Kinds of Holiness [Ephesians 4:20 – 24]

Kinds of Holiness [Ephesians 4:20 – 24]

I.          Two kinds of holiness… “true” and “false.”

            A.         True holiness is essentially the same.

                        1.         It is the work of the Holy Spirit.

                                    a.         It is not “taught” or “trained.”

                                    b.         “He has ceased from his own works.” [B.T. Roberts]

“True holiness has nothing in it of human merit, it is always found in connection with deep humility” [BTR]

                        2.         Humility is manifested: “dresses plain.” [BTR]

“Nothing is worn for show or ornament…. He is unassuming, not claiming superiority over others.” [BTR]

                        3.         “An all-absorbing love for God and man.” [BTR]

                                    a.         God is loved… obeyed.

                                    b.         People are loved… served.

                        4.         “True holiness is obtained through faith in God, and is never separated                                         from an unwavering trust in Him.” [BTR]

            B.         False holiness:

                        1.         “Aristocratic, self-indulgent holiness.” [BTR]

                                    a.         Influence comes through externals: “costly houses of worship, with popular    preachers, choir singing… selling or renting the seats.” [BTR]

                                    b.         “endeavors to explain away the requirements of the Gospel to                                                   suit their tastes.” [BTR]

“This kind of holiness is not generally persecuted by the world.” [BTR]

                        2.         False holiness is “fanatical."

                                    a.         “It lays the greatest stress upon that for which it has the least                                                        reason and Scripture for its support.” [BTR]

                                    b.         Apparent self-denial turns to self-will.

                                    c.         “Sincerity” but self-willed… lacks submission.          

                                    d.         It does NOT know how to yield.

“It must have its own way in everything.” [BTR]

                        3.         “Covetous holiness.”

                                    a.         “It has sharp criticisms for every project that calls for an                                                   expenditure of money; but it is because it is unwilling to bear its                                                    part.” [BTR]

                                    b.         “It is mighty at tearing down – it never tries its hand at building                                                     up.” [BTR]

II.         How do we respond.

            A.         “Consecration”

                        1.         “Give yourself up for a habitation of the Holy Spirit.” [BTR]

                        2.         Roberts suggested the 10 Commandments and the Sermon on the Mount.

            B.         “Humility”

            C.         “Be in haste to obtain it.” [BTR]

                        1.         “Eternity is at hand… the death-bed may be too late.” [BTR]

                        2.         “Make every confession He prompts             you to make.” [BTR]

A powerless profession [1 Corinthians 13]

A powerless profession [1 Corinthians 13]

“A profession of holiness without love is like a well without water, like a stove without fire, a tree without fruit.” [B.T. Roberts]

1.         “You cannot be filled with love to God and man without being a blessing to others.” [BTR]

            a.         No feeling of envy or jealousy.

            b.         No attempt to cripple others influence by lowering them in the estimation of others.

            c.         Rejoice with those who rejoice.

2.         Compassion not anger will be the rule towards those who are not Christian.

            a.         If they have wronged you, what else can you expect?

            b.         Don’t keep them at a distance (some fear pollution).

            c.         Be a witness.

3.         Problems:

            a.         Lack of usefulness… generally followed by fault finding.

            b.         Giving strong prescription to others when we see a weakness…

4.         What we need:

            a.         “Seek then, first of all, for a baptism of pure, perfect love upon your soul.” [BTR]

                        1.)        Be honest: is there fruit of this love?

                        2.)        Own your need and ask earnestly to have it supplied.

            b.         It’s not about zeal… it’s about love.

                        1.)        Consecration of talent, time, property…

                        2.)        Confession of unloving disposition…

Love is the key to the entire Christian life.  God’s love shed abroad in our hearts…  Our love for God and others.  Howe we live our lives under the influence of this love.

Professing Holiness (B.T. Roberts re-examined)

Professing Holiness (B.T. Roberts re-examined)

“That if you confess with your mouth, "Jesus is Lord," and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. [10] For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you confess and are saved.” [Romans 10:9 – 10]

“If you would be holy you must live holiness.  … But when the false teachers tell you that this can take the place of a profession of holiness do not listen to them.” [B.T. Roberts]

1.         Notice:

            a.         It is with the MOUTH confession is made.  This is a VERBAL expression.

            b.         It is this verbal, audible, outward confession that one is saved.

            c.         The confession is “Jesus is Lord.”

                        1.)        Historically this is a rejection of the deity of Creaser and a proclamation of the deity of Jesus.

                        2.)        Historically it was also a rejection of any and all false means of salvation.

