God places the burden of gently caring for our wives squarely on the husband's shoulders. The consequence of carelessness in this area can be the hinderance of our own prayers to God.

Self-sacrifice is how Jesus most clearly demonstrated His love for us. His death on the cross exemplifies what it means to choose sacrifice for the good of another. This is the call of God on the husband to love his wife like Jesus loves the Church.

We continue week 2 of exploring God's commands to wives as we look at Peter's admonition in his first letter. Covenantal Christian marriage is counter-culture!

The idea that wives are to submit to their husbands seems such an archaic and outdated idea in our 21st Century culture, but is it? What does God's Word really say?

In this passage, Paul lists for us 3 things that God wants for every Christ-follower. Are they present in your life?

Imitation seeks to adopt the characteristics of a person out of admiration and a desire to be like that person. The basis for our desire to be like someone or something else in some significant way is rooted in admiration. In this passage, Paul gives us 3 main ways that we should imitate God.

Holiness is also a deeply personal reality. God applies His holiness to you, the individual, in unique ways according to your circumstance and situation, so Paul gives us handholds for what it looks like to live the Gospel as God's people in practical holiness.

If we try to speak the Truth (preach the Gospel) while still walking like the Gentiles in our old selves, then we invalidate our words. But, if we speak the Truth to our neighbors and family and friends after having put on the new self, then we operate in the power of the Spirit and have credibility.

The Church is a living organism made alive by Jesus. If each one of us are members of that Body, cells that make up a larger whole, then what is our function? What does a healthy Body look like?

In this section, Paul is wrapping up his presentation of doctrine and theology with a prayer for the Church, as he transitions to the application of all those truths. But this prayer presents some unique truths that Jesus-followers need to deeply consider...