WEBVTT 00:00:00.120 --> 00:00:06.700 Good evening, everybody. I'm really glad to be here tonight and be able to preach tonight with all of you. 00:00:07.480 --> 00:00:11.359 This is my first time preaching, so I thought I'd introduce myself a bit first. 00:00:11.540 --> 00:00:14.980 So my name is Thomas Lowen, and I'm joined by my wife Addie over here. 00:00:15.679 --> 00:00:22.000 I've lived in Edinburgh for seven years now, and before coming to Brunsfield, I attended Crossroads. 00:00:22.160 --> 00:00:25.120 I'm really glad to have a few from Crossroads here tonight. 00:00:25.120 --> 00:00:31.179 And we got married two years ago, and since then Addie's lived here. 00:00:31.820 --> 00:00:34.719 So it's really great to be part of this church and to be able to share tonight. 00:00:35.299 --> 00:00:39.640 But enough about me and us, and I'll just pray before I start preaching. 00:00:40.960 --> 00:00:46.939 Heavenly Father, I thank you for your word, and I thank you that you are with us. 00:00:47.120 --> 00:00:50.120 I pray that you'd be speaking tonight, and they wouldn't be my words but yours. 00:00:50.119 --> 00:00:58.359 God, I pray that you'd be blessing this church, and that your word would be active in our lives. 00:00:58.899 --> 00:01:00.199 I pray in Jesus' name. Amen. 00:01:02.659 --> 00:01:07.340 So, to get you thinking about the passage, I've got two questions to ask you. 00:01:08.120 --> 00:01:12.840 So firstly, when was the last time someone asked you why you were a Christian? 00:01:14.599 --> 00:01:18.280 And the second one is, what did you answer them? 00:01:18.280 --> 00:01:22.400 So tonight we're looking at 1 Peter 3. 00:01:23.420 --> 00:01:26.480 I have 8 to 22 there and 9 to 22 here. 00:01:28.140 --> 00:01:34.079 But Peter's been talking in the last two chapters in his letter to Christians throughout the world 00:01:34.079 --> 00:01:41.460 about suffering, about being holy, being made holy, and living in holy relationships with those around them. 00:01:42.319 --> 00:01:46.319 So now in this passage, he's talking to us about how to live a holy life, 00:01:46.319 --> 00:01:51.500 and he's giving us some examples from the Bible and some practical examples of how to live. 00:01:51.979 --> 00:01:56.979 And then he talks about baptism and how it applies to suffering in our lives and salvation. 00:01:58.819 --> 00:02:03.659 Finally, he talks about living a life submitted to Christ and how all things are submitted to Christ. 00:02:03.659 --> 00:02:10.639 In life, we will have challenges, but throughout them all, we are meant to share the Lord. 00:02:12.599 --> 00:02:18.079 So we're thinking about whether or not our life is different enough that people will ask us about it. 00:02:20.079 --> 00:02:23.539 In verse 15, Peter says, 00:02:23.539 --> 00:02:34.359 So we'll be breaking down the passage into a few parts. 00:02:35.139 --> 00:02:37.719 So the first is, do we live a holy and different life? 00:02:38.560 --> 00:02:41.359 The second is, how do we react to suffering? 00:02:42.840 --> 00:02:45.620 Then, have we publicly declared our faith? 00:02:46.379 --> 00:02:48.799 And finally, do we live in submission to Christ? 00:02:48.800 --> 00:02:54.600 So to begin, we're asked, do we live a holy and different life? 00:02:55.340 --> 00:02:58.600 Peter gives a couple examples of things to be doing in life, 00:02:58.900 --> 00:03:00.600 and verse 8 is pretty self-explanatory. 00:03:01.300 --> 00:03:01.760 He says, 00:03:02.320 --> 00:03:08.380 Finally, all of you, be like-minded, be sympathetic, love one another, be compassionate, and humble. 00:03:09.280 --> 00:03:13.580 I'm sure whether you're a Christian or not, these all sound like pretty good things to be doing. 00:03:14.420 --> 00:03:16.620 It's a pretty good standard to live by. 00:03:16.620 --> 00:03:21.900 Then in verse 9, Peter takes it to another level. 00:03:22.800 --> 00:03:23.240 He's saying, 00:03:23.439 --> 00:03:26.520 Do not repay evil with evil, or insult with insult. 00:03:27.000 --> 00:03:29.980 On the contrary, repay evil with blessing, 00:03:30.539 --> 00:03:33.520 because to this you were called, so that you may inherit a blessing. 00:03:35.719 --> 00:03:40.140 So Peter's talking about a principle that Jesus had taught him back in the day. 00:03:40.800 --> 00:03:45.580 Back when he lived with Jesus, he was quite the fiery-tempered young man, 00:03:45.580 --> 00:03:49.840 and we most likely know the example of the Garden of Gethsemane, 00:03:50.080 --> 00:03:52.080 where he chopped off the ear of the soldier. 00:03:53.540 --> 00:03:58.460 Most of us, if we saw that in a movie or in life, would say that was pretty justified, 00:03:59.180 --> 00:04:04.000 and even pretty admirable, that he was defending his master and trying to protect him. 00:04:04.620 --> 00:04:06.460 But Jesus taught him to turn the other cheek. 