An Exposition of 1 Peter 3:1-6

To be a chaste wife is the highest calling of a Christian wife. It is God’s will that she will be blameless and pure in her attitude to her husbands, in her outward appearance, in her behaviour at home, in the church and in the outside world.

This study is a short exposition of 1 Peter 3:1-6. Today, we shall study the first aspect of what it means to be a chaste wife. We will learn more next week.

These verses of Scripture convey God’s concept of how the Christian wife ought to conduct herself with her husband. In God’s mind, this is a vital issue; if she keeps it, it brings glory to the Gospel of Jesus Christ and much welfare to the covenant home. But if she ignores it, it unceremoniously discredits the claim of the Gospel to change lives, for hers remains untouched by it. Also the consequences of her disobedience are unimaginable. Suffice it to say, many are now having broken homes. Others are suffering long-standing problems, which are still unresolved; what they called home sweet home has now become the place of rancour where children grow up emotionally and spiritually unstable, not capable of facing the challenges of their time. So the Lord’s injunction on this issue of submission is as strong as His Great Commission to the church. He wants the wife to be under the charge of her own husband. She is not meant to be the leader. She is appointed only next in line. Yet, if she wants to please God, she must learn to fulfil God’s will gladly even if hers is only the supportive role.

Sadly, many wives are affronted by their divine appointment. They feel they are suppressed, limited, controlled, restrained. The more they think about it, the more they hate it. It becomes a landmine in their hearts waiting to explode anytime, anywhere, if their husbands were to step on it.

“We can do nothing against the truth, but for the truth” (2 Corinthians 13:8). Until the wife obeys God’s plan for her, happiness in the family remains an illusive dream. Peace, contentment and other spiritual blessings will stay away. But when she learns to submit
to the will of God by faith, trusting that God has her interest at heart as well, she will turn out to be a powerful witness of the transforming power of the Gospel that an ungodly husband is brought to the saving faith through her chaste attitude to her own husband. The unbelieving husband who rejects the Gospel is humbled. He is convinced of the truth and power of God in the Gospel of Jesus Christ when he sees the brawling, contentious, clamorous, equally sinful wife is now transformed and living a pure life. That even without much persuasion to believe in the Lord, eventually he is gained for Christ.

Will God not crown her with great honour for all eternity to enjoy? Will Christ not be proud of her? O sister, would it not be better for you to submit to your husband? Instead of vying for your husband's role, seek to be a chaste wife. You will not lose anything. You will only gain peace and much blessing for as long as you live on earth and more to come in heaven. In an evil world like ours, you will stand out as an admiration for the godly to behold. You will have a happy family, mature children and a husband who praises you (cf. Proverbs 31:28). Just be submissive. All things will be just fine with
you, for God will stand by your side all the way in your pilgrim’s journey.

(Part II of the article)
(Part III of the article)

Testimonies & Greetings

Greetings in the name of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ!

I want to thank the Lord for the message preached on the Lord's Day two weeks ago, 10 Jan 2010, entitled ‘Preach the Gospel’ (1 Cor 9:16). It was an encouraging message that provoked my heart to spread the word of the Gospel to the lost souls. More importantly, it reminded me that we must always yield to the Holy Spirit to guide us instead of leaning on our own strength when we are sharing the Word, for salvation is of the Lord.

I also want to thank God for FEBC for training and for raising bold and faithful men of God for the past decades. As I get to know more about the distorted teachings in many churches around the world today, I am disheartened. Yet, my heart is filled with thanksgiving for the sound doctrines that I have been receiving from Gethsemane BPC, which is blessed with preachers graduated from FEBC. As the court case of FEBC is commencing, I pray that the Lord will continue to grant wisdom and courage to His people during this time of trials. I pray with trust and confidence that the Lord will never suffer His people who stand firm on His truth and righteousness. The battle belongs to the Lord!

Psalm 55:16-22

¹⁶ As for me, I will call upon God; and the LORD shall save me.
¹⁷ Evening, and morning, and at noon, will I pray, and cry aloud: and he shall hear my voice.
¹⁸ He hath delivered my soul in peace from the battle that was against me: for there were many with me.
¹⁹ God shall hear, and afflict them, even he that abideth of old. Selah. Because they have no changes, therefore they fear not God.
²⁰ He hath put forth his hands against such as be at peace with him: he hath broken his covenant.
²¹ The words of his mouth were smoother than butter, but war was in his heart: his words were softer than oil, yet were they drawn swords.
²² Cast thy burden upon the LORD, and he shall sustain thee: he shall never suffer the righteous to be moved.

I would like to end my letter by sharing a portion of a hymn with you and I hope it would bring encouragement to you. I have been greatly blessed by the learning of the holy and precious Word of our Eternal God through your guidance.

Who is on the Lord’s Side? (selected stanzas)

^1. Who is on the Lord’s side? Who will serve the King? Who will be His helpers, other lives to bring? Who will leave the world’s side? Who will face the foe? Who is on the Lord’s side? Who for Him will go? By Thy call of mercy, by The grace divine, We are on the Lord’s side, Saviour, we are Thine!

^4. Fierce may be the conflict, strong may be the foe, But the King’s own army, none can overthrow; Round His standard ranging, victory is secure, For His truth unchanging makes the triumph sure. Joyfully enlisting, by Thy grace divine, We are on the Lord’s side, Saviour, we are Thine!

^5. Chosen to be soldiers in an alien land: Chosen, called, and faithful, for our Captain’s band; In the service royal let us not grow cold; Let us be right loyal, noble, true, and bold. Master, thou wilt keep us, by Thy grace divine, We are on the Lord’s side, Saviour, we are Thine!

All glory to God!

In Christ,

Poon 22 Jan 2010