Understanding Suffering and the Power of Baptism
Summary
### Summary
Good morning, everyone. Today, we continue our series in the book of 1 Peter, focusing on the theme of suffering and its significance in our Christian walk. Last week, we discussed how suffering makes us more like Jesus, and today, we delve deeper into the suffering of Jesus Himself, particularly what happened between Good Friday and Easter Sunday.
We began by reading 1 Peter 3:18-22, which speaks about Christ's suffering, death, and resurrection. Jesus suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring us to God. His death was a one-time, all-sufficient sacrifice, unlike the repeated sacrifices of the Old Testament. This passage also raises intriguing questions about where Jesus was between His death and resurrection. Did He experience soul sleep, or was He active in some way?
The scripture tells us that Jesus, after His death, went and proclaimed to the spirits in prison. This has led to various interpretations. One view is that Jesus preached to the human spirits who had died in the Old Testament, offering them the good news. Another interpretation is that He proclaimed His victory to fallen angels, the supernatural beings who had disobeyed God. Regardless of the audience, the message was the same: "It is finished, you are finished, and I am Lord."
We also discussed the significance of baptism, which corresponds to the days of Noah and the resurrection of Jesus. Baptism symbolizes death, judgment, and new life. While it is not mandatory for salvation, it is essential for a good conscience. Baptism publicly declares our faith and shuts the door to doubt, guilt, and lies from the enemy.
In conclusion, we had a live baptism to illustrate the importance of having a good conscience before God. Baptism is a powerful act that affirms our faith and cleanses our conscience, allowing us to live confidently in our relationship with God.
### Key Takeaways
1. The Significance of Suffering: Suffering is an integral part of the Christian journey. Just as Jesus suffered, we too must endure hardships to become more like Him. Suffering refines our faith and draws us closer to God, making us more resilient and compassionate. [34:00]
2. Jesus' Mission Between Death and Resurrection: After His death, Jesus went on a preaching mission to the spirits in prison. This act signifies His victory over death and His proclamation of triumph to both human spirits and fallen angels. It underscores the completeness of His redemptive work. [44:00]
3. The One-Time Sacrifice of Jesus: Unlike the repeated sacrifices of the Old Testament, Jesus' sacrifice was once and for all. His death on the cross was sufficient to atone for all sins, making it unnecessary for any further sacrifices. This highlights the finality and sufficiency of Christ's atonement. [39:28]
4. The Role of Baptism: Baptism is not just a ritual but a profound act that symbolizes death, judgment, and new life. It is essential for a good conscience, publicly declaring our faith and shutting the door to doubt and lies from the enemy. While not mandatory for salvation, it is crucial for spiritual assurance. [55:06]
5. Living with a Good Conscience: A good conscience is vital for a healthy spiritual life. Baptism helps in achieving this by publicly affirming our faith, thereby eliminating doubts and opening the door to a confident relationship with God. It is a step that solidifies our commitment and cleanses our conscience. [01:04:18]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[33:17] - Introduction to 1 Peter Series
[34:00] - The Theology of Suffering
[34:55] - The Day Before Easter
[35:48] - Where Did Jesus Go?
[36:31] - Reading 1 Peter 3:18-22
[37:45] - Jesus' Death and Burial
[39:28] - The One-Time Sacrifice
[40:56] - Jesus Bringing Us to God
[42:32] - Jesus Preaching to Spirits in Prison
[44:00] - Interpretations of Jesus' Preaching
[45:24] - Faith in the Old Testament
[46:42] - Credit and Debit Faith
[48:15] - Abraham's Bosom and Hades
[49:38] - Jesus' Message to Spirits
[50:56] - Fallen Angels in Chains
[52:28] - Jesus' Proclamation of Victory
[53:56] - Baptism and Good Conscience
[55:06] - Addressing Baptismal Regeneration
[57:39] - The Importance of Context
[59:29] - Baptism Corresponding to Noah's Days
[01:01:09] - Metaphors of the Ark and Baptism
[01:02:35] - The Danger of Proof Texts
[01:04:18] - Baptism for a Good Conscience
[01:05:50] - Live Baptism Ceremony
[01:09:01] - Invitation for Baptism and Ministry
Study Guide
### Bible Reading
1. 1 Peter 3:18-22: "For Christ also suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh but made alive in the spirit, in which he went and proclaimed to the spirits in prison, because they formerly did not obey, when God's patience waited in the days of Noah, while the ark was being prepared, in which a few, that is, eight persons, were brought safely through water. Baptism, which corresponds to this, now saves you, not as a removal of dirt from the body but as an appeal to God for a good conscience, through the resurrection of Jesus Christ, who has gone into heaven and is at the right hand of God, with angels, authorities, and powers having been subjected to him."
