A CHRISTLESS MESSAGE? IMPOSSIBLE!
December 2, 2001 PM
Sermon Outline
1 Pet 3:17-22
INTRO: I have read more verses than we have been attempting to consider in our studies of 1 Peter. But I feel that the scope of our study insists that there is one very profound thought which leaps from these verses. Yes, each verse does have its interesting and vital thoughts. But as I read the verses as a unit, the thought which seems paramount is thisthe impossibility of a Christless message. It could be so easy to become involved in interesting speculations and discussions...to the extent that the power or validation of each thought is lost. But Peter does not allow us to do that. Whatever else there may be here, Christ is most assuredly uplifted. Now think for a moment...
I. THE ATONEMENT WITHOUT CHRIST? 3:17,18
A. The aim of atonement is to bring man back to God
1. we know sin separates us from HimIsa 59:1,2
2. this has been mans experience from the beginning
3. but God just was not willing to leave it at that...Jno 3:16afor God so loved the world
4. but how-in His nature-could God effect this atonement
B. The 18th verse tells us...through Jesusthe details?
1. satisfying demand of justice...Jesus did forusHe plainly did not die for His own sins (yet, he was accused)
2. satisfying the holiness of God...the perfect Jesus died for usjust for the unjustnoone else could have filled that need
3. satisfying the universality of God...one sacrifice for sins forever (and for all)Heb 10:12 & 2 Cor 5:14 God is no respecter of
persons
4. take Jesus out of the atonement, and there is nothing left that He might bring us to God
II. THE OLD TESTAMENT WITHOUT CHRIST? 3:19,20
A. Peter expands the scope of Jesus for His readers
1. do you think Jesus has only recently come on scene?
2. do you think church, atonement are new thoughts?
3. by a most unusual illustration Peter says Jesus has always been involved in (a) history (b) religion
B. Christ in Noahs day? Yes, exactly
1. what does this passage tell us? that Jesus-after His death-went into Tartarus to preach to evil dead? No!
2. notice 2 Pet 2:5 & 1 Pet 1:10,11 Christ, though Noah, was preaching to those disobedient people...they didnt change, and Peter explains they are now in prison
3. note, too, Gal 3:8,16,17 gospel preached to Abraham
4. point: Christ, though the prophets, was speaking thentake Jesus out of the O.T., and there is little left
III. BAPTISM WITHOUT CHRIST? 3:21
A. Baptism was/is universal point of entry into Christ
1. all of people whom Peter wrote had this in common
2. Peter certainly knew the Lords wishes regarding baptismhe was there in Mk 16:15,16; and in Acts 2:38
3. had a thorough understanding of this ordinance!
B. And he knew that efficacy of baptism rested in resurrection
1. Paul confirms...1 Cor 15:17
2. true, faith of one being baptized is necessary, too
3. but whole matter depends on one great fact which one believes...that Jesus did rise from the dead and that we are united into His death, burial and resurrection in baptism (Rom 6:3-5)
4. take Jesus out of baptism, and it becomes only dunking
IV. HEAVEN WITHOUT CHRIST? 3:22
A. Peter had earlier seen Jesus ascending
1. Acts 1:9-11 had no doubts about where Jesus was
2. and so many things might have been said here about what that all means and signifies (as in Phil 1:23)
3. but to Peter only one thought was needful just here...
B. Christ in heaven spoke of Jesus unequaled in authority
1. what had Peter heard the Lord say? Mt 28:18
2. in the church-indeed, in everything-Jesus was and is Lord
3. note Col 1:16-18 in all things....preeminence
4. take Jesus out of heaven, and the church loses head
CLOSE: Whatever the discussion, Christ is all that there is. Every point of life and doctrine, every anticipation and hope must begin from Jesus Christ. For any preacher of righteousness, then, a Christless message is truly impossible.
Cecil A. Hutson
02 December 2001