Bible Text: 1 Peter 3:18-4:6 | Preacher: Pastor Joe Ricchuiti | Series: 1 Peter, Living for the Will of God

Peter mentions the Ascension of Jesus in 3:22. Jesus is now at God’s right hand, the place of honor; He is exalted over all things; and He rules over all Creation, having triumphed over all authorities and powers. Peter was an eyewitness of the ascension.
Peter mentions the ascension as proof of his thesis that his readers could triumph despite facing difficulties, trials, and persecution. “…suffering and death were the gateway to …resurrection and glory. No matter what God is in control.” (Neighborhood Bible Studies)
As Christians we are to be victorious over sin. At conversion a believer dies to sin in that it can no longer have dominion over his or her life. (Romans 6:6-7; 11-14). The cross breaks the power of sin. We are to choose to live in righteousness.
As Christians we are to “put on,” as armor, Christ’s attitude toward suffering and toward obedience to the will of God the Father, even in the midst of suffering.
As Christians we are not to imitate the non-Christian world around. Rather than being pulled in different directions by sin, we are to be singular in our commitment to the will of God and to the things which please Him.
Jesus embraced the will of God the Father for him (John 8;29; 4:34; 5:30; 6:38-40; 7:16-17; Matthew 6:10).
The will of God for Christians is not mysterious, it is spelled in in several passages of Scripture:

-to do good and be submissive to authority, 1 Peter 2:13-15

-to suffer, 1 Peter 4:19

-to be holy, set apart to God, moral, 1 Thessalonians 4:3ff

-to be thankful, 1 Thessalonians 4:16-18

-to be filled (controlled) by the Spirit, Ephesians 5:17,18