Hope - Week 6: Submission and Honor in Marriage
Small Group Discussion Guide
For the week of Oct. 6th, 2019
Connecting (Aim for 2 minutes)
Upcoming Grace Calendar
• New Attender’s Luncheon- Oct. 13th @ 11:30am.
• Women’s Retreat – Save the Date, Oct. 18-20.
Breaking the Ice/Think Time (Aim for 12 minutes)
When you hear the word submission what comes to mind?
• Quick Review… Looking back at your notes from this Sunday’s sermon, what caught your attention, challenged, or confused you?
Understanding the Truth (Aim for 30-40 minutes)
Read 1 Peter 3:1-7
Peter begins verse 1 by saying “likewise”, what is he referring to?
Read verse 1. What could be the result of wives being subject to their husbands? How are wives able to accomplish this?
How should wives conduct themselves? (v. 2)
Does verse 3 instruct women not to care for their physical appearance? If so, why do you think that? If not, what do you think it is saying about physical appearance? What is the application of these verses for women and men?
How does our culture differ in viewing a person’s physical appearance?
Verses 5-6 highlight Sarah as an example for godly wives today because she called Abraham (her husband) her lord in calling Abraham this word, she was simply indicating a great deal of respect for her husband, not indicating that she was inferior to him (see Gen. 18:12). In what ways can wives show their husbands respect today?
Verse 7 is a great challenge to husbands on how they need to live with their wives. What 2 things does Peter command husbands to show their wives? Do you see this command being obeyed in our society?
What does the phrase, “treat them with respect as the weaker partner” means practically for husbands? “Weaker” refers to physical or emotional weakness, not intellectual inferiority, for wives are their husbands’ fellow heirs of God’s gift of life.
Peter emphasizes the importance of husbands honoring their wives by saying that their prayers may be hindered. In what ways might a husband’s prayers be hindered because of problems with their relationship with their wives?
Seeing Our Savior
Read Hebrews 10:7; John 14:31; 12:49
The Creator of the universe, Who called the galaxies into being by the authority of His voice, illustrates by His own life the need to be under submission to the Father. Jesus honors the authority of His Father through complete obedience. His life and ministry focused on the will of the Father. Jesus Christ illustrates by His own life and walk the path I am to choose. My life is to be completely in line with the Word of God and thus the will of God.
Living the Truth (Aim for 20 minutes)
1. Wives, you may have concerns associated with giving your husband unconditional respect. Husbands, you may have concerns about giving your wife unconditional love. If so, what are some of your concerns?
What are some principles for having a successful godly marriage?
How do these principles apply in any relationship between male and female?
God not only hears, but loves to answer prayers that are “according to His will.” (1 John 5:14-15). We can pray confidently when we pray obediently to this truth. You have just spent time discovering God’s will for you. Now, ask God for what you need to fulfill His will in your life, your friends & family, neighbors, church & community. Don’t be afraid to ask forgiveness where you have blown it, strength where you are weak, courage where you are afraid.
Prayer Requests (Aim for minimum of 10 minutes)
Pray that God reveals to you who He truly is