1 Peter 2 v 21 - 3 v 7 (23rd April 2010)

[You can read the passage here]

As was correctly pointed out, the role of submission does not mean a person is inferior in anyway… we are called to submit to one another, submit to the authorities, and just as Christ is one and equal to the Father, our Lord chose to submit to the Father. As such the call to submit to one’s husband should be viewed as a different role responsibility.

Men are to be considerate to their wives and to treat them with respect. In Eph 5:25, they are to love their wives just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her. It is a call, a responsibility not an option. It is agape love, we have to love whether she is lovable or not. Differentiate that to the world view of Eros love.. which is based on feelings, emotions and subject to ups and downs.

Both must play their role in God’s blueprint to enjoy the full blessings that God intended. Even if one of the spouse is an unbeliever as noted in 1Pet 3:1, it will provide some stability in the marriage and may also win over the heart of the unbelieving spouse.

On the issue of abusive spouse, it may be beyond the scope of the passage. The victim should seek temporary shelter and professional help sought. There are trained Christian counselors who are better equipped to tackle such issues.

(prepared by Jit Boon)

1 Peter 2 v 18 - 20 (9th April 2010)

[Your can read the passage here]

1 Peter reminds the Christians (which applies to us, of course) that while we are believers in a hostile world, we are God's chosen people and should live to declare his wonderful praises to all. Peter goes on to pretty practical stuffs and talked about how we should respond first to the authorities. During the study, we looked at how we should respond to our 'masters' - employers.

Here's a quick summary of the study:-

• who? we are to submit to our masters, good or bad

• why? this is commendable and because we are conscious of God. Keep in mind that watever we do, we do it as if we are doing it for God

• how? with all respect. God placed us in our jobs

• what makes us different from non-christians who also submit? we do it to please God, not just 'eye-service'

• But do we do everything? no, as Peter talks about us being 'beaten' for doing good.

• it is commendable if we suffer for doing good - so while we submit to our employers, we draw the line if it does not please God

• finally, we considered the option of staying on to make a change/difference or moving on. we need God's wisdom and guidance on this.