Crisis in the Churches of Northwest Asia

• The Christians throughout the Empire are suffering severe persecution.
• Peter has received word that the churches in northwest Asia are suffering massive attacks.
• They are distressed and in great need of encouragement.
• The persecution has become so bad that the Gentile Christians are being tempted to revert to their past pagan lifestyles to lessen the heat.
• Some believers are rebelling against local authorities because of the mistreatment and slander they are receiving from them.

PETER WRITES 1 PETER

• Year: A.D. 65
• From: Rome
• To: The churches in northwest Asia: Pontus, North Galatia, Cappadocia, and Bithynia.[1]
• 1) Set your hope (1:13)
• 2) Be holy (1:16)
• 3) Conduct yourselves (1:17)
• 4) Love one another (1:22)
• 5) Crave spiritual milk (2:2)

 
WIVES AND HUSBANDS
1 PETER 3
1 In the same way, wives, submit yourselves to your own husbands so that, even if some disobey the word, they may be won over without a word by the way their wives live 2 when they observe your pure, reverent lives.

• In the previous chapter Peter was talking about submitting to leaders of different types because there is no point in revolting against leadership.
• Instead, we are to love and serve our leaders.
• Likewise, Peter is recognizing that wives ought to love and serve their husbands by allowing them to lead.
• This submissive attitude then impacts men in a positive way.
• If they are not believers, then perhaps they will be won over by the love of their wives.
• If they are believers, then they will feel respected and encouraged.

3 Don’t let your beauty consist of outward things like elaborate hairstyles and wearing gold jewelry or fine clothes, 4 but rather what is inside the heart—the imperishable quality of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God’s sight.

• Peter is not forbidding the wearing of Jewelry or any clothing that is attractive.
• Peter is talking about not making beauty merely an outward attribute.
• He is against making external beauty the big deal.
• Instead, women are to seek to know Christ and live from His Spirit.
• This type of beauty never ceases, even with the coming of old age, because it is internal.
• Thus, Peter wants women to find their worth not in that which is visible but in that worth which is spiritual and precious.
• When the focus is on this inner beauty, women may choose to dress nicely or wear Jewelry, but not in order to become something more than who they are in Christ.

5 For in the past, the holy women who put their hope in God also adorned themselves in this way, submitting to their own husbands, 6 just as Sarah obeyed Abraham, calling him lord.

• The women in the Old Testament wore submission to their husbands like clothes.
• The clothing of submission is a perfect fit for children of God.
• It is completely compatible with who wives, as well as husbands, are in Christ.
• Christians can choose to wear behavior that is not fitting for saints.
• But this will never yield peace and joy.
• Only the fruit of the Spirit is fitting for Christians.
• When wives express the fruit of the Spirit to men, then men will feel honored and valued.
• The fear that women carry with this type of lifestyle is based on not wanting to become doormats to their husbands.
• But Peter is clear: Women are co-heirs with their husbands.

You have become her children when you do what is good and do not fear any intimidation.
7 Husbands, in the same way, live with your wives in an understanding way, as with a weaker partner, showing them honor as coheirs of the grace of life, so that your prayers will not be hindered.

• Husbands are to love their wives as one would love a weaker person.
• In other words, husbands are to be gentle with their wives.
• This is not a statement about women's value in marriage.
• Notice that they are fellow heirs of salvation with their husbands.
• Instead, Peter is speaking of physical strength.
• Obviously, in many marriages, the wife is the stronger person: emotionally, mentally, spiritually, morally, socially, and/or physically.
• Nevertheless, physically, the wife is usually weaker than her husband. Most men tend to choose as their wives women who are not as strong as they are.
• This pertains to physical force as well as emotional and verbal abuse.
• Peter likely also has in mind the emotional depth of women and how vulnerable this makes them.

 

• Hinder your prayers: This is a practical statement for couples who are not treating one another well.
• People will not want to pray with their spouses if they are being treated poorly.
• If, however, we express the fruit of the Spirit to one another, then nothing will get in the way of our prayer life.

DO NO EVIL
8 Finally, all of you be like-minded and sympathetic, love one another, and be compassionate and humble,

• Peter has in mind the whole church, men and women.
• Christians are to have mutual respect and love for one another regardless of gender.
• Males and females must be united under the lordship of Christ.
• This behavior verse and all others encourage Christians to live according to their new nature.
• Ultimately, these verses are timesavers.
• God simply wants us to save ourselves from turmoil which comes from choosing to live in a way that is no longer compatible with our natures.
• God has worked righteousness into us and, consequently, wants us to live in accordance with this nature.
• This will produce good days for the believer as they live from the Spirit and experience the unceasing joy Christ gave us.

9 not paying back evil for evil or insult for insult but, on the contrary, giving a blessing, since you were called for this, so that you may inherit a blessing.

• Christians are not to fight back against opponents.
• Instead, they are to know the blessing of Christ’s indwelling life and to choose to love despite any insults that come our way.
• We can choose not to be concerned about our status, instead forgive insults, and live from the inner person that we are in Christ.
• If we understand God’s opinion of us, then the opinion of humans doesn’t matter.

10 For the one who wants to love life
and to see good days,
let him keep his tongue from evil
and his lips from speaking deceit,

• The mouth determines the health of our relationships.
• Our words have the ability to sooth and edify people, or cause harm.
• Likewise, our tongues can tell truth or lies.
• Lies will always lead to distrust in relationships.
• Truth, however, always edifies.
• Speaking truth will reflect our new natures in Christ.

11 and let him turn away from evil
and do what is good.
Let him seek peace and pursue it,

•  Christians are to seek edifying relationships with one another and the world, even though it will always inherently resist the claims of Christ.

12 because the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous
and his ears are open to their prayer.
But the face of the Lord is against
those who do what is evil.

• God is not in a swivel chair.
• God’s eyes are always on the eyes of His children.
• Likewise, His ears are always attentive to our prayers.
• His face, however, is against all who have rejected the Son of God.
• God hates sin and is forever against it.

