ICS Daily Devotions
Renewed Mind, Transformed Life
1 Pet 3:1-8 Wives, likewise, be submissive to your own husbands, that even if some do not obey the word, they, without a word, may be won by the conduct of their wives,2 when they observe your chaste conduct accompanied by fear.3 Do not let your adornment be merely outward—arranging the hair, wearing gold, or putting on fine apparel—4 rather let it be the hidden person of the heart, with the incorruptible beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is very precious in the sight of God.5 For in this manner, in former times, the holy women who trusted in God also adorned themselves, being submissive to their own husbands,6 as Sarah obeyed Abraham, calling him lord, whose daughters you are if you do good and are not afraid with any terror. 7 Husbands, likewise, dwell with them with understanding, giving honor to the wife, as to the weaker vessel, and as being heirs together of the grace of life that your prayers may not be hindered. 8Finally, all of you be of one mind, having compassion for one another; love as brothers, be tenderhearted, be courteous.
This passage was originally written to instruct women who accepted the Lord after they were married. Like them, if we have an unbelieving spouse, we cannot demand him or her to apply biblical values and principles. Therefore, it is the responsibility of the believing spouse to lead such a transformed life that our behaviour speaks of God’s love and transformation power, glorifying the Lord so that our spouse can see Christ in us. However, if a believing husband or wife has not grown spiritually, he or she will still behave in a carnal manner just like anyone in the world who is not saved, rather than living out the new life in Christ, because the mind is not renewed.
Life is very different before and after we receive Christ into our lives, and the whole idea of marriage as a Christian is very different from the world’s. There is a lot of renewal of the mind to be done the moment we receive Christ into our lives because things do not change immediately nor do we walk in the newness of life automatically. Therefore, if we aim to have a life that is blessed and enviable then there is an urgency for us to begin to walk in it.
2 Cor 5:17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.
Sermon Series: Divorce Paper
