I PeterI Peter

Choice, Values, ReasonsChoice, Values, Reasons

AgendaAgenda

BackgroundBackground What’s is all about?What’s is all about? OutlineOutline Key ConceptsKey Concepts MotivationMotivation ChoiceChoice Obedience and FreedomObedience and Freedom IdentityIdentity SufferingSuffering Church LifeChurch Life Difficult VersesDifficult Verses PracticalsPracticals

BackgroundBackground

Author:Author: The apostle Peter The apostle Peter Place of writing:Place of writing: Rome (Babylon 5:13) Rome (Babylon 5:13) Date:Date: ~62 AD ~62 AD Audience:Audience: God’s elect… scattered throughout God’s elect… scattered throughout

Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia and Bithynia… Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia and Bithynia… (1:1) – Roman provinces in Asia minor (Turkey).(1:1) – Roman provinces in Asia minor (Turkey).

Form:Form: letter. Possibly a circular letter, carried by letter. Possibly a circular letter, carried by Silvanus along the route suggested in 1:1.Silvanus along the route suggested in 1:1.

LocationsLocations

Political BackgroundPolitical Background

Roman empire.Roman empire. Nero (54-68 AD)Nero (54-68 AD) Localised persecution in Rome at this time. Localised persecution in Rome at this time.

Empire wide persecution came later.Empire wide persecution came later. Strong Greek (Hellenistic) influence in these Strong Greek (Hellenistic) influence in these

parts.parts. Diaspora Jews would have existed as well. Diaspora Jews would have existed as well.

Religous BackgroundReligous Background

Paul’s 1Paul’s 1stst MJ – Southern Galatia 46-48 AD MJ – Southern Galatia 46-48 AD Paul’s 2Paul’s 2ndnd MJ – Asia 50-52 AD MJ – Asia 50-52 AD Peter preached in Antioch (Gal 2:11)Peter preached in Antioch (Gal 2:11) Cappadocia, Bithynia, Pontus churches planted Cappadocia, Bithynia, Pontus churches planted

from Asia and Galatia? Maybe from Acts 2:9.from Asia and Galatia? Maybe from Acts 2:9. At time of writing, the oldest possible church in the At time of writing, the oldest possible church in the

region would have been ~15-30 years old.region would have been ~15-30 years old. Christianity still seen as a Jewish sect, although Christianity still seen as a Jewish sect, although

was becoming more distinct. was becoming more distinct.

Purpose of WritingPurpose of Writing

Why?Why?

Purpose of WritingPurpose of Writing

Clues:Clues:+ 1:1 1:1 strangersstrangers in the world, in the world, scatteredscattered....+ 5:12 I have written to you briefly, 5:12 I have written to you briefly, encouraging encouraging

youyou and testifying that this is the true grace of and testifying that this is the true grace of God. God. Stand fastStand fast in it. in it.

+ Glory of future salvation.Glory of future salvation.+ Trusting God in difficult times.Trusting God in difficult times.= Encouragement, instruction and reasons for Encouragement, instruction and reasons for

longterm faithfulness to God even when life is longterm faithfulness to God even when life is hard.hard.

Key conceptsKey concepts

Elect / Chosen /

Choice

Salvation Holiness

Obedience Worth, valueRevealed

Perishable/Imperishable

SubmissionTherefore,

so thatSelf Control

Good

Prominent ThemesProminent Themes

SufferingSuffering SubmissionSubmission SalvationSalvation Holiness and purityHoliness and purity ChoiceChoice

OutlineOutline

1:1-21:1-2 GreetingGreeting

1:3-121:3-12 Salvation GlorySalvation Glory

1:13-2:31:13-2:3 Sanctified LivesSanctified Lives

2:4-112:4-11 Spiritual StonesSpiritual Stones

2:12-3:122:12-3:12 Submissive HeartSubmissive Heart

3:13-4:193:13-4:19 Suffering under GodSuffering under God

5:1-115:1-11 Serving for EternityServing for Eternity

5:12-135:12-13 CloseClose

Key ConceptsKey Concepts

ReasonsReasons for salvationfor salvation ValueValue of salvationof salvation ChoiceChoice of salvationof salvation

This Happened ReasonWhy

Situation for us

No

w

ThereforeDo This

Choose

VALUE

Redeemed from empty way of life

1 Peter 1:18-2:3

Revealed for your sake

Why

purified yourselves by obeyng the truth

No

w

ThereforeRid self of all malice etc.

