Key Truth: We are called to cultivate relationships through living in service for the good of others that they may be won to Christ and by promoting their protection as fellow heirs lest our prayers be hindered.  

How has your being/becoming a Christian affected your relationships with others who aren’t Christians?

The Call to Cultivate Relationships through Living for the Good of Others:

1 Peter 3:1-6

“In a masterful move, Peter both upholds and subverts the social order. Peter’s concern that Christian wives continue to submit to their own husbands not only shields Christianity from the accusation that it is a social evil but is also clearly motivated by evangelistic intent.”

Karen H. Jobes, 1 Peter

What do unbelievers think about Christianity based on your behavior?
What stabilizing and improving impact are you having in your various spheres of influence?

The Call to Cultivate Relationships through Promoting the Good of Others:

1 Peter 3:7

“So concerned is God that Christian husbands live in an understanding and loving way with their wives, that he ‘interrupts’ his relationship with them when they are not doing so. No Christian husband should presume to think that any spiritual good will be accomplished by his life without an effective ministry of prayer. And no husband may expect an effective prayer life unless he lives with his wife ‘in an understanding way, bestowing honor’ on her. To take the time to develop and maintain a good marriage is God’s will; it is serving God; it is spiritual activity pleasing in his sight.”

Wayne A. Grudem, 1 Peter

How well do you understand the lives and needs of those closest to you in your various spheres of influence?
What are some ways that you are actively promoting the good of those in your spheres of influence?

1 Peter 3:1-7 teaches us that we are called to cultivate relationships:
-through living in service for the good of others that they may be won to Christ
-by promoting their protection as fellow heirs lest our prayers be hindered

Baptism

Benediction:

1 Peter 5:6-11