 
UNDESERVED SUFFERING
13 Who then will harm you if you are devoted to what is good? 14 But even if you should suffer for righteousness, you are blessed. Do not fear them or be intimidated, 15 but in your hearts regard Christ the Lord as holy,

• Believers do not make Christ Lord.
• He is Lord.
• When we receive Christ as Savior, we also receive Him as Lord because we believe that He can save us and has the authority to save us.
• This is a recognition of His lordship.

ready at any time to give a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you.

• Peter is encouraging believers to be ready to give a reason or a defense of our hope in Christ to all who ask us.
• This means that our expression of the Gospel is to be to all who engage us.
• This means that we only tell the Gospel to those who are interested.
• Notice that Peter is not encouraging Christians to walk out onto the street and be belligerent.
• This would not be gentle and respectful of unbelievers.
• Our place is to be ready to engage those who engage us simply.

16 Yet do this with gentleness and reverence, keeping a clear conscience, so that when you are accused, those who disparage your good conduct in Christ will be put to shame. 17 For it is better to suffer for doing good, if that should be God’s will, than for doing evil.
18 For Christ also suffered for sins once for all, the righteous for the unrighteous, that he might bring you to God.

• Christ’s sacrifice was so perfect that He only needed to die once for all of our sins-past, present and future.
• When we believe this finished work of Christ cleanses us perfectly.
• Peter encouraged Christians to suffer for adhering to this reality, and not for doing wrong.
• Our sins have consequences, and when we treat one another poorly, these consequences impact relationships with believers and unbelievers alike.
• Instead, believers are to love people and be ready to give a reason for this love they possess.
• If we suffer for believing the Gospel, then we share in Christ’s sufferings who died for our sins.
• He suffered for being the Son of God in the midst of worldly darkness.
• Likewise, Christians too will suffer in different ways.

He was put to death in the flesh but made alive by the Spirit, 19 in which he also went and made proclamation to the spirits in prison 20 who in the past were disobedient, when God patiently waited in the days of Noah while the ark was being prepared. In it a few—that is, eight people—were saved through water.

• This is a particularly difficult passage to interpret.
• Some believe it means that Christ went to hell to preach to those who were there after the time of Noah’s flood.
• This could certainly be true; however, it is more likely that this is speaking of previous expressions of Christ throughout history.
• The passage specifically speaks of those who were alive when the ark was being built.
• So, it stands to reason, that Christ proclaimed the Gospel through Noah to those who are now currently in spiritual prison.

21 Baptism, which corresponds to this, now saves you (not as the removal of dirt from the body, but the pledge of a good conscience toward God) through the resurrection of Jesus Christ,

• Peter is speaking of being baptized spiritually into Christ at faith in Jesus, not a physical baptism.
• Notice Peter’s language: The baptism that saves does not remove dirt from the body.

22 who has gone into heaven and is at the right hand of God with angels, authorities, and powers subject to him.[2]

• Christ is seated at the right hand of God because His salvific work is complete.
• He has removed our sins past, present, and future.
• This means that there is no longer a sacrifice needed for sin.

His work as a High Priest is, therefore, finished. [3]

[1] Viola, Frank, The Untold Story of the New Testament Church. Destiny Image, Shippensburg, PA, 2004. 166-167.
[2] Christian Standard Bible (Nashville, TN: Holman Bible Publishers, 2020), 1 Pe 3:1–22.
[3] Farley, Andrew. www.BibleCommentary.com. 1 Peter 3.

Crisis in the Churches of Northwest Asia

• The Christians throughout the Empire are suffering severe persecution.
• Peter has received word that the churches in northwest Asia are suffering massive attacks.
• They are distressed and in great need of encouragement.
• The persecution has become so bad that the Gentile Christians are being tempted to revert to their past pagan lifestyles to lessen the heat.
• Some believers are rebelling against local authorities because of the mistreatment and slander they are receiving from them.

PETER WRITES 1 PETER

• Year: A.D. 65
• From: Rome
• To: The churches in northwest Asia: Pontus, North Galatia, Cappadocia, and Bithynia.[1]
• 1) Set your hope (1:13)
• 2) Be holy (1:16)
• 3) Conduct yourselves (1:17)
• 4) Love one another (1:22)
• 5) Crave spiritual milk (2:2)

 
THE LIVING STONE AND A HOLY PEOPLE
1 Peter 2
1 Therefore, rid yourselves of all malice, all deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and all slander.

• Peter is addressing behavior that is proper for Christians.
• However, he is not giving us a behavior verse in a vacuum.
• The key is found in the text prior to this section.
• Because we have been purified by the Gospel (1 Peter 1:17-24), we are empowered to live righteously.
• Notice that this is not “thou shalt not” language.
• Instead, this is about laying aside all that is not natural for the Christian.
• In the Old Covenant, there was no ultimate victory over sin.
• However, in the New Covenant God has provided a solution to the sin problem.
• When we believe we are given a new nature (see 2 Peter 1:3-4 - 3 His divine power has given us everything required for life and godliness through the knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness. 4 By these he has given us very great and precious promises, so that through them you may share in the divine nature, escaping the corruption that is in the world because of evil desire.[2]).
• We can, therefore, act in a manner which fits our identity.

2 Like newborn infants, desire the pure milk of the word, so that by it you may grow up into your salvation,

• Peter is not talking about growing through Christian activity.
• Activity does not grow a person.
• The word of God, the Gospel of grace, grows the believer.
• As we form a better understanding of the finished work of Christ, we will mature.
• But the Gospel must be pure, without man-made religion added to it, or we will not grow.
• God has not designed us to grow spiritually under spiritual law.
• Instead, we are called to know the pure milk of the finished work of Christ.
• We will grow as we become more acquainted with God’s nature revealed in Christ.
• But we cannot let false gospels taint our understanding of the true Gospel.

3 if you have tasted that the Lord is good. (Psalm 34:8)

• God’s kindness is what leads us to repentance.
• God is not mean or belligerent.
• He has kindness and gentleness towards us.
• He is a living and breathing being with infinite love and this love is directed to the world.
• Believers have tasted God’s kindness and have been changed as a result.
• And the more we embrace the kindness of God, the more we will grow.