00:04:06.460 --> 00:04:11.640 He told Peter to put away the sword, and he healed the man instead. 00:04:13.780 --> 00:04:16.720 Now this is different than what the world holds as admirable. 00:04:17.500 --> 00:04:23.519 The world lives by an eye for an eye, and has done so for thousands of years and generations. 00:04:23.519 --> 00:04:28.279 And whether it's as a child or in war, we've all pointed and said, 00:04:28.500 --> 00:04:29.779 well, you started it. 00:04:31.060 --> 00:04:35.339 And we take that as justification for getting retribution to people. 00:04:36.139 --> 00:04:38.819 We think that getting revenge will make us feel better. 00:04:39.500 --> 00:04:41.359 But we all know that that's not true. 00:04:41.479 --> 00:04:42.639 It won't make anything better. 00:04:44.339 --> 00:04:46.699 There's a famous quote by Coretta Scott King, 00:04:46.939 --> 00:04:48.519 the wife of Martin Luther King Jr., 00:04:48.519 --> 00:04:49.799 that says, 00:04:49.899 --> 00:04:52.000 an eye for an eye leaves everyone blind. 00:04:54.319 --> 00:04:57.879 So Peter's calling us to be different to the world in this passage. 00:04:58.039 --> 00:04:59.819 He says to not be conformed to it, 00:05:00.319 --> 00:05:04.359 and we're to seek to bless and forgive all those around us. 00:05:05.339 --> 00:05:08.120 By doing this and trusting the Lord, 00:05:08.479 --> 00:05:10.759 the burdens of our suffering can be lifted from us. 00:05:12.500 --> 00:05:15.139 These actions and paths that Christ has described 00:05:15.139 --> 00:05:17.639 and that Peter's describing for us are the theme of this whole letter. 00:05:17.639 --> 00:05:21.199 And they're not easy at all to live by, but they are better. 00:05:23.199 --> 00:05:26.899 So next question is, how do we react to suffering? 00:05:28.219 --> 00:05:35.240 In verses 10 to 12, Peter's quoting David from Psalm 34, verses 2 to 16. 00:05:37.000 --> 00:05:40.399 David reacted to suffering in this passage, 00:05:40.800 --> 00:05:43.240 and he says, 00:05:43.240 --> 00:06:06.199 If we go to the psalm, Psalm 34, 00:06:06.199 --> 00:06:08.920 it reads as the title, 00:06:09.120 --> 00:06:12.039 of David when he pretended to be insane before Abimelech, 00:06:12.240 --> 00:06:14.099 who drove him away and he left. 00:06:15.240 --> 00:06:17.180 So it's not the most famous story, 00:06:17.279 --> 00:06:19.379 so we probably need a bit of backstory to it. 00:06:20.000 --> 00:06:21.099 And it's quite interesting, 00:06:21.339 --> 00:06:23.259 and I recommend you read it in your own time. 00:06:23.459 --> 00:06:24.019 But to summarize, 00:06:24.539 --> 00:06:27.639 he's remembering back on 1 Samuel chapter 21. 00:06:28.699 --> 00:06:29.599 In the story, 00:06:30.360 --> 00:06:31.439 David runs away from Saul, 00:06:31.839 --> 00:06:32.860 because he's afraid of Saul, 00:06:32.860 --> 00:06:35.020 and he runs to the Philistines. 00:06:35.759 --> 00:06:37.379 But then he's afraid of the Philistines, 00:06:37.500 --> 00:06:38.759 so he pretends to be insane. 00:06:39.139 --> 00:06:41.020 So he's drooling all over the place, 00:06:41.100 --> 00:06:41.920 acting crazy, 00:06:42.259 --> 00:06:44.060 and then he runs away from them too. 00:06:45.379 --> 00:06:47.139 So this psalm is about trusting the Lord, 00:06:47.720 --> 00:06:50.600 and clearly he didn't trust the Lord in this situation. 00:06:51.360 --> 00:06:52.460 He ran away from Saul, 00:06:53.020 --> 00:06:54.420 ran away from the Philistines, 00:06:54.699 --> 00:06:56.819 but now he's reflecting back on that time. 00:06:57.439 --> 00:06:59.540 He sees that he should have been trusting the Lord 00:06:59.540 --> 00:07:01.260 and living according to his ways. 00:07:03.700 --> 00:07:05.000 But he suffered instead. 00:07:05.720 --> 00:07:07.620 He imposed all that suffering on himself 00:07:07.620 --> 00:07:08.800 by his actions, 00:07:09.020 --> 00:07:10.220 and he didn't have to go through it, 00:07:10.300 --> 00:07:11.860 and he didn't gain anything out of it. 00:07:12.379 --> 00:07:14.439 But eventually he did learn to trust God. 00:07:15.840 --> 00:07:16.900 So back to the question, 00:07:17.360 --> 00:07:18.520 how do we react to suffering? 00:07:20.820 --> 00:07:21.879 In the next verses, 00:07:22.980 --> 00:07:23.660 Peter says, 00:07:23.960 --> 00:07:26.180 Who is going to harm you if you are eager to do good? 00:07:26.520 --> 00:07:28.420 But even if you should suffer for what is right, 00:07:28.420 --> 00:07:29.140 you are blessed. 00:07:29.680 --> 00:07:30.699 Do not fear their threats, 00:07:30.939 --> 00:07:31.620 do not be frightened, 00:07:31.900 --> 00:07:33.800 but in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. 