1 Peter 3:19-22
July 16th 2023, 3rd Holy Day of the month
Rev. Tadashi Nagae, pastor
July 16th 2023, 3rd Holy Day of the month
Rev. Tadashi Nagae, pastor
Today's passage also describes the sufferings that Christians undergo. It is a very difficult part to understand, so I explain it first. After that, let us learn three things:
The first is to follow the Lord even if we suffer hardships. Noah and his family believed the Word of God, started the preparation, and told it to the people. But the people refused to believe and disobeyed, while Noah still continued to follow the Lord.
The second is to renew our commitment to the Lord in the midst of suffering. Baptism is not a requirement for salvation, but a commitment to the Lord by those who have been saved. Our faith tends to waver at times of hardship, but it is the time we must renew our commitment to the Lord.
The third is to remember that it is through suffering that the glory of God is revealed. Jesus suffered and died on the cross as a substitute for humankind. Because of his work of redemption, he is now seated at the right hand of God. We need to remember that suffering is when His glory is manifested.
In times of suffering, we tend to be weak. But it is at that time that our faith is being tested. Let us follow through to the end for the glory of the Lord!
The first is to follow the Lord even if we suffer hardships. Noah and his family believed the Word of God, started the preparation, and told it to the people. But the people refused to believe and disobeyed, while Noah still continued to follow the Lord.
The second is to renew our commitment to the Lord in the midst of suffering. Baptism is not a requirement for salvation, but a commitment to the Lord by those who have been saved. Our faith tends to waver at times of hardship, but it is the time we must renew our commitment to the Lord.
The third is to remember that it is through suffering that the glory of God is revealed. Jesus suffered and died on the cross as a substitute for humankind. Because of his work of redemption, he is now seated at the right hand of God. We need to remember that suffering is when His glory is manifested.
In times of suffering, we tend to be weak. But it is at that time that our faith is being tested. Let us follow through to the end for the glory of the Lord!
<The Verse of the Bible>
Jesus Christ, who has gone into heaven and is at God’s right hand—with angels, authorities and powers in submission to him.
1 Peter 3:22 (NIV)