4 As you come to him, a living stone—rejected by people but chosen and honored by God--

• Everyone on the planet looks at Jesus in one of two ways.
• He is either the most precious gift given to us, or He is the most offensive thing in existence.
• But Jesus is the same towards both groups.
• He is the living stone.
• All creation points to Him.
• Our salvation is in Him whether we believe or not.

5 you yourselves, as living stones,

• Believers are also considered living stones.
• Whatever righteousness Jesus possesses, we also possess by grace through faith (2 Corinthians 5:21).
• We are as pure and valuable as Jesus Christ Himself.
• The entire Trinity is pleased with us.
• Because He is pleased with us, He seeks to build us up using His kindness and love.
• The enemy uses legalism and judgment to tear people down. But God uses grace.

a spiritual house, are being built to be a holy priesthood

• Whereas the Old Covenant only allowed priests in the line of Aaron and Levi, in the New Covenant all who believe have been made holy or set apart as priests.
• This is due to the fact that believers have unending access to God because He lives within them.
• Therefore, there is no longer a need for the priest to enter the Holy of Holies on behalf of God’s people.
• In the New Covenant, we are the Holy of Holies.

to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.

• Peter is an apostle to Jews.
• He is telling his fellow Jews that they are being built up into a holy priesthood.
• Historically, priests have been one person at a time.
• But now he’s saying that all believers are priests.
• Furthermore, he argues that sacrifices are no longer physical, as in the Old Testament, but now spiritual.
• And the sacrifice that God wants is for His children to simply present themselves as the living and holy people that they already are because of Christ.

6 For it stands in Scripture:
See, I lay a stone in Zion,
a chosen and honored cornerstone, (Ephesians 2:20)
and the one who believes in him
will never be put to shame. (Isaiah 28:16)

• Will not be put to shame: The Gospel does not disappoint believers.
• If our Christianity is disappointing, then it is not true Christianity.
• Whatever we long for and need from God, we have been given in the Gospel.
• God will never judge us, and He will never abandon us.
• Christ’s work is too perfect for this.

7 So honor will come to you who believe; but for the unbelieving,
The stone that the builders rejected--
this one has become the cornerstone, (Psalm 118:22)

• God took Jesus, the one rejected by humanity, and made Him the cornerstone of all creation.
• He is eternal life itself.
• Notice that the cornerstone of the faith is not doctrine or theology.
• It is a person. Jesus Christ is the foundation for Christianity.

8 and
A stone to stumble over,
and a rock to trip over. (Isaiah 8:14)
They stumble because they disobey the word; they were destined for this.

• Before creation, the Trinity planned to save people through Christ.
• He is the cornerstone and the only way to the Father.
• However, God also determined that all who reject Christ will face judgment.

9 But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, (Exodus 19:5-6) a people for his possession, so that you may proclaim the praises (Isaiah 43:21) of the one who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light. 10 Once you were not a people, but now you are God’s people; you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy.

• God’s people are holy.
• We are not becoming more holy progressively.
• By one sacrifice we have been made perfectly cleansed (see also Hebrews 10:14).

 
A CALL TO GOOD WORKS
11 Dear friends, I urge you as strangers and exiles to abstain from sinful desires that wage war against the soul.

• Peter is encouraging believers to avoid sin, not in order to become more holy, but because they are holy.
• Believers are foreigners and strangers to sin now that they have been redeemed in Christ.
• These fleshly lusts wage war against our souls which are designed for righteousness.
• Believers have the mind of Christ and therefore are no longer designed for sin.

12 Conduct yourselves honorably among the Gentiles, so that when they slander you as evildoers, they will observe your good works and will glorify God on the day he visits.

• God will return and show off His precious children.
• Because we are precious and excellent, we are to keep our behavior excellent.
• The world will see this behavior and, hopefully, glorify God upon His return.

13 Submit to every human authority because of the Lord, whether to the emperor as the supreme authority 14 or to governors as those sent out by him to punish those who do what is evil and to praise those who do what is good. 15 For it is God’s will that you silence the ignorance of foolish people by doing good.

• Submission to earthly rulers is for the Lord’s sake, or for the advancement of the Gospel.
• The world is to see our living in peace with one another, and loving those in authority, and believe in Jesus as a result.
• Peter is not saying that earthly leaders are correct about every opinion they hold.
• He is saying that they are in a position in which they punish evil doers.
• This is the position we are to respect even if we have disdain for their beliefs.

16 Submit as free people, not using your freedom as a cover-up for evil, but as God’s slaves.

• There is a spiritual freedom underlying Peter’s word.
• There is nothing that can shake the salvation of the Christian because we are completely free in Christ.
• This is the true source of freedom for the Christian.
• To be sure, this freedom can be used in a negative way, but this is unfitting for believers.
• We are to use our freedom as bondslaves of God.
• Bondslaves have a choice.
• We are slaves to freedom and righteousness in Christ, and we have a choice to express this new propensity or not.

17 Honor everyone. Love the brothers and sisters. Fear God. Honor the emperor.

• Nothing good has come from mistreating people.
• Therefore, Peter is trying to save the Christian time and energy.
• Loving people is always the right decision.
• We have nothing to lose from honoring one another.
• 1 Timothy 2:1 - First of all, then, I urge that petitions, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for everyone, 2 for kings and all those who are in authority, so that we may lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and dignity.[3]
  
  

SUBMISSION OF SLAVES TO MASTERS
18 Household slaves, submit to your masters with all reverence not only to the good and gentle ones but also to the cruel. 19 For it brings favor if, because of a consciousness of God, someone endures grief from suffering unjustly.

• Peter is not asking believers to lead political revolutions.
• Instead, he is teaching Christians the importance of resting in their identity in the midst of whatever governmental context exists.
• The Gospel is trans-circumstantial meaning it applies in every context, but it does not guarantee a change in circumstance.

20 For what credit is there if when you do wrong and are beaten, you endure it? But when you do what is good and suffer, if you endure it, this brings favor with God.

