Audio Sermons

Reflecting Christ, Redeeming the Time
Jesus Suffered But Won Triumphantly
Life B-P Church Worship Service, 3rd May 2026
Text: 1 Peter 3:18-22

Background: This epistle was written to encourage the persecuted Christians who lived in the Roman empire.
Main purpose of this passage: To show that we can find comfort in our suffering by looking at the victory won through the sufferings of Christ.
This victory is seen in three points about Christ:

1.     The Reconciliation Accomplished by the Painful Death of Christ
“For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that He might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh, but quickened by the Spirit…” (v.18)

When Christ was put to death, He suffered for well doing. (Cf. v.17)

• To bring us who are unjust to God who is just. (Cf. Ecc. 7:20)
• Everyone deserves eternal death. (Cf. Romans 6:23)
• The purpose of His suffering was our reconciliation to God.

Application:
Comfort comes from knowing that our suffering has a purpose, e.g.

• Chastisement (Cf. Jeremiah 29:11-13; Hebrews 12:11)
• Building us up (Cf. 1 Peter 1:7)
• Glorifying God (Cf. Job 1:21)

2.     The Rescue Secured by the Patient Endurance of Christ 
 “…By which also He went and preached unto the spirits in prison; Which sometime were disobedient, when once the longsuffering of God waited in the days of Noah, while the ark was a preparing, wherein few, that is, eight souls were saved by water.” (vv.19-20; Cf. Genesis 6:5-8)

This account would resonate with the persecuted Christians because:

• They were a small minority in a hostile world.
• They were the only ones who were obedient to God.
• They needed patience to endure suffering.
• They needed courage to preach despite strong opposition.

Peter assures them that Christ was suffering with them, just as He had suffered in Noah’s time.

• The Spirit of Christ was in Noah. (Cf. 1 Peter 1:10,11)
• Christ was preaching to the people through Noah. (Cf. 2 Peter 2:5)
• Christ patiently endured their disobedient response for 120 years. (Cf. Genesis 6:3)
• They perished in the great flood and their souls were consigned to hell. (v.19 - ‘prison,’ Cf. Revelation 20:13)

Application:
Comfort comes from knowing that Christ helps us when we suffer:

• Those who persecute us are persecuting Him. (Cf. Acts 9:5)
• We can have peace and strength through Him. (Cf. Philippians 4:7; 2 Corinthians 12:9)
• Our patient endurance will eventually bring deliverance.

But we must not be afraid to confess our faith in Christ publicly.

• Baptism represents our voluntary identification with Christ in His death and His resurrection. (Cf. v.21; Romans 6:4)
• Baptism does not save us from sin and from eternal death.
• It saves us from having a bad conscience toward God, in allowing our fear of men to keep us from obeying Christ.

3.    The Reign Established by Peaceful Submission to Christ
“Who is gone into heaven, and is on the right hand of God; angels and authorities and powers being made subject unto Him.” (v.22)

• This highly exalted position belongs to Christ alone. (Cf. Phil 2:9-11)
• Christ won the right to rule over all things by giving Himself and giving up all His rights.
• By following His example, the persecuted Christians were blessed with victory when Christianity was legalized in AD 313.

Application: 
Comfort comes from knowing that suffering can bring us victory.

Questions for Personal Reflection:

1. How should the example of Christ’s suffering be applied in your life?
2. How can the victory that Christ won encourage you to cope with trials?
3. How would you counsel a Christian who does not want to be baptised?