### Observation Questions
1. What does 1 Peter 3:18 say about the purpose of Christ's suffering? ([36:31])
2. According to the sermon, what are the two primary interpretations of Jesus preaching to the spirits in prison? ([44:00])
3. How does the sermon describe the significance of baptism in relation to Noah's days? ([57:39])
4. What does the pastor say about the role of baptism in achieving a good conscience? ([01:04:18])
### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the concept of Jesus' one-time sacrifice contrast with the repeated sacrifices of the Old Testament? ([39:28])
2. What might be the implications of Jesus proclaiming victory to the spirits in prison, whether they are human spirits or fallen angels? ([52:28])
3. How does the metaphor of Noah's Ark help us understand the significance of baptism in the Christian faith? ([59:29])
4. Why is having a good conscience important for a believer, according to the sermon? ([01:04:18])
### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you experienced suffering. How did it shape your faith and bring you closer to God? ([34:00])
2. How can you apply the understanding of Jesus' one-time sacrifice to your daily life, especially when you feel burdened by guilt or sin? ([39:28])
3. Have you ever struggled with doubts about your faith? How might the act of baptism help in solidifying your commitment and clearing those doubts? ([01:04:18])
4. In what ways can you publicly declare your faith, similar to how baptism serves as a public declaration? ([55:06])
5. How can you ensure that you maintain a good conscience in your daily walk with God? Are there specific actions or practices you can adopt? ([01:04:18])
6. Think about the message of victory that Jesus proclaimed. How can you live out this victory in your own life, especially in challenging times? ([52:28])
7. How can you support others in your community who are preparing for baptism or struggling with their faith? What practical steps can you take to encourage them? ([01:07:12])
Devotional
Day 1: The Refining Power of Suffering
Suffering is an integral part of the Christian journey. Just as Jesus suffered, we too must endure hardships to become more like Him. Suffering refines our faith and draws us closer to God, making us more resilient and compassionate. When we face trials, we are given the opportunity to rely on God's strength and wisdom, rather than our own. This process of refinement helps us to develop a deeper, more intimate relationship with God, and to grow in our spiritual maturity.
In 1 Peter 3:18-22, we see that Jesus' suffering was purposeful and redemptive. His death on the cross was a one-time, all-sufficient sacrifice for our sins. As we endure our own sufferings, we can take comfort in knowing that Jesus understands our pain and is with us every step of the way. Our suffering is not in vain; it has a purpose in God's greater plan for our lives. [34:00]
1 Peter 1:6-7 (ESV): "In this you rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials, so that the tested genuineness of your faith—more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire—may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ."
Reflection: Think of a recent trial or hardship you have faced. How did it help you grow in your faith and draw closer to God? What can you do today to embrace suffering as a means of spiritual growth?
Day 2: Jesus' Proclamation of Victory
After His death, Jesus went on a preaching mission to the spirits in prison. This act signifies His victory over death and His proclamation of triumph to both human spirits and fallen angels. It underscores the completeness of His redemptive work. By proclaiming His victory, Jesus demonstrated that He has authority over all creation, including the spiritual realm. This victory assures us that no power, whether human or supernatural, can separate us from the love of God.
This passage in 1 Peter 3:18-22 raises intriguing questions about where Jesus was between His death and resurrection. Some interpretations suggest that Jesus preached to the human spirits who had died in the Old Testament, offering them the good news. Others believe He proclaimed His victory to fallen angels. Regardless of the audience, the message was clear: "It is finished, you are finished, and I am Lord." [44:00]
Colossians 2:15 (ESV): "He disarmed the rulers and authorities and put them to open shame, by triumphing over them in him."
Reflection: Reflect on the victory of Jesus over death and the spiritual forces of evil. How does this assurance of His triumph impact your daily life and your confidence in facing spiritual battles?
