Character

Choose Character

• Pray
• Colossians 3:12 Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, put on tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, longsuffering

1. Definitions – character

1. The sum of our traits that we are known by.

2. Reputation – How you are known
3. Faithfulness
4. Character is the total of what makes us up, or the “whole”. Integrity is the parts and pieces that make up the “whole” – We are going to talk about both. Many times the two are used interchangeably, but keep in mind the differences.

1. The milk of the Word vs. the meat of the Word

1. The milk is what Jesus or the Kingdom of God will do for you. – (Heb 5:12)

a) salvation

b) hope and comfort in troubled times

c) healing – physical, emotional

(all are benefits of Jesus’ work at The Cross or Atonement)

2. The meat of the Word is what you do for The Kingdom

1. Hebrews 5:12 (NIV)
   In fact, though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you the elementary truths of God's word all over again. You need milk, not solid food!

a) baby food

2) James 2 : 8 (Mess) I can already hear one of you agreeing by saying, "Sounds good. You take care of the faith department, I'll handle the works department." Not so fast. You can no more show me your works apart from your faith than I can show you my faith apart from my works. Faith and works, works and faith, fit together hand in glove

Show your faith – God expects it, from ourselves, show to family and friends benefit

1. an example - practical Christianity / meat of The Word
2. God does the supernatural – all miracles of past, present, and future – Jesus, conquering Love, re-establishing His Kingdom and making us part of it.
3. He expects us to do the natural (because of our faith – IN HIM) to show His Love to others – Shows Him to others (family, those around us) – perhaps we are the only God that person will see!

3) Character of God

a) Isaiah 11:5

5 Righteousness will be his belt
 and faithfulness the sash around his waist

note: faithfulness one of the deffs. Of character

2. 1 Thessalonians 5:24

The one who calls you is faithful and he will do it.

c) Deuteronomy 7:9

9 Know therefore that the LORD your God is God; he is the faithful God, keeping his covenant of love to a thousand generations of those who love him and keep his commands

The Word says to “Be like Him” – 1 John 3:2

Kids want to be like their father – they naturally emulate their parents

We are made in His image, since He is of character and it is a trait that we all can and should develop, He expects us to be of character for our own good as well as everyone we come in contact with.

4) Characteristics Traits Of The Saints

a) Bible says anyone who is saved is a saint. – We ARE people of character

2. There are many character traits we can identify
   • Blameless
   • Bold
   • Faithful
   • Just
   • Godly
   • Humble
   • Attentive to Christ’s voice - John 10:3 To him the doorkeeper opens, and the sheep hear his voice; and he calls his own sheep by name and leads them out.
   • Prudent - Proverbs 16:21 The wise in heart will be called prudent,
           And sweetness of the lips increases learning.
   • If we are saved The traits are in us – Romans 12:3 – up to us to develop them by exercising and using.

God On Earth (The Light Of The World)

• Pray
• Text –  John 1 1-14

The Word Became Flesh

1In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.

2He was with God in the beginning.

3Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made.

4In him was life, and that life was the light of men.

5The light shines in the darkness, but the darkness has not understood^[a] it.

6There came a man who was sent from God; his name was John.

7He came as a witness to testify concerning that light, so that through him all men might believe.

8He himself was not the light; he came only as a witness to the light.

9The true light that gives light to every man was coming into the world.^[b]

10He was in the world, and though the world was made through him, the world did not recognize him.

11He came to that which was his own, but his own did not receive him.

12Yet to all who received him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God—

13children born not of natural descent,^[c] nor of human decision or a husband's will, but born of God.  

14The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the One and Only,^[d] who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.

Takes more faith not to believe than to believe when you consider:

1. Word of God written 66 books written by 40 people (2 Timothy 3:16
   All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness) – The Bible agrees with itself – from cover to cover
   • In this day and age with fax and email I doubt if we could get 20 of our friends to totally agree on any one point let alone hundreds.
2. The odds of the prophesy in The Bible that have been fulfilled the are about 17,000,000 to 1.

The odds of unfulfilled prophesy in The Bible coming true are exponentially higher.