00:07:34.520 --> 00:07:36.160 Always be prepared to give an answer 00:07:36.160 --> 00:07:37.520 to everyone who asks you 00:07:37.520 --> 00:07:39.600 to give the reason for the hope that you have. 00:07:40.340 --> 00:07:42.340 But do this with gentleness and respect, 00:07:42.740 --> 00:07:43.819 keeping a clear conscience, 00:07:44.379 --> 00:07:45.840 so that those who speak maliciously 00:07:45.840 --> 00:07:47.480 against your good behavior in Christ 00:07:47.480 --> 00:07:49.160 may be ashamed of their slander. 00:07:49.680 --> 00:07:51.400 For it is better, if it is God's will, 00:07:51.780 --> 00:07:54.180 to suffer for doing good than for doing evil. 00:07:54.939 --> 00:07:56.180 For Christ also suffered, 00:07:56.180 --> 00:07:57.340 once for sins, 00:07:58.340 --> 00:07:59.879 the righteous for the unrighteous, 00:08:00.060 --> 00:08:01.000 to bring you to God. 00:08:01.439 --> 00:08:02.680 He was put to death in the body, 00:08:02.900 --> 00:08:03.980 but made alive in the spirit. 00:08:05.560 --> 00:08:07.300 So Peter interestingly asks, 00:08:07.720 --> 00:08:08.480 Who's going to harm you 00:08:08.480 --> 00:08:09.780 if you're eager to do good? 00:08:10.400 --> 00:08:11.879 And most of us would expect, 00:08:12.319 --> 00:08:14.460 Well, nobody's going to harm me for doing good. 00:08:15.160 --> 00:08:16.060 But he answers, 00:08:17.060 --> 00:08:19.899 Even if you should suffer for what is right, 00:08:20.160 --> 00:08:20.860 you are blessed. 00:08:20.860 --> 00:08:23.460 This isn't at all what we would expect 00:08:23.460 --> 00:08:25.400 as an answer. 00:08:25.819 --> 00:08:27.259 But if we think back on our lives, 00:08:27.319 --> 00:08:27.960 we know it's true. 00:08:29.180 --> 00:08:31.060 If we're good and kind to people, 00:08:31.819 --> 00:08:33.399 yeah, we're less likely to suffer. 00:08:34.300 --> 00:08:35.800 But we live in a fallen world, 00:08:36.399 --> 00:08:37.360 and it's cruel, 00:08:37.600 --> 00:08:39.480 and we will suffer even for doing good. 00:08:40.419 --> 00:08:42.200 Whether it's spiteful people, 00:08:42.560 --> 00:08:43.740 or out of malice, 00:08:43.960 --> 00:08:46.019 or just completely unfortunate circumstances, 00:08:46.019 --> 00:08:47.679 there will be suffering in life. 00:08:48.899 --> 00:08:51.379 And that's the story of so many martyrs 00:08:51.379 --> 00:08:52.100 around the world. 00:08:52.980 --> 00:08:54.579 They loved people around them, 00:08:54.679 --> 00:08:55.259 and were good, 00:08:55.419 --> 00:08:56.379 and they shared the gospel, 00:08:56.759 --> 00:08:58.299 and for that, they were killed. 00:09:00.240 --> 00:09:01.539 Most importantly, though, 00:09:01.799 --> 00:09:02.759 it's the story of Jesus. 00:09:04.079 --> 00:09:05.199 He healed and loved 00:09:05.199 --> 00:09:07.860 like nobody ever has before, 00:09:08.419 --> 00:09:09.399 or ever will again. 00:09:10.559 --> 00:09:12.840 But for that, they crucified him. 00:09:12.840 --> 00:09:15.320 God knows the worst 00:09:15.320 --> 00:09:16.660 and most unfair suffering 00:09:16.660 --> 00:09:18.080 any of us could ever go through. 00:09:19.399 --> 00:09:20.820 God's calling us to anticipate 00:09:20.820 --> 00:09:22.019 and not fear suffering, 00:09:22.220 --> 00:09:23.080 and it's not easy. 00:09:23.759 --> 00:09:25.000 But he's promised us 00:09:25.000 --> 00:09:25.780 and shown us 00:09:25.780 --> 00:09:26.960 that he will be with us. 00:09:28.139 --> 00:09:29.600 He's been through it himself. 00:09:32.519 --> 00:09:34.240 On our own, we will be afraid. 00:09:34.620 --> 00:09:35.519 But if we trust him 00:09:35.519 --> 00:09:36.759 and cry out to the Lord, 00:09:36.940 --> 00:09:38.160 we can face that fear. 00:09:39.080 --> 00:09:40.100 He's given us the gift 00:09:40.100 --> 00:09:40.900 of eternal life, 00:09:41.040 --> 00:09:42.220 and it's worth suffering for. 00:09:43.340 --> 00:09:44.240 Because it's nothing 00:09:44.240 --> 00:09:45.540 compared to the joy of eternity. 00:09:46.759 --> 00:09:48.080 His sacrifice and gift 00:09:48.080 --> 00:09:49.300 should always be on our minds 00:09:49.300 --> 00:09:49.780 and lips. 00:09:52.000 --> 00:09:54.040 That suffering and trusting him 00:09:54.040 --> 00:09:54.879 and proclaiming him 00:09:54.879 --> 00:09:55.740 will be a light 00:09:55.740 --> 00:09:56.899 to those around us. 00:09:59.440 --> 00:10:01.280 Even beyond that salvation, though, 00:10:01.360 --> 00:10:02.420 and that gift he's giving us, 00:10:02.500 --> 00:10:03.580 there is more blessing 00:10:03.580 --> 00:10:04.139 and suffering. 00:10:05.600 --> 00:10:07.019 It's an opportunity to grow. 00:10:08.519 --> 00:10:10.660 David grew through that suffering 00:10:10.659 --> 00:10:11.740 and learned his lesson. 00:10:12.939 --> 00:10:13.939 There's many cultures 00:10:13.939 --> 00:10:14.699 around the world, 00:10:15.360 --> 00:10:16.919 whether they're Christian or not, 00:10:17.000 --> 00:10:17.899 that know that suffering 00:10:17.899 --> 00:10:19.159 is a way to grow. 00:10:20.959 --> 00:10:22.620 Even in our own culture, 00:10:23.000 --> 00:10:24.179 we see that it's an opportunity 00:10:24.179 --> 00:10:24.779 for growth. 00:10:25.639 --> 00:10:26.740 In work and in school, 00:10:27.360 --> 00:10:28.379 we talk about challenges 00:10:28.379 --> 00:10:29.500 making us grow. 00:10:29.500 --> 00:10:32.019 We have sayings like, 00:10:32.120 --> 00:10:33.120 no pain, no gain, 00:10:33.399 --> 00:10:34.820 or what doesn't kill you 00:10:34.820 --> 00:10:35.779 only makes you stronger. 00:10:36.620 --> 00:10:37.279 Yeah, they're cheesy, 00:10:37.659 --> 00:10:38.899 and we might say them jokingly, 00:10:38.960 --> 00:10:39.980 but there is truth to them. 00:10:41.940 --> 00:10:42.879 Yeah, we'll make mistakes, 00:10:43.259 --> 00:10:44.620 and we learn from them. 00:10:45.759 --> 00:10:47.220 And we will suffer, 00:10:47.500 --> 00:10:48.519 but if we turn to the Lord, 00:10:48.580 --> 00:10:49.860 we can learn to trust him more. 00:10:51.879 --> 00:10:52.700 Then in the way 00:10:52.700 --> 00:10:54.220 we actually live our lives, 00:10:54.480 --> 00:10:56.000 we live in a different way than this. 00:10:56.159 --> 00:10:57.340 We run away from challenges, 00:10:57.340 --> 00:10:58.500 and we run away from pain 00:10:58.500 --> 00:10:59.399 as much as we can. 00:11:00.639 --> 00:11:01.460 So there's a disconnect 00:11:01.460 --> 00:11:02.660 between the two ways 00:11:02.660 --> 00:11:03.879 of seeing life, 00:11:04.080 --> 00:11:05.240 and we need to resolve them. 00:11:06.320 --> 00:11:07.500 It is really hard, 00:11:07.660 --> 00:11:08.259 but it's not worth 00:11:08.259 --> 00:11:09.259 running away from pain 00:11:09.259 --> 00:11:10.220 like David did. 00:11:10.899 --> 00:11:12.040 It's worth suffering for God 00:11:12.040 --> 00:11:12.780 and trusting him. 00:11:14.420 --> 00:11:16.180 Is something you truly believe in 00:11:16.180 --> 00:11:17.440 not worth suffering for? 00:11:18.500 --> 00:11:19.740 Putting this into practice 00:11:19.740 --> 00:11:20.920 is one of the strongest 00:11:20.920 --> 00:11:22.460 and most visible testimonies 00:11:22.460 --> 00:11:23.940 we can give to those around us. 00:11:24.580 --> 00:11:26.200 When they see us 00:11:26.200 --> 00:11:26.940 standing in the face 00:11:26.940 --> 00:11:27.580 of persecution, 00:11:28.300 --> 00:11:28.960 will this push them 00:11:28.960 --> 00:11:29.480 to question 00:11:29.480 --> 00:11:30.980 why we would ever believe 00:11:30.980 --> 00:11:32.000 so strongly in something? 00:11:33.940 --> 00:11:35.180 An example in the Bible 00:11:35.180 --> 00:11:35.820 is Paul, 00:11:35.980 --> 00:11:37.540 who was in prison for years, 00:11:38.120 --> 00:11:39.320 and he suffered a great deal. 00:11:39.940 --> 00:11:40.620 But how many 00:11:40.620 --> 00:11:42.400 came to Christ in Rome 00:11:42.400 --> 00:11:43.240 thanks to him? 00:11:46.960 --> 00:11:47.700 So next, 00:11:47.900 --> 00:11:48.600 we've got a bit 00:11:48.600 --> 00:11:49.760 of an interesting verse. 00:11:50.900 --> 00:11:51.660 So I call it 00:11:51.660 --> 00:11:52.820 the detour through prison. 00:11:53.860 --> 00:11:55.500 So I've added the context 00:11:55.500 --> 00:11:56.299 of verse 18, 00:11:56.799 --> 00:11:58.139 but verse 19 00:11:58.139 --> 00:11:59.259 is the interesting one. 00:12:00.059 --> 00:12:01.120 For Christ also suffered 00:12:01.120 --> 00:12:02.019 once for sins, 00:12:02.200 --> 00:12:03.840 the righteous for the unrighteous, 00:12:04.039 --> 00:12:05.059 to bring you to God. 00:12:05.700 --> 00:12:06.679 He was put to death 00:12:06.679 --> 00:12:07.360 in the body, 00:12:07.519 --> 00:12:08.519 but made alive in the spirit. 00:12:09.379 --> 00:12:10.620 After being made alive, 00:12:10.720 --> 00:12:11.779 he went and made proclamation 00:12:11.779 --> 00:12:13.220 to the imprisoned spirits. 00:12:13.960 --> 00:12:15.159 So it's kind of strange. 00:12:15.720 --> 00:12:16.460 Who are these prisons 00:12:16.460 --> 00:12:17.779 and who are these spirits 00:12:17.779 --> 00:12:18.200 in prison? 00:12:18.659 --> 00:12:19.779 And why is Peter 00:12:19.779 --> 00:12:20.659 talking about this now? 00:12:20.659 --> 00:12:22.219 It's pretty hard to know. 00:12:22.879 --> 00:12:23.860 And there's lots of people 00:12:23.860 --> 00:12:24.620 that have lots of 00:12:24.620 --> 00:12:25.579 good explanations 00:12:25.579 --> 00:12:27.139 and commentary on it, 00:12:27.219 --> 00:12:27.939 on who they are 00:12:27.939 --> 00:12:28.839 and what's going on. 00:12:29.199 --> 00:12:30.600 But I'm not going to assume 00:12:30.600 --> 00:12:31.579 anything tonight. 