Gospel has met.  Some people are offended that women are asked to submit, and some are offended that the man is called to honor his wife and treat her as an equal.  God has set up His plan for marriage in such a way that it enables each other to stop jockeying for power in the marriage and love each other sacrificially.  The husband is to step up, take responsibility for the family.  He is to lead by example and with sacrificial love, not by intimidation, domination, or abuse.  The wife is to willingly submit to this sacrificial leadership and not nag, boss around, or emotionally manipulate her husband.  When both people do this according to God’s good plan it is a beautiful picture of how Jesus Christ loves the church as His beloved bride.