3. History has proven – Hittite Empire - (mentioned only in Bible) A Hittite city has been uncovered by archeologist.
4. Countless ruins and archeological discoveries confirm places and events mentioned in Bible

Jhn 1:8,9; Jhn 8:12; Jhn 9:5; Jhn 12:35,46; Psa 84:11; Isa 35:4,5; Isa 42:6,7,16; Psa 49:6; Psa 60:1-3; Mal 4:2; Mat 4:16; Luk 1:78,79; Luk 2:32; Act 26:23; Eph 5:14; 1Jo 1:5-7; Rev 22:16

Ministry Of The Holy Spirit

• Pray
• PD

Text verse – Heb. 11:6

 6 But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.

• From this verse we see an important premise established: As long as we go to the Word in faith, believe He is who He says He Is, and seek Him (study in truth) we will please God. He then tells us He will reward us. He then rewards us with his presence (Jesus said: ask and it shall be given, seek and ye shall find).

Before Christ started His Ministry, John The Baptist’s calling was to make straight the way of the Lord. – John 1:22-23, Is 40:3

Now it is The Holy Spirit’s ministry to bear witness of Him 1 John 5:7-8, John 15:26 and to give believers power and ability to witness to others thus spreading the church. Acts 1:8

Leads us into all righteousness – John16:13 – The Holy Spirit’s main ministry is to get ALL people saved.

Preach the Good News (Mark16: 15)– Christ crucified is The Good News (man reconciled back to God [Isa. 61]) 1 Cor. 1:23 (Christ crucified), Mark 16 14:18,

Gal 2:20 (I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.), Rom.1:16  (For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.)

1. God’s intentions toward us
   1. Why did God establish the earth and create man? (Class discussion)
   2. Relationship
   3. Fatherhood / mentor

Holy Spirit of OT

• Part of Godhead – God The Father, God The Son, God The Holy Spirit - Gen 1:1, 1:26 – Job 3:4
• God created man and gave him His Spirit – Gen2:7, 1 Cor. 6:19
• Spirit of God – Came to kings and prophets (wasn’t there all the time – only when God wanted to act specifically.)

Holy Spirit of NT

• The seed of God (re-establishing lost Kingdom) could NOT come through sinful man.
• Scripture records account of god coming to earth by way of the Holy Spirit -

• John prob. only person who has actually (through spiritual eyes) seen the Godhead
  (God The Father, God The Son and God The Holy Spirit)

• Luke 3:22 – Holt Spirit “like a dove” doesn’t mean He is one. He is a distinct person.

• Every one has heard phrases like

“strong as an ox”

“ran like the wind” – that doesn’t mean they are an ox or the wind

Jesus is telling disciples of His crucifixion, tells them He is sending Holy Spirit –

John 14:14 –18

They are distraught Jesus says He has much to tell them but they can’t bear it all at once

-Then in chapter 16: 7– 8 He makes an amazing statement – He says: believe me.

• Remember: they had been with Him for 3 years
• He hadn’t lied to them yet
• Everything He said was going to happen, happened
• they had seen many miracles
• They knew who He was – He (Jesus) was God

Jesus says Believe Me … I’m not kidding …you’ll do greater things than what you have seen me do because of the Holy Spirit that I promise to send once I leave you.

We know from Word That The Holy Spirit -

• Has mind Rom 8:27
• a will and emotions -1 Cor 12:11
• He speaks - Heb3:7
• Give believers power to be witnesses, in fact He told the disciples not to leave Jerusalem until He (The Holy Spirit) came – Acts 1:4 – 1:8
• Give us prophesy - 2 Peter 1:21, 1 Cor. 12
• Inspired men & gave us the words God would call scripture – 1 Tim. 3:16
• Helps us to do the Word – 1 peter 3:22
• Gives people power to act in God’s sovereign purposes – 1 Cor. 12
• Guides us in prayer – Rom 8:28
• Gives us wisdom & tells us what to say when we need it – lk12:2

- You can see that this list is endless (infinite) like God. It is clear from the Bible God is Three persons that make One God. How God is dealing with mankind or His Universal Church is a matter of which One is manifest on earth at the time.