00:12:32.980 --> 00:12:34.219 But in verse 22, 00:12:34.639 --> 00:12:36.059 we read that Christ 00:12:36.059 --> 00:12:37.459 has victory over everything. 00:12:38.379 --> 00:12:39.419 So we can read this 00:12:39.419 --> 00:12:40.600 as an example of that. 00:12:41.259 --> 00:12:42.139 Whoever, whenever, 00:12:42.579 --> 00:12:42.919 wherever, 00:12:43.339 --> 00:12:45.139 whatever is going on here 00:12:45.139 --> 00:12:46.179 with these spirits, 00:12:47.100 --> 00:12:48.319 they're in submission to Christ, 00:12:48.319 --> 00:12:49.299 and he has victory. 00:12:50.659 --> 00:12:53.139 We can trust 00:12:53.139 --> 00:12:54.240 that Christ is in control 00:12:54.240 --> 00:12:55.480 and that he knows best. 00:12:56.959 --> 00:12:57.419 And so that's all 00:12:57.419 --> 00:12:57.879 the speculation 00:12:57.879 --> 00:12:58.579 we'll get into 00:12:58.579 --> 00:12:59.399 for that verse. 00:13:02.279 --> 00:13:03.319 So moving on, 00:13:03.399 --> 00:13:04.139 in verse 20, 00:13:04.639 --> 00:13:05.879 Peter's starting to talk 00:13:05.879 --> 00:13:06.939 about a public display 00:13:06.939 --> 00:13:07.439 of faith. 00:13:08.159 --> 00:13:09.079 So have we made 00:13:09.079 --> 00:13:09.939 a public declaration 00:13:09.939 --> 00:13:10.639 of our faith? 00:13:11.419 --> 00:13:12.699 He's talking about baptism 00:13:12.699 --> 00:13:14.659 and symbolizing, 00:13:14.980 --> 00:13:15.759 or symbolically, 00:13:15.959 --> 00:13:17.319 talking back on Noah 00:13:17.319 --> 00:13:18.179 and Christ. 00:13:18.179 --> 00:13:20.819 So to those 00:13:20.819 --> 00:13:21.679 who were disobedient 00:13:21.679 --> 00:13:22.239 long ago, 00:13:22.399 --> 00:13:23.519 when God waited patiently 00:13:23.519 --> 00:13:24.479 in the days of Noah 00:13:24.479 --> 00:13:25.239 while the ark 00:13:25.239 --> 00:13:25.939 was being built, 00:13:26.839 --> 00:13:27.259 in it, 00:13:27.379 --> 00:13:28.279 only a few people, 00:13:28.539 --> 00:13:28.979 eight in all, 00:13:29.099 --> 00:13:30.120 were saved through the water. 00:13:31.519 --> 00:13:32.579 So in Noah's time, 00:13:32.979 --> 00:13:34.299 the world was warned 00:13:34.299 --> 00:13:34.819 that they were going 00:13:34.819 --> 00:13:35.659 to die for their sin. 00:13:36.419 --> 00:13:37.500 They rejected that 00:13:37.500 --> 00:13:38.639 and kept on living 00:13:38.639 --> 00:13:39.599 just as they had been, 00:13:40.759 --> 00:13:42.519 which is quite similar today. 00:13:44.399 --> 00:13:45.339 But Noah heard 00:13:45.340 --> 00:13:46.620 and he listened. 00:13:47.420 --> 00:13:47.920 He was willing 00:13:47.920 --> 00:13:49.080 to suffer for his faith. 00:13:49.820 --> 00:13:50.300 That suffering 00:13:50.300 --> 00:13:51.320 was most likely 00:13:51.320 --> 00:13:53.100 labor for a seemingly 00:13:53.100 --> 00:13:54.500 meaningless task 00:13:54.500 --> 00:13:56.340 and probably a lot 00:13:56.340 --> 00:13:56.940 of ridicule, 00:13:57.500 --> 00:13:59.080 which is actually 00:13:59.080 --> 00:13:59.540 quite similar 00:13:59.540 --> 00:14:00.000 to the suffering 00:14:00.000 --> 00:14:01.160 we face today 00:14:01.160 --> 00:14:01.899 in our culture. 00:14:03.160 --> 00:14:03.620 Unfortunately, 00:14:03.780 --> 00:14:04.360 around the world, 00:14:04.440 --> 00:14:04.680 though, 00:14:04.940 --> 00:14:05.620 there's many 00:14:05.620 --> 00:14:06.399 who are believers 00:14:06.399 --> 00:14:08.160 that face imprisonment, 00:14:08.660 --> 00:14:08.980 torture, 00:14:09.180 --> 00:14:10.100 or even death 00:14:10.100 --> 00:14:11.060 for their faith. 00:14:11.059 --> 00:14:13.199 We can thank the Lord 00:14:13.199 --> 00:14:13.719 that we live 00:14:13.719 --> 00:14:14.399 in a free country 00:14:14.399 --> 00:14:15.500 where we can meet 00:14:15.500 --> 00:14:16.679 on a night like tonight 00:14:16.679 --> 00:14:17.519 and we can worship 00:14:17.519 --> 00:14:18.000 the Lord 00:14:18.000 --> 00:14:19.039 so that people 00:14:19.039 --> 00:14:19.479 on the street 00:14:19.479 --> 00:14:20.139 can hear it. 00:14:21.959 --> 00:14:22.459 And yeah, 00:14:22.500 --> 00:14:23.959 we might be made fun of 00:14:23.959 --> 00:14:25.239 for our faith, 00:14:25.479 --> 00:14:26.259 but it's worth it. 00:14:27.039 --> 00:14:28.119 The fear is well-founded 00:14:28.119 --> 00:14:29.379 of being made fun of 00:14:29.379 --> 00:14:30.319 and it's not pleasant, 00:14:31.000 --> 00:14:31.639 but we blow it 00:14:31.639 --> 00:14:32.599 way out of proportion. 