The Leading Lady

1 Peter 3:1-7

INTRODUCTION: You show me a home that is out of order and I will show you a dysfunctional family. You show me a home that is out of order and I will show you a dysfunctional walk with God. Unfortunately, these things are inseparable. The sad state of things is that even in Bible believing churches one would not have to search far to find homes bitten by the dreaded disease of disorder.

I. IN THE GARDEN

A. Prior to the Fall

1. Eve was created to be an help that was meet for Adam (Genesis 2:18, 20).
2. The man was not created for the woman, but the woman for the man (1 Corinthians 11:8-9).

B. After the Fall

1. Eve gave the fruit unto Adam and he did eat with her (Genesis 3:6).
2. Her desire would be to her husband, and he would rule over her (Genesis 3:16).

II. THE BIBLICAL PATTERN

A. The Truth

1. The husband is the head of the woman (1 Corinthians 11:3).
2. The husband is to rule over the wife (Genesis 3:16).
3. The wife is to submit unto her own husband (Ephesians 5:22; Colossians 3:18; 1 Peter 3:1).
4. She is to reverence her husband while doing so (Ephesians 5:33).

B. The Balance

1. The man is to dwell with his wife according to knowledge, giving her honour, as unto the weaker vessel (1 Peter 3:7).
2. The man is to love his wife and be not bitter against her (Colossians 3:19).

III. VARIATIONS OF DISOBEDIENCE

A. The Persuasive Wife—Sarai (Genesis 16:1-6)

1. She convinced Abram to go in unto Hagar (Genesis 16:1-3).
2. She convinced Abram that it was his fault when her idea worked (Genesis 16:4-5).
3. She convinced Abram to do as she pleased with Hagar (Genesis 16:6).

B. The Manipulative Wife—Rebekah (Genesis 27:1-29)

1. She overheard the plans of her husband (Genesis 27:1-5).
2. She manipulated her husband concerning the meal (Genesis 27:6-14).
3. She manipulated her husband regarding her son’s appearance (Genesis 27:15-17).
4. She manipulated her husband through the lies of her son (Genesis 27:18-29).

C. The Emotional Wife—Samson’s Wife (Judges 14:10-20)

1. She wept before Samson to get what she wanted (Judges 14:16).
2. She accused Samson of not loving her (Judges 14:16).
3. She wept before Samson for seven days (Judges 14:17).

D. The Mothering Wife—Jezebel (1 Kings 21:1-16)

1. Ahab wanted Naboth’s vineyard, but Naboth would not give him the vineyard (1 Kings 21:1-3).
2. Ahab went home to pout about Naboth’s vineyard (1 Kings 21:4).
3. Jezebel assured Ahab that she would take care of it (1 Kings 21:5-7).
4. She wrote letters in his name and ensured that Naboth would be put to death (1 Kings 21:8-14).
5. She told Ahab to rise up and take possession of the vineyard she took for him (1 Kings 21:15-16).

CONCLUSION: Each family here is going to have to decide whether you want to be a standard family or a biblical family. Obedience to the truth is going to cost you, but it will reward greatly both now and in the future. Obviously Sara became known as a submissive wife. Surely there is hope in your home.