Bible Reading:
1 Peter 3:1-15
1Likewise, ye wives, be in subjection to your own husbands; that, if any obey not the word, they also may without the word be won by the conversation of the wives;
2While they behold your chaste conversation coupled with fear.
3Whose adorning let it not be that outward adorning of plaiting the hair, and of wearing of gold, or of putting on of apparel;
4But let it be the hidden man of the heart, in that which is not corruptible, even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price.
5For after this manner in the old time the holy women also, who trusted in God, adorned themselves, being in subjection unto their own husbands:
6Even as Sara obeyed Abraham, calling him lord: whose daughters ye are, as long as ye do well, and are not afraid with any amazement.
7Likewise, ye husbands, dwell with them according to knowledge, giving honour unto the wife, as unto the weaker vessel, and as being heirs together of the grace of life; that your prayers be not hindered.
8Finally, be ye all of one mind, having compassion one of another, love as brethren, be pitiful, be courteous:
9Not rendering evil for evil, or railing for railing: but contrariwise blessing; knowing that ye are thereunto called, that ye should inherit a blessing.
10For he that will love life, and see good days, let him refrain his tongue from evil, and his lips that they speak no guile:
11Let him eschew evil, and do good; let him seek peace, and ensue it.
12For the eyes of the Lord are over the righteous, and his ears are open unto their prayers: but the face of the Lord is against them that do evil.
13And who is he that will harm you, if ye be followers of that which is good?
14But and if ye suffer for righteousness' sake, happy are ye: and be not afraid of their terror, neither be troubled;
15But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear:
Devotional:
Let us not for a moment be taken in with the contemporary views which slough off the God-created differences between men and women!
The very word unisex is not only unrealistic, it is unchristian. Peter says that, since 'she is a woman,' the husband (who is a man) is to live with her 'in an understanding way, as with a weaker vessel' (3:7 NASB).
There will be times when physical distress will overtake the wife. Let the husband be understanding. There will be times when emotional stresses will descend upon her as a deluge! Let the husband learn how to help her.
God has given the husband the responsibility of leadership. He expects him to lead his wife in paths of righteousness, as a good shepherd does. He has given the husband strength. He expects him to protect and shield his wife from neighbors, from family, from troubles that press down upon her. At times she will need to be protected against her own fears and frustrations and tensions. 'She is a woman.' He must be understanding.
The husband is set by God in this position of leadership, just as the woman is set by God to be his cooperative helper. Let not the man in his zeal for leadership expect her to call him 'lord' unless he is ready to 'grant her honor as a fellow-heir of the grace of life'! (3:6,7 NASB)
Inconsistencies in living in accordance with God's economy for the redeemed home will hinder our prayers. Each of us must assume the place God has designed for him if the spiritual life of the home is to flourish.
And note, when woman is called the 'weaker vessel' there is an implication that man is a weak vessel, too! Each of us is completely dependent upon the strength of God. 'When I am weak,' Paul wrote, 'then I am strong' (2 Corinthians 12:10 b).
We are happy to have obtained permission to post as our current daily devotional Heirs Together of Life: Daily Bible Reading for Husbands and Wives, published by The Banner of Truth Trust. Don't be misled by the subtitle. As the book's "Preface" indicates (see below), although Heirs Together of Life is "especially prepared for couples,"the authors declare, "Since the basis for this guide is God's Word, we believe it would have value for any reader."
Charles and Norma Ellis are husband and wife and the authors not only of Heirs Together of Life (which was first published in 1980 and continues in print today), but also of Wells of Salvation (first published in 1985, and likewise still in print today). The latter contains a series of short studies covering the entire book of Isaiah, while the former contains a series of almost 200 short studies covering the entire Bible, from Genesis to Revelation. Both books by the Ellises can be ordered from the publisher, The Banner of Truth Trust. We trust that these daily Bible readings, posted daily on our site, will be helpful to you in your Christian walk before God. Whether married or not, all of us are members of families and members of the family of God.
Charles Ellis was educated at Wheaton College and Westminster Theological Seminary. Upon graduation from Westminster (where he earned not only a Th.B. but also a Th.M.), he was ordained to the ministry in the Orthodox Presbyterian Church and pastored a number of OPC churches, including Immanuel OPC in West Collingswood, New Jersey; First OPC in Cincinnati, Ohio; Covenant OPC in East Orange, New Jersey; Knox OPC in Silver Spring, Maryland; and Lakeview OPC in Rockport, Maine. Less biographical information is available about his wife, but it is known that they served as parents of seven children. After retiring from the ministry, Charles Ellis went to be with the Lord in 2003, but he and his wife left us with a beautiful legacy in the two books they have given to the world, and we are proud to share the daily Bible readings from Heirs Together of Life here with you.
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