A Firm Faith for Tough Times

2. A Firm Faith for Tough Times

3. 1 Peter 3:1-7 A Faith that inspires us to love when it’s not easy

4. Scripture: Task List (Dump your distracting thoughts and “to do’s” here to help you stay focused.) Live as free men, but do not use your freedom as a cover-up for evil; live as servants of God. (1 Peter 2:16). Meditation Meditation: God’s first three words to Adam in the garden were – “You are free,” and ever since we have been struggling to use our freedom for the benefit of others and not ourselves. God has set me free in Christ, put me in a free nation so that I can serve, not be served. I lift up my hands to your commands, which I love, and I meditate on your decrees, (Psalm 119:48). Action Steps: • Find someone not like me • Identify a need • Feel free to meet the need!

5. 1 Peter 3:1-7 (NLT) 1 In the same way, you wives must accept the authority of your husbands. Then, even if some refuse to obey the Good News, your godly lives will speak to them without any words. They will be won over 2 by observing your pure and reverent lives.

6. 1 Peter 3:1-7 (NLT) 3 Don’t be concerned about the outward beauty of fancy hairstyles, expensive jewelry, or beautiful clothes. 4 You should clothe yourselves instead with the beauty that comes from within, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is so precious to God.

7. 1 Peter 3:1-7 (NLT) 5 This is how the holy women of old made themselves beautiful. They trusted God and accepted the authority of their husbands. 6 For instance, Sarah obeyed her husband, Abraham, and called him her master. You are her daughters when you do what is right without fear of what your husbands might do.

8. 1 Peter 3:1-7 (NLT) 7 In the same way, you husbands must give honor to your wives. Treat your wife with understanding as you live together. She may be weaker than you are, but she is your equal partner in God’s gift of new life. Treat her as you should so your prayers will not be hindered.

9. Tough Times Create Stress for couples

10. Marital Stress Points • Financial Strain/Bankruptcy • Death of a Child • Special Needs Child • Blended Family Relationships • In-Laws • Prolonged Illness • Religious Differences

11. Tough Times Can Strengthen Relationships Romans 5:3-4 (NLT)3 We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance. 4 And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation.

12. Life crisis can so overwhelm us as couples that we lose sight of caring for each other.

13. Cooperation and consideration–sustaining a strong marriage in the midst of the storm

14. The Marriage Dance Cooperation Consideration

15. A Word to Wives 1 Peter 3:1-2 (NLT)1 In the same way, you wives must accept the authority of your husbands. Then, even if some refuse to obey the Good News, your godly lives will speak to them without any words. They will be won over 2 by observing your pure and reverent lives.

16. Key Word • Hupatasso – “be submissive toward; accept the authority of; keep in step with; cooperate with”

17. Two Plans – One Purpose God’s Creation Plan God’s Redemptive Plan 1 Corinthians 11:3 (The Message)3 In a marriage relationship, there is authority from Christ to husband, and from husband to wife. The authority of Christ is the authority of God. Genesis 1:27-28 (NLT)27 So God created human beings in his own image. In the image of God he created them; male and female he created them. 28 Then God blessed them and said, “Be fruitful and multiply. Fill the earth and govern it. Reign over the fish in the sea, the birds in the sky, and all the animals that scurry along the ground.”

18. A husband’s authority is a delegated authority for which he is accountable before God. The purpose of his authority is to lead his marriage and family to reflect God’s image to the world. A husband’s authority is not a license to get his way on everything.

19. Express Cooperation by… • Follow the 80/20 Rule • Acknowledging His Efforts • Express Appreciation for What He Does • Work Together • Embrace the Influence Potential of Your Character over Words • If in Doubt – Ask, Don’t Assume You Know; Listen

20. Roadblocks to Cooperation • Fear • Past Failures • Selfishness • Attitude of Control

21. A Word to Husbands • 1 Peter 3:7 (RSV)7 Likewise you husbands, live considerately with your wives, bestowing honor on the woman

22. Key Word • gnosis – “understanding and knowledge of; consideration for”

23. Express Consideration by… • Expressing Praise for Who She Is and What She Has Done • Building Her Up and not Belittling • Including Her in Your Thoughts, Plans, Ideas • Supporting Her with the Kids • Value Her Input, Ideas, and Perspective • Avoid Temptation NOT to Talk • If in Doubt – ASK, Be a Student of Your Wife

24. Relationship – The Context for Life Genesis 1:26 Then God said, “Let us make…”

25. African Proverb If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.

26. You can make the right decision in the wrong manner thereby destroying the potential of the idea and damaging those around you in the process.

27. “Weaker” • Is not a Character Flaw • Speaks to the Manner in Which We Handle Her with Words, Attitudes, and Actions • She Is Like Crystal, not Buffalo China

28. We can grow through tough times as couples when we choose to operate with cooperation and consideration as expressions of love for one another.

29. The Marriage Dance Cooperation Consideration