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Likewise
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- The following Scriptural passage has undoubtedly been
used by many teachers and Pastors as an example to women who have perhaps
been in rebellion to the sins made against them by unbelieving, uncaring
or unfaithful husbands.
- Seemingly, nothing has been written for an example for
husbands and this in itself is a cause of schism.
- Likewise, ye wives, be in subjection to your own
husbands; that, if any obey not the word, they also may without the word
be won by the conversation of the wives; While they behold your chaste
conversation coupled with fear. Whose adorning let it not be that
outward adorning of plaiting the hair, and of wearing of gold, or
of putting on of apparel; But let it be the hidden man of the heart,
in that which is not corruptible, even the ornament of a meek and
quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price. For after this
manner in the old time the holy women also, who trusted in God, adorned
themselves, being in subjection unto their own husbands: Even as Sara obeyed
Abraham, calling him lord: whose daughters ye are, as long as ye do well,
and are not afraid with any amazement. Likewise, ye husbands, dwell with
them according to knowledge, giving honour unto the wife, as unto
the weaker vessel, and as being heirs together of the grace of life; that
your prayers be not hindered.
- (1 Peter 3:1-7)
- However, as we see from the word "Likewise", the above writing
is a further example of what has gone before and we see that the subject
concerns a way of living that, if followed, shall allow the flow of the
Holy Spirit in our lives and the glory of God to shine forth.
- This form of living can only impress itself on others,
perhaps causing some to submit themselves to God and be converted.
- For which we shall be rewarded on that day.
- Hallelujah!
- And a stone of stumbling, and a rock of offence, even
to them which stumble at the word, being disobedient: whereunto also
they were appointed. But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood,
an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises
of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light: Which
in time past were not a people, but are now the people of
God: which had not obtained mercy, but now have obtained mercy. Dearly
beloved, I beseech you as strangers and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly
lusts, which war against the soul; Having your conversation honest among
the Gentiles: that, whereas they speak against you as evildoers, they may
by your good works, which they shall behold, glorify God in the
day of visitation. Submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the
Lord's sake: whether it be to the king, as supreme; Or unto governors,
as unto them that are sent by him for the punishment of evildoers, and
for the praise of them that do well. For so is the will of God, that with
well doing ye may put to silence the ignorance of foolish men: As free,
and not using your liberty for a cloke of maliciousness, but as
the servants of God. Honour all men. Love the brotherhood. Fear
God. Honour the king. Servants, be subject to your masters
with all fear; not only to the good and gentle, but also to the froward.
For this is thankworthy, if a man for conscience toward God endure
grief, suffering wrongfully. For what glory is it, if, when ye be
buffeted for your faults, ye shall take it patiently? but if, when ye do
well, and suffer for it, ye take it patiently, this is acceptable
with God. For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered
for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps: Who did
no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth: Who, when he was reviled,
reviled not again; when he suffered, he threatened not; but committed himself
to him that judgeth righteously: Who his own self bare our sins in his
own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness:
by whose stripes ye were healed. For ye were as sheep going astray; but
are now returned unto the Shepherd and Bishop of your souls.
- (1 Peter 2:8-25)
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- Finally, be ye all of one mind, having compassion
one of another, love as brethren, be pitiful, be courteous:
Not rendering evil for evil, or railing for railing: but contrariwise blessing;
knowing that ye are thereunto called, that ye should inherit a blessing.
For he that will love life, and see good days, let him refrain his tongue
from evil, and his lips that they speak no guile: Let him eschew evil,
and do good; let him seek peace, and ensue it. For the eyes of the Lord
are over the righteous, and his ears are open unto their
prayers: but the face of the Lord is against them that do evil.
And who is he that will harm you, if ye be followers of that which
is good? But and if ye suffer for righteousness' sake, happy are ye:
and be not afraid of their terror, neither be troubled; But sanctify the
Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer
to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness
and fear: Having a good conscience; that, whereas they speak evil of you,
as of evildoers, they may be ashamed that falsely accuse your good conversation
in Christ. For it is better, if the will of God be so, that ye suffer
for well doing, than for evil doing. For Christ also hath once suffered
for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God, being
put to death in the flesh, but quickened by the Spirit: By which also he
went and preached unto the spirits in prison; Which sometime were disobedient,
when once the longsuffering of God waited in the days of Noah, while the
ark was a preparing, wherein few, that is, eight souls were saved by water.
The like figure whereunto even baptism doth also now save us (not
the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience
toward God,) by the resurrection of Jesus Christ: Who is gone into heaven,
and is on the right hand of God; angels and authorities and powers being
made subject unto him.
- (1 Peter 3:8-22)
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- But God be thanked, that ye were the servants of sin,
but ye have obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine which was delivered
you. Being then made free from sin, ye became the servants of righteousness.
- (Romans 6:17-18)
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- Forasmuch then as Christ hath suffered for us in the
flesh, arm yourselves likewise with the same mind: for he that hath suffered
in the flesh hath ceased from sin; That he no longer should live the rest
of his time in the flesh to the lusts of men, but to the will of
God.
- (1 Peter 4:1-2)
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