HEIRS TOGETHER OF THE GRACE OF LIFE

1 PETER 3:7

Heirs Together of the Grace of Life1 Peter 3:7

• 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.

• Just one verse• “Likewise” refers to the context of submission

as hallmark of honorable conduct 2:11-12:citizen 2:13-17; slave 2:18-25; wife 3:1-6

Heirs Together of the Grace of Life1 Peter 3:7

• The husbands (old English “house-bound”)• He is under bondage 1 Cor. 7:15 • He is to seek to please his wife 1 Cor. 7:25-38• He wears a band as a sign that he is bound v.27• He’s joined to his wife by God Matt. 19:5-6• Let no man separate• Greek is simply “man”; “husband” is contextual

meaning “your man” He is yours

Heirs Together of the Grace of Life1 Peter 3:7

• Dwelling with according to knowledge• “house together” • Greek “put away” his woman simply by putting

her out on the street• Law of Moses protected women Deut 24:1-4• Not a license to divorce Malachi 2:14-17• Christians know better than that• Know a person by spending time with him/her• Not mind-reading 1 Cor. 2:11 but consideration

Heirs Together of the Grace of Life1 Peter 3:7

• As to the weaker vessel to the wife• Weaker means weaker • Vessel is generic container• Knowledge of this verse is expressed in giving

honor to the wife because the husband knows his wife needs it

• Fragile: Handle With Care• Giving honor • Giving means bestowing what is due• Prov. 31:28-29 words for men

Heirs Together of the Grace of Life1 Peter 3:7

• Giving honor• Love looks for the good to praise 1 Cor. 13:5-7• Honor is highest degree of esteem, precious 2:4• Citizens give honor to government Rom. 13:7• Slaves give honor to master 1 Tim. 6:1• Christians give honor to elders 1 Tim. 5:17• Husbands give honor to wives 1 Pet. 3:7• All are to give honor to God Rev. 5:13• God will give honor to us Rom. 2:6-11 repent v.4

As Heirs Together of the Grace of Life1 Peter 3:7

• Fellow heirs Rom. 8:17; Ef. 3:6; Hb. 11:9• What do we inherit? The grace of life• Speak graciously Col. 4:6• Be gracious Prov. 11:26• God is gracious to us Ex. 33:19-34:7• Longsuffering, merciful and compassionate• He is willing to forgive Ef. 4:32• He abounds in goodness and truth• How husbands should treat their wives Ef. 5:22-

33 so prayers be not hindered (God is pleased)