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I. THE EXPLANATION OF THE TERMS USED.

1. By "the doctrine of God our Saviour" the apostle means the Christian religion, or that institution of faith and manners which Jesus taught and published when here on earth.

2. To "adorn the doctrine of God our Saviour" is to advance the credit and reputation of Christian religion in the world. It is so to govern and demean ourselves that we may reconcile its enemies to a good opinion of it; that we may procure and even force regard and veneration towards it.

3. By the "they" in the text, the persons upon whom this duty is incumbent, we may fairly understand the whole body of Christians.

II. THE NATURE, ACTS, AND EXERCISES OF DUTY. How a man may adorn the doctrine of God our Saviour —

1. As it is a rule of faith, or an institution of religion, which we believe and own as of Divine authority. By manifesting, beyond any reasonable exception, that we unfeignedly assent unto it, that we firmly believe it to be, what we pretend, of Divine original. And this will be evident to all —

(1) If our faith be perfect and entire. If we receive our religion as it is in itself, in all its parts, in every article, and in their plainest sense.

(2) If we are steady, firm, and constant in the profession of it.

(3) If we express an affection, a prudent zeal in the profession of it.

2. As it is a rule of life and manners. To this purpose it is absolutely necessary —

(1) That our obedience be entire and universal.

(2) That our obedience be free and cheerful,

(3) If in cases doubtful we determine our practice on the side of the law, and of our duty.

(4) By an eminent practice of some particular virtues, as of mercy and charity. Wherever these are expressed to the life — habitually, bountifully, freely — all that observe it will esteem the religion from whence such a spirit flows.

III. THE REASONS WHICH OBLIGE US, AND THE ENCOURAGEMENTS WHICH MAY PERSUADE US, TO THE PRACTICE OF IT.

1. To adorn the doctrine of God our Saviour by such a faith and practice as I have now described is the most infallible assurance, both to ourselves and others, that our principle is sincere and perfect.

2. To live such a life as shall cause our religion to be esteemed and honoured in the world, is the greatest blessing, as well to ourselves as to others, that we can either imagine or desire.

3. Another encouragement to such a profession and practice of our religion as shall adorn it are the particular promises which are made to those who shall attain unto it.

4. The particular peace and satisfaction which will arise from such a faith and life.

(J. Lambe.)

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KJV: Exhort servants to be obedient unto their own masters, and to please them well in all things; not answering again;

WEB: Exhort servants to be in subjection to their own masters, and to be well-pleasing in all things; not contradicting;