EXPLORE THE TEXT
Believers are to be baptized as a testimony of their faith in Christ.
21 Baptism, which corresponds to this, now saves you
(not as the removal of dirt from the body, but the pledge of a good conscience toward God)
through the resurrection of Jesus Christ,
22 who has gone into heaven and is at the right hand of God with angels, authorities, and powers subject to him.
In the Greek, the word translated corresponds in verse 21 is actually a noun and relates to a pattern or a symbol.
It referred to a type or image that represents a larger truth or principle.
In this context, Peter was using baptism as a counterpart for the flood during Noah’s day.
The flood was a catastrophic event that resulted in the deaths of many people who refused to accept God’s plan for rescue.
Baptism by immersion offers a different public proclamation of death, that of a believer to his or her old way of life.
As Paul noted in his letter to the Romans, those who have been baptized into Christ have been baptized into His death (Rom. 6:1-4).
Unlike the evil ones who died under the waters of the flood, Christ followers are brought out of the water to new lives transformed by His power and grace.
Point out that Peter stated that baptism corresponded to Noah’s salvation from the floodwaters.
Invite the group to share how Noah’s experience corresponds to baptism.
Encourage any believers who have not take the step of baptism to consider making this public profession of their faith.
Lead a brief discussion on how Christians should understand baptism and its purpose.
Identify ways people misunderstand baptism and allow the group to suggest Bible verses that would help counter those misunderstandings.
Baptism is an act of obedience symbolizing the believer’s faith in a crucified, buried, and risen Saviour,
the believer’s death to sin, the burial of the old life, and the resurrection to walk in newness of life in Christ Jesus. (See Romans 6:3-5; Colossians 2:11-13.)
Jesus’s death, burial, and resurrection validated His claim of being the Messiah, the Savior of the world.
Remind adults that He is at God’s right hand-a position of ultimate authority-working out His plans for His glory and our good.
Review these points from Apply the Text on page 63 of the Personal Study Guide:
Remind adults that Peter’s original audience was undergoing persecution.
Spend some time talking about how the truths of this session could encourage believers enduring such suffering.
Guide the group to discuss the second set of questions on page 63 of the PSG.
Emphasize that baptism is only one way we can testify to what God has done in our lives.
Challenge adults to find ways to share the hope they have in Jesus each day.
Invite the group to gather in groups of three or four and close in prayer.
Thank God for Jesus Christ, who suffered, died, and rose to bring us closer to Him.
Commit to being ready to share and defend your faith in Christ whenever the opportunity arises.
Urge adults to continue using the prayer prompts for 1 Peter 3:15.
Reinforce the session by texting or emailing the group and encouraging them to share their faith throughout the week. Challenge adults to be sensitive to places and situations where they could share, including times they may not have thought about prior to the session. Replying with examples to everyone may be a catalyst for others to be observant and bold in their journey through the week. Also remind them that you are available to speak with anyone who has questions about salvation or baptism.
Baptism is an act of obedience symbolizing the believer’s faith in a crucified, buried, and risen Saviour, the believer’s death to sin, the burial of the old life, and the resurrection to walk in newness of life in Christ Jesus. (See Romans 6:3-5; Colossians 2:11-13.)
Memorize a verse and apply it to a real-life situation.
Memorize 1 Peter 3:17 in your preferred Bible translation. Then write the verse in your own words. Finally, write a couple of sentences here or in a journal, stating how the verse can help you make a tough decision or face a difficult situation today, particularly one in which you are tempted to act in anger or hurt toward someone persecuting you for your faith.