                        3.)        Jesus is THE ONLY way to be saved.

“Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth. [18] As you sent me into the world, I have sent them into the world. [19] For them I sanctify myself, that they too may be truly sanctified.” [John 17:17 – 19]

2.         Notice:

            a.         Jesus prayed that God the Father would “sanctify” them:

                        1.)        Sanctify: separate and clean…

                        2.)        Dedicated to God’s use…

                        3.)        Used by God in service…

            b.         Two instruments would be used:

                        1.)        The Bible (truth, Your word)

                        2.)        Being sent into the world (as witnesses).

“If Christ not only forgives you, but sanctifies you, then it is not enough ot say that you are forgiven.  That is not the whole truth.  An indefinite profession will lead to an indefinite experience.” [BTR]

“The bottom of your life is on a level with the top of your profession.” [Unknown]

3.         Idea:

            a.         If you enjoy it and you live it… why not speak it?

“Evangelism is one beggar showing another beggar where to find bread.” [African proverb]

“No one can long retain this great blessing without letting it be known that God bestows it upon him.” [BTR]

            b.         One key concept found in the Christ-centered life is that of evangelism… witnessing to what God has done for them.

4.         Caution:

            a.         Professions by themselves amount to nothing.

                        1.)        Some are fake… for whatever reasons.

                        2.)        Some are past… not current.

                        3.)        Some are weak… the power is gone but the show is still there.

[Ill. General Robert E. Lee kept McClellan at bay by pointing logs made to look like cannon toward the Union forces.]

                        4.)        Some are wishful thinking… they talk but the fruit is absent.

            b.         Profession must be genuine.

5.         Problems:

            a.         The appetites of this world rule over those who are not yet entirely sanctified.

                        1.)        Example: physical addictions (tobacco)

                        2.)        Old word “temperance” (Greek means “continence,” “self-restraint”)

            b.         “Some are wanting in self-denial.” [BTR]

                        1.)        Key idea in entire sanctification/holiness is “surrendered.”

                        2.)        Image of a car… Christ followers are enjoying the drive with Jesus.  Christ-centered are letting Jesus drive the car.

                        3.)        DAILY self-denial is the norm.

            c.         “Some are wanting in non-conformity to the world.” [BTR]

                        1.)        Worldly fashion vs “being to strict.”

                        2.)        Unwillingness to be separate.  (My thought on this is that it must start internally… e.g. if we are bitter critical people it doesn’t matter what we look like on the outside.)

            d.         “Some are wanting in humility.” [BTR]

                        1.)        Roberts noted that one can look “plain” but still be full of “pride and self-conceit.”

                        2.)        “They… seem to think that nothing is done right in which they do not participate.” [BTR]

                        3.)        Cure: be “swift to hear and slow to speak.”

            e.         “Others are wanting in love.” [BTR]

                        1.)        Correct doctrine but unable to “bear much.”

                        2.)        Fretful, little things chafe, annoy, and irritate. [BTR]

6.         What to do:

            a.         Search ourselves.

            b.         If you don’t have it… shut up.  (It doesn’t do anybody any good.)

“Holiness is our complete renewal in the image of God…” [BTR]

            c.         “[Holiness] is not merely victory over sin.” [BTR]

                        1.)        “It is deliverance from sinful tempers themselves.” [BTR]

                        2.)        Old man is cast out…

                        3.)        “NOT a calm, emotionless surrender of ourselves”… “there is a dying out of self.”

            d.         “The heart emptied of sin, is filled with the Spirit.” [BTR]

Holiness – How Lost

“But we are not of those who shrink back and are destroyed, but of those who have faith and preserve their souls.” [Hebrews 10:39 ESV]

“You will be faithful and have a clear conscience. Some people have made a mess [shipwreck] of their faith because they didn't listen to their consciences.” [1 Timothy 1:19 CEV]

“Holiness is voluntary. It is a moral state. But a moral action implies freedom of choice.” [B. T. Roberts]

Problem with Calvinism: “No one is praised or blamed, rewarded or punished, for that which could not possibly be avoided. But the holy are rewarded, the unholy are punished.” [BTR]

  

1. “A voluntary state may be lost.” [BTR]

a. Choice to go the right direction also means choice to go the wrong direction.

b. Wesley likened our “conscience” to a glass.

c. FACT: “none can make shipwreck of faith who never had it. These, therefore, were once true believers: yet they fell not only fully, but finally; for ships once wrecked cannot be afterwards saved.” [John Wesley]