Choose to crave pure spiritual milk

Imperishable

Jesus died but was preached

1 Peter 3:18-4:6

Only a few saved, but still justice.

Why

Saved by baptism & resurrection

No

w

ThereforeHave same attitude as Jesus

Choose to live for the will of God

Salvation

MotivationMotivation

Which is more motivating for you?Which is more motivating for you? Don’t do x because it is wrong.Don’t do x because it is wrong. You have a choice to do x or not. As you You have a choice to do x or not. As you

make your choice, understand the spiritual make your choice, understand the spiritual results of your choice. Also bear in mind, results of your choice. Also bear in mind, that you are building a spiritual life for the that you are building a spiritual life for the long term as you invest in your salvation.long term as you invest in your salvation.

Now will you do x or not?Now will you do x or not?

Motivation - SinMotivation - Sin

Call to be Holy – because God is Holy. Call to be Holy – because God is Holy. (1:14-21)(1:14-21)– Am I playing on the same team?Am I playing on the same team?

Abstain from sinful desires Abstain from sinful desires which war which war against your soulagainst your soul (2:11) (2:11)

Making ChoicesMaking Choices

God wants us to give us reasons so we can God wants us to give us reasons so we can make our choices.make our choices.

A reasoned choice is a much stronger A reasoned choice is a much stronger choice and it is more ‘you’.choice and it is more ‘you’.

A choice is best made when you understand A choice is best made when you understand the reasons behind your choice and the the reasons behind your choice and the impact (value) of your choice. impact (value) of your choice.

ExamplesExamples

These have come These have come so thatso that your faith … may your faith … may be proved genuine… (1:7)be proved genuine… (1:7)

.. You love him … .. You love him … forfor you are receiving the you are receiving the goal of your faith, the salvation of your souls goal of your faith, the salvation of your souls (1:8-9).(1:8-9).

ThereforeTherefore, prepare your minds for action , prepare your minds for action (1:13)(1:13)

SinceSince you call on a Father who judges each you call on a Father who judges each mans work impartially… (1:17)mans work impartially… (1:17)

ExamplesExamples

.. .. And soAnd so, your faith and hope are in God , your faith and hope are in God (1:20)(1:20)

ForFor you have been born again, not of you have been born again, not of perishable seed, but or imperishable (1:23).perishable seed, but or imperishable (1:23).

ThereforeTherefore, rid yourselves of all malice and , rid yourselves of all malice and all deceit.. (2:1)all deceit.. (2:1)

……crave pure spiritual milk, crave pure spiritual milk, so thatso that by it you by it you may grow up in your salvation (2:2)may grow up in your salvation (2:2)

ExamplesExamples

They stumble They stumble because theybecause they disobey the disobey the message (2:8)message (2:8)

Abstain from sinful desires Abstain from sinful desires which war which war against your soulagainst your soul (2:11) (2:11)

Submit yourselves…. Submit yourselves…. forfor it is God’s will that it is God’s will that by going good you should silence the by going good you should silence the ignorant talk of foolish men. (2:15)ignorant talk of foolish men. (2:15)

Many others!Many others!

ReasonsReasons

Why Do I ?Why Do I ?

ChoiceChoice

God chooses us:God chooses us:– 1:11:1 God’s elect, strangers in the world.God’s elect, strangers in the world.– 1:41:4 Inheritance kept in heaven.Inheritance kept in heaven.– 2:92:9 Chosen people, royal priesthood, holy Chosen people, royal priesthood, holy

nation – cf. aliens and strangers in nation – cf. aliens and strangers in the the world.world.

