1. ASSURANCE GUARANTEED 1 PETER 3:18—22

2. THE FINAL EXALTATION OF JESUS, AFTER HIS UNJUST SUFFERING ASSURES BELIEVERS THAT GOD WILL DELIVER ON HIS PROMISES. SPIRITUAL LIFE PRINCIPLE:

3. THE SACRIFICE OF JESUS: Jesus Suffered & Died Once. Jesus Died for Sins. Substitutionary: Righteous for Unrighteous. To bring us to God. Put to Death in the body, Made Alive in the spirit (by the Spirit, optional translation).

4. THE PROCLAMATION OF VICTORY: Where and When? Nobody knows, don’t sweat it. What makes the most sense? Personal Viewpoint* –Jesus proclaimed His victory to angelic spirits in prison, Jude 6, Gen. 6:4. –Then Jesus ascended to the Father.

5. THE PROCLAMATION OF VICTORY: This reveals a new dimension to the believer’s struggle in this world. Spiritual Warfare. Spoken directly of in 5:8, “your enemy the devil…” Echoing Paul’s theology? Ephesians 6:12, “For our struggle is not against flesh and blood but against…the cosmic powers over this present darkness.”

6. THE PROCLAMATION OF VICTORY: NOW, the Baptism reference. Only 6 references seem to indicate a necessity of baptism for regeneration: Mark 16:16; John 3:5; Acts 2:38: Acts 22:16; Gal. 3:27; 1 Pet. 3:21. Dozens more attribute salvation to faith alone. They testify to a clean conscience before God. Baptism then: Is a step of obedience to discipleship in Christ. Baptism identifies us with our Lord Jesus.

7. THE EXALTATION OF JESUS: From Ps. 110:1, “The LORD said to my Lord…” “Having gone into heaven,” Acts 1:10. –Jesus will return the SAME way. Jesus TRIUMPHED over all angels and powers and authorities. Jn. 12:31; 14:30 & 16:11. BUT Satan is still presently a hindrance to believers. 2 Cor. 4:4.

8. JESUS’ VICTORY ASSURES BELIEVERS THAT GOD’S PROMISES ARE TRUE! - I WILL REJOICE IN JESUS’ VICTORY TODAY. -I WILL WATCH MY WAYS SO I AM NOT DECEIVED BY SIN. -I WILL TAKE HEART IN KNOWING I AM ASSURED OF HIS PROMISES. SPIRITUAL LIFE PRINCIPLE APPLICATION: