Strangers & Pilgrims Sojourning in a Strange Land
" Dearly beloved, I beseech you as strangers and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts, which war against the soul." —I Peter 2:11 [KJV] The soul of every disciple of Jesus is most dearly beloved by the holy Trinity. It is a precious jewel in the eyes of the loving Father, the redeeming Son, and the sanctifying Spirit; who all unite to make it happy. But it hath a world of enemies. Yea, it is at present in the closest and nearest relation to one of its greatest foes, the flesh; the lust and desires of which are at continual war against the peace, comfort, and welfare of the soul. Therefore, O Christian, thy best friend sounds an alarm of love, gives thee a dehortation [ Dissuasion; advice or counsel ] of kindness: "Abstain from fleshly lusts." He knows what great hurt compliance with and indulgence in them will do thee; thou wilt surely smart and be sorely grieved for it. Destroy thee, they shall not; but distress thee, like the prevailings of a bitter enemy, th...