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Sermon Overview

Scripture Passage: 1 Peter 3:1-7

God designed the divine institution of marriage and has given us the tools to create blessed homes. In 1 Peter 3, there are seven words that can build a marriage and cultivate success in the home.

One: Faith

“For in this manner, in former times, the holy women who trusted in God also adorned themselves, being submissive to their own husbands...” (1 Peter 3:5).

A three-fold cord is not easily broken; likewise, a marriage made up of a man, a woman and God is difficult to break.

Two: Acceptance

“Wives, likewise, be submissive to your own husbands, that even if some do not obey the word, they, without a word, may be won by the conduct of their wives, when they observe your chaste conduct accompanied by fear” (1 Peter 3:1-2).

Man and woman are equal in worth before God, but they do not serve the same function. Once we accept our God-given roles, we will receive the blessing of a harmonious marriage.

Three: Contentment

“Do not let your adornment be merely outward… rather let it be the hidden person of the heart, with the incorruptible beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit...” (1 Peter 3:3-4).

Like true character and beauty, contentment is inward. Both husbands and wives must learn contentment within the home, but even more, within themselves.

Four: Forgiveness

“Finally, all of you be of one mind, having compassion for one another; love as brothers, be tenderhearted, be courteous...” (1 Peter 3:8).

We must learn to forgive one another, releasing the grudges and the burden of bitterness.

Five: Communication

“He who would love life and see good days, let him refrain his tongue from evil, and his lips from speaking deceit” (1 Peter 3:10).

Marriages function based on communication; it is crucial to learn how to communicate with your spouse.

Six: Romance

“Husbands, likewise, dwell with them with understanding, giving honor to the wife…” (1 Peter 3:7).

The physical part of our marriages cannot grow cold; we must dwell together, showing consistent admiration and honor to one another.

Seven: Prayer

“...and as being heirs together of the grace of life, that your prayers may not be hindered” (1 Peter 3:7).

Spouses must learn to pray with and for each other. Adrian Rogers often repeated the adage, “The family that prays together, stays together.”

Apply it to your life

We are not perfect people, and we will not have perfect marriages. But if we build our homes upon these seven words, our love will flourish.

Why should you believe that Jesus was, and is, the Messiah promised in the Old Testament when even members of His own family didn’t believe in Him? What does Jesus’ work on earth say about who He is and what He commands of you? The Bible clearly answers those questions, as you’ll see in John MacArthur’s lesson.