• Suffering for doing what is right and for the sake of the Gospel is different than suffering as a result of sin.
• There are negative consequences when we sin.
• However, believers are inherently opposed to the ways of the world.
• As we live as lights we will suffer because who we are is in direct contradiction to the world system.

21 For you were called to this, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps.

• Peter is not encouraging seeking out pain and suffering for being a Christian.
• There is plenty of pain and suffering that will happen simply by virtue of being a Christian in this fallen world.
• This is Peter’s point.
• If we suffer because we are opposed to the ways of the world, then we are true believers who are intimately associated with Jesus in this life.
• Titus 3:1-2 - Remind them to submit to rulers and authorities, to obey, to be ready for every good work, 2 to slander no one, to avoid fighting, and to be kind, always showing gentleness to all people.[4]
• Daniel
• Joseph
• Paul & Peter

22 He did not commit sin, and no deceit was found in his mouth; 23 when he was insulted, he did not insult in return; when he suffered, he did not threaten but entrusted himself to the one who judges justly.

• Just as Jesus trusted in His Father unto death, so are we to trust in God in the midst of our sufferings.
• Peter is not encouraging Christians to try and overthrow the government or change their circumstances in some forceful way.
• Instead, he is saying that regardless of whether circumstances change or not, we are to entrust ourselves to God, our Shepherd and Guardian.

24 He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree; so that, having died to sins, we might live for righteousness.

• Peter is speaking of the certainty of the Christians death to sin in Christ.
• Therefore, the word might is not speaking of a hypothetical outcome.
• It speaks, rather, of a promised outcome for all who believe.
• Dying to sin is not a surface level action in which we become moralists.
• Instead, it is an inner reality in which Christ has changed our nature.
• We no longer thrive under the reign of sin.
• Christians are no longer compatible with anything but righteousness.

By his wounds you have been healed.

• Peter is speaking of the spiritual healing which occurred for all in Christ.
• When we believe we are healed spiritually from sin.
• This is not a verse guaranteeing physical healing.
• Miracles of physical healing are a reality but there is a difference between God acting in a miraculous way through physical healing and what has been achieved by the death and resurrection of Christ.

25 For you were like sheep going astray, but you have now returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls.[5]

• Peter is communicating the importance of knowing our safety in God.
• God is our eternal shepherd and guardian; he keeps us safe from the evil one and the world.
• When we believe we are forever saved and reunited with God.
• We are hidden with Christ in God and are therefore safe (Colossians 3:3).
• The Gospel, therefore, is designed to bring in rest and security for the Christian.
• False gospels promote fear which in turn encourages religious rules and regulations to be obeyed in order to earn somehow or keep God’s favor.[6]

[1] Viola, Frank, The Untold Story of the New Testament Church. Destiny Image, Shippensburg, PA, 2004. 166-167.
[2] Christian Standard Bible (Nashville, TN: Holman Bible Publishers, 2020), 2 Pe 1:3–4.
[3] Christian Standard Bible (Nashville, TN: Holman Bible Publishers, 2020), 1 Ti 2:1–2.
[4] Christian Standard Bible (Nashville, TN: Holman Bible Publishers, 2020), Tt 3:1–2.
[5] Christian Standard Bible (Nashville, TN: Holman Bible Publishers, 2020), 1 Pe 2:1–25.
[6] Farley, Andrew. www.BibleCommentary.com. 1 Peter.

Man – Woman Forms
 - Quickly write down a characteristic, trait or role that you associate with each word.
 
Timothy had no doubt heard Paul’s testimony before, but Paul apparently never tired of telling the story of the power of God’s grace in his life.

• No matter where you came from or what you did, if you trust in Jesus as your substitutionary sacrifice, you too have a testimony of grace to proclaim.[1]

PAUL’S TESTIMONY
1 Timothy 1
12 I give thanks to Christ Jesus our Lord who has strengthened me, because he considered me faithful, appointing me to the ministry--13 even though I was formerly a blasphemer, a persecutor, and an arrogant man.

• Persecutor – hunted down Christians like wild animals. Violent man – bully.
• Paul was describing his life before his conversion.
• “I am the worst of all sinners.”

But I received mercy because I acted out of ignorance in unbelief, 14 and the grace of our Lord overflowed, along with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus.

• Paul received grace first, then faith and love was established in Paul through Jesus’ presence in him.

15 This saying is trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance: “Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners”—and I am the worst of them.

• The only time Paul refers to himself as a sinner.

16 But I received mercy for this reason, so that in me, the worst of them, Christ Jesus might demonstrate his extraordinary patience as an example to those who would believe in him for eternal life.

• Quote from Augustine: “God does not choose a person who is worthy, but by the act of choosing him he makes him worthy [translation mine].”[2]

17 Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen.
 
ENGAGE IN BATTLE
18 Timothy, my son, I am giving you this instruction in keeping with the prophecies previously made about you,

• Most likely Paul is referring to an experience in Timothy’s early days whereby he was recognized to have received the gift of the Spirit for ministry, a recognition that was made clear through some prophecies.[3]

so that by recalling them you may fight the good fight, 19 having faith and a good conscience, which some have rejected and have shipwrecked their faith.

• There is always going to be distractions and distortions in teaching Scripture.
• Biblical worldview – so many interpretations.

20 Among them are Hymenaeus (him-men-nay-us) and Alexander, whom I have delivered to Satan, so that they may be taught not to blaspheme. [4]

• They will not repent, so Paul has no other choice but to put them out of the church because they are damaging the faith of some of the believers. (2 Tim 2:17-18)
• Delivered to Satan – handed over.
• There was nothing Paul could do because they weren’t even listening to Paul.
• Sounds evil, but I’ve heard it said, “I am here to feed sheep, not coral goats.”
• Paul was encouraging Timothy to make the best of his time and energy.

 
INSTRUCTIONS ON PRAYER
2 First of all, then, I urge that petitions, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for everyone,

• “Then” – In reference to the 2 men who had been turned over to Satan because of their lack or repentance.
• He was not outlining church organization, but he was confronting errors and heresies already underway[5]
• “First of all” – Pray
• “everyone” – For God so loved the world!

