Holiness Teaching – Limits of Sanctification (B.T. Roberts re-examined)

Holiness Teaching – Limits of Sanctification (B.T. Roberts re-examined)
James 2:1 – 13

“There is great danger of [holiness] being carried too far. Already the effort is being made to sanctify things that cannot be sanctified.” [B.T. Roberts]

“There are some things which, from their nature, are not capable of being made holy.” [BTR] (gambling, pride, things God forgives)

“All attempts at reforming things forbidden by the word of God, should be abandoned.” [BTR]

1. “Money worship cannot be sanctified.” [BTR]

a. Wealth vs Worth…
b. Ability to gain wealth most important…
c. Elections are about money, not character.
d. “Mammon” is “idolatry.”

“There should no preference be given to one over another on account of wealth.” [BTR]

2. “Pride cannot be sanctified.” [BTR]

a. Jewels… (and rings)
b. Construction and furnishing of edifices. “unauthorized refinements.” [BTR]

3. Drama cannot be sanctified.

a. The church is not the place for drama…
b. Drags the actors down… does not elevate the stage.
c. “Heathen rites.” … “adot worldly pleasures and attempt to throw over them a religious garb.” [BTR]

* “The Roman Catholic, has today more of the spirit and practice of the old pagan churches than of the church founded by Jesus Christ.” [BTR]

The Bible vs the world

The Bible vs the world
1 Timothy 6:6 – 10, 17 – 19

A. There is a difference in what we seek.

1. World (Greek philosophy) “contentment.” [Satisfaction]

a. Anything without God is possible.
b. Everything… without God there are no limits.

2. The Bible “godliness WITH contentment is great gain”

a. Godliness understands that there are rules that go beyond selfishness.
b. Godliness imposes a certain humanity that benefits everyone.

B. Paul’s argument:

1. Observations:

a. (v 7) we brought nothing, we take nothing.
(Ill. A miserly husband made his wife promise that when he died she would put it all in his casket so he could take it all with him. At his funeral, she wrote him a check and put it in the casket….)

b. (v 9) the desire to get “rich” has consequences.

1.) “Trap” – “snare” gives the impression of something that is sudden and unexpected. It can also carry the idea of “overwhelmed.”
(Ill. How to catch a monkey: hallow out a gourd. Place food in the gourd. Secure the gourd. The monkey will reach into the gourd and be trapped because with the food in the hand it cannot get away. Even when the monkey sees you, the monkey will not let go. HUMANS, even when we know something is destructive, our pride and the blinding effect sin has on us keeps us from letting go.)
2.) “Desires” are foolish (not understanding, not using judgment) and hurtful (injurious).

2. Results of what Paul observed:

a. (v 10) Love of money = “root”

1.) A root nourishes the sin. (e.g. Hebrews 12:15 talks about the root of bitterness which leads to sexual immorality at godlessness.)
2.) Deal with the plant but NOT the root will not change the person. (It is treating the symptom but not offering a cure.)

b. (v 10) The “craving” for money is not healthy spiritually.

1.) Wandered from the faith… “stray” ignorantly or by deliberate choices.
2.) Pierced themselves with MANY “griefs.” (meaning heaviness and pain… devouring cares.)

C. The cure:

1. Attitude!

a. (v 17) “NOT be arrogant”
b. (v 17) Hope in God (sure) NOT wealth (unsure).

***** Notice there is a threat (“rich in THIS present world” as in poor in eternity) and a promise (God gives “richly”… copiously, lavishly) *****

***** Once the rood (attitude/beliefs) are dealt with (repentance, trust in what Jesus has provided through His death and resurrection); then the plant can be cured. *****

2. Action (How to be “rich”)

a. (v 18) Do good.
b. (v 18) Be generous.
c. (v 18) willing (implies pleasure) to share.

Question: Where do you want your reward?

(V 19) “lay up treasure… take hold of life… truly life”