The Gospel of Christ is the power of God unto salvation. Many people refuse to acknowledge God and they hold the truth in unrighteousness. Some think they lead good lives whilst they judge others. We can all very easily do this.

Last week's sermon was about the submission of wives to their husbands and that was seen as a picture of the Church's submission to Christ. Today's sermon is an exhortation to husbands to demonstrate the love of Christ in their love for their wives.

The blessings of Gospel grace impact on daily living. So it is that the Apostle Peter exhorted all who have been set free by the word of God to live it out. In a pagan home, the conversion of a wife to Christ would have been seen as an act of rebellion. However, if she was seen to continue to be submissive, that would have been a good witness. Submission does not in any sense imply inferiority.

Man stealing is wrong in God's sight. The Bible does not promote the slave trade; to do so would be a violation of the commandment to love your neighbour as yourself. However, the Bible does deal with the world as it is. In first Peter we find instructions for how slaves should live out their Christian faith.