2 for kings and all those who are in authority, so that we may lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and dignity.

• Godless Emperor Nero was on the throne at that time, and yet the believers were supposed to pray for him!
• We are on the verge of WWIII. We need to be praying for Putin and Zelensky.
• Even when we cannot respect men or women in authority, we must respect their offices and pray for them.[6]
• Praying for them is for our own good – to live in peace with ourselves.

3 This is good, and it pleases God our Savior,

• Because our lives would be based upon love and respect.
• “I can’t respect…” still focused on you.
• You miss this and you live in torment… not peace.

4 who wants everyone to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.

• The term “all/everyone” in v. 4 must refer to the same group as the reference to “everyone” in v. 1.
• The petitions of v. 1 are to include all human beings, and the objects of Christ’s death must include the same group.
• It would certainly include all persons without distinctions of race or social standing, but it also refers to all persons individually[7]

5 For there is one God and one mediator between God and mankind, the man Christ Jesus,

• “Mediator” necessary
• “mankind” – identifies with us

6 who gave himself as a ransom for all, a testimony at the proper time.

• John 3:16 – “that He gave His only Son…”

7 For this I was appointed a herald, an apostle (I am telling the truth; I am not lying), and a teacher of the Gentiles in faith and truth.

• If God did this for Paul, then certainly there is hope for everyone.

 
INSTRUCTIONS TO MEN AND WOMEN
8 Therefore, I want the men in every place to pray, lifting up holy hands without anger or argument.

• Morally pure hands
• Not in dispute with others.
• Sometimes this is a posture in prayer.
• Our traditional posture of bowing the head, folding the hands, and closing the eyes is nowhere found or commanded in Scripture.
• Actually, there are many prayer postures found in the Bible: standing with outstretched hands (1 Kings 8:22); kneeling (Dan. 6:10); standing (Luke 18:11); sitting (2 Sam. 7:18); bowing the head (Gen. 24:26); lifting the eyes (John 17:1); falling on the ground (Gen. 17:3).
• The important thing is not the posture of the body but the posture of the heart.[8]

9 Also, the women are to dress themselves in modest clothing, with decency and good sense, not with elaborate hairstyles, gold, pearls, or expensive apparel, 10 but with good works, as is proper for women who profess to worship God.

• Acceptable standards of modesty will vary with place and generation.
• Most people can even see through “classy”.
• Paul’s point is that genuine faith in God should display itself in holiness.[9]
• He did not forbid the use of nice clothing or ornaments.
• He urged balance and propriety, with the emphasis on modesty and holy character.[10]
• Women will pursue other women.
• Do you want to be pursued because of your style or behavior?
• Do you want to be pursued because of your maturity and wisdom?
• We must never underestimate the important place that godly women played in the ministry of the church.
• The Gospel message had a tremendous impact on them because it affirmed their value before God and their equality in the body of Christ (Gal. 3:28).
• Women had a low place in the Roman world, but the Gospel changed that.
• There were devoted women who ministered to Jesus in the days of His earthly ministry (Luke 8:1–3).
• They were present at His crucifixion and burial, and it was a woman who first heralded the glorious news of His resurrection.
• In the Book of Acts we meet Dorcas (Acts 9:36ff), Lydia (Acts 16:14ff), Priscilla (Acts 18:1–3), and godly women in the Berean and Thessalonian churches (Acts 17:4, 12).
• Paul greeted at least eight women in Romans 16; and Phebe, who carried the Roman epistle to its destination, was a deaconess in a local church (Rom. 16:1).
• Many believing women won their husbands to the Lord and then opened their homes for Christian ministry.[11]

11 A woman is to learn quietly with full submission.

• “Silence” is an unfortunate translation because it gives the impression that believing women were never to open their mouths in the assembly.
• This is the same word that is translated “peaceable”[12]
• Paul was not demanding physical silence but a teachable spirit.[13]
• “Submission” – We have made this such a negative term in relation to women. I get it.
• But we have also distorted the idea of “submission”
• It is about the rank of the “role”… not the rank of value or ability.
• You submit every day… if you don’t… you can look at the news and see what happens.
• Submit to what? Those who were in Biblical authority.
• They were being taught freedom with the Gospel but they interpreted that as “freedom with their flesh” rather than “freedom with their spirit”.

12 I do not allow a woman to teach or to have authority over a man; instead, she is to remain quiet.

• It’s not a rule. Paul says he does not allow.
• What is his reasoning?
• Women are permitted to teach.
• Older women should teach the younger women (Titus 2:3–4).
• Timothy was taught at home by his mother and grandmother (2 Tim. 1:5; 3:15).
• But in their teaching ministry, they must not “lord it over” men.
• There is nothing wrong with a godly woman instructing a man. (Acts 18:24–26 - 24 Now a Jew named Apollos, a native Alexandrian, an eloquent man who was competent in the use of the Scriptures, arrived in Ephesus. 25 He had been instructed in the way of the Lord; and being fervent in spirit, he was speaking and teaching accurately about Jesus, although he knew only John’s baptism. 26 He began to speak boldly in the synagogue. After Priscilla and Aquila heard him, they took him aside and explained the way of God to him more accurately.[14])
• But the women never assumed authority in the church and try to take the place of a man.
• She should exercise “quietness” and help keep order in the church.[15]
• This would be referring to the gossip of the church.

13 For Adam was formed first, then Eve. 14 And Adam was not deceived, but the woman was deceived and transgressed. 15 But she will be saved through childbearing, if they continue in faith, love, and holiness, with good sense.[16]

• She will receive fulfillment through her role as a parent in the household.

How I led my youth ministry for years has influenced how I lead Leavener currently.
 
How I lead my family will influence my family to come.

