Christ and Noah
Main Point
Peter is a big fan of Noah and The Flood. He uses the story of Noah as an example of being faithful in the midst of a culture that was against God. Christ is an example of suffering but Peter reminds us that his suffering brings us back to God.
Christ Suffered (v. 18)
- Once for our sin (substitutionary atonement)
- He was right with God—we were not because of sin
- That we might be connected to God
- He died in the flesh and made alive the spirit
Spirits in Prison (v.19-20)
- Difficult to know exactly what Peter is saying here
- A solid explanation is that he is referring to Noah and those who rejected Noah’s preaching about the flood 2 Peter 2:5
- Noah is a picture of a righteous person who suffered for the gospel
The Flood and Baptism (v. 21-22)
- The Flood is a picture of Baptism
- Not about physical cleaning, but spiritual (forgiveness of sins)
- Baptism saves because of Jesus’ action on the cross
- We know Jesus’ actions were effective because he is reigning now
Scripture
- 1 Peter 3:18-22
- Genesis 6-9
- Acts 2:33-34
Questions
- Have you been baptized?
- How would you explain baptism to someone else?
- What makes baptism important?
Application
- How can you stay faithful to what God has called you?
- Consider being obedient in baptism.
- Memorize: Galatians 3:27
28 so Christ, having been offered once to bear the sins of many, will appear a second time, not to deal with sin but to save those who are eagerly waiting for him.