Page:An analytical exposition of both the epistles of the Apostle Peter, illustrated by doctrines out of every text .. (IA analyticalexposi00ames).pdf/53

 Use 1. This may serve to informe us, that we should attribute nothing to the world in those things which belong unto Christ. 2. To admonish us, not to trouble our mindes, for that the world is averse from Christ and true faith. 3. To exhort us, patiently to beare it, if we be refused and scorned by men; for the servant is not greater then his Master. 4. To instruct us to beware that we do not communicate in the least respect with the world in refusing of Christ. Doct. 15. Christ was chosen and ordained by God, that he should be exceeding precious unto us.

This is gathered from the fourth verse. Now we must understand this so, as that we comprehend both the predestination of Christ, and the sending of him into the world, and his unction, together with all those testimonies, which were given by God unto this mysterie.

Reason 1. Because the love and mercy of God is so great towards us: for so God loved the world, that he gave his Sonne, &c. Iohn 3.16. 2. Because in the obedience of Christ God is well pleased, Matth. 3.17. 3. Because Christ hath perfected and finished all those things, which belong to our salvation and the glory of God. Vse 1. This may serve to enforme us, that we ought to be assured of this, that howsoever the world opposeth it selfe against Christ, yet Christ shall prevaile and raigne for ever, because he is chosen of God. 2. To comfort all the faithfull, that beleeve and put their confidence in Christ, because they beleeve in him that was chosen of God, to save them. 3. To exhort us, in all our practise throughout the whole course of our lives, to make it appeare, that Christ is more precious to us, then all the things in the world, Phil. 3.8. Prov. 8.10, 11. Doct. 16. The faithfull are living members of the same building, whereof Christ is the foundation.

This is gathered from the beginning of the 5. verse.

Reason 1. Because Christ together with all the faithfull makes one mysticall body, 1 Cor. 12.12.