• Cory

1.      How would you describe how your Mom and I manage our family?
•   When things hit the fan, Dad usually steps up to the crisis.
•   Mom handles on the day to day basis that fits her skills.
•   Kids pick and choose who they go to during emotional crisis… depending on situation.
•   To Mom when health issues and stressful… Dad when he has relationship problems or need to fix something.
•   Day to day roles are divided
2. Who is the teacher?
•   Both are teachers… it was hard to learn from you when I was kid.
•   Mom helped me school stuff more… Mom taught Bible stories… Dad taught more spiritual stuff
•   Mom taught me how to do daily essentials… laundry, cooking, etc… Dad was more technical.
3. What is the one thing that defines our marriage?
•   Never gave up on each other… focused on importance on being one… always being on the same page… one flesh.
4. What is the one thing I could work on in our marriage?
•   What Mom would want… words of affirmation. You are never ooey gooey with Mom.
5. What would it look like if Mom was the leader?
•   It would shut you down which would be problematic and make it uneasy in the house. It wouldn’t be natural… awkward situations.
6. What is the one thing that has been modeled that you want to carry on to your family?
•   You guys had times when you didn’t get along but you never did that in front of us. You created a sense of stability and peace. You have to be evenly yoked.
7. What is the one thing that has been modeled that you don’t want to carry on to your family?
•   Can’t think of anything…Involved al ot at church because of job… extracurricular activities
8. Would you say your mom submits to me?

• Yah

9. Is it a bad thing? Why?
•   No… I think you submit to each other… but at the same, when you have a family or a group of people, you have to have a person who makes decisions.

[1] Evans, T. (2019). The Tony Evans Study Bible (p. 1432). Holman Bible.
[2] Lea, T. D., & Griffin, H. P. (1992). 1, 2 Timothy, Titus (Vol. 34, p. 73). Broadman & Holman Publishers.
[3] Fee, G. D. (2011). 1 and 2 Timothy, Titus (pp. 57–58). Baker Books.
[4] Christian Standard Bible (1 Ti 1:12–20). (2020). Holman Bible Publishers.
[5] Lea, T. D., & Griffin, H. P. (1992). 1, 2 Timothy, Titus (Vol. 34, pp. 84–86). Nashville: Broadman & Holman Publishers.
[6] Wiersbe, W. W. (1996). The Bible exposition commentary (Vol. 2, p. 215). Wheaton, IL: Victor Books.
[7] Lea, T. D., & Griffin, H. P. (1992). 1, 2 Timothy, Titus (Vol. 34, p. 89). Nashville: Broadman & Holman Publishers.
[8] Wiersbe, W. W. (1996). The Bible exposition commentary (Vol. 2, p. 216). Wheaton, IL: Victor Books.
[9] Barry, J. D., Mangum, D., Brown, D. R., Heiser, M. S., Custis, M., Ritzema, E., … Bomar, D. (2012, 2016). Faithlife Study Bible (1 Ti 2:10). Bellingham, WA: Lexham Press.
[10] Wiersbe, W. W. (1996). The Bible exposition commentary (Vol. 2, p. 218). Wheaton, IL: Victor Books.
[11] Wiersbe, W. W. (1996). The Bible exposition commentary (Vol. 2, p. 218). Wheaton, IL: Victor Books.
[12] Wiersbe, W. W. (1996). The Bible exposition commentary (Vol. 2, p. 218). Wheaton, IL: Victor Books.
[13] Lea, T. D., & Griffin, H. P. (1992). 1, 2 Timothy, Titus (Vol. 34, p. 98). Nashville: Broadman & Holman Publishers.
[14] Christian Standard Bible (Ac 18:24–26). (2020). Holman Bible Publishers.
[15] Wiersbe, W. W. (1996). The Bible exposition commentary (Vol. 2, p. 218). Wheaton, IL: Victor Books.
[16] Christian Standard Bible (1 Ti 2:1–2:15). (2020). Holman Bible Publishers.

• Paul continues discussing "submission" from 5:21 - "submitting to one another in the fear of Christ."

CHILDREN AND PARENTS
EPHESIANS 6:1-9
6 Children, obey your parents in the Lord, because this is right.

• Here is harmony in the home:
• the wife submits to the husband “as unto Christ”;
• the husband loves his wife “even as Christ also loved the church”;
• and the children obey “in the Lord.”[1]
• "Children" - Not only a reference to young age but referring to those living in the same household with the parents having authority over them.
• "obey" - listen, pay attention, answer, respond and submit.
• "in the Lord" - Godly parents with godly behavior. This defines the sphere in which the obedience is to move
• In context. - It is not required or expected for a child to obey when the parental wishes lead to a sinful behavior.
• "right" - agrees with God's design for family and the relationship between the parent and child.

2 Honor your father and mother, which is the first commandment with a promise,

• "honor" - respect, courtesy and obedience. This comes from being placed in a God-given position.
• A child's response to their parents is typically directly reflective of how they respond to all relationships.
• If they have a learned behavior as a child it will be one they will potentially struggle with in their flesh as an adult.
• The only way to overcome that is through spiritual maturity and walking by the Spirit.
• The "promise" is mentioned in verse 3.

3 so that it may go well with you and that you may have a long life in the land.

• Exodus 20:12 - Commandment #5 - 12 Honor your father and your mother so that you may have a long life in the land that the Lord your God is giving you. [2]
• "go well" - God designed the world with a working order... if you work inside that order... things have a tendency to go well... percentages are higher than those who oppose the God-ordained system and have to deal with consequences.
• "long life" - not a guarantee for longevity but a promise that your obedient life is less likely to bring death because of logical consequences from sin.
• All parties must be filled with the Spirit so that the relationships can work as designed.

4 Fathers, don’t stir up anger in your children, but bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord.

• Many times, one's relationship with their earthly father is a reflection of the person's thoughts on their heavenly Father which can be both good or bad.
• This is why it is necessary for the Truth to shape your perspective of God.
• 1) No performance-based acceptance (Titus 3:5; Romans 3:20)
• 2) Makes sacrifices for them and makes them feel special (John 3:16).
• 3) Never condemns their person (Rom 8:1) but corrects their behavior with a tear in His eye rather than a scowl on His face (Heb 12:5-11)
• 4) Never shows favoritism (Gal 3:28)
• 5) Makes decisions on how it will help... not hinder his children (principle of the cross).
• When you leave the hospital with your first born... "Where is the instruction manual?" Same as when they become a teenager or enter high school...
• "bring them up" - nourish toward maturity, to rear up.
• "training/discipline" - physical punishment (Prov 13:24)
• We can't rescue our kids from logical consequences.
• Everyone learns the hard way... take your lumps...
• Allow them room to fail and suffer the outcome within the season they are under your roof.
• "instruction" - Training by the Word, by both encouragement and reproof.
• Discipline without instruction can create an angry and confused child.

