The Pattern of Proclamation (1 Peter 3:18-22)

The Pattern of Proclamation 1 Peter 3:18-22 Introduction • Peter has been addressing the reality of suffering at the hands of professing believers and unbelievers. • Peter’s thesis, demonstrated both verbally and structurally is this – suffering for good makes us powerful witnesses. • Now, Peter is going to prove the thesis for us by taking us to the heart of faith – Suffering unto Proclamation lies at the heart of a godly faith. And it’s a pattern as old as time. • Peter’s 5 Proofs for Godly Proclamation. Christ is the Essence of Christianity (3:18) • “For” hearkens back to the point just being made. Peter is about to establish a point that’s more than exemplary, it’s the essence of our religions. • Christ suffered because of sins on behalf of unrighteous people. • Jesus suffered at the hands of sinners for the benefit of sinners; sin caused His death but created the cure. Christ paved the way to life through death; salvation through suffering. • Every other hard saying in the passage to follow relates to this central point – Suffering unto proclamation is the God-ordained way to life. Slow and Small is the Rule (3:19-20) • Jesus has been preaching through the voice his preachers for a very long time: 1. The “in which” is a reference to a person, namely the Spirit, not to a time (as in the NIV). 2. “Spirits in prison” also does not give a time reference. I would like to suggest the following understanding, “in the Spirit, back in the days of Noah, Jesus preached to spirits who are now in prison because of their disobedience so long ago.” • • Jesus’s proclamation through Noah had very little obvious effect at the time – only 8 people and only family. God waited patiently – it likely took Noah 50-75 years to build the ark. Baptism is an Example of the Pattern (3:21) • Peter is drawing a modern parallel to the example (an exemplary type) of suffering unto proclamation – Baptism, a public proclamation of faith in Christ, fits the broader pattern of Christological suffering symbolized in the past by Noah. • Peter understands the danger of his statement – so he says, “not for the removal of dirt.” He’s not talking about a ceremony, but a disposition of spirit – an appeal to God from the conscience symbolized in the baptismal act. Suffering is in the Almighty’s Hand (3:22) • Peter points out that although Christ suffered, he was in control of the entire process. • All the powers that might hurt you are no powers at all – they’re all subject to the Lord who died for you, set the pattern, and holds your life in his Almighty hands. • Peter advances a pattern of thinking that has dramatic effect for the rest of our lives (see 4:1ff). Applications • Let us never be discouraged by slow progress, stubborn responses, or angry resistance. • Let us cease being afraid to offend a friend who needs the truth. • Reckon that Christianity always costs us … our lives. Resolutions that Demonstrate Cost • • • Resolve to establish life patterns that put God’s kingdom first. Resolve to cease sacrificing faith for recreation and ease. Resolve to sacrifice your time and emotional energy: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. Coach little league Teach free piano lessons/sports/tutoring Offer free afterschool support 1 afternoon a week Reserve 1 meal a week for unsaved friends Offer a free home improvement project Shovel a sidewalk/cut grass for free for 1 neighbor Start a neighborhood walking group/book club Host a block party Sponsor a free community workshop