“For it is impossible, in the case of those who have once been enlightened, who have tasted the heavenly gift, and have shared in the Holy Spirit, [5] and have tasted the goodness of the word of God and the powers of the age to come, [6] and then have fallen away, to restore them again to repentance, since they are crucifying once again the Son of God to their own harm and holding him up to contempt.” [Hebrews 6:4 – 6]

2. “He who has walked in the way of holiness for a season, may yield to temptation and turn aside.” [BTR]

a. It makes sense that the longer someone walks in holiness… the more likely they stay in holiness (practice)… but there is no guarantee.

b. “But I discipline my body and keep it under control, lest after preaching to others I myself should be disqualified.” [1 Corinthians 9:27]

1.) The word “discipline” comes from the image of a boxer being trained (beaten) by leather gloves with brass knuckles. It means to hit below the eye (cheek).

2.) “Under control” is a word used for subjecting a vanquished enemy to slavery.

3.) The desires of the flesh are an enemy with which we must constantly contend with, watch, and keep subjected.

3. Question: Can one lose the blessing of entire sanctification and still retain the blessing of justification?

a. “When one falls into actual sin he loses both justification and sanctification.” [BTR]

1.) The individual becomes a “sinner.”

2.) Must confess sins and seek pardon.

“My brothers, if anyone among you wanders from the truth and someone brings him back, [20] let him know that whoever brings back a sinner from his wandering will save his soul from death and will cover a multitude of sins.” [James 5:19 – 20]

b. PROBLEM: James is talking about someone who wanders from the truth… It’s theological not behavioral.

1.) “Truth” is Jesus… stop believing.

2.) Reverted back to when they were a “sinner” (someone disconnected from God through unbelief).

3.) We are talking about someone who has deliberately rejected Jesus’ provision of salvation.

[Scripture is clear that when one does “lose” salvation… they can never be brought back (as John Wesley pointed out).]

4. How does one lose the blessing of entire sanctification? (outside directly falling into sin)

a. By giving way to doubts and unbelief.

1.) We walk by faith, not sight… when we walk by sight it is giving in to doubts and unbelief.

2.) A main motivator in this dynamic is fear… (Ill. Peter on the water). Fear comes when we take our eyes off Jesus and look at the storm.

b. Failure to confess our faith. (Witness)

1.) By holding silent to what God has done for us…

 2.) By not telling others of the salvation possible in/through Jesus.

“Such a person in losing the blessing of holiness has not lost his justification… it is not necessary that he should throw up all profession of religion and begin anew.” [BTR]

5. The connection between justification and holiness.

a. “Without any degree of holiness one cannot be in a state of salvation. He who is destitute of holiness is not justified.” [BTR]

b. Roberts claims 1 Corinthians 6:11 (“And such were some of you. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God.” ESV) is in order of how God works.

1.) Problem: this puts justification AFTER sanctification.

2.) Positionally this is backwards to the rest of Scripture….

So Paul is probably suggesting this is “Experiential.” (In other words we don’t actually experience the full weight and blessing of our justification because of the continual struggle with sin. After we are entirely sanctified we experience the blessing of that justification.]

c. Once sin had no more dominion over the believer… then one understands, appreciates, appropriates the full blessings of justification.

d. “Obedience” is the “elephant in the room.” Someone who is saved will obey because that is who they are (new creature/creation).

1.) The observation is that someone who is NOT obedient is not saved.

2.) If possible for them to be “saved” (again) means they were NEVER saved in the first place…

3.) Or is there a possibility that we can still sin but still retain our salvation while losing the blessing of our position of salvation and sanctification?

How to retain holiness

How to retain holiness

“And the Lord make you to increase and abound in love one toward another, and toward all men, even as we do toward you: [13] To the end he may stablish your hearts unblameable in holiness before God, even our Father, at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ with all his saints.” [1 Thessalonians 3:12 – 13]

“Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure: for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall.” [2 Peter 1:10]

(Illustration: “It is not necessary to teach us how to lose our health.” [B.T. Roberts] “So the Bible does not teach us how to lose holiness.  It gives very explicit directions how to keep it.” [BTR])

I.          Fact: God requires an investment from us.

            A.         “…there is something spoken of for us to do if we would keep holiness and get through to Heaven.” [BTR]

                        1.         “love toward another and toward all men” (Love is the defining quality of holiness)

                                    a.         John Wesley defined “Christian perfection” in terms of “knowledge” and       “love.”

                                    b.         Spiritual failure is seldom a lack of knowledge… it becomes a matter of our love for God.

