Lessons from Noah

Today, we will take a break from our sermon series that we are in, jumping over to first Peter chapter 3. We will be looking at some lessons that we can learn from Noah, with the backdrop of our baptisms earlier.

Read 1 Peter 3.18-22

1 Peter 3:18–22 NASB95

For Christ also died for sins once for all, the just for the unjust, so that He might bring us to God, having been put to death in the flesh, but made alive in the spirit; in which also He went and made proclamation to the spirits now in prison, who once were disobedient, when the patience of God kept waiting in the days of Noah, during the construction of the ark, in which a few, that is, eight persons, were brought safely through the water. Corresponding to that, baptism now saves you—not the removal of dirt from the flesh, but an appeal to God for a good conscience—through the resurrection of Jesus Christ, who is at the right hand of God, having gone into heaven, after angels and authorities and powers had been subjected to Him.

Christ’s Ministry

The section we just read actually parallels what Peter wrote about in 1 Peter 2:21–24 “For you have been called for this purpose, since Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example for you to follow in His steps, who committed no sin, nor was any deceit found in His mouth; and while being reviled, He did not revile in return; while suffering, He uttered no threats, but kept entrusting Himself to Him who judges righteously; and He Himself bore our sins in His body on the cross, so that we might die to sin and live to righteousness; for by His wounds you were healed.”

Right before verse 18, Peter talks about suffering for doing good. Now he gives the example of Christ. Christ allowed himself to be hanged for the purpose of dying so that he could bring us to God. Back in chapter 2. 24, we are told that he died as a substitute for us. He died for our sins, not for his, since he had none.

We recognize in verses 19 and 20, that when Jesus was between the death and resurrection, he made a special proclamation to the spirits that were in prison.

These spirits were most likely, not people, since Peter always referred to people as “souls;” plus whenever the New Testament uses the word “spirits,” it is used to describe angels or demons. The word for preached or proclamation is not the same word used to proclaim the gospel. Rather, it ismeaning to announce or to proclaim as a herald. Obviously, we don’t know exactly what was proclaimed. However, it could not have been a message a redemption, since angels cannot be saved. More than likely, it would have been a message of victory over Satan and his workers.

Since death comes when the spirit leaves the body, then resurrection happens when the spirit returns to the body. It is because of the resurrection that Christians have that living. Hope which Peter talked about in chapter 1. The resurrection declares that Jesus is God. It declares the work of salvation is completed and accepted by the father. It declares That death has been conquered.

The gospel message must include the resurrection. A dead savior cannot save anybody. It is the risen savior who gives us the power. We need for victory and service for our daily living.

In verse 22, the main point is that Peter is focusing on the fact that Christ has complete victory. As Christians, we realize that we don’t fight for victory, but we rather fight from victory. The reason is that Jesus Christ already has won the victory for us in his death, resurrection, and ascension.

Noah’s Ministry

There are similarities between Noah and Peter. They both were preachers of righteousness in very difficult times. The early Christians were also told that before Christ return, the world would become like “the days of Noah.” As they saw society all around falling apart, they must’ve been reminded of Christ words and Noah.

Noah is listed in Hebrews 11 in the Hall of Faith. He did the Will of God, even when the world and possibly he himself thought he was a failure. Here is an example that shows that we cannot measure faithfulness by results.

The other connection is that Peter saw in the flood a “picture or type” of a Christian’s experience in baptism. The early church practiced immersion, not because it’s the best or the only way, but because of the picture of our Lord’s death, burial, and resurrection.

For the people in the early church, baptism was a serious matter. It meant a clean break with the past. This would include separation from one’s family, friends, or job, if they were to be rejected. Baptism was not simply an initiation right to join the church. It was a point and a person’s life where they submitted themselves to baptism, and took that as a step of consecration, setting themselves apart for the Lord in a public manner.

The flood, pictures, death, burial, and resurrection. The waters buried the Earth in judgment, but lifted Noah’s family to safety. Sinners are saved by faith when they trust Jesus Christ as their savior. Peter was very careful to explain that the baptism did not save, it is a figure of that which does save us, namely ”the resurrection of Jesus Christ.” Water cannot remove the stains of sin, only the blood of Jesus can do that. However, we are told that baptism does save us from a bad conscience. In 3.16, Peter had already told them that a good conscience was important to be a successful witness. Part of a good conscience is being faithful to our commitment to Christ as expressed in baptism. When converts were prepared for baptism, they would be asked if they intended to obey God and serve him, and to break with their sinful past. If there would be reservations, there would be a bad conscience and they would end up denying the Lord. This is obviously something which Peter knew about.

Our Ministry

We should expect opposition. As we serve Christ and do good for him, this will bring on anger and attacks from ungodly people. We would be well to ask the question should we escape, if Jesus who was perfect suffered.

We are to serve God by faith and not trust in results. Noah was a servant of the Lord. Yet he saved only seven others. Jesus appeared to be a total failure. Yet God honored Noah. Christ death was also a supreme victory

All of us who have experienced baptism can be encouraged, because we are identified with Christ victory. It is a baptism of the spirit that identifies a believer with Christ. This is also pictured through water baptism.

Baptism is important. It publicly identifies us with Christ and gives witness that we have broken with the old life. And by the help of God, we will live a new life. The act of baptism is a pledge to God that we shall obey him.

Remember that Jesus Christ is the only savior. And the lost world needs to hear that gospel.

Friends, death ends the opportunity for salvation. We must become more and more concerned about sharing Jesus with all those with whom we come into contact.

Today, we have had individuals who have come before the church and shared what Jesus Christ has done in their lives. Our hearts were warmed to hear the testimony of God’s work of grace in each of their hearts. Praise God for willingness to publicly identify, in obedience to the Lord, that they belong to Jesus Christ, because they have accepted him previously as their Lord and Savior.Praise God for their public proclamation that their desire is to live for him and all that they say or do.