00:14:33.759 --> 00:14:34.279 Is our faith 00:14:34.279 --> 00:14:35.179 really so shallow 00:14:35.179 --> 00:14:36.439 and fear so strong 00:14:36.439 --> 00:14:37.559 that the knowledge 00:14:37.559 --> 00:14:38.239 and relationship 00:14:38.239 --> 00:14:39.299 with the Creator God 00:14:39.299 --> 00:14:40.939 who has gifted us 00:14:40.939 --> 00:14:41.479 salvation, 00:14:42.339 --> 00:14:43.099 not worth sharing 00:14:43.099 --> 00:14:43.799 based on a few 00:14:43.799 --> 00:14:44.399 rolled eyes? 00:14:46.120 --> 00:14:47.240 More insidious often 00:14:47.240 --> 00:14:48.019 than this suffering, 00:14:48.579 --> 00:14:48.759 though, 00:14:48.839 --> 00:14:50.039 is for what feels 00:14:50.039 --> 00:14:50.899 like a work in vain, 00:14:51.319 --> 00:14:51.859 like Noah. 00:14:52.919 --> 00:14:53.779 How many of us 00:14:53.779 --> 00:14:54.620 have shared our faith 00:14:54.620 --> 00:14:55.359 for years 00:14:55.359 --> 00:14:56.559 or with some, 00:14:56.719 --> 00:14:57.439 even decades, 00:14:57.699 --> 00:14:58.240 with friends 00:14:58.240 --> 00:14:58.979 and loved ones 00:14:58.979 --> 00:15:00.379 but seen no results? 00:15:01.899 --> 00:15:02.859 God assures us, 00:15:02.939 --> 00:15:03.120 though, 00:15:03.219 --> 00:15:04.059 that our prayers 00:15:04.059 --> 00:15:04.799 and sharing 00:15:04.799 --> 00:15:06.000 are worth it. 00:15:06.939 --> 00:15:07.959 The Lord's called us 00:15:07.959 --> 00:15:08.339 to it, 00:15:08.340 --> 00:15:10.160 so we can trust Him. 00:15:10.940 --> 00:15:11.560 And we don't know 00:15:11.560 --> 00:15:12.639 God's ways or timing, 00:15:13.259 --> 00:15:14.360 so we've got to have faith. 00:15:15.500 --> 00:15:16.379 Noah built the ark, 00:15:16.920 --> 00:15:17.440 putting aside 00:15:17.440 --> 00:15:18.500 everything else, 00:15:18.759 --> 00:15:20.320 because he trusted God 00:15:20.320 --> 00:15:21.360 and what he had promised. 00:15:22.560 --> 00:15:23.879 He trusted and suffered 00:15:23.879 --> 00:15:24.440 for it, 00:15:25.200 --> 00:15:26.460 but it made the biggest 00:15:26.460 --> 00:15:27.300 and boldest 00:15:27.300 --> 00:15:28.060 public proclamation 00:15:28.060 --> 00:15:28.660 of faith 00:15:28.660 --> 00:15:29.879 he ever could. 00:15:30.480 --> 00:15:30.960 There's no way 00:15:30.960 --> 00:15:31.980 people didn't ask him 00:15:31.980 --> 00:15:32.720 why he was building 00:15:32.720 --> 00:15:33.519 that giant ark. 00:15:33.519 --> 00:15:36.439 Similarly, 00:15:36.740 --> 00:15:37.600 we're called to make 00:15:37.600 --> 00:15:38.740 a public declaration 00:15:38.740 --> 00:15:39.539 of our faith. 00:15:40.779 --> 00:15:41.679 In verse 21, 00:15:42.840 --> 00:15:43.439 Peter says, 00:15:43.899 --> 00:15:44.779 this water symbolizes 00:15:44.779 --> 00:15:45.340 baptism 00:15:45.340 --> 00:15:46.480 that now saves you 00:15:46.480 --> 00:15:46.919 also, 00:15:47.399 --> 00:15:48.079 not the removal 00:15:48.079 --> 00:15:49.199 of dirt from the body 00:15:49.199 --> 00:15:49.899 but the pledge 00:15:49.899 --> 00:15:50.759 of a clear conscience 00:15:50.759 --> 00:15:51.559 towards God. 00:15:52.120 --> 00:15:52.720 It saves you 00:15:52.720 --> 00:15:53.419 by the resurrection 00:15:53.419 --> 00:15:54.460 of Jesus Christ. 00:15:54.460 --> 00:15:56.840 So Peter's saying 00:15:56.840 --> 00:15:58.639 baptism isn't just a bath, 00:15:59.440 --> 00:16:00.180 it's a transformation, 00:16:01.160 --> 00:16:02.680 but it's also symbolic 00:16:02.680 --> 00:16:03.620 of Christ and Noah. 00:16:04.960 --> 00:16:06.160 The symbolism of death 00:16:06.160 --> 00:16:07.040 and being buried 00:16:07.040 --> 00:16:08.259 for sins 00:16:08.259 --> 00:16:10.240 by going into the water. 00:16:11.519 --> 00:16:12.600 Because we were condemned 00:16:12.600 --> 00:16:13.420 for our sins 00:16:13.420 --> 00:16:15.060 and we deserve death 00:16:15.060 --> 00:16:15.900 just like those 00:16:15.900 --> 00:16:16.620 in Noah's time. 00:16:17.780 --> 00:16:18.500 But like Noah, 00:16:18.920 --> 00:16:19.980 we're saved not 00:16:19.980 --> 00:16:20.820 by our own efforts 00:16:20.820 --> 00:16:21.980 but by God's gift. 00:16:23.600 --> 00:16:24.180 Noah's actions 00:16:24.179 --> 00:16:24.779 and righteousness 00:16:24.779 --> 00:16:26.199 were definitely 00:16:26.199 --> 00:16:27.399 what God made note of 00:16:27.399 --> 00:16:29.379 that he went to Noah. 00:16:29.879 --> 00:16:31.339 But it's not Noah's actions 00:16:31.339 --> 00:16:32.059 that saved him. 00:16:32.620 --> 00:16:33.679 He couldn't save himself. 00:16:35.000 --> 00:16:35.779 He was saved 00:16:35.779 --> 00:16:36.319 because he did 00:16:36.319 --> 00:16:37.379 what God told him to do. 00:16:40.239 --> 00:16:41.219 It's his response 00:16:41.219 --> 00:16:41.699 to God 00:16:41.699 --> 00:16:42.399 that saved him. 00:16:43.539 --> 00:16:44.199 He didn't know 00:16:44.199 --> 00:16:45.239 he needed to build the ark 00:16:45.239 --> 00:16:46.439 unless God told him 00:16:46.439 --> 00:16:47.120 to build the ark. 00:16:49.079 --> 00:16:50.120 So it's what God 00:16:50.120 --> 00:16:51.199 told him to do 00:16:51.199 --> 00:16:52.240 that saved him. 00:16:52.459 --> 00:16:53.019 He believed 00:16:53.019 --> 00:16:54.039 and he was saved. 