Suffering for Righteousness: A Study of 1 Peter 3:13-22
An exploration of suffering for righteousness, Christ's victory, and the saving power of baptism.
1. Righteous Living and Witness
1.1 The Blessing of Righteous Suffering
Verses: 1 Peter 3:13-14; Matthew 5:10-12
- We should not fear persecution when we are doing good.
- Suffering for righteousness' sake is a blessing, not a curse.
1.2 Sanctifying the Lord
Verses: 1 Peter 3:15-16; Colossians 4:6
- We must set apart Christ as Lord in our hearts.
- Always be ready to give an answer for the hope that is in you.
- Answer with meekness and fear, maintaining a good conscience.
2. Christ's Suffering and Victory
2.1 The Purpose of Suffering
Verses: 1 Peter 3:17-18; Romans 5:8
- It is better to suffer for doing good, if that is God's will, than for doing evil.
- Christ also suffered for sins once for all, the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring you to God.
2.2 Christ's Victory
Verses: 1 Peter 3:18-19; Colossians 2:15
- Christ was put to death in the flesh but made alive in the spirit.
- He went and made proclamation to the spirits in prison.
3. Salvation Through Christ
3.1 Noah's Ark: A Type of Salvation
Verses: 1 Peter 3:20; Genesis 6:13-22
- God waited patiently in the days of Noah while the ark was being prepared.
- Few, that is, eight souls, were saved through water.
3.2 Baptism Saves
Verses: 1 Peter 3:21; Acts 2:38; Romans 6:3-4
- 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.
- Baptism is an outward expression of an inward change, signifying our death to sin and resurrection to new life in Christ.
4. The Reign of Christ
4.1 Christ's Exaltation
Verses: 1 Peter 3:22; Ephesians 1:20-23
- Jesus Christ has gone into heaven and is at God's right hand.
- Angels, authorities, and powers are subject to him.