A year 2013 Mother’s Day Message at CAC WOSEM, Queens, NY

In the first Epistle of Peter, the Apostle began with greetings to us (the elects who are on pilgrimage from earth back to heaven) – 1 Peter 1:1-2. Then he proceeded to remind us that God is the One who gave birth to us naturally and then gave us a new birth in the spirit through Christ’s work on the cross and resurrection (1 Peter 1:3).

After he introduced the hope of eternity and our heavenly inheritance, he now proceeded to teach us how to live in holiness unto God who has saved us: by “laying aside all malice, all deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and all evil speaking,” and by desiring as new born babes “the pure milk of the word, that you may grow thereby” (1 Peter 2:1-2).

He now lets all the elects he greeted in chapter one to realize how important they are; calling them “chosen generation, royal priests, holy nation and God’s own special people (1 Peter 2:9). Because of how we, the elects, are in Christ, Peter says there are certain ways we should live our lives in this world among the people around us (2:11-12).

How should we live?

v  By way of submission

1. To the government – 2:13-17
2. To our masters (Bosses) – 2:18-25

It is this same topic of submission that Peter was still on when he got to chapter 3, talking to wives, that they too need to submit to their husbands (3:1-6). Therefore the topic of wives’ submission is not an isolated one but a general principle in godly living; that’s why he said in 3:1 “Wives, likewise, …”. The word “likewise” here indicates that the same admonition given to people in other settings applies to wives in relationship with their husbands. As we seek to understand these precious verses, we choose to examine the word “Unfading Beauty” – where it is written, “beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as elaborate hairstyles and the wearing of gold jewelry or fine clothes. Rather, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God’s sight.” – 1 Peter 3:3-4 NIV, NLT

The NKJV translates “unfading beauty” as the “incorruptible beauty”.

Here, Apostle Peter is teaching all women who see themselves as chosen, royal and special to see beauty the way God sees it. He teaches that special women’s beauty is not in they wear or adorn themselves with; it is actually the character they put forth (the hidden person of the heart).

 Advantages of submission to one’s husband:

1)     Here we learn that women with the submissive attitude are good examples to their husbands and such character has the potential of converting unbelieving husbands because they are observing (3:1-2). With submission, you could win the heart of your husband to Christ.

2)     He says this attitude of submission is a beauty that cannot fade or corrupt. You know, age, stress, environment, emotions and many other factors may determine how we look, regardless of what adornment you put on, but the gentle spirit in you is considered precious in the sight of God and this is your real beauty as far as He is concerned.

3)    When you are humble and submissive, God beautifies you with salvation (Ps. 149:4). 

How did the holy women in the bible adorn themselves?

• Ø  By submitting to their own husbands (1 Peter 3:5).

 What do we do now?

1)     Begin to consider how long you spend in the presence of God at devotion time, versus how much time is taken for physical adornment; then pay more attention to your spirituality than the other things that fade.

2)     Put on holiness in your manner of conversations.

3)    Avoid sensual and excessive adorning which brings pride and unnecessary attention to self.

4)    Put on the finest and most appreciable apparel and adornment of “gentle and quiet spirit.” Granted, many husbands appreciate physical beauty of their wives, the truth is that what we appreciate more is the “gentle and quiet spirit” (3:4) – i.e. the calm temper, patience, purity, understanding, freedom from envy, pride and vexation.

With this note, I pray that as a woman you will walk in the grace of submission and godly characters that will please God, convert others and bring you joy in Jesus name.

Do you have a sermon notebook for yourself? I have customized one for you. You can also request for my book “Chosen But Naughty” if you call 516-8605729. Also available for your benefit is a daily devotional that you may obtain by calling 718-658-8981