Day 3: The Finality of Christ's Sacrifice
Unlike the repeated sacrifices of the Old Testament, Jesus' sacrifice was once and for all. His death on the cross was sufficient to atone for all sins, making it unnecessary for any further sacrifices. This highlights the finality and sufficiency of Christ's atonement. We no longer need to rely on our own efforts or rituals to be made right with God; Jesus' sacrifice has accomplished everything needed for our salvation.
This truth is emphasized in 1 Peter 3:18-22, where it is stated that Jesus suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring us to God. His death was a one-time, all-sufficient sacrifice, unlike the repeated sacrifices of the Old Testament. This finality of Christ's sacrifice gives us confidence in our salvation and frees us from the burden of trying to earn God's favor through our own efforts. [39:28]
Hebrews 10:10 (ESV): "And by that will we have been sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all."
Reflection: How does understanding the finality and sufficiency of Christ's sacrifice change the way you approach your relationship with God? What can you do today to rest in the assurance of His completed work?
Day 4: The Symbolism of Baptism
Baptism is not just a ritual but a profound act that symbolizes death, judgment, and new life. It is essential for a good conscience, publicly declaring our faith and shutting the door to doubt and lies from the enemy. While not mandatory for salvation, it is crucial for spiritual assurance. Baptism serves as a powerful reminder of our identification with Christ's death, burial, and resurrection, and it marks the beginning of our new life in Him.
In 1 Peter 3:18-22, baptism is linked to the days of Noah and the resurrection of Jesus. Just as Noah and his family were saved through water, baptism symbolizes our salvation through Christ. It is a public declaration of our faith and a step of obedience that strengthens our conscience and affirms our commitment to follow Jesus. [55:06]
Romans 6:4 (ESV): "We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life."
Reflection: If you have been baptized, reflect on the significance of that moment in your spiritual journey. If you have not been baptized, consider what is holding you back and how taking this step could strengthen your faith and conscience.
Day 5: Living with a Good Conscience
A good conscience is vital for a healthy spiritual life. Baptism helps in achieving this by publicly affirming our faith, thereby eliminating doubts and opening the door to a confident relationship with God. It is a step that solidifies our commitment and cleanses our conscience. Living with a good conscience means being at peace with God and ourselves, knowing that we are walking in obedience to His will.
In 1 Peter 3:18-22, the importance of a good conscience is highlighted in the context of baptism. By publicly declaring our faith through baptism, we shut the door to doubt, guilt, and lies from the enemy. This act of obedience helps us to live confidently in our relationship with God, free from the burden of a guilty conscience. [01:04:18]
1 Timothy 1:5 (ESV): "The aim of our charge is love that issues from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith."
Reflection: Examine your conscience today. Are there areas where you feel guilt or doubt? How can you take steps to address these issues and live with a clear and confident conscience before God?
Quotes
1. "Last week, I shared with you a message called It's Better. And essentially, it is better that you and I go through times of suffering. Listen, on the surface, we don't see it as better. But the truth of the matter is, when you and I go through times of suffering, we are more like Jesus. And so it is better. I shared with you a thought last week, and that is that hypocrisy is following a God who endured suffering, but it's blaming a God who allows suffering. And so if you and I are going to follow Jesus, then we have to know what it's like to suffer." [34:00] (29 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "Jesus suffered. Jesus suffered humiliation on a cross for you and for me. I want to share with you a message this morning entitled, The Day Before Easter. The Day Before Easter. You know, we celebrate Easter every year. We celebrate Good Friday every year. On Good Friday, it is we are talking about the cross. And we are celebrating the fact that Jesus died. And then we ramp it up on that Sunday and we celebrate Easter. But what happened between Good Friday and Easter morning? What happened? Where did Jesus go? Was Jesus asleep in the tomb? Did he experience some soul sleep? Did he, listen, did his spirit go to heaven and then come back to the earth? Where was Jesus between the cross and the resurrection?" [34:55] (61 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "Notice what verse 18 says, for Christ also suffered. Now, make note of the fact that it says also suffered. So, what does the Bible mean when it says also suffered? It means somebody else has to suffer. So, who is the also talking about? Us. Christ also suffered. Because prior to this passage, it talks about us suffering. So, Christ also suffered. Now, I want you to see, it says Christ also suffered once. Christ also suffered once. What is that talking about? And so, throughout the Old Testament and the times of the tabernacle and the temple, the high priest would go in before the people and he would make a sacrificial offering, the Day of Atonement, one time a year." [39:28] (50 