1 Peter 1:13-16 Why gird up the loins of your mind, be sober… 1. We must obey, not by halves, or where we list, but in all things (Psalm 119:6; Luke 1:6; Leviticus 10:2). 2. We must not, on the other side, run without our errand, nor do things whereof we have no commandment; this is no obedience, be it never so costly or painful, have it never so goodly a show (Jeremiah 7:31). 3. Moreover, we must obey the commandment of the Lord, be it never so strange, harsh, unpleasing, or contrary to custom, though all the world counsel to the contrary. 4. We must obey without reasoning the case, or consulting with flesh and blood: we must bind reason hand and foot to follow God (as it were) blindfold, as Abraham offering Isaac, and Joshua compassing Jericho. 5. We must obey, whosoever or whatever be against it. If profits, pleasure, farm, oxen, etc., call us away, and God invite us, we must follow Him, else we have no part in Him. 6. Speedily, not hereafter, but today. 7. Voluntarily, not be haled only by pain and misery. God loves a cheerful servant. 8. Constantly, not for a while only. Reasons hereof. (1) God's sovereignty over us. We clay, He our Maker. (2) His will a rule of righteousness. (3) His great mercies every way, even to the worst, but to His children wonderful ones. (John Rogers.) Parallel Verses KJV: Wherefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and hope to the end for the grace that is to be brought unto you at the revelation of Jesus Christ; |
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