The Doctrines arising herehence.
Doctrine 1. There are spirituall benefits arising from vertues, whereby the faithfull are stirred up to labour for vertue.
This is gathered from the scope of this verse, and from the connexion which it hath with the former exhortation. These benefits are such, that they cannot be understood by carnall and worldly men; but the faithfull do not only understand them, but also seeke for them with great and continuall diligence. Otherwise this argument which the Apostle useth to the faithfull, would have beene altogether uneffectuall. But these benefits are such, that they make men rich, not in this world, but in the Lord, 1 Timothy 6.18. Luke 12.21.
Vse. This may serve to reprove those earthly men, which are not moved with such arguments, but covet the gaine, profits, and pleasures of this life, and savour not those things that belong to the kingdome of God.
Doctrine 2. It is a great benefit to the faithfull, and so they esteeme it; if they can be ready to do good works.
This is gathered from that, they make you that ye shall not be barren, that is, not idle or slothfull in the profession of religion.
Reason 1. Because it is the greatest misery for men to be reprobate unto good workes.
2. Because by this readinesse to do good, the faithfull come to obtaine their desires.
3. Because by this meanes the life spirituall is exercised and increased. For as all life is the beginning of operation, and tends unto operation, so also is it increased by operations.
4. Because the glory of God, wherein consists the chiefest good, and mans happinesse, is by this meanes advanced.