ChoiceChoice

God chose JesusGod chose Jesus– 1:201:20 Chosen before the creation of the world, Chosen before the creation of the world,

but revealed in these last times for but revealed in these last times for your your sake.sake.

– 2:4 2:4 Jesus – rejected by men but chosen by Jesus – rejected by men but chosen by God. God understands rejectionGod. God understands rejection

ChoiceChoice

Christ’s ChoicesChrist’s Choices– Choice of response to suffering 2:23-25Choice of response to suffering 2:23-25– Committed no sin. Did not retaliate.Committed no sin. Did not retaliate.– Instead entrusted himself to him who judges Instead entrusted himself to him who judges

justly.justly.– Example for us.Example for us.– Sacrifice for us.Sacrifice for us.

ChoiceChoice

Our Choices:Our Choices:– Choosing righteousness, not sin (1:13ff, 2:11, Choosing righteousness, not sin (1:13ff, 2:11,

4:1-4).4:1-4).– Choosing to serve. (4:8-11, 5:2-3)Choosing to serve. (4:8-11, 5:2-3)– Choose humility with one another (5:5-6)Choose humility with one another (5:5-6)– Choose to stand fast in the faith (5:12)Choose to stand fast in the faith (5:12)

Obedience and FreedomObedience and Freedom

1:2 1:2 chosen … for chosen … for obedienceobedience to Jesus Christ… to Jesus Christ…

1:14 1:14 As As obedientobedient children, do not conform to the children, do not conform to the evil desires you had when you lived in ignorance.evil desires you had when you lived in ignorance.

1:221:22 Purified yourselves by Purified yourselves by obeyingobeying the truth so the truth so that you have sincere love for your brothers.that you have sincere love for your brothers.

4:174:17 What will be the outcome for those who do What will be the outcome for those who do not not obeyobey the gospel of God? the gospel of God?

Obedience and FreedomObedience and Freedom

Opposites or complementary?Opposites or complementary? What we desire v what God desires?What we desire v what God desires? Recognise the realities: we operate in an Recognise the realities: we operate in an

environment of cause and effect, choices and environment of cause and effect, choices and consequences, actions and judgment.consequences, actions and judgment.

The world says: Freedom means doing whatever I The world says: Freedom means doing whatever I want.want.

The truth about that: Our choices are often flawed, The truth about that: Our choices are often flawed, and sin enslaves.and sin enslaves.

God says: Freedom means being able to make the God says: Freedom means being able to make the choice to do what God wants for us.choice to do what God wants for us.

Obedience and FreedomObedience and Freedom

Ps 119:44f I will always Ps 119:44f I will always obeyobey your Law for your Law for ever and ever. I will walk about in ever and ever. I will walk about in freedomfreedom for I have sought out your precepts.for I have sought out your precepts.

Ps 119:34 Give me Ps 119:34 Give me understandingunderstanding and I will and I will keep your law and keep your law and obeyobey it with all my heart. it with all my heart.– Obedience and understanding.Obedience and understanding.

Eg. Obey road rules : free from fear, Eg. Obey road rules : free from fear, improved freedom from danger.improved freedom from danger.

Obedience and FreedomObedience and Freedom

Obedience = God’s ProtectionObedience = God’s Protection Godly obedience = personal Godly obedience = personal choicechoice based on based on

understandingunderstanding.. Recognise the true spiritual dynamics about obedience: Recognise the true spiritual dynamics about obedience:

– God created the world.God created the world.– God has revealed how to live in it.God has revealed how to live in it.– Our choices have consequences in this world.Our choices have consequences in this world.– True Freedom is being ‘in step’ with God and his creation by True Freedom is being ‘in step’ with God and his creation by

choosing to live life the way God designed it.choosing to live life the way God designed it.– God’s commands are not burdensome (1 Jn 5:3-5,Mt 11:28-30)God’s commands are not burdensome (1 Jn 5:3-5,Mt 11:28-30)

