Transformation through God's Word

No, I don't think there is any significance to the order Peter chose for this chapter, suffering for Christ right after marriage.

We have some direction in 1 Peter 3 on how to work together, to live together, to treat each other in marriage. Her way of getting my attention when I'm not following God is by submission and restraint. Peter is not saying that women normally talk, and so the way to bring your husband around is to not talk and thus he'll know something is wrong. That is not what he's saying. Look further. Peter also says that I am to be understanding to my wife, honoring her. Sometimes this instruction we've just received is easier than others. When it's easy, well...that's great. When we're frustrated that's another story. Peter's point here is that we should be concerned about what we are supposed to do. Let God get our spouse' attention if needed.

The next section is a little harder for me. I've been learning and doing better as a husband over the last few years. My wife would agree. But suffering without complaining...what is that all about. My life and background show that I don't do this. If I'm suffering, I complain, I moan, I complain, I buck the system, did I mention that I complain?

Though I think I've gotten a little better at this, it is still very hard for me. There are other passages where we are told to correct injustice (Isaiah 1:17; Prov 31:8-9; the list goes on). I like correcting. I get to point at someone and say 'hey...stop...what you're doing is wrong'. I look like the hero for standing up. But I am not the avenger, God is. ( Luke 18:7; Psalm 18:47; 2 Samuel 22:48; etc).

So, what should I do? Peter says to keep doing good, but do so with gentleness and respect. So that, (don't you love how the Bible gives direction, then tells you why, so you don't have to ask?)

So that, when you are slandered, those who revile your good behavior in Christ may be put to shame. Then he goes on to say that Christ suffered much more for us, and he didn't deserve it. So, we can just suck it up.