herlucidlife

1 Peter 3:19-20

“In that state He also went and made a proclamation to the spirits in prison who in the past were disobedient.”

When Christ was separated from God in death for three days, did He also share the gospel with the spirits in hell? Did He continue to do His work even separated from His Father? Did He share even though He knew it may have fallen on deaf ears? 

Did Jesus display still an overwhelming amount of love and mercy by sharing His message? A proclamation is stated to be an announcement, a declaration. From my understanding, Christ spoke to the fallen spirits and declared His message among them. They also saw for themselves Who Jesus is. 

1 Peter 3:21

“baptism with water…not the removal of the filth of the flesh, but the pledge of a good conscience toward God, through the resurrection of Jesus Christ.” Only the blood of Jesus can remove the filth of flesh from me. Though it is baptism by water that engages my mind and creates a conscience of newness with God, Jesus and the Holy Spirit. It is an out display of my devotion and affection toward God. To pledge is to vow, promise, commitment and word of honor. 

I’ve committed to God, Jesus and the Holy Spirit when I pledge my allegiance only to thee. This pledge is made out of love not duty. It is further carried out through my actions. 

1 Peter 4:1-2

“Christ suffered in the flesh, equip yourselves also with the same resolve — because the one who suffered in the flesh has finished with sin — in order to live the remaining time in the flesh, no longer for human desires, but for God’s will.”

I’ve always struggled with my flesh. With each passing day of getting older I find myself becoming more sensitive to the spirit groaning at my evil desires. It’s the sheer struggle within that lets me know God is working in my heart and in my spirit. I fall, regrettably sometimes on purpose. 

Temptation is an odd kind of suffering because the infliction is dealt to oneself by oneself. I don’t need help being enticed. I do that to myself naturally. Equipping myself with the same resolve Jesus had when on earth. To equip sounds like being prepared over time, putting something on to withstand the flesh. The full body of armor.