Getting Along With One Another
Read 1 Peter 3:1-6 1. The phrase in the same way in verse 1 refers to 2:11-25, where Peter describes the attitudes Christians should have. List these attitudes and the reasons given for them.
2. What responsibility does a Christian wife have, whether or not her husband is a believer?
3. What connection do you see between Peter’s command to all believers in 2:12 and his command to wives in 3:1-2?
What type of behavior do you think would speak to husbands today?
4. Compare the message in verses 3 & 4 with the way that you tend to evaluate beauty in people.
5. What motivated Sarah and the other women mentioned in verses 5 & 6? What did not? Note: Sarah was apparently a physically beautiful woman, so it is interesting that she is used as an example of the nature of true adornment. Genesis 12:10-20 describes one instance in which Sarah submitted to her husband. 6. Along with verses 1-6, read the apostle Paul’s writings in Colossians 3:18-19 and Ephesians 5:22, 24. What do you think it means for a wife to submit to her husband?
What is the alternative? Read 1 Peter 3:7
7. The phrase in the same way refers again to the attitudes recommended in 2:11-25. What additional responsibilities does Peter give to husbands?
8. What practical steps can a husband take to develop understanding, consideration, and respect for his wife?
Read 1 Peter 3:8-12 9. Notice the progression of Peter’s commands in 2:17-18 and 3:1, 7-8. What should characterize fellowship between Christians (verses 8-9)?
10. What would it be like to be a part of a community that treats one another according to these standards?
What steps can you take to develop these characteristics as you relate to other Christians?
11. Peter quotes from Psalm 34:1216 to reinforce his advice. What warnings and promises are given in verses 10-12, and wat positive actions does the psalmist call for?
How will taking the psalmist’s advice help you to follow Peter’s instructions in 2:1 and 3:9?
12. What attitudes and actons, even when facing injustice, does Peter recommend for Christians (verses 13-17)?
How do you typically respond when you are treated badly for doing good?
13. In verses 15 and 16 and in 1:13-16, 2:12, and 3:1, what evidence do you see that both what we say and how we live are essential?
What steps can you take to strengthen your life and words as a witness for Jesus Christ?
14. What did Christ accomplish through his death, the ultimate example of suffering for doing good (3:18; 2:24)?
Note: Verses 19 and 20 are difficult and complicated and many Bible scholars do not agree on their exact interpretations.
15. What point does Peter make when he compares Noah’s experience in the ark to baptism?
Note: The story of Noah is found in Genesis 6:9-9:17. The phrase were saved through water refers to the survival of the eight in the ark during the Flood and relates to baptism, a symbol of the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ which obtained salvation for all believers.
16. Why would the story of Noah (see Genesis 6:9-4a, 18; 7:20-23) and the current status of the resurrected Christ encourage those who are suffering for doing good?
Summary
1. From this study, what advice would you give to a husband or wife seeking to improve his/her marriage?
2. What reasons are presented in this chapter and in the previous chapters for Christians to live in harmony together?
What practical steps can you take to encourage such harmony?