1. 

Read v. 18 along with 1 Corinthians 11:3.  Paul could have stopped at saying, “Wives, submit to your husbands.”  Yet, why do you think Paul added the qualifying statement: “as is fitting in the Lord”? (1Cor 7:32-35)

** He added this to state the purpose of submission, that is, to serve the Lord in an orderly way.  

Submission does not mean subjugation or slavery. Rather it is a voluntary act, not only out of reverence for the husband but also for the Lord. 

The application of this command is limited to a Christian family where a husband and a wife are both believers. 

2. 

Read v. 19 and compare this passage with Ephesians 5:25-32.  What does this comparison show us about the way for husbands to obey these commands?

**A husband can obey this command when he himself is deeply committed to the Lord and experiences Christ’s love in person. Otherwise he will be like a battery which is worn out, rendering it impossible for him to love his wife.

3.

Read v. 20.  Is it possible to please one’s parents and not please the Lord, if one’s parents are not yielded to the Lord?  Why?  

** Yes.

** The phrase “in everything” describes the “measure” of obedience, but the expression “for this pleases the Lord” talks about the “motive” of obedience. Matthew 10:37

4. 

Read v. 21. Think about the ways in which fathers (which also can be translated as ‘parents’ as it is in Hebrew 11:23) embitter their children.  Why do you think Paul says, “or they will become discouraged”?  (Mark 9:37, 10:14)   

** Too often their parents automatically say “No” when their children ask for something, and they do so without even explaining why. 

** The word “no” could be “no” to their coming to Christ Jesus, for it is Christ Jesus who encourages everyone, especially little ones to overcome weaknesses and grow strong in Jesus’ loving grace and truth.

5. 

Read vs. 22-24.  Slavery was an established institution in Paul’s day. Why didn’t the church of that day openly oppose it? (John 8:32-34; 1Cor 7:20-22)

** It is because what really counts for man’s life is spiritual freedom from the power of sin and Satan, not political (or legal) freedom from human regulations. 

6.

Read 3:22-24 again.  In our society we do not have slaves.  Yet, what spiritual applications can employees learn from the following statements: 

“obey your earthly masters in everything”; 

“and do it, not only when their eye is on you and to win their favor, but with sincerity of heart and reverence for the Lord; 

“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men”; 

“since you know you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward”;  

 “It is the Lord Christ you are serving”; 

 “Anyone who does wrong will be repaid for his wrong”; and 

“There is no favoritism”? 

** This passage also assumes that the master is a member of the church, so that the employee is not supposed to obey the master’s command to do what is illegal like cheating in regards to the financial condition of the company. 

Having said this, Paul’s instructions tell us that we are to fulfill our duties as employees just as we serve the Lord, not visible people, who are above us. By doing so we can exercise good influence to employers as well. 

7.

Read 4:1. This passage says that because the masters of this world have a Master in heaven, they ought to provide those under them with what is right and fair.  Why? (Eph 6:9)  

** The Master refers to Jesus Christ, and He is not only the Master of employees but also the Master of the employers, signifying that if human masters are not doing what is right and fair, they are already sinning against the Lord himself.