January 2nd, 2025
by Dr. Josh Franklin
by Dr. Josh Franklin
Christians today are living in a culture that is moving in a completely different direction than the one God calls us to. The culture says to go one way, but we, as God’s people, live under the lordship of Jesus Christ, following the truths found in His Word. If Jesus Christ is truly Lord, that truth should be demonstrated in how we treat His Word and how we live our lives.
As Christians, we are going against the flow of this world, walking in obedience to Christ.
In the first century, Peter wrote to believers scattered throughout Roman colonies in Asia Minor (modern-day Turkey). These believers were Roman citizens, but they were no longer living in Rome. They found themselves misunderstood and mistreated by the culture around them.
Peter’s message to them remains clear and relevant for us today: Don’t be surprised when the world doesn’t understand your priorities as a Christian. Expect it. Anticipate it. And use it as an opportunity to further the gospel message.
Peter shows how submission—an idea that is countercultural both then and now—can be a powerful witness in different areas of life:
Submission in Society
In chapter 2, Peter called Christians to submit to governing authorities, even when the government was corrupt or misunderstood their faith. Remember, in the first century, Christians declared, “Jesus is Lord,” which directly contradicted Rome’s claim that “Caesar is Lord.” Yet Peter still said, “Submit to the governing authorities” (1 Peter 2:13-14).
Does this mean we obey the government when it commands us to sin? Absolutely not!
For example, in Exodus 1, Pharaoh commanded the Hebrew midwives to kill all newborn Hebrew boys, but they refused—choosing to obey God rather than man. Similarly, in Acts 5:29, Peter and John were told to stop preaching in Jesus’ name. Their response? “We ought to obey God rather than men.”
These examples remind us that submission to earthly authorities does not include disobedience to God. However, these exceptions shouldn’t be used as an excuse to justify rebellion or a lack of submission in everyday life.
Peter’s challenge to us is this: As Christians, we should be known for our submission to governing authorities because we recognize that God has ordained them for our good (Romans 13:1-2).
Submission in the Workplace
Peter also addressed submission in the context of employment. He urged believers to submit to their employers—even those who were harsh or unfair.
As Christians, our work ethic and attitude should reflect our faith. We should strive to be the kind of employees who honor God through our diligence and integrity. Peter’s point was simple: Submission in the workplace is a powerful witness to those around us.
Submission in Christ’s Example
At the end of chapter 2, Peter pointed to Jesus as the ultimate example of submission. Jesus submitted to the Father’s will by willingly going to the cross for our sins. He endured suffering, rejection, and death to accomplish God’s plan of salvation.
Now, Peter carries this theme of submission into the home in 1 Peter 3:1-6:
Submission in the Home
1 Peter 3:1-6 (NKJV):
¹ 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,
² when they observe your chaste conduct accompanied by fear.
³ Do not let your adornment be merely outward—arranging the hair, wearing gold, or putting on fine apparel—
⁴ rather let it be the hidden person of the heart, with the incorruptible beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is very precious in the sight of God.
⁵ For in this manner, in former times, the holy women who trusted in God also adorned themselves, being submissive to their own husbands,
⁶ as Sarah obeyed Abraham, calling him lord, whose daughters you are if you do good and are not afraid with any terror.
The context of this passage is essential to understanding what Peter is really addressing. This is about a spiritual mismatch—a situation where two individuals are married, but one becomes a Christian while the other does not share the same faith.
As a result, tension arises in the home. The unbelieving husband may feel suspicious or confused. He doesn’t understand his wife’s new loyalty to Jesus or her priorities. She’s spending time with people he doesn’t know, attending church services he’s unfamiliar with, and her devotion to Jesus seems to overshadow her loyalty to him.
Peter’s advice to these women is to let your life preach. Peter writes, “…they, without a word, may be won by the conduct of their wives.” This doesn’t mean the husband doesn’t need to hear the gospel, but it emphasizes that a godly life speaks louder than words. A life marked by love, respect, and Christlike behavior can soften even the hardest heart.
A Broader Principle for All Marriages
While this passage specifically addresses spiritual mismatches, it applies to all marriages. Peter encourages wives to cultivate a spirit of submission—not out of inferiority, but out of trust in God’s plan for the home.
But let’s clarify: Submission does not mean wives are inferior to their husbands. Galatians 3:28 reminds us that, in Christ, “there is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.”
Submission is about order, not value. It’s about reflecting God’s design for the home. God has established divine authority and order in every area of life: the government, the church, the workplace, and the home. His design is that husbands lovingly lead their families, and wives graciously submit to that leadership.
This design is countercultural. The world tells us that submission is weakness, but God’s Word shows us that submission is strength under control. As Peter reminds us, this kind of submission has a powerful impact—not only on our marriages but also on the world around us.