- Any character trait of one part of Godhead is true of all – Matt 12:25

The present day Jews as well as in ancient time Jews (non-believing) can’t get into relationship with God – they reject or rejected Jesus (don’t present day Jews notice no Spirit Of God? And thus something wrong?)

I am saying that if we are going to draw near to God and thus let Him draw near to us (James 4:8) we as Christian have got to not only recognize but rely on The Holy Spirit’s ministry to us and for us. Jesus said He and The Holy Spirit only speak what God The Father speaks – John 5:30, John 16:13.

The only way to Draw Nigh to God is in Spirit and Truth!

• Pray
• PD

Text verse – Heb. 11:6

 6 But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.

• From this verse we see an important premise established: As long as we go to the Word in faith, believe He is who He says He Is, and seek Him (study in truth) we will please God. He then tells us He will reward us. He then rewards us with his presence (Jesus said: ask and it shall be given, seek and ye shall find).

Before Christ started His Ministry, John The Baptist’s calling was to make straight the way of the Lord. – John 1:22-23, Is 40:3

Now it is The Holy Spirit’s ministry to bear witness of Him 1 John 5:7-8, John 15:26 and to give believers power and ability to witness to others thus spreading the church. Acts 1:8

Leads us into all righteousness – John16:13 – The Holy Spirit’s main ministry is to get ALL people saved.

Preach the Good News (Mark16: 15)– Christ crucified is The Good News (man reconciled back to God [Isa. 61]) 1 Cor. 1:23 (Christ crucified), Mark 16 14:18,

Gal 2:20 (I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.), Rom.1:16  (For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.)

1. God’s intentions toward us
   1. Why did God establish the earth and create man? (Class discussion)
   2. Relationship
   3. Fatherhood / mentor

Holy Spirit of OT

• Part of Godhead – God The Father, God The Son, God The Holy Spirit - Gen 1:1, 1:26 – Job 3:4
• God created man and gave him His Spirit – Gen2:7, 1 Cor. 6:19
• Spirit of God – Came to kings and prophets (wasn’t there all the time – only when God wanted to act specifically.)

Holy Spirit of NT

• The seed of God (re-establishing lost Kingdom) could NOT come through sinful man.
• Scripture records account of god coming to earth by way of the Holy Spirit -

• John prob. only person who has actually (through spiritual eyes) seen the Godhead
  (God The Father, God The Son and God The Holy Spirit)

• Luke 3:22 – Holt Spirit “like a dove” doesn’t mean He is one. He is a distinct person.

• Every one has heard phrases like

“strong as an ox”

“ran like the wind” – that doesn’t mean they are an ox or the wind

Jesus is telling disciples of His crucifixion, tells them He is sending Holy Spirit –

John 14:14 –18

They are distraught Jesus says He has much to tell them but they can’t bear it all at once

-Then in chapter 16: 7– 8 He makes an amazing statement – He says: believe me.

• Remember: they had been with Him for 3 years
• He hadn’t lied to them yet
• Everything He said was going to happen, happened
• they had seen many miracles
• They knew who He was – He (Jesus) was God

Jesus says Believe Me … I’m not kidding …you’ll do greater things than what you have seen me do because of the Holy Spirit that I promise to send once I leave you.

We know from Word That The Holy Spirit -

• Has mind Rom 8:27
• a will and emotions -1 Cor 12:11
• He speaks - Heb3:7
• Give believers power to be witnesses, in fact He told the disciples not to leave Jerusalem until He (The Holy Spirit) came – Acts 1:4 – 1:8
• Give us prophesy - 2 Peter 1:21, 1 Cor. 12
• Inspired men & gave us the words God would call scripture – 1 Tim. 3:16
• Helps us to do the Word – 1 peter 3:22
• Gives people power to act in God’s sovereign purposes – 1 Cor. 12
• Guides us in prayer – Rom 8:28
• Gives us wisdom & tells us what to say when we need it – lk12:2

- You can see that this list is endless (infinite) like God. It is clear from the Bible God is Three persons that make One God. How God is dealing with mankind or His Universal Church is a matter of which One is manifest on earth at the time.

