Sermon Central
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From Living To Life Everlasting Series
Contributed by T.j. Conwell on Apr 6, 2015 (message contributor)
Summary: Will we accept the sacrifice of Christ as sufficient ... or will you continue doing life yourself? Easter is about the glory of the Father revealed in the Son, and we either accept that or turn away from it.
From Living to Life
1 Peter Sermon Series, Part 9
Introduction
- Leading up to this AMAZING day we have covered three main points:
-- Three encouragements from Peter to the church on living fully for Christ
∆ - First, why is our testimony so important?
- v2:21, “To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps.”
-- We are called to remember what Christ went through and willingly follow!
-- Our testimony is all we have at the end of the day … and it MATTERS!
∆ - Second, why is does our testimony matter?
- Jesus is the ONLY one who is totally sinless (v2:22-23)
-- There was no deceit, no lie, and no sin that was committed by the Messiah
-- He was literally the perfect sacrifice of God; suitable for our redemption
-- His testimony before us is the guide; the plumb line; He is the STANDARD
∆ - Third, how do we live out our testimony in our relationships?
- We discussed our relationship with one another (husband and wife) (v3:1-7)
-- HUGE: Our spiritual health depends on how WE treat one another!
-- If we treat one another poorly in marriage, we will be off-center with God
- And we examined our relationships IN the church (with one another)
- Harmony within the body of Christ is necessary; it is commanded to us (v3:8)
- Challenge: Do you live your life with a closed first or an open hand?
-- This will greatly affect how you respond to those around you, even in church
-- Bless those who persecute, return love for anger, show grace to all we encounter
-- It is what the Bible commands that we do … plain and simple
- So then, how in the WORLD does all this relate to Easter morning?
- Read 1 Peter 3:13-22 / Pray
∆ Point 1 – From Living to the Cross (13-18)
- Peter implies for us who need things to be clear (v13), “What good comes from suffering and going through trials for Christ?”
- The answer might really surprise you (v14): So you’d be BLESSED!
-- APP: A believer (letter written to church) is to live above that nonsense for Christ!
- In these few lines there are four direct commands given to the believer today:
• Do not fear (v14) – God is in control
• Revere Christ (v15) – He is Holy
• Be prepared with gentleness and respect (v15b) – Don’t be a jerk
• Be clear minded, no malice, letting the judgment be God’s (v16) – Live intentional
- Now, what do we all want to know? “Why … why should I do this?”
-- APP: (v17) It is better to live with integrity for God than without Him!
- TRANS: What we are about to see is the PERFECT example of this
-- Too many think they have all this figured out … let’s see if we fall into this trap
∆ Point 2 – From the Cross to Death (18-20)
- Christ suffered once for YOUR sins, to pay the price owed by YOU (v18)
-- He was put to death for what you deserved to please God’s punishment
-- IMP: This is the ultimate definition of Grace (it’s NOT about your needs)
- His death was about fulfilling what God had always planned and required
-- Hebrews 9:22, “And according to the Law, one may almost say, all things are cleansed with blood, and without shedding of blood there is no forgiveness.”
- Now, when Jesus died, most people want to know: “What happened then?”
-- Raise your hand if you’ve ever wondered what happened after the cross?
-- Peter answers this for us in about as much detail as we would ever need
- Peter uses the word “pneumasin” (means: souls); some translate this as “spirits”
-- What is clear is Jesus went to preach to those waiting on His arrival … but …
-- He also preaches to those who were disobedient long ago (v20) (days of Noah)
- Acts 2:31 records that He went to “Hades” … but Hades is not hell
-- The word "Hades" refers to the realm of the dead, this is a temporary place
-- This is where many waited the resurrection of the Messiah promised in OT
- Revelation 20:11-15 gives us a clear distinction between the two:
-- Hell is the permanent and final place of judgment for the lost
-- Hades is a temporary place, a holding place to await Christ (not Purgatory)
-- APP: Purgatory is a false term created by the Catholics, does not exist
- When Christ's atonement for sin was completed, His Spirit restored fellowship
