(1 Peter 3:8-12)
June 29, 2025
Dr. Mark S. Hartman, Lead Pastor – SCBC
Genesis 2:24 Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife; and they shall be one flesh.
1.DEEPEN YOUR FRIENDSHIP.
A.1 Peter 3:8 Finally, all of you, be of one mind; be sympathetic, love like a friend, be compassionate and humble.
Application #1 – Choose less stuff and more moments.
B.Friendship expresses compassion for each other.
The word compassion means to feel what another feels, to understand and identify with another.
C.Friendship expresses a tender heart.
1.1 Peter 3:8 Finally, be you all of one mind, having compassion one of another, love as brethren, be pitiful, be courteous. (KJV)
2.Tenderhearted – to be sensitive and affectionate toward the needs of your mate.
Application #2 – In moments that call for comfort, encouragement, you don’t have to solve the problems. Just be there.
E.Friendship expresses courtesy.
To place your mate’s needs above yourself.
Application #3 – Treat your spouse better than you treat anyone else, even yourself.
2.LEARN TO RESPOND BETTER IN HURTFUL TIMES. (1 Peter 3:9-11)
A.1 Peter 3:10 If you do (respond better), you will love life and see good days.
B.Control your response to disappointment and hurt.
1.1 Peter 3:9 Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult, but with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing.
2.James 1:19-20 My dear brothers and sisters, be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to get angry. 20 Your anger can never make things right in God's sight. (NLT)
3.Proverbs 15:1 A soft answer turns away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger.
Application # 4 – Create a plan for handling conflict with your spouse. (1 Peter 3:11)
1 Peter 3:11 You must turn from evil and do good; you must seek peace and pursue it. (NIV)
1.Calm down.
2.Seek peace. Find a solution in which you both win.
3.Agree on the majors and give space on the minors. Most things are minors.
1 Peter 4:8 Love covers a multitude of sins.
4.March at the head of the other's parade.
5.Don't just talk about problems.
6.Make time to have fun and be in the moment.
3.PRACTICE GOD'S PRESENCE IN YOUR HOME. (1 Peter 3:12)
1 Peter 3:12 For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous and His ears are attentive to their prayer… (NIV)
Application #5 – God sees, God hears, and we care about what He sees and hears."