Encouragement in Christ’s Victory

Surviving Times of Suffering

1 Peter 3:18-22

We can rejoice even in hardships because we see Christ’s .

These verses are an encouragement to people who are, in all likelihood, going to be suffering unjust treatment from human authorities.  Peter tells them that Jesus suffered in the same way and so why should they think they’d be any different.  Standing behind these human authorities are dark spiritual authorities and Peter wants to remind his readers that these unseen spiritual powers have already received notice that they have been conquered by Jesus’ death and resurrection.

1.   The Death of Christ (v. 18)

Acts 3:14

1 Peter 2:24

Because of the work of Christ on the cross, we now have an open access to God and His amazing grace to meet .

Matthew 27:51

“God weeps with us so that we may someday laugh with him.” -Jurgen Moltmann

2.   The Proclamation of Christ (vv. 19, 20)

These authorities have received notice that Jesus has .

3.   The Resurrection of Christ (v. 21)

Romans 6:3, 4

Baptism is symbolic of the fact that you already know the .

“In the truest sense, Christian pilgrims have the best of both worlds. We have joy whenever this world reminds us of the next, and we take solace whenever it does not.”  – C. S. Lewis

Revelation 21

4.   The ascension of Christ (v. 22)

Forty days after His resurrection, Jesus ascended to heaven to sit at the right hand of the Father, the place of exaltation and we, as believers, are in the heavenlies.

Acts 1:9-11

Hebrews 7:25

Philippians 2:9-11

Ephesians 1:19-21

Ephesians 2:6

For our lives:

We should .

Believer’s baptism .

Return daily to the reality that baptism represents: the cleansing power of the Holy Spirit, who is also the source of power for .

Jesus is the only Savior, and the lost world .

Daily Meditations

Memory verse: “For Christ also suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring you to God. He was put to death in the body but made alive in the Spirit.” 1 Peter 3:18

Monday
Read 1 Peter 3:8-22.  What seems to be the overall point of 3:8-22?

What did Peter say about Christ’s death in verse 18?  Why did Christ die?

Tuesday
Read 1 Peter 3:18-22 and Romans 6:3-7.  1 Peter 1:21 says that baptism saves you by embodying your “pledge of a good conscience toward God.”  In this pledge, baptism involves you in Jesus’ resurrection.  According to the Romans passage, how does baptism identify you with Jesus’ resurrection?

How does baptism appeal to God for a good conscience?

Wednesday
Read 1 Peter 3:18-22.  According to verses 19 and 20, through whom and to whom did Christ preach?

Thursday
Read 1 Peter 3:18-22.  What do the flood waters from which Noah and his family were saved say to us?  See especially verse 21.

According to verse 21, how are we saved?

Friday
Read 1 Peter 3:18-22.  According to verses 20 and 21, Noah’s experience foreshadowed Christian baptism. How is baptism like Noah’s adventure?

How has Christ’s death and resurrection changed your life?

Saturday
Read 1 Peter 3:18-22.  Where did Christ go after His resurrection according to verse 22?

How does Christ’s place of authority at God’s right hand make you feel about your relationship with Him?