00:16:55.079 --> 00:16:55.419 Similarly, 00:16:55.679 --> 00:16:56.599 we're called to faith 00:16:56.599 --> 00:16:57.899 and we need 00:16:57.899 --> 00:16:58.699 to respond to it. 00:16:59.659 --> 00:17:00.679 It's not our actions 00:17:00.679 --> 00:17:01.500 that will save us. 00:17:02.059 --> 00:17:03.239 It's Christ's actions 00:17:03.239 --> 00:17:03.639 that will. 00:17:05.379 --> 00:17:06.500 So a normal, 00:17:06.859 --> 00:17:07.579 typical path 00:17:07.579 --> 00:17:08.099 to faith 00:17:08.099 --> 00:17:09.399 is we pray 00:17:09.399 --> 00:17:10.240 and accept him 00:17:10.240 --> 00:17:12.259 as our Lord and Savior 00:17:12.259 --> 00:17:13.359 for what he's done. 00:17:13.720 --> 00:17:14.379 We accept 00:17:14.379 --> 00:17:15.039 that we can't 00:17:15.039 --> 00:17:15.720 save ourselves. 00:17:16.579 --> 00:17:17.659 Then we have baptism 00:17:17.659 --> 00:17:18.720 which is our public 00:17:18.720 --> 00:17:19.740 declaration of faith. 00:17:19.740 --> 00:17:19.779 faith. 00:17:20.240 --> 00:17:20.880 We get 00:17:20.880 --> 00:17:22.259 in the tank 00:17:22.259 --> 00:17:23.299 or in the sea 00:17:23.299 --> 00:17:24.380 or wherever 00:17:24.380 --> 00:17:25.559 you do it 00:17:25.559 --> 00:17:27.259 and you're there 00:17:27.259 --> 00:17:27.859 with the pastor 00:17:27.859 --> 00:17:28.380 or elder 00:17:28.380 --> 00:17:29.539 and you answer them 00:17:29.539 --> 00:17:30.720 admitting that you're 00:17:30.720 --> 00:17:31.059 a sinner, 00:17:31.579 --> 00:17:32.500 that you need Jesus 00:17:32.500 --> 00:17:33.500 and that he is 00:17:33.500 --> 00:17:33.960 your Lord. 00:17:35.620 --> 00:17:36.420 You're then put 00:17:36.420 --> 00:17:37.180 into the water 00:17:37.180 --> 00:17:38.880 symbolizing death 00:17:38.880 --> 00:17:39.599 for your sins. 00:17:40.920 --> 00:17:41.740 And finally, 00:17:41.900 --> 00:17:42.460 you're brought back 00:17:42.460 --> 00:17:43.200 out of the water 00:17:43.200 --> 00:17:44.319 symbolizing 00:17:44.319 --> 00:17:45.960 new life in Christ, 00:17:46.380 --> 00:17:47.059 eternal life 00:17:47.059 --> 00:17:48.200 through his life, 00:17:48.339 --> 00:17:48.519 death, 00:17:48.579 --> 00:17:49.099 and resurrection. 00:17:50.440 --> 00:17:51.319 So just like 00:17:51.319 --> 00:17:51.839 the rainbow 00:17:51.839 --> 00:17:52.779 was given to Noah, 00:17:53.359 --> 00:17:54.299 we're given baptism 00:17:54.299 --> 00:17:55.279 as a sign 00:17:55.279 --> 00:17:55.980 of the new covenant 00:17:55.980 --> 00:17:56.879 that we live under. 00:17:59.059 --> 00:17:59.859 And likewise, 00:18:01.039 --> 00:18:02.500 we have no clearer sign 00:18:02.500 --> 00:18:03.299 that we can give. 00:18:03.679 --> 00:18:04.399 Like the ark, 00:18:05.740 --> 00:18:07.579 if we have a baptism, 00:18:08.019 --> 00:18:08.700 everybody will know 00:18:08.700 --> 00:18:09.879 exactly where we stand. 00:18:11.940 --> 00:18:12.759 So finally, 00:18:13.139 --> 00:18:13.799 are we living 00:18:13.799 --> 00:18:14.899 in submission to Christ? 00:18:14.900 --> 00:18:14.980 Christ. 00:18:16.180 --> 00:18:17.300 In verse 22, 00:18:17.580 --> 00:18:18.180 Peter says, 00:18:18.480 --> 00:18:18.900 it saves you 00:18:18.900 --> 00:18:19.600 by the resurrection 00:18:19.600 --> 00:18:20.640 of Jesus Christ, 00:18:20.880 --> 00:18:21.880 who has gone into heaven 00:18:21.880 --> 00:18:23.400 and is at God's right hand 00:18:23.400 --> 00:18:24.460 with angels, 00:18:24.840 --> 00:18:25.240 authorities, 00:18:25.880 --> 00:18:26.380 and powers 00:18:26.380 --> 00:18:27.540 in submission to him. 00:18:29.280 --> 00:18:30.180 So all things 00:18:30.180 --> 00:18:31.180 are submitted to Christ, 00:18:31.460 --> 00:18:32.340 whether they believe 00:18:32.340 --> 00:18:33.100 or not. 00:18:34.200 --> 00:18:35.420 No matter who we are, 00:18:35.780 --> 00:18:37.360 one day we will face Christ 00:18:37.360 --> 00:18:38.519 at the judgment seat. 00:18:39.660 --> 00:18:40.800 The question is, 00:18:40.920 --> 00:18:41.580 will we stand there 00:18:41.580 --> 00:18:42.480 saved by Christ 00:18:42.480 --> 00:18:43.340 or not? 00:18:44.900 --> 00:18:46.460 It's not doing good 00:18:46.460 --> 00:18:47.820 like Peter taught 00:18:47.820 --> 00:18:49.120 at the start of the passage 00:18:49.120 --> 00:18:49.740 about that's going 00:18:49.740 --> 00:18:50.380 to save us. 00:18:51.580 --> 00:18:52.600 It's not suffering 00:18:52.600 --> 00:18:53.360 that he talked about 00:18:53.360 --> 00:18:54.380 that's going to save us. 00:18:55.100 --> 00:18:56.240 It's not being baptized 00:18:56.240 --> 00:18:57.400 that's going to save us. 00:18:58.200 --> 00:18:59.080 It's Christ dying 00:18:59.080 --> 00:19:00.080 and being resurrected 00:19:00.080 --> 00:19:00.680 for us 00:19:00.680 --> 00:19:01.560 that will save us. 00:19:02.400 --> 00:19:03.100 Christ has called us 00:19:03.100 --> 00:19:03.820 to believe this, 00:19:04.180 --> 00:19:05.019 have faith in him, 00:19:05.180 --> 00:19:05.860 and repent. 