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Leader Guide for Lesson 7

  1. What are some issues involved and questions raised in the matter of a Christian wife being submitted to an unbelieving husband (3:1)?

    2. What if he forbids her to attend church services? What if he is abusive? What about influence on the children? Can she ask other men to influence him?

  2. How difficult is it to resist using words when trying to convince an unbelieving spouse? Why is one's lifestyle more convincing than words?

    3. We sometimes think that words will convince, especially when we are frustrated. Lifestyle shows that you really believe what you say.

  3. How is the emphasis away from appearance and toward inner beauty difficult in a society that stresses outward appearance?

    4. This inner beauty does not get promoted on TV commercials or in magazines. It has to come from conviction.

  4. What can husbands do to encourage their wives about their appearance and about the greater importance of their inner spirit?

    5. Compliment their wives on their appearance. Encourage their wives' spiritual growth and help it happen. Be examples of those who place greater value on inner, spiritual worth.

  5. How comfortable are wives today, including Christian wives, with seeing their husbands as "master" or "head of the household" (3:6)?

    6. The idea has come under fire, but many women long for husbands who will be godly leaders in the home.

  6. How important is it to a man that he is respected by his wife?

    7. It is a basic need for men. Paul addresses it in Ephesians 5:22-23, 33. He needs to be respected and the wife needs to give him respect. He will grow as he is respected.

  7. What does it mean for a husband to be considerate toward his wife (3:7)?

    8. Be aware of how he comes across to her. Be considerate of her and interested in her ideas and activities. Seek to understand her and appreciate how she is different. It can be an opportunity for the husband to grow.

  8. How is a woman a weaker partner (or weaker vessel, 3:7)?

    9. A woman's emotions are usually more deeply felt and more easily expressed. She may not have the physical strength of a man but may have more endurance in what she does.

  9. When have you seen a poor husband-wife relationship hinder that couple's spiritual life (3:7)?

People may know of such cases or have experienced it themselves.

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