Evangelical Lutheran Diocese of North America

Thursday after the Eighteenth Sunday after Trinity Sunday

Posted on October 15, 2020 by Pastor Dulas under Devotions
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Scripture: 1 Peter 3:1-7 (NKJV)
 
3:1 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.
 
7 Husbands, likewise, dwell with them with understanding, giving honor to the wife, as to the weaker vessel, and as being heirs together of the grace of life, that your prayers may not be hindered.
 
Devotion
 
Satan encouraged Eve to do what was right in her own eyes. Women have been fighting against that impulse ever since. (Men have copious problems too, but for the moment we are considering Peter’s counsel for the ladies.) Now the devil twists Peter’s teaching so women are led to think that manipulation is a virtue. False teachers encourage a different sort of outward adornment, where women are taught to influence men and husbands through the appearance of service, but inwardly their wills are set on accomplishing their own ends.
 
Peter teaches the Lord’s holy wisdom. Wives are to serve Christ faithfully with a gentle and quiet spirit. All Christians are called to obey the Lord in humility, not seeking our own honor or our own wants. Faithful wives can teach and confess without a word by sincerely obeying God’s good order in marriage and family. When things are according to our Lord’s order it is truly a beautiful situation, and it is an environment that is very helpful for faithful prayers, grace, and love!
 
Let us guard against the devil’s teachings that outwardly pose as good spiritual counsel. Peter’s words are clear. Satan continues to attack wives, encouraging them to pride, but Christ gives His people the power of His Word and Spirit. By this divine help we are made able to tell the Serpent to depart as Jesus Christ, the great Bridegroom, empowers faithful women to stand fast in gentle, quiet service to the Lord and their families!
 
Prayer: O God, forasmuch as without Thee we are not able to please Thee, mercifully grant that Thy Holy Spirit may in all things direct and rule our hearts; through Jesus Christ, Thy Son, our Lord. Amen.
 
Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

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