First Peter

Verses one through six: One of the more devastating effects of Satan’s control over the world in general and the family in particular is the breakdown of the family unit. There are far too many family problems for us to discuss all of them in this segment. Therefore I will focus on the problem that affects most families to one degree or another–rejection of God’s family hierarchy. Sincere Bible students know that in 1 Corinthians 11:3 we are told that God has authority over Jesus; Jesus has authority over the man and the man has authority over the woman. This Word picture of the family unit fulfills God’s will relative to hierarchy as recorded in His Word. In no passage of Scripture do we find a variation in this system. Because weak, responsibility-avoiding men have abdicated their role as head of the family, women have had to step in and assume the leadership role in millions of cases. This has caused a breakdown in the family which includes the children who, in large measure, have assumed authority over themselves. This is graphically pointed out by juvenile crime statistics and the number of children living on their own. The  Institutional church has not escaped this spiritual plague. In many church families we find mothers and fathers neglecting their God-commanded positions as role models for their children.

In verse 3 we find a statement that has been taken out of context by one segment of professing Christendom. This verse refers to the female’s “adorning.” The church system referred to in the previous sentence have taken verse 3 to the extreme, believing that their outward appearance is proof of their inward condition, i.e., the worse they look outwardly the holier they are inwardly. I once heard someone describe these people thusly: “The men look like peacocks and their wives look like their mothers.” Obviously, these people have missed the Lord’s point concerning outward appearance. In verse 3 we find Peter counseling the women not to have as their “adorning” such things as jewelry, hair style and clothing. Note first of all the meaning of “adorn” in the social sense. Here  it refers to the physical manifestation of one’s self and public image. A quick look at the grocery store magazine rack near the checkout counter will reveal the meaning of Peter’s statement. In order to know how a person views  him/ herself one need notice what he/she wears in terms of clothing, jewelry, hair style, etc., along with what one drives, lives in, where one goes, etc. In this passage God is addressing a wife’s inner self, telling her to have as her “adorning”–the condition of her heart/mind–“a meek and quiet spirit which in the sight of God is of great price.” Peter goes on to say that holy women of old such as Sarah conducted themselves in such a manner. Note that he calls them “holy.” I realize that this is not a popular message within the world’s societies, not to mention many self-proclaimed “churches.” But it is the Word of God which Jesus calls “Truth” in John 17:17. And it is the Word of God by which Jesus said all men and women will be judged (Jn. 12:48).

Verse seven: In this verse Peter admonishes husbands to love their wives and to treat them as special gifts from God. Men are to cherish and honor their wives so that together they can receive the reward for having lived a life of righteousness–salvation. L.J.