Homilist 1 Peter 2:11-12 Dearly beloved, I beseech you as strangers and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts, which war against the soul;… I. INDULGENCE IN DISORDERLY PASSIONS IS BECOMING NEITHER TO OUR PRESENT CONDITION NOR TO OUR DESTINY. II. THE INFLUENCE OF DISORDERLY PASSIONS IS HOSTILE TO OUR OWN INWARD LIFE. They war against reason, memory, imagination, conscience, affection, and hope. III. FREEDOM FROM THESE PASSIONS WILL MAKE OUR OUTWARD LIFE A SOCIAL BLESSING. 1. Our outward life is closely scrutinised. "They behold." 2. Our outward life is readily calumniated. "Speak against you." Gossip and slander are eager. 3. Our outward life should be beautiful. No human loveliness, no natural scenery so influential as "good works." Souls ought to have a grandeur, a richness, a variety transcending all the fascination of flowers, all the glory of mountains, all the majesty of the sea, The noblest beauties are "the beauties of holiness." 4. Such outward life glorifies God. (1) Directly. For it is a tribute of praise to Him. (2) Indirectly. For it leads others to praise Him, A holy example is often "the gate beautiful" by which men enter into the city of God and go up to the knowledge of Him anal communion with Him. (Homilist.) Parallel Verses KJV: Dearly beloved, I beseech you as strangers and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts, which war against the soul; |
    |