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1 Peter 3:18-22
We invite you to join us for worship each Sunday morning at 9:30. You can download our service on iTunes or tune in for “The Good Word” each day on AM 1230 WSAL or on Hoosier Country 103.7 FM just after 8am. One of the foundational doctrines of Scripture upon which we build our faith is the substitutionary atonement of Christ. It is not only proper for us to remember the awful price that our Lord paid to redeem us; it is also proper for us to remember that He suffered beyond anything we can possibly imagine. No matter how horrible we may consider it, we suffer only what we can bear! Even the suffering of a stone cold heart in rebellion and disobedience suffers only enough to break it for the purpose of it making it pliable in the hands of the Master Designer! Here Peter is making it very clear that suffering encountered by those true Christians who walk daily with the Lord is not punishment! In fact he is teaching us the exact opposite. Notice first:
THE REASON OF HIS SUFFERING! V. 18. The reason Christ suffered is clearly stated in verse 18 when Peter says, “that He might bring us to God.” Pay particular attention to the 4-pronged truth being taught here. The 1st truth is that it is Christ and Christ alone that makes salvation possible! Here is another crystal clear teaching that man has absolutely no part in obtaining his salvation – other than believing in the work Christ did to make salvation possible. The 2nd truth is all suffering is only temporary. The 3rd truth is that our way to heaven, which is our salvation, is guaranteed because Christ was victorious over sin. The 4th truth is that Christ suffered only once! Now let’s look at:
THE RESURRECTION FROM HIS SUFFERING! Through the inspiration of the Holy Spirit God is guiding Peter to help us understand how the resurrection of Christ is important to us in two ways: 1st, the resurrection guarantees that our suffering ends when we leave this world; and 2nd, it makes it possible for us to grow spiritually. Finally,
THE RESULT OF HIS SUFFERING! V. 22 Peter, and many other authors of Scripture, tell us that Christ is now at the right hand of God interceding for us. More than that the results of Christ’s suffering offer us some practical truths in daily living. 1st His suffering is an example to us. 2nd, He is *now exalted in heaven-v. 22. So the question becomes one of choice: are you choosing to exalt your self here now in this life; because in in your own mind your own way is better than God’s – and you deserve more recognition than you think He want you to have. My counsel to you is enjoy it, wallow in it, and enjoy it to the fullest – because on the day you draw your last breath your exultation is over forever. On the other hand you can choose to wait to be exalted by God. That means in this life you have to set yourself aside and focus on exalting Christ. Then when you draw your last breath your exultation begins and goes on forever! The catch is you cannot choose all of the above – you must choose now or later.
If we can help you answer your spiritual questions, call us at (574) 643-9419.
