2 Peter 3:17-18 You therefore, beloved, seeing you know these things before, beware lest you also, being led away with the error of the wicked… I. THE NATURE OF THAT DUTY WHICH IS HERE RECOMMENDED. The apostle does not address himself here to such as were unacquainted with the ways of godliness, but those who had been initiated in the Christian profession. It is not enough for us to begin well, and to set out hopefully in the exercises of religion, but we must run till we have reached the goal. II. ARGUMENTS WHICH MAY REASONABLY INCLINE US TO THE PRACTICE OF THIS DUTY. 1. The easiness of proceeding in a virtuous course when once we are made familiar with it, should powerfully persuade us to persevere in goodness, and not to fall from our own stedfastness. 2. The great advantages which will redound to us from the performance of this duty should powerfully persuade us to persevere in godliness and not to fall from our own stedfastness. 3. The dangers and inconveniences of a contrary proceeding should powerfully persuade us to persevere in goodness and not to fall from our own stedfastness. III. SUCH RULES AND INSTRUCTIONS AS MAY DULY QUALIFY US FOR THE PERFORMANCE OF THIS DUTY. 1. Let us endeavour to strengthen our good resolutions. 2. Let us be perpetually upon our guard, and keep a vigilant eye over all our actions. 3. Let us be frequent in the exercises of religious duties, especially in such as are more solemn and public. 4. Let us be fervent in private prayer to Almighty God; that He will assist us with His Holy Spirit, and give us grace to proceed without danger of falling. (N. Brady.) Parallel Verses KJV: Ye therefore, beloved, seeing ye know these things before, beware lest ye also, being led away with the error of the wicked, fall from your own stedfastness. |
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