Wives Submit: God’s Design For Wives

Wives Submit To Your Husbands. Exactly what is the definition of submission, or subjection. This word actually comes from  a Greek military term meaning "to arrange [troop divisions] in a military fashion under the command of a leader." In non-military use, it was "a voluntary attitude of giving in, cooperating, assuming responsibility, and carrying a burden".

Notice two things. First, precept does not mean that all women submit to all men, in all areas of life. Paul clearly says in vs. 5:22,24 Therefore as the church is subject unto Christ, so let the wives be to their own husbands in every thing. It is not, nor was it ever a statement all women are to submit to all men or that men are somehow superior to women in all things. Anyone who is married realizes very quickly that in many, many, many, (is that enough, manys,) let me add a couple more, many, many ways, women are far superior to men. God created men and women for different roles in the family. We are studying instructions for the family, not for all of human society.  

Secondly, submission cannot possibly mean inferior. The Bible tells us in Philippians 2:5-8 Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God:  But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men:  And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.

Jesus submitted himself to God the father, was Jesus inferior to God? To believe that of course is blasphemy. God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit are all equally God, but each plays a different role in all aspects of creation, salvation and judgment. Men and women are equal in God’s eyes but within the family they have different God given, God defined roles.

1 Peter 3:1-6 Likewise, ye wives, be in subjection to your own husbands; that, if any obey not the word, they also may without the word be won by the conversation of the wives; While they behold your chaste conversation coupled with fear. Whose adorning let it not be that outward adorning of plaiting the hair, and of wearing of gold, or of putting on of apparel; But let it be the hidden man of the heart, in that which is not corruptible, even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price. For after this manner in the old time the holy women also, who trusted in God, adorned themselves, being in subjection unto their own husbands: Even as Sara obeyed Abraham, calling him lord: whose daughters ye are, as long as ye do well, and are not afraid with any amazement.

Why, then is it best for wives submit to their husbands? The reason is pretty straightforward, in order for the marriage to work or for anything to work, there must be a leader, God has designed the husband to be that leader of the family.

Does this mean husbands smarter than their wives and can better make decisions? Some of you wives need to quit smiling out there. No, in fact a wise husband discusses and shares with his wife and with his children before he making a decision but he also understands that God holds him accountable for overseeing and protecting his family.  Therefore, the final decision and final responsibility before God must be his.

How can a wife best submit to her husband? By expressing in both word and action an attitude of submission, honor and respect by remembering as Paul said, that it is also a reflection of her submission to Jesus Christ.

Let me just be honest with you, wives who have a problem with submission to their husbands will also have a problems submission to their Lord.