2. To admonish us, never so to subject our selves unto men, as that for their sakes we should neglect our duty towards God, because we ought to be subject unto them for the Lords sake, and therefore a farre greater subjection is due unto the Lord, then unto them.
Doctrine 3. By these duties the good will of God is observed, and the foolishnesse of wicked men is put to silence.
This is gathered from verse 15.
Reason 1. Because we serve God, when for conscience sake towards God, we are subject unto men; therefore we fulfill the will of God.
2. Because we doe that before men, which they doe usually praise most, and so we remove all occasion of offence.
Use. This may serve to exhort us, so much the more carefully to apply our selves to such duties.
Doctrine 4. Christian liberty is not contrary to that subjection, which we owe either unto God or man.
This is gathered from verse 16.
Reason 1. Because by it we are freed from sinne, but not from that duty, which is contrary unto sinne.
2. Because Christian liberty consists properly in spirituall things, and not in corporall; for although we are subject unto God alone in spirituall things, yet in corporall things we owe subjection unto men also.