 
SLAVES AND MASTERS
5 Slaves, obey your human masters with fear and trembling, in the sincerity of your heart, as you would Christ.

• History of Master/Slave relationships:
• Before Acts 2, the Romans treated slaves as animals.
• The Master/Slave relationship had greatly changed at the time of writing of Ephesians and was widely accepted in society.
• Kent Hughes: "Ephesians" - The fact is, by the time of the Christian area and writing of this Ephesians, sweeping changes had been introduced which radically improved the treatment of slaves. Slaves under Roman law in the first century could generally count on eventually being set free. Very few ever reached old age as slaves. Slave owners were releasing slaves at such a rate that Augustus Caesar introduced legal restrictions to curb the trend. Despite this, inscriptions indicate that almost 50 percent of slaves were freed before the age of thirty. What is more, while the slave remained his master's possession he could own property - including other slaves! and completely controlled his own property, so that he could invest and save to purchase his own freedom.
• We also must understand that being a slave did not indicate one's social class. Slaves, regularly were accorded the social status of their owners. Regarding outward appearance, it was usually impossible to distinguish a slave from free persons. A slave could be a custodian, a salesman, or CEO. Many slaves lived separately from their owners. Finally, selling oneself into slavery was commonly used as a means of obtaining Roman citizenship and gaining an entrance into society. Roman slavery in the first century was far more humane and civilized than the American/African slavery practiced in this country much later. This is a sobering and humbling fact!
• Slavery was never condemned in the New Testament and was even affirmed by Jesus through His teachings.
• It was necessary to prevent economic disaster for all.
• It nowhere resembled what we think of when we hear the word "slavery".
• The Master/Slave relationship is very similar to our Employee/Employer relationship today.
• Believers (who know who they are) have a huge impact on the work society.
• They are the ones who truly understand the role of submission.
• They are filled with the Spirit unlike nonbelievers.
• They understand there is an intentional authority order to things.
• Mutual submission is the goal in such relationships, not a dictatorship.
• "fear & trembling" - respect and responsibility.
• "sincerity" - Singleness, purity and uprightness.

6 Don’t work only while being watched, as people-pleasers, but as slaves of Christ, do God’s will from your heart.

• Not by "eyeservice" - Try to please them all the time, not just when they are watching you (NLT)
• 1) Some employees like to just check off a list.
• 2) Some like to do things as if they were doing it for themself.
• 3) Others like to do it as if they are trying to impress their boss.
• 4) Paul is saying, "Do your work as if you are doing it for Jesus". Jesus came to serve.
• Of the 4 types of employees, which one would you want to work for you?
• Which one would you have to consistently check up on?
• Work from the perspective of what the employer will receive rather than what you will receive.
• Do you ever notice good workers... "I'd hire that person in a heartbeat."

7 Serve with a good attitude, as to the Lord and not to people,

• Many times you will not be recognized for your work...
• That is why it is important to have the attitude of rendering your service to the Lord rather than to your employer.

8 knowing that whatever good each one does, slave or free, he will receive this back from the Lord.

• Paul is saying that "good deeds never go unnoticed by God."
• Even if the employer does not reward you, God will!

9 And masters, treat your slaves the same way, without threatening them, because you know that both their Master and yours is in heaven, and there is no favoritism with him.[3]

• As the Christian masters of Paul's day interacted with the slaves, they were to display the same respect they expected in return.
• Again, only employers with the Spirit of God in them will understand this concept.

Submission is the key to relationships... As the body of Christ, we are called to a life of submission (not weakness) to one another.

[1] Wiersbe, W. W. (1996). The Bible exposition commentary (Vol. 2, p. 53). Victor Books.
[2] Christian Standard Bible (Ex 20:12). (2020). Holman Bible Publishers.
[3] Christian Standard Bible (Eph 6:1–9). (2020). Holman Bible Publishers.

• Kids Getting Hurt Videos
• Michelle Hernandez – Crossfit differences
• Michelle Kennedy – His jobs & her jobs
• Our society today, doesn’t want to acknowledge that we are different.
• Actually they do, they want the genders to be equal and it has become a competition, with one side not saying much at all.
• Men will shut down and step out of the way when women dominate.

EPHESIANS 5:18-21
18 And don’t get drunk with wine, which leads to reckless living, but be filled by the Spirit: 19 speaking to one another in psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs, singing and making music with your heart to the Lord, 20 giving thanks always for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, 21 submitting to one another in the fear of Christ.[1]
 
WIVES AND HUSBANDS
EPHESIANS 5:22-33
22 Wives, submit to your husbands as to the Lord,

• The verb hupotassō (ὑποτασσω), “submit, subject,” is supplied from the preceding verse. (Wuest)‎
• Submit in verse 21 is covered in the following verses:
• 1)Wives to Husbands (5:22-33)
• 2) Children to Parents (6:1-4)
• 3) Slaves to Masters (Employees to Employers) (6:5-9).
• ‎Submission has nothing to do with the order of authority, but rather governs the operation of authority, how it is given and how it is received.[2]
• Did Jesus lose his authority when He washed His disciples’ feet?
• No institution or organization can function without submission.
• In fact, eliminate submission in any area of society and the result is utter chaos... (Examples? - LA Riots ('92), New Orleans during Katrina ('05), etc.)
• Genesis 3:16 - He said to the woman: I will intensify your labor pains; you will bear children with painful effort. Your desire will be for your husband, yet he will rule over you.[3]
• ‎Desire - It is not Eve's emotional or physical desire for Adam (that was already present).
• It was the desire to take control of her husband's authority.
• This usurp of authority will be impossible.
• ‎It will only be through the power and teaching of the Holy Spirit that submission to one another takes place. This takes place through Jesus.
• ‎Bob Warren – “Fallout = Strong, unyielding wife produces a passive husband. Then down the road when the woman eventually needs a man to lead... there is only resentment. A woman being overbearing and strong will eventually play out and have no desire for the state of their current relationship due to her initial dominance.
• ‎True authority is built on truth.
• Therefore, if any wife has currently placed themselves as the leader of their house, she does not have true authority.
• True authority is attained only through submission to authority.
• ‎A wife's dominance prevents the God-ordained authority (the husband) from ruling and the children are angered without really knowing why.
• Deficient discipline occurs and the kids are confused.
• ‎Submission to authority does not mean that one is inferior.
• It is purely acknowledging God's order.
• ‎God created Eve from Adam's rib to make him complete.

