1 Peter 3:18-20 For Christ also has once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh… I. THE SUFFERINGS OF CHRIST ARE HERE ASSERTED. II. THE MERITORIOUS CAUSE OF THEM IS ASSIGNED. III. A MATERIAL CIRCUMSTANCE RELATING TO HIS SUFFERINGS IS TAKEN NOTICE OF. IV. THE OPPOSITE CHARACTERS OF CHRIST, AND OF THOSE FOR WHOM HE SUFFERED, ARE LAID DOWN. V. THE GREAT DESIGN OF HIS SUFFERINGS IS DECLARED. 1. The ends of Christ's sufferings are various. (1) That He might set us an example of patience and resignation to the Divine will, under the troubles and difficulties of this life. (2) To teach us self-denial and mortification. (3) That He might exercise tender compassion towards us, under our trials and sorrows. 2. But the great end of His suffering for sins, the just for the unjust, was to bring us unto God.Application; 1. Our hearts should be greatly affected with the representation which has been made unto us of the love of Christ. 2. How should we hate and abominate sin! 3. Let us draw nigh to God. 4. All our approaches to God should be through Jesus Christ. (S. Price.) Parallel Verses KJV: For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh, but quickened by the Spirit: |
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