Many years ago[1], there was a small, two-engine airplane preparing to take off in bad weather. A handful of people were on board, and the pilot had already cranked up the engines, ready to go. Suddenly, through the flashes of lightning, you could see the silhouette of a man running toward the plane. He got on board and had a heated exchange with the pilot.
Then that man turned to the passengers and said, “Ladies and gentlemen, my name is [such-and-such], and I am the developer of this aircraft. I’m the one who designed it. I know what this plane can and cannot do, and I’m telling you it is not safe to fly in these conditions. The storm is too dangerous for this aircraft. My recommendation is that you come off the plane with me.”
The pilot then addressed the passengers and said, “Ladies and gentlemen, I’ve been flying this plane for years. I know exactly what it’s capable of. Don’t worry—we’re fine. Buckle up, and we’ll get to our destination on time.”
Now imagine yourself sitting there. What would you do?
Only one woman out of the group chose to get off the plane. She left with the developer. That woman was Eleanor Roosevelt, the wife of one of our presidents. And moments later, the plane attempted to take off, but it crashed in the storm. Tragically, every person on board lost their life. The only one spared was the woman who listened to the creator of the aircraft.
When we read the Bible and see God’s instructions for the home, we are faced with a decision. God comes to us and says, “Ladies and gentlemen, I am the Creator of the home. I’m the One who designed marriage. I created you, and I created your spouse. I know how you’re meant to interact. Follow My way.”
But then, the voice of the world’s culture steps up and says, “Don’t listen to that outdated thinking! I know what works and what doesn’t. If you follow what the Bible says, you’ll be mistreated, taken advantage of, and mishandled. Don’t submit. Do it your way.”
So, whose voice are you going to listen to? The One who created marriage and knows how it can flourish, or the world’s culture, which promises freedom but so often leads to destruction? The choice is yours.
God’s ways are always best. When we follow His design, not only can our homes flourish, but they can also become a powerful witness to the world around us.
Let your life preach. Let your love and conduct reflect the gospel. And trust God to work through you—even in the most challenging circumstances.
Whether in society, the workplace, or the home, submission is a powerful witness. It’s not about weakness—it’s about faith, trust, and obedience to God’s plan.
So, ask yourself today: Are you willing to follow God’s design? Will you let your life be a testimony of His grace and love? The choice is yours. Let’s choose to honor God in every area of our lives.
“Heavenly Father, I want to live out my faith in a way that draws others to You. I pray my actions and attitude reflect Your love and grace, especially in my relationships. Help me to submit to the authorities You have placed in my life, showing respect and honor as a reflection of my faith in You. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.”
[1] Taken from Bob Russell, “Distinctions of a Christian Marriage”, 3-8-1987.
As Christians, we are going against the flow of this world, walking in obedience to Christ.
In the first century, Peter wrote to believers scattered throughout Roman colonies in Asia Minor (modern-day Turkey). These believers were Roman citizens, but they were no longer living in Rome. They found themselves misunderstood and mistreated by the culture around them.
Peter’s message to them remains clear and relevant for us today: Don’t be surprised when the world doesn’t understand your priorities as a Christian. Expect it. Anticipate it. And use it as an opportunity to further the gospel message.
Peter shows how submission—an idea that is countercultural both then and now—can be a powerful witness in different areas of life:
Submission in Society
In chapter 2, Peter called Christians to submit to governing authorities, even when the government was corrupt or misunderstood their faith. Remember, in the first century, Christians declared, “Jesus is Lord,” which directly contradicted Rome’s claim that “Caesar is Lord.” Yet Peter still said, “Submit to the governing authorities” (1 Peter 2:13-14).
Does this mean we obey the government when it commands us to sin? Absolutely not!
For example, in Exodus 1, Pharaoh commanded the Hebrew midwives to kill all newborn Hebrew boys, but they refused—choosing to obey God rather than man. Similarly, in Acts 5:29, Peter and John were told to stop preaching in Jesus’ name. Their response? “We ought to obey God rather than men.”
These examples remind us that submission to earthly authorities does not include disobedience to God. However, these exceptions shouldn’t be used as an excuse to justify rebellion or a lack of submission in everyday life.
Peter’s challenge to us is this: As Christians, we should be known for our submission to governing authorities because we recognize that God has ordained them for our good (Romans 13:1-2).
Submission in the Workplace
Peter also addressed submission in the context of employment. He urged believers to submit to their employers—even those who were harsh or unfair.
As Christians, our work ethic and attitude should reflect our faith. We should strive to be the kind of employees who honor God through our diligence and integrity. Peter’s point was simple: Submission in the workplace is a powerful witness to those around us.
Submission in Christ’s Example
At the end of chapter 2, Peter pointed to Jesus as the ultimate example of submission. Jesus submitted to the Father’s will by willingly going to the cross for our sins. He endured suffering, rejection, and death to accomplish God’s plan of salvation.
