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These words are an inference which our apostle draws from the foregoing discourse. Seeing that so many who enjoyed great privileges among the Jews, were yet punished greatly for their sins; seeing that sacraments are no privileges either from sin, or from plagues; therefore let him that thinketh he standeth, take heed, &c.
Where note, 1. A great mutability to which human nature is subject: he that thinketh he standeth, may fall.
Man's condition is according to his place and station: this is threefold.
The first place is heaven: this is fixed and confirmed, a kingdom that cannot be shaken: the saints there are standing pillars, free from all possibility of falling.
The second place is hell, where sinners are bound hand and foot; and being fallen, are without any possibility of rising.
The third place is this earth on which we live, where men both stand and fall; and the best are subject to failing, being sons of Adam as well as sons of God; partly flesh and partly spirit.
Note, 2. The vigilancy required in order to our standing, Take heed. How many thousands have fallen by a presumptuous confidence of their own strength in standing! they fell by thinking it impossible to fall.
A Christian's motto is Cavendo Tutus; never safe, but when wary and watchful. Let a Christian always keep a jealous eye upon the weakness and inconstancy of his nature, and with a believing eye look up to the promise and power of God, and he shall be both preserved from falling, and also be presented faultless and unblamable in the day of Christ: if ever we stand in the day of trial, 'tis fear and faith must enable us to stand.