The Death of the Suffering Savior

The Apostle Peter exhorts Christians to handle suffering as Christ handled suffering. As this world grows more antagonistic toward the truths of the Scripture, we as believers will be subjected to persecution. Let's examine 1 Peter 3:18-21 to be reminded of the Savior's suffering.

1. The Uniqueness of His Death (1 Peter 3:18; 1 Peter 2:21)
• His suffering was redemptive.
• His suffering means an end to our suffering.

2. The Substitutionary Aspect of His Death (1 Peter 2:22, 24; Hebrews 4:15, 9:28; Isaiah 53:4-6)
• “The just for the unjust”
• Christ bore the penalty for our sins. (Isaiah 64:6)

3. The Sufficiency of His Death
• “Once for all” – no need to be repeated (John 19:30; Hebrews 9:28, 10:12)
• Paid in full

4. The Purpose of His Death
• To bring sinners into a personal relationship with a holy God. (Romans 5:10; 2 Corinthians 5:18)

5. The Certainty of His Death
• Jesus physically died the most horrible death of anyone.

6. The Resurrection of the Suffering Savior (1 Peter 3:18d; John 10:18)
• Interpretations of “made alive in the Spirit”
- “Spirit” refers to the Holy Spirit.
- “Spirit” refers to the non-material side of the man Jesus.
- “Spirit” simply refers to the resurrection of Jesus Christ. (1 Peter 3:21)

7. The Proclamation Made by the Suffering Savior (1 Peter 3:19-21; Genesis 3:15; 2 Peter 2:4)
• A proclamation of victory over evil
• A proclamation to the fallen spirits Jude 6)
• A proclamation of salvation for those who believe in the Savior (Ephesians 2:8-9)

8. The Exaltation of the Suffering Savior (1 Peter 3:22)
• He is at the right hand of God.
- A place of prestige and power
- A place of honor and authority I’m
• He is in heaven.
- Reference to His ascension
- Reference to His position as Priest
• He is in a position of supremacy.