Lesson 45

Study of First Peter Chapter 3

 

Review:

 

 

3:5 Some OT examples of the doctrine

For in this way  The appeal for proper adornment that Peter has just made is under girded by the example of godly women in the past.

 

in former times   goes to a time before the church age

 

the holy women also,  a[gioj  holy, that is set apart for a purpose; (not perfect)

- speaks of their f2 sanctification, being experientially righteous, staying in fellowship and consistently applying doctrine

 

What we do know is that these women that Peter has in mind had their focus correct, who hoped in God  

 

- hoped is the present participle of  evlpi,zw  to hope is okay if you understand hope to refer to  having confidence in something or someone, not seen but is  real to you through your understanding of the Word, here God!

 

 

These women also used to adorn themselves   kosme,w imperfect active indicative

 

How did they adorn themselves?  being submissive to their own husbands;

 

- middle voice is important since it reinforces the reflexive pronoun, that is, that they made the application of doctrine themselves, voluntary submission.

 

Summary:

1. Since the  church was not yet itself long enough in existence to furnish examples Peter goes back to the OT heroines who exemplified all that he is trying to get across here.

2. The ones that Peter had in mind were those exemplary wives "who put their hope in God."

 

3. The articular present active participle describes them as a distinct group marked by their characteristic activity of hoping "in God"  that is exercising a hope that was resting in God.

 

4. Having a hope that flows from a knowledge of the word should be the true and settled attitude of God's people (1:3, 13, 21; 3:15).

 

5. Such a living hope would enable wives to be submissive even under difficult and trying circumstances, and would free them from the snare of being preoccupied with excessive external adornments.

 

6. These saintly Old Testament heroines  made a practice of adorning themselves with that gentle and quiet spirit that Peter just advocated.

 

7. The point is that Holiness has its own beauty and charm and it made them beautiful.   

 

3:6  From among those holy women Peter singled out one example: Sarah

just as Sarah obeyed Abraham,   

 

- obeyed  aorist act. indicative of  u`pakou,w  to hear and respond, therefore to obey

- the aorist here is constantive and summarizes her habitual response toward Abraham viewed as a characteristic pattern of her relationship with Abe.

 

calling him lord,  although we have only one reference to her doing this (18:12) but  the present participle of  kale,w  indicates that it wasn't a one time thing, it reflected her attitude

 

Background of the context in Gen 18 which provides the reason Peter uses Sarah as the example of the submissive wife.

1. On a very hot day Abraham received 3 visitors, the Lord (in Theophany), and 2 angels.  18:1-2

2. Abraham proceeded to show them hospitality, custom of the day.  18:3-5

 

3. Abraham set out to have the fatted calf prepared and instructed Sarah to make her popular bread.  18:6-8

4. After the meal was enjoyed Sarah was eavesdropping from the tent as the men discussed Abraham's and Sarah's blessing that is the provision of an heir.  18:9-10

5. Sarah's response, she laughed within herself in unbelief.  18:11-12

 

 

6. The Lord in effect calls her on the carpet by asking her why she laughed.  Her response was to deny it, a reaction from fear.

 

7. Sarah's response at this point, her denial, her failure to believe the promise became a sin of the tongue, a lie, I did not laugh!

 

8. The application of the doctrine of the divine essence, who and what God is that is behind the promise of an heir would have alleviated her unbelief.

 

Example of the application of Divine Essence - things to think through

1. Sovereignty -  recognize that God has a plan for you in time, its related to His Son and His word in you. When applied gives security in time as well as eternity.

2. +R - (He is perfect righteousness) whatever God provides is perfect as He is!

3. Justice  -  His provision is fair and just.

4. Love - since you have +R imputed to you, He loves you as much as He does Jesus Christ  and is aware of your pressures, tests and needs.

5. Eternal Life - know that you share His life and He has provided the difficult, eternal security therefore He is able to easily provide security for you in time (f2).

6. Omniscience - He knows my situation and it didn't catch Him by surprise.

7. Omnipotence - He is able to deliver you in any situation if it is His will to do so.

8. Omnipresence - He's wherever you are observing, you can't hide.

9. Immutability - He never changes and is faithful to help in all situations.

10. Veracity - He is perfect truth - you can trust His word completely.

 

3:6b The personal significance of godly conduct

and you have become her children  

 

The how is noted in the next two clauses, which revolve around 2 circumstantial participles.

if you do what is right without being frightened by any fear.

 

 

- First participle is  avgaqopoie,w for doing good, what is right

 

- The second participle  fobe,w means to be afraid, to have fear

- This is followed  by any fear  pto,hsij which refers to anything that intimidates you

 

- Same principle is found in Prov. 3:25-26

 In Prov 3:22-26  we find the results from responding and appropriating wisdom,    when it forms the foundation of your life,  that is real security!

 

 

3:6  Just as Sarah obeyed Abraham, calling him lord, whose children you have become by doing what is right and not being frightened by any intimidation.

 

Summary:

1. Sarah by her acclimation to her niche in responding to the authority of Abraham becomes a classic example of the believing wife.

 

2. Believing wives today are to follow her example and by doing so become her children. (Sarah's daughters)

 

3. This is to be the case even for those wives who have husbands who are negative and hostile to the gospel.

 

4. You are to isolate fear when you are face to face with his moments of antagonism.        1 Pet 3:6  "and not being frightened by any intimidation." 

 

5. There may come a point at which you will have to draw the line when it comes to being submissive.

a. Principal among which is if he absolutely forbids you to pursue your MPR.                2 Pet 3:18

b. If he orders you to become involves in sin nature activity (drunkenness, orgies, crime, etc.)

c. Or if he threatens your life.

d. Otherwise you are to obey him.  "casting your cares on the Lord" , even if he is unjust.