23 because the husband is the head of the wife as Christ is the head of the church. He is the Savior of the body.

• This verse also teaches submission. Christ submitted Himself to death for our, the sake of the church.
• Who is the church? From Acts 2 to the point of the End.
• No wife minds submitting to a husband that has this attitude.
• Who has ever ended up submitting to Christ and regretting it? No one.
• Christ does not demand for us to submit to Him... He waits for us to choose to submit.
• It is through His kindness and love (not His wrath) that brings us to a place of submission.
• What happens when a husband refuses to lead (either out of choice or laziness)?
• The family never gets to experience the huge benefits as result of true leadership.

24 Now as the church submits to Christ, so also wives are to submit to their husbands in everything.

• The only way this works is if the wife feels secure and safe in her place of submission.
• In other words, the man has to love and protect her.
• When this occurs, selflessness rules in the house, children are raised in a stable environment and the world has a model of how the family is intended to operate.

25 Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself for her

• “The most important thing a father can do for his children is to love their mother.” (Theodore Hesburgh).
• This is not going to occur by the church teaching behavior modification or trying to control the outcome.
• The only way possible is for the church to teach believers their identity and the Holy Spirit reveal it to them and let it play out.
• When the husband becomes selfless and loves his wife (through servanthood), all are greatly benefited.

26 to make her holy, cleansing her with the washing of water by the word.

• When a person is sanctified (made holy), he is set apart from his past unto his future.
• This has application to marriage because when a man marries a woman, he sets her apart from her past and unto a future that he has promised to her.
• There is no doubt that the spiritual growth of the wife is greatly enhanced through the godly influence of the husband.

27 He did this to present the church to himself in splendor, without spot or wrinkle or anything like that, but holy and blameless.

• A bride typically wears white at the wedding, representing purity and holiness.
• That doesn’t come from a point of behavior, but from a point of what Christ has done in her.
• His desire is for a glorious church, and He wants to love that church as a man loves his own bride.
• This is not a performance-based relationship.
• It is a knowing and understanding relationship.
• What the husband knows and understands greatly impacts what the wife and kids know and understand.
• It is imperative that the husband pays special attention to the wife's spiritual needs.
• How does he do that? By taking care of his own first.

28 In the same way, husbands are to love their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself.

• 5:23 - Says the husband is the head and the wife is the body.
• ‎5:31 - Says we are one flesh.
• ‎If a husband doesn't love his wife (the body) then can't love himself.
• ‎You will love your wife fully when know who you are yourself. ‎
• ‎Tony Evans – “Unless we’re talking about a case where a wife is deliberately trying to undermine her husband, when you look at a man’s wife, you should get a pretty good idea of what he thinks about himself.
• ‎‎If a wife is miserable all the time, maybe it’s because she is married to a miserable man.
• If her countenance is bright, chances are she is being nourished and cherished by a loving husband.
• Our wives are like mirrors, reflecting back to us what kinds of husbands we are.”

29 For no one ever hates his own flesh but provides and cares for it, just as Christ does for the church,

• Society spends more money and time on caring for their own flesh than ever before.
• There is no doubt that loving our bodies (earth tent) by taking care of them gives you added energy, vigor and fulfillment in life.
• The same truth occurs when we take care of our wives.
• We should marry to date rather than date to marry:
• 1. Words of affirmation - You did this when you were dating.
• 2. Quality time - Don't talk about doing it... just do it.
• 3. Giving gifts - "Just because I love you"
• 4. Acts of service - Doing the unexpected.
• 5. Physical touch - Nonsexual touch

30 since we are members of his body.

• We share common life with Jesus... we are one with Him.
• Do you realize who you are and what you have been given?

31 For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and the two will become one flesh.

• Genesis 2:24 - This is why a man leaves his father and mother and bonds with his wife, and they become one flesh.[4]
• 1) Both partners are to leave their homes (parents). You still care for them but you are no longer under their influence as before.
• #4 & #5 reasons for divorce?
• #4 - Mother of the bride
• #5 - Mother of the groom
• 2) You become one flesh... Your bond is greater than a parent/child relationship.
• Keep this a priority.
• Cleave = glue

32 This mystery is profound, but I am talking about Christ and the church.

• Mystery - the Jews and the Gentiles became one.
• So it is with the husband and wife.
• We become one when we are in Christ.
• Hard for a husband and wife to become one in a marriage without Christ... it is impossible.

33 To sum up, each one of you is to love his wife as himself, and the wife is to respect her husband.[5]

• If the husband loves his wife as himself, both being believers, the wife's respect should automatically follow.
• Woman wants to be loved.
• Man wants to be respected.
• Love and Respect book.
• Crazy cycle

 

• 1)Wives to Husbands (5:22-33)
• 2) Children to Parents (6:1-4)

3) Slaves to Masters (Employees to Employers) (6:5-9).

[1] Christian Standard Bible (Eph 5:18–21). (2020). Holman Bible Publishers.
[2] Wiersbe, W. W. (1996). The Bible exposition commentary (Vol. 2, p. 50). Victor Books.
[3] Christian Standard Bible (Ge 3:16). (2020). Holman Bible Publishers.
[4] Christian Standard Bible (Ge 2:24). (2020). Holman Bible Publishers.
[5] Christian Standard Bible (Eph 5:22–33). (2020). Holman Bible Publishers.