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "The Bible says this, Christ also suffered once. It's a one and done deal. No longer do you have to go into the temple to make sacrifices because Christ also suffered once. Notice what else it says. He suffered for sins. The righteous, for the unrighteous. What does righteous mean? Righteous means to be right. Unrighteous means to not be right. So, the Bible says that God is right and you and I are not right. I want you to look at somebody and say, you ain't right. You ain't right. Right? You ain't right. Listen, there's one who's right and all of us, we ain't right. And so, the Bible says the one who was right, he suffered once. For those who ain't right. The righteous for the unrighteous." [39:28] (56 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "The Bible says he went to bring us to God. The Holy Spirit brings us to Jesus. Amen, church? But the Bible says he suffered once for sins. The righteous for the unrighteous. That he might bring us, to carry us, to transport us to God. Notice what it says. He was put to death in the flesh. His body died. But he was made alive in the Spirit. His flesh died. But he lived in the Spirit. First of all, we see Jesus' death. Secondly, we see Jesus' burial in this passage. We just see his burial. Notice what it says. For Christ also suffered for sins, the righteous, the right for the unright, that he might bring us to God. Being put to death in the flesh, but being made alive in the Spirit." [40:56] (56 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
6. "So, what did Jesus do? The moment the veil of the temple was torn in two, the moment darkness covered the earth, right? Where did Jesus go? The Bible says he went and he preached to the spirits in prison. Are y'all tracking with me? Now, here's the thing. I don't ever want to say that I'm a master of the scriptures. I always want to be a student of the scriptures. And I've done what I feel like is due diligence to try to understand what exactly is this talking about? Now, you could go and do your own research, and there are a variety of different understandings and interpretations. So, what I want to do is I want to try to take two of the two primary interpretations, okay?" [44:00] (49 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
7. "But the message would have been the same. It doesn't matter who Jesus, listen, it didn't matter who Jesus' audience was. Jesus was a one-man message. And here's what he said. It is finished, you are finished, and I am Lord. That's what Jesus said. Amen. Everything you believed, it, is finished. The bell of the temple is torn in two, and so he probably went to those who were righteous, and he said, guys, get ready, because in a couple of days, we're leading a victory out of here. We're leaving from this place, and we're out of here. We're busting through, because it is finished. You are finished. And if he would have spoken to the demons, he would have said, and you are vanquished. You don't have power anymore, and I am Lord." [52:28] (41 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
8. "So, Jesus, after he died, listen to me, he was sent on a mission, and not even death could keep Jesus from preaching the good news. What are our obstacles? You know what? They won't receive it. You know what? They won't listen. You know what? I'll upset them. Death couldn't keep Jesus from preaching the and he did it to the spirits in prison. You want to know where Jesus was? He was on a preaching assignment. That's where Jesus was. He was preaching the good news. Jesus was doing the same thing, just like he did on earth. He was preaching. The good news. That's where Jesus was, between Easter and between the cross." [52:28] (44 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
9. "It is dangerous when we build our theology on one passage of scripture, church, is what I'm telling you. Amen? Let's be students of the entire Bible, not our preferences, not what our mom taught us, not what we learned in Sunday school. Let's study the scriptures ourselves. So I want you to see something, though. I want you to see something. Go back to this passage because I want you to see the value. So listen to me. It's not mandatory. It's not mandatory. Not mandatory, but it is essential. It is necessary. Not mandatory. You can go to heaven, but it is necessary." [01:02:35] (45 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
10. "Without baptism you leave room for doubt when you leave room for doubt you open doors when you open doors you know what doors come in those open doors doors called lies the enemy will always bring lies he will always say god doesn't love you listen to me you're not good enough you've messed up too much you're defined by your past he'll bring guilt he'll bring shame he'll bring condemnation but you and i want a good conscience so how do we make sure that we have a good conscience it's through baptism it shuts those doors you don't have to worry about am i believe am i believer do i know jesus does god love me no you went faith you went public with your faith and now you have a good conscience not a seared conscience not a bruised conscience not a doubting conscience you have a good conscience you have a good conscience you and i we want a good conscience that's what you and i want all of us wants a good conscience every single one of us" [01:04:18] (64 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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