Encouragement for Sufferers

Encouragement for Sufferers   (1 Pet. 3:18-20a)

1. What did the Holy Spirit teach you from this passage?

2. Why is it encouraging to know the One you pray to and put your hope in has suffered as you suffer?

3. How is it encouraging that Christ's suffering for you was once-for-all?

4. How is it encouraging that Christ brings you to God?

5. Why should Christ's suffering in your place give you a new sense of identity and acceptance? How does this help you overcome your fear of man?

6. Why should we come to less clear passages of scripture with increased humility?

This description of levels of doctrinal importance comes from C. Michael Patton.

7. Why do we not believe v. 19 teaches Jesus gave people in Hell a second chance (i.e. Catholic purgatory, Mormon baptism for the dead, etc.)?

8. How does the greatness of Christ in this text (that He is not bound by time or space) encourage us in our suffering?

9. Why should God's longsuffering mercy encourage us in our suffering?