Further study: Galatians 5Further study: Galatians 5

IdentityIdentity

Being a Christian is being different.Being a Christian is being different. Aliens and strangers. (1:1, 2:11)Aliens and strangers. (1:1, 2:11) The world “thinks it strange that you do not The world “thinks it strange that you do not

plunge with them into the same flood of plunge with them into the same flood of dissipation” (4:4)dissipation” (4:4)

Swimming upstream…Swimming upstream… Prompts questions of ‘who am I’, and ‘why’Prompts questions of ‘who am I’, and ‘why’

IdentityIdentity

God’s answersGod’s answers– Identity is a valid need.Identity is a valid need.– Born into an inheritance. Child of God (1:4,14,2:2)Born into an inheritance. Child of God (1:4,14,2:2)– God’s family planning! (1:2, 1:10-12)God’s family planning! (1:2, 1:10-12)– Chosen people, royal priesthood, holy nation, a people Chosen people, royal priesthood, holy nation, a people

belonging to God (2:9-10)belonging to God (2:9-10)– Spiritual relationshipsSpiritual relationships

One another (3:8,4:8)One another (3:8,4:8) Family of God (4:17)Family of God (4:17) Brothers around the world (5:9)Brothers around the world (5:9) Greetings and affection (5:13-14)Greetings and affection (5:13-14)

SufferingSuffering

A key topic in 1 PeterA key topic in 1 Peter How much of an issue for them?How much of an issue for them? How much of an issue for us?How much of an issue for us? What forms does suffering come in?What forms does suffering come in? Age-old question.Age-old question.

SufferingSuffering

Be PreparedBe Prepared– Predicted by the prophets 1:11Predicted by the prophets 1:11– Prepare your mind 1:13Prepare your mind 1:13– To give an answer/reason 3:15 To give an answer/reason 3:15 – Deal with sin (4:1)Deal with sin (4:1)– Don’t be surprised (4:12)Don’t be surprised (4:12)

SufferingSuffering

Be SubmissiveBe Submissive– Submit to authorities 2:13Submit to authorities 2:13– Slaves and masters 2:18Slaves and masters 2:18– Wives and husbands 3:1Wives and husbands 3:1– One another 3:8One another 3:8– Suffering has the potential to strain your best Suffering has the potential to strain your best

source of support – your relationships.source of support – your relationships.– A submission problem is a fear problemA submission problem is a fear problem

SufferingSuffering

Be conscious of GodBe conscious of God– Through faithThrough faith are shielded by God’s power (1:5) are shielded by God’s power (1:5)

Set your hope fullySet your hope fully on the grace to be given on the grace to be given (1:13)(1:13)

– Submit yourselvesSubmit yourselves for the Lord’s sake. (2:13) for the Lord’s sake. (2:13)– It is commendable if a man bears up under the It is commendable if a man bears up under the

pain of unjust suffering if he is pain of unjust suffering if he is conscious of conscious of God. (2:19)God. (2:19)

– No retaliation: …Instead, No retaliation: …Instead, he entrusted himselfhe entrusted himself to him who judges justly (2:23)to him who judges justly (2:23)

SufferingSuffering

Be SpiritualBe Spiritual– Scriptures serve us. (1:12)Scriptures serve us. (1:12)– For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous and his For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous and his

ears are attentive to their prayer, but the face of the ears are attentive to their prayer, but the face of the Lord is against those who do evil. (3:12-13)Lord is against those who do evil. (3:12-13)

– Therefore be clear minded and self-controlled Therefore be clear minded and self-controlled so that so that you can pray. (4:7)you can pray. (4:7)

– Cast all your anxiety on himCast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. because he cares for you.– Be self-controlled and alert (5:8)Be self-controlled and alert (5:8)

SufferingSuffering

Be Proactively Righteous!Be Proactively Righteous!– Live such good livesLive such good lives among the pagans, that though among the pagans, that though

they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us. good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us. (2:12)(2:12)

– Those who speak maliciously against Those who speak maliciously against your good your good behaviourbehaviour in Christ may be ashamed of their slander in Christ may be ashamed of their slander (3:16)(3:16)

– So then, those who suffer according to God’s will should So then, those who suffer according to God’s will should commit themselves to their faithful Creator and commit themselves to their faithful Creator and continue continue to do goodto do good (4:19) (4:19)

SufferingSuffering

Draw strength from relationshipsDraw strength from relationships– Finally, Finally, all of youall of you, live in harmony with one , live in harmony with one

another, be sympathetic, love as brothers, be another, be sympathetic, love as brothers, be compassionate and humble. (3:8)compassionate and humble. (3:8)

– Above all, Above all, love each other deeplylove each other deeply, because love , because love covers a multitude of sins. (4:8)covers a multitude of sins. (4:8)

– Shepherding and submission (5:1-5)Shepherding and submission (5:1-5)

Suffering – Don’tsSuffering – Don’ts

Don’t retaliate (2:9)Don’t retaliate (2:9) Don’t turn to sin (4:1-3)Don’t turn to sin (4:1-3) Don’t be surprised (4:12)Don’t be surprised (4:12) Don’t be ashamed (4:16)Don’t be ashamed (4:16) Don’t fall away (5:9)Don’t fall away (5:9)

Church LifeChurch Life

Making it great while we wait…Making it great while we wait…– Above all, love each other deeply (4:8)Above all, love each other deeply (4:8)– Love, not war.Love, not war.– Each one should use whatever gift he has Each one should use whatever gift he has

received to serve others, faithfully administering received to serve others, faithfully administering God’s grace in its various forms. (4:10)God’s grace in its various forms. (4:10) Your service to others either promotes or blocks the Your service to others either promotes or blocks the

flow of God’s grace.flow of God’s grace.

– Speak and serve as if from God (4:11)Speak and serve as if from God (4:11) Quality, attitude, excellence.Quality, attitude, excellence.

Church LifeChurch Life

1 Peter 51 Peter 5– Elders and young men : examples and Elders and young men : examples and

submission.submission.– Potential area of conflict.Potential area of conflict.– Godly attitudes are the key! Humility.Godly attitudes are the key! Humility.– Trust God.Trust God.

1 Peter 4:81 Peter 4:8

Love each other deeply because love Love each other deeply because love coverscovers a multitude of a multitude of sins (4:8)sins (4:8)– kalupto kalupto (Gr): to hide, cover up etc.(Gr): to hide, cover up etc.– Mt 8:24, 10:26, Lk 8:16, 23:30, 2 Cor 4:3Mt 8:24, 10:26, Lk 8:16, 23:30, 2 Cor 4:3– My brothers, if one of you should wander from the truth and My brothers, if one of you should wander from the truth and

someone should bring him back, remember this: Whoever turns a someone should bring him back, remember this: Whoever turns a sinner from the error of his way will save him from death and cover sinner from the error of his way will save him from death and cover over a multitude of sins. (Jas 5:19-20)over a multitude of sins. (Jas 5:19-20)

– Hatred stirs up dissension, but love covers over all wrongs (Prov Hatred stirs up dissension, but love covers over all wrongs (Prov 10:12)10:12)

– Positive.Positive.– Context: loving help to remain faithful, seeking the good.Context: loving help to remain faithful, seeking the good.– Context: Sin treated seriously in other parts of 1 Peter.Context: Sin treated seriously in other parts of 1 Peter.– Sense of ‘overlooking’ offences. Promoting love not friction.Sense of ‘overlooking’ offences. Promoting love not friction.

