Reason 1. Because like as trees and all plants, and also living creatures, from which this metaphor is taken, are corroborated by growth, while they acquire greater and perfecter strength, so also do the faithfull.
2. Because the stedfastnesse of grace consists not therein, that it continues in the same degree, but that it is formed in its nature, one property whereof of is, to grow untill it come to perfection.
Use. This may serve to exhort us, to labour therefore to be so stablished, that we may also grow and increase in all grace.
Doctrine 15. They grow in grace, that grow in the effectuall knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Iesus Christ.
See Chapter 1. Verse 2.
Doctrine 16. Our end and desire in all things, even in those things that pertaine to our own salvation, should be the eternall glory of God in Christ.
This is gathered from the last words.
Reason 1. Because we are the servants of Christ bought with his own blood. Now whatsoever the servants get or do, turnes to the proper good and benefit of their Masters.
2. Because God is absolutely the chiefest good.
3. Unlesse we do this, whatsoever we do, it is not done out of religion. For it is the nature of religion to give the glory unto God.