1 Peter 3: 1-7 (Berean Study Bible)
1 Wives, in the same way, submit yourselves to your (UNBELEIVING) husbands, so that even if they refuse to believe the word, they will be won over without words by the behavior of their wives 2 when they see your pure and reverent demeanor. 3 Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as braided hair or gold jewelry or fine clothes, 4 but from the inner disposition of your heart, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is precious in God’s sight. 5 For this is how the holy women of the past adorned themselves. They put their hope in God and were submissive to their husbands, 6 just as Sarah obeyed Abraham and called him lord. And you are her children if you do what is right and refuse to give way to fear. 7 Husbands, in the same way, treat your wives with consideration as a delicate vessel, and with honor as fellow heirs of the gracious gift of life, so that your prayers will not be hindered.
2.WHAT DOES THE BIBLE TEACHES ON THIS MATTER?
The Bible teaches that it is our respective responsibilities that give us the title “husband and wife” (Proverbs 31: 1–31; 1 Timothy 5:8-10).
While there are equal responsibilities within the administrative management of the family life and resources, the wife remains the helper to her husband as far marriage is concerned. So, our respective family roles in marriage show us what is expected of the husband and his wife in that marriage.
Marriage gives birth to family, and family gives birth to responsibilities that husband and wife must bear equally. So, while to become one flesh is the only purpose of marriage, we are both expected to carry certain family responsibilities because we form that family, that is born by our marriage (oneness or union), and that require a management partnership.
3.SO THERE ARE ADMINISTRATIVE RESPONSIBILITIES AND THERE ARE SPIRITUAL RESPONSIBILITIES?
Administrative or social responsibilities are for the management of the family affairs. Spiritual responsibilities are for the salvation of the family members – the husband, wife, and children, if any.
SPIRITUAL RESPONSIBILITIES ACCORDING TO THE BIBLE
As christians, we have the mandate from God to manage our marriage and families according to the purpose of God. And his purpose to go to Heaven. That means, marriage is linked to our salvation in Christ.
- WHAT IS OUR FIRST ROLE AS MARRIED PEOPLE?
Our first role as a married person is our salvation and that of our family. Given that fact that, if we are born again, we are accountable to God for our marriage and family. So, here is a list of bible scriptures that teach us about our responsibilities as a married couple because we must work for our salvation in Christ.
Ecclesiastes 4:9: “Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labour: If either of them falls down, one can help the other up. But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up. Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm. But how can one keep warm alone?”
Malachi 2:14-15: “But you say, ‘Why does he not?’ Because the LORD was witness between you and the wife of your youth, to whom you have been faithless, though she is your companion and your wife by covenant.”
Isaiah 54:5: “For your Maker is your husband, the LORD of hosts is his name; and the Holy One of Israel is your Redeemer, the God of the whole earth he is called.”
Ephesians 4:2-3 (Ephesians 5:1-21): “With all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.”
Colossians 3:14: “And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.”
- OUR SECOND ROLE AS A MARRIED COUPLE IS FAMILY MANAGEMENT AFFAIRS.
- THE MAN (HUSBAND)
1 Timothy 5:7 Give the people these instructions, so that no one may be open to blame. 8 Anyone (HUSBANDS AND WIFES, ETC) who does not provide for their relatives (PARENTS), and especially for their own household (FAMILY), has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.
- THE WOMAN (WIFE)
Proverbs 31: 10 An excellent wife who can find? She is far more precious than jewels. 11 The heart of her husband trusts in her, and he will have no lack of gain. 12 She does him good, and not harm, all the days of her life. 13 She seeks wool and flax, and works with willing hands. 14 She is like the ships of the merchant; she brings her food from afar. 15 She rises while it is yet night and provides food for her household and portions for her maidens.
16 She considers a field and buys it; with the fruit of her hands she plants a vineyard. 17 She dresses herself5 with strength and makes her arms strong. 18 She perceives that her merchandise is profitable. Her lamp does not go out at night. 19 She puts her hands to the distaff, and her hands hold the spindle.
20 She opens her hand to the poor and reaches out her hands to the needy. 21 She is not afraid of snow for her household, for all her household are clothed in scarlet. 22 She makes bed coverings for herself; her clothing is fine linen and purple. 23 Her husband is known in the gates when he sits among the elders of the land. 24 She makes linen garments and sells them; she delivers sashes to the merchant.
25 Strength and dignity are her clothing, and she laughs at the time to come. 26 She opens her mouth with wisdom, and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue. 27 She looks well to the ways of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness. 28 Her children rise up and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her:
29 “Many women have done excellently, but you surpass them all.” 30 Charm is deceitful, and beauty is vain, but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised. 31 Give her of the fruit of her hands, and let her works praise her in the gates.
