1 Peter 4:17-19 For the time is come that judgment must begin at the house of God: and if it first begin at us… I. THE SEEMING PROSPERITY OF THE WICKED SHALL HAVE AN END. See what a fearful judgment follows the wicked! That which he sins for — his honour, riches, delights — all shall vanish and come to nothing. II. THE HAPPINESS OF THE WICKED IS MOMENTARY, THEIR MISERY ENDLESS. When we are tempted to any sin or unlawful course, consider thus with ourselves: "Shall I, for a pleasure that will end, have a judgment that shall never end? For the favour of men that will fail, shall I lose the perpetual favour of God? Shall I, for a little profit, lose my soul eternally?" I beseech you therefore, whenever you are solicited to sin, for profit or pleasure, etc., set before your eyes the perishing condition of these things, and the everlastingness of that judgment which attends upon them. III. THOSE THAT OBEY NOT THE GOSPEL. 1. Sins against the gospel are sins against those attributes wherein God will glorify Himself most, as His grace, mercy, loving kindness, etc. 2. Sins against the greatest light are most sinful. 3. Another aggravation of sins against the gospel is that they sin against the better covenant. (R. Sibbes.) Parallel Verses KJV: For the time is come that judgment must begin at the house of God: and if it first begin at us, what shall the end be of them that obey not the gospel of God? |
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