Lesson 12: Holiness in action – accountable to His leadership

Read 1 Peter 3:1-22- https://www.bible.com/bible/59/1pe.3
 1 Likewise, wives, be subject to your own husbands, so that even if some do not obey the word, they may be won without a word by the conduct of their wives,
2 when they see your respectful and pure conduct.
3 Do not let your adorning be external—the braiding of hair and the putting on of gold jewelry, or the clothing you wear—
4 but let your adorning be the hidden person of the heart with the imperishable beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which in God’s sight is very precious.
5 For this is how the holy women who hoped in God used to adorn themselves, by submitting to their own husbands,
6 as Sarah obeyed Abraham, calling him lord. And you are her children, if you do good and do not fear anything that is frightening.
7 Likewise, husbands, live with your wives in an understanding way, showing honor to the woman as the weaker vessel, since they are heirs with you of the grace of life, so that your prayers may not be hindered.


There is little in our world today that is more heatedly argued than whether or not men and women are equal. This continuing argument is the direct result of sin. In Genesis 3 we read God’s curses on Adam and Eve for their sin. God had created them to be full and equal partners; but as in any partnership, there is one who has the responsibility for making the final decision after discussion between the two of them.

God designed the family to be the most important structure of human life. It is through a loving family that children can be raised to love and honor God as well. Our sinful nature wants only to please ourselves no matter if doing so hurts someone else. Children must be taught to love and share and care about others.

In the last chapter we read about God’s way of being a good citizen and an excellent employee. Children do not learn these skills from books, but from watching their parents work out their differences in the home. God designed the husband and wife relationship to be a picture, not only to their children but also to other families around them, of the relationship between Jesus and the church – see Ephesians 5:22-33.

Our verses for this lesson show us how a husband and wife can demonstrate God’s love to their children, without even using words. And when we learn this kind of submission in our most intimate relationships, it is also easier for us to understand how to accept God’s leadership in our lives with grace and honor.

*How are you living this kind of submission to God in your family?