Talk: don't know where or when given

Substitutes forSanctification

Robert C. Newman

An ironic presentation: "How to do-it-yourself withoutdepending on the Holy Spirit"

How to be sanctified without actually getting better:

1. Put all thehard laws in another dispensation (e.g., before the Church Age or during theMillennium).

2. Realize thatthis is the age of grace and not of law.

3. Define awaycertain sins by counting them as "mistakes."

4. Concentrateon externals, or on certain "primary" areas.

5. Notice howbad everyone else is.

How to havethe fruit of the Spirit without the Spirit:

1. Love: instead just have a pleasant outward appearance (aslong as you are not crossed), condescend to those under you, use flattery withthose above.

2. Joy: number 1 will work, if you will just stick topleasant surroundings and people.

3. Peace: both 1 and 2 are useful; ignore or avoidcontroversy, don't think about unsaved people, the troubles of otherChristians, or modern problems.

4. Longsuffering: avoid circumstances where this needs to be used; itdoesn't apply to naturally nasty people, nor where matters of principle areinvolved; make sure the offender knows you are both "long" and"suffering."

5. Gentleness: like "love" this can be used as an excusefor not rebuking sin (in certain areas).

6. Goodness: being more sanctified according to the principlesin the first section above; showing others how good we are; be an example; givefree advice.

7. Faith: what others should exercise toward your pronouncements;a device to avoid (a) planning, or (b) obedience.

8. Meekness: not to be applied to your understanding ofScripture (after all, you are illuminated by the Holy Spirit,"spiritual"); means taking a back seat to obvious superiors, unlessthey are trying to muscle in; bragging about your (a) lack of education, (b)background of poverty, (c) background of sin, (d) Christian parents (orpreacher, or missionary), (e) how you interpret Scripture without the aid ofmen; not bragging at all (so long as someone else will do it for you).

9.Temperance: total abstinence; drinking inmoderation; not speaking the truth if your audience will consider itintemperate.

Conclusion:

            Whatis the source of this "sanctification"?

James3:13 (NIV) Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show it by his goodlife, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom. 14 But if youharbor bitter envy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast about itor deny the truth. 15 Such "wisdom" does not come down from heavenbut is earthly, unspiritual, of the devil. 16 For where you have envy andselfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice. 17 But thewisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving,considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere.18 Peacemakers who sow in peace raise a harvest of righteousness.