Scripture to Read: 1 Peter 3:17–21
As we live for God, He tells us in 1 Peter 3:17, For it is better, if God should will it so, that you suffer for doing what is right rather than for doing what is wrong. God is making sure we know that when suffering occurs, we should suffer for obeying Him and NOT for making unwise decisions. In 1 Peter 3:18, God continues by clarifying what Christ did for us through His life and death. Christ gave His life for everyone so that everyone could have an opportunity to be in a right relationship with God the Father. Because this world hated Christ, this world will also hate us. Jesus told us this in John 15:18–19, "If the world hates you, you know that it has hated Me before it hated you. 19 If you were of the world, the world would love its own; but because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, because of this the world hates you." God also revealed that the people in Noah's day heard God's message of salvation but disobeyed it (1 Peter 3:19–20). God patiently waited during the 75 plus years it took Noah, his family, and others to build the ark. Noah preached of God's judgment while building the ark. We know Noah preached because God tells us this in 2 Peter 2:5. Only eight people were saved from the flood. Finally, God reminds us that water baptism is a picture of spiritual baptism. Baptism is our response to God because Christ has cleansed us and given us new life.
Challenge & Application
1. Why did Jesus have to suffer for the sins of all mankind?
2. What evidence do you, or others, see through your life that you are a follower of Christ?
Don’t forget to pray using the A.C.T.S. (Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving, Supplication) method!