A Sinner Changed by Grace
1 Peter 4:3-5
For the time past of our life may suffice us to have worked the will of the Gentiles, when we walked in lasciviousness, lusts…


I. THE WALK OF A NATURAL MAN DESCRIBED. He works "the will of the Gentiles," and lives in sin.

II. THE GREAT CHANGE THAT THE GRACE OF GOD MAKES IN A NATURAL MAN. The change we mean is far more than the mere reformation of a sinner's life; it is an inward, supernatural change wrought by the Spirit of God, and by means of the gospel of Christ (Romans 1:16).

III. THE REASONABLENESS OF THIS CHANGE.

1. Sin is a dreadful waste of precious time.

2. Sin is a useless thing.

3. Sin is extremely hurtful and dangerous to ourselves and others.

4. Sin is highly dishonourable to the blessed God.

5. A life of sin is directly contrary to our Christian profession.

IV. THE USAGE WHICH A CHANGED PERSON MAY EXPECT TO MEET WITH FROM A WICKED WORLD. Now, here observe that where such a change as this takes place it is visible; for if the world did not see it, they could not hate it. The change cannot be hid. Carnal companions will be deserted; places of vain amusement forsaken. This will excite hatred. "The carnal mind is enmity against God," and everything godly and Godlike (Romans 8:7).

(G. Burder.)



Parallel Verses
KJV: For the time past of our life may suffice us to have wrought the will of the Gentiles, when we walked in lasciviousness, lusts, excess of wine, revellings, banquetings, and abominable idolatries:

WEB: For we have spent enough of our past time doing the desire of the Gentiles, and having walked in lewdness, lusts, drunken binges, orgies, carousings, and abominable idolatries.




The Time Past, a Sermon for the Last Day of the Year
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