Page:An analytical exposition of both the epistles of the Apostle Peter, illustrated by doctrines out of every text .. (IA analyticalexposi00ames).pdf/99

 Vse 1. This may serve to reprove those, that professe Christ in word, but in their deeds doe not cease from sinne. 2. To direct us, to presse such syllogismes and reasonings upon our consciences, Rom. 6. Doct. 3. He that ceaseth from sinne, doth not live to the lusts of men, but to the will of God.

This is gathered from verse 2.

Reason 1. Because the lusts of sinfull men are in themselves sinnes, and leade unto sinne. 2. Because these lusts fight against the soule, and we in our conversion have bound our selves to fight against them. 3. Because the will of God is the only rule of our life, which is altogether contrary to the lusts of the flesh. Vse. This may serve to direct us in the triall of our state and condition. For looke how our life is sincerely directed in respect of the lusts of men, and the will of God, so may we certainely judge our selves to be either in the state of sinne, or in the state of grace. Doct. 4. It seemes more then enough to the faithfull, that before their conversion they so long followed the lusts of the flesh, and fashions of the world.

This is gathered from verse 3.

Reason 1. Because they are ashamed with a holy shame of those courses, Rom. 6. 21. 2. Because they receive no benefit by them, but repentance. 3. Because they see that it was Gods great mercy, that they were at length delivered from them, and from the death which they bring, in the same Chapter. 4. Because the rest of their time seemes but a little unto them, in respect of the duty which they have to do, in seeking and glorifying God. Vse 1. This may serve to condemne those, which deferre and put off the time of amending their lives, as if they had not yet sinned enough. 2. To admonish us, to redeeme the time, and spend it in advancing of Gods glory, and our own salvation. Doct. 5. Amongst all the vicious lusts and courses of the world, luxury is one of the chiefest, whereby men walke in lasciviousnesse, excesse of wine and banquetings.