00:19:07.259 --> 00:19:07.880 Through this, 00:19:07.940 --> 00:19:08.380 when we stand 00:19:08.380 --> 00:19:08.940 at the throne, 00:19:09.519 --> 00:19:10.480 we will be saved. 00:19:10.480 --> 00:19:12.720 So what Peter's 00:19:12.720 --> 00:19:13.259 been describing 00:19:13.259 --> 00:19:13.940 in this passage 00:19:13.940 --> 00:19:14.740 is the natural 00:19:14.740 --> 00:19:15.860 reflection of our faith. 00:19:16.720 --> 00:19:17.200 We're to suffer 00:19:17.200 --> 00:19:17.819 for Christ, 00:19:18.360 --> 00:19:19.099 to do good, 00:19:19.740 --> 00:19:20.599 and by this 00:19:20.599 --> 00:19:21.400 we will be a light 00:19:21.400 --> 00:19:22.160 in the world. 00:19:23.120 --> 00:19:23.880 So my prayer 00:19:23.880 --> 00:19:24.599 is that as we go 00:19:24.599 --> 00:19:25.160 into the world, 00:19:25.860 --> 00:19:26.620 we go submitted 00:19:26.620 --> 00:19:27.299 to Christ, 00:19:27.819 --> 00:19:28.400 doing what he's 00:19:28.400 --> 00:19:29.099 called us to do. 00:19:30.940 --> 00:19:31.539 Linking back 00:19:31.539 --> 00:19:31.980 to the start 00:19:31.980 --> 00:19:32.539 of the message, 00:19:32.960 --> 00:19:33.640 we're to live a life 00:19:33.640 --> 00:19:34.400 that stands out 00:19:34.400 --> 00:19:35.140 and be a light 00:19:35.140 --> 00:19:37.180 around us 00:19:37.180 --> 00:19:37.700 to those 00:19:37.700 --> 00:19:38.539 who know us. 00:19:38.539 --> 00:19:40.240 and our life 00:19:40.240 --> 00:19:40.859 is to be a living 00:19:40.859 --> 00:19:41.319 answer 00:19:41.319 --> 00:19:43.079 to everyone 00:19:43.079 --> 00:19:43.700 who asks you 00:19:43.700 --> 00:19:44.539 to give the reason 00:19:44.539 --> 00:19:45.200 for the hope 00:19:45.200 --> 00:19:45.899 that you have. 00:19:46.500 --> 00:19:47.559 By doing good, 00:19:47.940 --> 00:19:48.539 by doing good 00:19:48.539 --> 00:19:49.539 in response to evil, 00:19:50.240 --> 00:19:50.980 by being willing 00:19:50.980 --> 00:19:51.980 to suffer for Christ 00:19:51.980 --> 00:19:52.899 when we inevitably 00:19:52.899 --> 00:19:53.299 will, 00:19:54.159 --> 00:19:54.799 and by publicly 00:19:54.799 --> 00:19:55.819 declaring our faith, 00:19:56.659 --> 00:19:57.259 all of this 00:19:57.259 --> 00:19:58.259 is a natural reflection 00:19:58.259 --> 00:19:59.519 of our submission 00:19:59.519 --> 00:20:00.079 to Christ. 00:20:01.420 --> 00:20:02.480 So how we live 00:20:02.480 --> 00:20:03.399 should lead those 00:20:03.399 --> 00:20:03.899 around us 00:20:03.899 --> 00:20:04.399 to question 00:20:04.399 --> 00:20:05.379 about Christ. 00:20:06.099 --> 00:20:06.859 So next time 00:20:06.859 --> 00:20:07.539 someone asks you 00:20:07.539 --> 00:20:08.299 about your faith, 00:20:08.539 --> 00:20:09.759 what will you answer? 00:20:11.200 --> 00:20:11.819 Let's pray. 00:20:13.559 --> 00:20:14.259 Heavenly Father, 00:20:14.359 --> 00:20:14.879 I thank you 00:20:14.879 --> 00:20:15.659 for this evening. 00:20:16.139 --> 00:20:16.619 I thank you 00:20:16.619 --> 00:20:17.220 for your word, 00:20:17.460 --> 00:20:18.139 and I thank you 00:20:18.139 --> 00:20:19.700 that you're 00:20:19.700 --> 00:20:20.460 at work in us. 00:20:20.879 --> 00:20:21.559 I pray that we 00:20:21.559 --> 00:20:23.659 would do good, 00:20:23.920 --> 00:20:24.680 that we would 00:20:24.680 --> 00:20:25.659 be willing 00:20:25.659 --> 00:20:26.619 to suffer for you, 00:20:27.279 --> 00:20:28.559 for it is worth it. 00:20:29.799 --> 00:20:30.539 I pray that we 00:20:30.539 --> 00:20:31.220 will live submitted 00:20:31.220 --> 00:20:31.720 to you, 00:20:32.139 --> 00:20:32.960 and that we would 00:20:32.960 --> 00:20:33.599 be a light 00:20:33.599 --> 00:20:34.139 to the world. 00:20:35.279 --> 00:20:36.039 I pray that you'd 00:20:36.039 --> 00:20:36.399 be at work 00:20:36.399 --> 00:20:36.960 in this city, 00:20:37.119 --> 00:20:37.920 in this country, 00:20:37.920 --> 00:20:39.380 and that people 00:20:39.380 --> 00:20:39.920 would be coming 00:20:39.920 --> 00:20:40.420 to know you, 00:20:40.500 --> 00:20:40.660 Lord. 00:20:41.279 --> 00:20:42.200 I pray in Jesus' name. 00:20:42.560 --> 00:20:42.820 Amen. 00:20:42.820 --> 00:20:42.900 Amen. 00:20:42.900 --> 00:20:44.200 Amen. 00:20:44.759 --> 00:20:44.840 Amen. 00:20:44.840 --> 00:20:45.580 Amen. 00:20:46.140 --> 00:20:46.860 Amen. 00:20:46.980 --> 00:20:48.220 Amen. 00:20:48.220 --> 00:20:48.500 Amen.