                        2.         “give diligence to make your calling and election sure; for if ye do these things, you shall never fall.”

                                    a.         Caution: we are often caught chasing the “latest and greatest.”

                                    b.         (Ill.) Companies know that to keep or attract some people, there has to be something new all the time (monthly specials).  PROBLEM… the pursuit of these things can wear us out, weaken us, and dissipate our energy.

***** “No matter how much grace a person received when he was converted, and how great an increase was realized when he was sanctified wholly, if he does not go on in his experience and grow in grace he will become dry and unfruitful, spiritually dead, and insensible to his condition.” [BTR]  *****

            B.         The condition of someone who does not grow:

                        1.         “His outward conduct may be without reproach, but his power is gone.” [BTR]

                                    a.         Input but no output…  (Ill. The Dead Sea)

                                    b.         That is why useful service is so important…. Power is expressed in the work accomplished.

                        2.         The stale Christian complex…

                                    a.         Roberts noted that many keep the profession but lose the blessing.  (Reasoning is correct, habits are correct, no need of the Holy Spirit.)

                                    b.         The symptom: no fruit.  (no joy, no gentleness, no meekness…)

                        3.         Caution: there may be “dry times” in a person’s life, times when physically we are suffering, and times when life simply stinks…. (that does not mean the power is gone).

                                    a.         The lies the devil whispers… “it’s no use,””God’s not listening,” “you are on your own.”

                                    b.         Here’s the problem, we have become more dependent on feelings than on truth.

“Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.” [1 Peter 1:5]

II.         Fact: God supplies the ability!

            A.         God has given us “power” that keeps us…

                        1.         Dependent on faith (not giving up).

                        2.         Dependent on salvation (right relationship with God).

                        3.         NOTICE the “keeping” part of this power.

                                    a.         Armenian/Wesleyan often focus on things like “loosing salvation.”

                                    b.         Roberts was trying to refocus us on doing the healthy spiritual thing… thus, “loosing” is never going to be an issue.

            B.         God “is willing, nay anxious to keep us all.” [BTR]

                        1.         The witness of the Holy Spirit…

                        2.         The clear conscious… (as witnessed by the Holy Spirit).

“Have you had a clear experience of being sanctified wholly? If not, then seek it at once.  You cannot afford to live another day without it.” [BTR]

How to obtain sanctification

How to obtain sanctification.  

                                                               

Luke 14:25 – 35

1.    “Determination is the first great essential to being sanctified to God.” [B.T. Roberts]

       a.    Feelings only get you so far…

       b.    “This decision must be an independent one.” [BTR]

       c.    No secret reservation…

       d.    Problem: profess holiness as long as the preacher preaches holiness.  New pastor who preaches publicly but worships secretly at the altar of Baal or the shrine of fashion.  UNDECIDED.

2.    “This decision must be self-sacrificing.” [BTR]

       a.    “The very essence of holiness is the extinction of selfishness.” [BTR]

       b.    Sin is still at odds with holiness.

       c.    Willingness to encounter sin’s hostility… endure the worst.

“Things that were the greatest sources of joy to you must be abandoned if they stand in the way of living a holy life.” [BTR]

3.    “To obtain holiness we must sanctify              ourselves.” [BTR]

“Sanctify yourselves, therefore, and be ye holy: for I am the Lord your God.” [Lev. 20:7]

       a.    If you pray for a harvest… you must prepare the ground, till, sow, and guard it.

       b.    Spiritual results… conditions.

       c.    Spiritual laws (like physical laws).

       d.    Faith/prayer… work God requires us to do.

[CAUTION: not to get into “humanism.”]

***** FACT: “Holiness a voluntary state.” *****

“Since we have these promises, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from every defilement of body and spirit, bringing holiness to completion in the fear of God.” [2 Corinthians 7:1]

4.    “To obtain entire sanctification we must confess        our inbred sins, our sinful dispositions, which to a greater or less extent remain after one is truly sanctified to God.” [BTR]

       a.    REMAIN?  “carnal mind”

       b.    It is why we need to “repent.”

       c.    “proneness to evil,” “heart bent to backsliding,” “still continuing tendency of  the flesh to lust against the Spirit,”  “tendency of our heart to unbelief.”

       d.    NEED to continually watch.

5.    “To be sanctified wholly we must trust implicitly in God, through the merits of Jesus Christ to do the work now.” [BTR]

       a.    Key word… “now.”

       b.    Meeting conditions does not bring sanctification… active trust (voluntary and consciously exercised).

       c.    God will do what He says!