1 Pet 3:18-221 Pet 3:18-22

For Christ died for sins once for all, the righteous for the For Christ died for sins once for all, the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring you to God. He was put to death in unrighteous, to bring you to God. He was put to death in the body but made alive by the Spirit, through whom also the body but made alive by the Spirit, through whom also he went and preached to the spirits in prison who he went and preached to the spirits in prison who disobeyed long ago when God waited patiently in the days disobeyed long ago when God waited patiently in the days of Noah while the ark was being built. In it only a few of Noah while the ark was being built. In it only a few people, eight in all were saved through water, and this people, eight in all were saved through water, and this water symbolises baptism that now saves you also – not water symbolises baptism that now saves you also – not the removal of dirt from the body but the pledge of a good the removal of dirt from the body but the pledge of a good conscience toward God. It saves you by the resurrection of conscience toward God. It saves you by the resurrection of Jesus Chris, who has gone into heaven and is at God’s Jesus Chris, who has gone into heaven and is at God’s right hand – with angels, authorities and powers in right hand – with angels, authorities and powers in submission to him.submission to him.

1 Pet 3:18-221 Pet 3:18-22

Questions:Questions:– Who are the spirits in prison?Who are the spirits in prison?

Unbelievers who have died?Unbelievers who have died? OT believers who have died?OT believers who have died? Fallen angels?Fallen angels?

– What did Christ Preach?What did Christ Preach? Gospel message?Gospel message? Second chance for repentance?Second chance for repentance? Completion of redemptive work?Completion of redemptive work? Final condemnation?Final condemnation?

– When did he preach?When did he preach? In the days of Noah?In the days of Noah? Between his death and resurrection?Between his death and resurrection? After his resurrection?After his resurrection?

1 Pet 3:18-221 Pet 3:18-22 View 1: Christ was ‘in spirit’ preaching repentance through Noah to View 1: Christ was ‘in spirit’ preaching repentance through Noah to

unbelievers who were on earth then but are now ‘spirits in prison’.unbelievers who were on earth then but are now ‘spirits in prison’.

View 2: After Christ died, he went and preached to people in hell, View 2: After Christ died, he went and preached to people in hell, offering them a second chance of salvation.offering them a second chance of salvation.

View 3: After Christ died, he went and preached to people in hell, View 3: After Christ died, he went and preached to people in hell, proclaiming to them that he had triumphed over them and that their proclaiming to them that he had triumphed over them and that their condemnation was final.condemnation was final.

View 4: After Christ died, he proclaimed release to people who had View 4: After Christ died, he proclaimed release to people who had repented just before they died in the flood, and led them out of their repented just before they died in the flood, and led them out of their imprisonment (in Purgatory) into heaven. (Harrowing of Hell)imprisonment (in Purgatory) into heaven. (Harrowing of Hell)

View 5: After Christ died, he travelled to hell and proclaimed triumph View 5: After Christ died, he travelled to hell and proclaimed triumph over the fallen angels who had sinned by marrying human women over the fallen angels who had sinned by marrying human women before the flood.before the flood.

1 Pet 3:18-221 Pet 3:18-22

EvaluationEvaluation– Rule out #2 and #4 : No second chances (Heb Rule out #2 and #4 : No second chances (Heb

9:27, Lk 16:269:27, Lk 16:26– View #5 relies on interpreting Gen 6:2 as ‘sons View #5 relies on interpreting Gen 6:2 as ‘sons

of God’ being ‘angels who sinned’. But angels of God’ being ‘angels who sinned’. But angels do not marry (Mt 22:30). Also influenced by do not marry (Mt 22:30). Also influenced by extra-Biblical writing such as Enoch (6:2), extra-Biblical writing such as Enoch (6:2), Jubilees, Philo etc.Jubilees, Philo etc.

1 Pet 3:18-221 Pet 3:18-22

ContextContext– 1 Peter is about encouragement in the face of 1 Peter is about encouragement in the face of

suffering.suffering.– 1 Pet 3:18-21 is bracketed by suffering (3:17 1 Pet 3:18-21 is bracketed by suffering (3:17

and 4:1).and 4:1).– So we should ask : What is the point of this So we should ask : What is the point of this

passage? How does it relate to the contextual passage? How does it relate to the contextual theme?theme?

– Ideas????Ideas????

1 Pet 3:18-221 Pet 3:18-22

Christ suffered in his body, but was made alive by the Christ suffered in his body, but was made alive by the Spirit.Spirit.

