From Living To Life Everlasting Series

From Living to Life

1 Peter Sermon Series, Part 9

1 Peter 3:13-22

Introduction

- Leading up to this AMAZING day we have covered three main points:

-- Three encouragements from Peter to the church on living fully for Christ

∆ - First, why is our testimony so important?

- v2:21, “To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps.”

-- We are called to remember what Christ went through and willingly follow!

-- Our testimony is all we have at the end of the day … and it MATTERS!

∆ - Second, why is does our testimony matter?

- Jesus is the ONLY one who is totally sinless (v2:22-23)

-- There was no deceit, no lie, and no sin that was committed by the Messiah

-- He was literally the perfect sacrifice of God; suitable for our redemption

-- His testimony before us is the guide; the plumb line; He is the STANDARD

∆ - Third, how do we live out our testimony in our relationships?

- We discussed our relationship with one another (husband and wife) (v3:1-7)

-- HUGE: Our spiritual health depends on how WE treat one another!

-- If we treat one another poorly in marriage, we will be off-center with God

- And we examined our relationships IN the church (with one another)

- Harmony within the body of Christ is necessary; it is commanded to us (v3:8)

- Challenge: Do you live your life with a closed first or an open hand?

-- This will greatly affect how you respond to those around you, even in church

-- Bless those who persecute, return love for anger, show grace to all we encounter

-- It is what the Bible commands that we do … plain and simple

- So then, how in the WORLD does all this relate to Easter morning?

- Read 1 Peter 3:13-22 / Pray

∆ Point 1 – From Living to the Cross (13-18)

- Peter implies for us who need things to be clear (v13), “What good comes from suffering and going through trials for Christ?”

- The answer might really surprise you (v14): So you’d be BLESSED!

-- APP: A believer (letter written to church) is to live above that nonsense for Christ!

- In these few lines there are four direct commands given to the believer today:

• Do not fear (v14) – God is in control

• Revere Christ (v15) – He is Holy

• Be prepared with gentleness and respect (v15b) – Don’t be a jerk

• Be clear minded, no malice, letting the judgment be God’s (v16) – Live intentional

- Now, what do we all want to know? “Why … why should I do this?”

-- APP: (v17) It is better to live with integrity for God than without Him!

- TRANS: What we are about to see is the PERFECT example of this

-- Too many think they have all this figured out … let’s see if we fall into this trap

∆ Point 2 – From the Cross to Death (18-20)

- Christ suffered once for YOUR sins, to pay the price owed by YOU (v18)

-- He was put to death for what you deserved to please God’s punishment

-- IMP: This is the ultimate definition of Grace (it’s NOT about your needs)

- His death was about fulfilling what God had always planned and required

-- Hebrews 9:22, “And according to the Law, one may almost say, all things are cleansed with blood, and without shedding of blood there is no forgiveness.”

- Now, when Jesus died, most people want to know: “What happened then?”

-- Raise your hand if you’ve ever wondered what happened after the cross?

-- Peter answers this for us in about as much detail as we would ever need

- Peter uses the word “pneumasin” (means: souls); some translate this as “spirits”

-- What is clear is Jesus went to preach to those waiting on His arrival … but …

-- He also preaches to those who were disobedient long ago (v20) (days of Noah)

- Acts 2:31 records that He went to “Hades” … but Hades is not hell

-- The word "Hades" refers to the realm of the dead, this is a temporary place

-- This is where many waited the resurrection of the Messiah promised in OT

- Revelation 20:11-15 gives us a clear distinction between the two:

-- Hell is the permanent and final place of judgment for the lost

-- Hades is a temporary place, a holding place to await Christ (not Purgatory)

-- APP: Purgatory is a false term created by the Catholics, does not exist

- When Christ's atonement for sin was completed, His Spirit restored fellowship