Page 49 - General Epistles (James through Jude) Textbook

indirectly categorize them as daughters of those holy women. “To refer to a woman as the daughter of
someone is to say she reflects her character, just as the phrase “sons of God” means that the person
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reflects God’s character (Matt 5:9).”

Some people have used this passage to discourage or even forbid women from wearing gold jewelry of
fine clothes, also, going to salon. I think that is a clear reflection of an oversight of Peter’s context. Peter
is simply encouraging women to realize that the true source of beauty in God’s sight is her inner spirit.

Husbands’ Consideration of their Wives (1 Pet. 3:7).
The use of likewise seems to suggest that these husbands could have in marriage where wives were not
Christians. Being considerate could possibly mean treatment with respect regardless of women being
physically weak when compared to men. Some use this passage to suggest that women are morally
weak than men. But that kind of interpretation is foreign in both the Old and the New Testament. As a
result, a Christian man who is in continuous reverent fear of God will not take advantage of a woman’s
weakness to abuse her by beating her in order for her to submit to him. Even though wives might be
weaker partners physically, they are heirs with men (husbands) of the gracious gift of life. So, when it
comes to spiritual standing before God, men (husbands) are on even grounds with women (wives) as
long as all of those were given new birth. If husbands—because of being in reverent fear of God—are
able to consider their wives by not abusing them by beating them in order for them to submit to them
(therefore respect them), that would allow prayers not to be hindered.

9.4 Let’s Practice this Lesson…

1. Briefly explain the purpose of on-going building up of Christians.

2. What was the function of the priests in the Old Testament?

3-6. List four functions of Christians as priests raised by Karen H. Jobes.

7. What result is found in trusting Jesus Christ as a cornerstone?

8. What does stumbling imply for those who reject Jesus Christ as a cornerstone?

9-12. List four phrases that describe who Christians are before God.

13. What was the purpose for God to describe us as those four phrases?

14. In Peter’s context, what does pagan mean?

15-16. List two of the five ways that show how godly-living look like.

9.5 Let’s Personalize this Lesson…

Activity: In what ways are you not biblically submitting to any authority governed by man and
why? In what biblical ways do you think you need to submit to governing authorities and
why?

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