The time of Noah:The time of Noah:– Judgment on disobedience (also 2 Pet 2:4)Judgment on disobedience (also 2 Pet 2:4)– Preaching (cf 2 Pet 2:5)Preaching (cf 2 Pet 2:5)– God’s patienceGod’s patience– Salvation of a (very) few.Salvation of a (very) few.

Audience situation:Audience situation:– Suffering in their bodySuffering in their body– Preaching to the disobedientPreaching to the disobedient– Salvation secured.Salvation secured.– Therefore: since Christ suffered, arm yourself with the same Therefore: since Christ suffered, arm yourself with the same

attitude. Deal with sin (don’t be disobedient), and keep on attitude. Deal with sin (don’t be disobedient), and keep on preaching! (4:1-2)preaching! (4:1-2)

1 Pet 3:18-221 Pet 3:18-22

Possible interpretation:Possible interpretation:– Christ preached a message of repentance through Noah Christ preached a message of repentance through Noah

(a preacher of righteousness 2 Pet 2:5). We have (a preacher of righteousness 2 Pet 2:5). We have already seen that the prophets spoke of salvation by the already seen that the prophets spoke of salvation by the Spirit of Christ (1 Pet 1:10-11).Spirit of Christ (1 Pet 1:10-11).

– God was patient, gave opportunity for repentance in the God was patient, gave opportunity for repentance in the days of Noah, and he provided a means of salvation days of Noah, and he provided a means of salvation (the ark).(the ark).

– Now, God is also patiently providing (a better and Now, God is also patiently providing (a better and extended to more) salvation through baptism and the extended to more) salvation through baptism and the resurrection of Jesus.resurrection of Jesus.

– Therefore learn the lessons from Jesus and Noah. Keep Therefore learn the lessons from Jesus and Noah. Keep on preaching, even against opposition, and seek on preaching, even against opposition, and seek righteousness.righteousness.

1 Pet 3:18-221 Pet 3:18-22

Questions:Questions:– Who are the spirits in prison?Who are the spirits in prison?

Unbelievers who have died?Unbelievers who have died? OT believers who have died?OT believers who have died? Fallen angels? (2 Pet 2:4)Fallen angels? (2 Pet 2:4)

– What did Christ Preach?What did Christ Preach? Gospel message?Gospel message? Second chance for repentance?Second chance for repentance? Completion of redemptive work?Completion of redemptive work? Final condemnation?Final condemnation?

– When did he preach?When did he preach? In the days of Noah?In the days of Noah? Between his death and resurrection?Between his death and resurrection? After his resurrection?After his resurrection?

PracticalsPracticals

Embrace the spiritual world:Embrace the spiritual world:– Eternity, sanctification, glories of salvation.Eternity, sanctification, glories of salvation.– Understand the effects of sin and how Satan works.Understand the effects of sin and how Satan works.– Godly attitudes towards the world.Godly attitudes towards the world.– Prayer life.Prayer life.

Develop a reasoned faith:Develop a reasoned faith:– Prepared to answer.Prepared to answer.– Grapple with the issues.Grapple with the issues.– No ‘pat’ answers.No ‘pat’ answers.

Strategies for suffering:Strategies for suffering:– Be prepared.Be prepared.– Gravitate to God not towards sin.Gravitate to God not towards sin.– Relationships.Relationships.

PracticalsPracticals

Church LifeChurch Life– Deepening of love at a practical levelDeepening of love at a practical level– Utilise gifts, serve others.Utilise gifts, serve others.– Serve well.Serve well.– Shepherding, examples, submissionShepherding, examples, submission– Clothe selves with humility toward one Clothe selves with humility toward one

anotheranother

ConclusionConclusion

Figure out the Figure out the ReasonsReasons to be to be faithfulfaithful

Appreciate the Appreciate the ValueValue of salvation of salvation

Make your Make your ChoiceChoice to live a life to live a life leading to salvationleading to salvation