Now, Peter carries this theme of submission into the home in 1 Peter 3:1-6:
Submission in the Home
1 Peter 3:1-6 (NKJV):
¹ 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,
² when they observe your chaste conduct accompanied by fear.
³ Do not let your adornment be merely outward—arranging the hair, wearing gold, or putting on fine apparel—
⁴ rather let it be the hidden person of the heart, with the incorruptible beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is very precious in the sight of God.
⁵ For in this manner, in former times, the holy women who trusted in God also adorned themselves, being submissive to their own husbands,
⁶ as Sarah obeyed Abraham, calling him lord, whose daughters you are if you do good and are not afraid with any terror.
The context of this passage is essential to understanding what Peter is really addressing. This is about a spiritual mismatch—a situation where two individuals are married, but one becomes a Christian while the other does not share the same faith.
As a result, tension arises in the home. The unbelieving husband may feel suspicious or confused. He doesn’t understand his wife’s new loyalty to Jesus or her priorities. She’s spending time with people he doesn’t know, attending church services he’s unfamiliar with, and her devotion to Jesus seems to overshadow her loyalty to him.
Peter’s advice to these women is to let your life preach. Peter writes, “…they, without a word, may be won by the conduct of their wives.” This doesn’t mean the husband doesn’t need to hear the gospel, but it emphasizes that a godly life speaks louder than words. A life marked by love, respect, and Christlike behavior can soften even the hardest heart.
A Broader Principle for All Marriages
While this passage specifically addresses spiritual mismatches, it applies to all marriages. Peter encourages wives to cultivate a spirit of submission—not out of inferiority, but out of trust in God’s plan for the home.
But let’s clarify: Submission does not mean wives are inferior to their husbands. Galatians 3:28 reminds us that, in Christ, “there is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.”
Submission is about order, not value. It’s about reflecting God’s design for the home. God has established divine authority and order in every area of life: the government, the church, the workplace, and the home. His design is that husbands lovingly lead their families, and wives graciously submit to that leadership.
This design is countercultural. The world tells us that submission is weakness, but God’s Word shows us that submission is strength under control. As Peter reminds us, this kind of submission has a powerful impact—not only on our marriages but also on the world around us.
Many years ago[1], there was a small, two-engine airplane preparing to take off in bad weather. A handful of people were on board, and the pilot had already cranked up the engines, ready to go. Suddenly, through the flashes of lightning, you could see the silhouette of a man running toward the plane. He got on board and had a heated exchange with the pilot.
Then that man turned to the passengers and said, “Ladies and gentlemen, my name is [such-and-such], and I am the developer of this aircraft. I’m the one who designed it. I know what this plane can and cannot do, and I’m telling you it is not safe to fly in these conditions. The storm is too dangerous for this aircraft. My recommendation is that you come off the plane with me.”
The pilot then addressed the passengers and said, “Ladies and gentlemen, I’ve been flying this plane for years. I know exactly what it’s capable of. Don’t worry—we’re fine. Buckle up, and we’ll get to our destination on time.”
Now imagine yourself sitting there. What would you do?
Only one woman out of the group chose to get off the plane. She left with the developer. That woman was Eleanor Roosevelt, the wife of one of our presidents. And moments later, the plane attempted to take off, but it crashed in the storm. Tragically, every person on board lost their life. The only one spared was the woman who listened to the creator of the aircraft.
When we read the Bible and see God’s instructions for the home, we are faced with a decision. God comes to us and says, “Ladies and gentlemen, I am the Creator of the home. I’m the One who designed marriage. I created you, and I created your spouse. I know how you’re meant to interact. Follow My way.”
But then, the voice of the world’s culture steps up and says, “Don’t listen to that outdated thinking! I know what works and what doesn’t. If you follow what the Bible says, you’ll be mistreated, taken advantage of, and mishandled. Don’t submit. Do it your way.”
So, whose voice are you going to listen to? The One who created marriage and knows how it can flourish, or the world’s culture, which promises freedom but so often leads to destruction? The choice is yours.
God’s ways are always best. When we follow His design, not only can our homes flourish, but they can also become a powerful witness to the world around us.
Let your life preach. Let your love and conduct reflect the gospel. And trust God to work through you—even in the most challenging circumstances.
Whether in society, the workplace, or the home, submission is a powerful witness. It’s not about weakness—it’s about faith, trust, and obedience to God’s plan.
So, ask yourself today: Are you willing to follow God’s design? Will you let your life be a testimony of His grace and love? The choice is yours. Let’s choose to honor God in every area of our lives.
“Heavenly Father, I want to live out my faith in a way that draws others to You. I pray my actions and attitude reflect Your love and grace, especially in my relationships. Help me to submit to the authorities You have placed in my life, showing respect and honor as a reflection of my faith in You. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.”
[1] Taken from Bob Russell, “Distinctions of a Christian Marriage”, 3-8-1987.
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