- Any character trait of one part of Godhead is true of all – Matt 12:25

The present day Jews as well as in ancient time Jews (non-believing) can’t get into relationship with God – they reject or rejected Jesus (don’t present day Jews notice no Spirit Of God? And thus something wrong?)

I am saying that if we are going to draw near to God and thus let Him draw near to us (James 4:8) we as Christian have got to not only recognize but rely on The Holy Spirit’s ministry to us and for us. Jesus said He and The Holy Spirit only speak what God The Father speaks – John 5:30, John 16:13.

The only way to Draw Nigh to God is in Spirit and Tr

Our purpose / His Purpose For Us

• Praise - cd

• Prayer

. . . —Luke 18:31, 34 and all things that are written by the prophets concerning the Son of Man will be accomplished.’ . . . But they understood none of these things . . . —Luke 18:31, 34

1. God called Jesus to (in human terms) absolute disaster – triumph in His eyes.

a) disciple saw events unfold and take place, didn’t understand at time.

b) Jesus (God) called Paul to same

3. God’s purpose is never same as man’s purpose

3. God’s purpose is to be a Father to all of His Creation (us)

Give us benefit of His Wisdom –

1 Cor. 3:19

For the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God. For it is written, He taketh the wise in their own craftiness.

James 3:17

But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, [and] easy to be intreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy.

2. God’s call comes to our lives as well

1. don’t confuse call with end purpose

2. purpose is never understood (at time – Jacob)

3. call requires obedience

4. obedience requires faith - God has given all “measure of faith” – Rom 12:3 For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think [of himself] more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith.

5. All faith given equally – “more highly” / like God saying “you’re no better”

6. faith requires relationship with Him – renew you mind / Rom 12:1&2

3. no one hears, or recognizes unless that person has a prior relationship with Him

1. Oswald Chamber put it this way –“ The call of God is like the call of the sea— no one hears it except the person who has the nature of the sea in him.”

1. We MUST know Him as our Lord and savior
2. We must have know Him I – have relationship renew your mind – Rom 12:1-2
3. our purpose and God’s purpose must be one in same
4. we must let God be God – Word says to “lean not to our own understanding”
5. Prov. 1-4 particularly address

6. Let God and His Word guide every phase of our lives

God’s Word is very practical (every chapter, James in particular) and should be the determining standard for every question we have or compare every answer the world gives us.

When we know and rely on Him for Wisdom and we let him truly be our dad, only then will His Word be the standard that we compare everything to with confidence. Look at spiritual Father the same way we look at our earthly father

God the Father intended to be the template for fatherly behavior on earth (the way He treats His kids to be way we treat ours)

The Authority Of Christ

• Praise
• Pray

Matt. 8:9

For I myself am a man under authority, with soldiers under me. I tell this one, 'Go,' and he goes; and that one, 'Come,' and he comes. I say to my servant, 'Do this,' and he does it."

Isaiah 9:6
For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

Greek word used here is Strong’s # 1849 “exousia” translated – “it is lawful” “permission” the idea is delegated authority – the authority given by something or someone who can. The federal state or local government gives authority to the IRS, congress, street dept. military, police, etc

• Jesus impressed, not so much that the Roman centurion knew what authority was, but the fact that he realized that it was vital to be under authority (as he was) and likewise, to have authority over others (as he was, and in Jesus’ case, healing too).
• Clearly, Isaiah 9:6 Jesus has Jesus as the ultimate authority – NOTE WORD GOVERNMENT –NOT THERE BY MISTAKE OR MEANINGLESS.

The centurion also knew he (the centurion) was Jesus’ civil authority. But Jesus, because He had the power to heal (he sensed Jesus was superior)

, was his (centurion) supreme authority.

Old axiom – military in origin that you cannot give orders unless you can take orders.

• God’s whole Kingdom based on authority (chain of command) – A Father acting in His kids’ best interest.

Chain of command in best interest of:

1. military
2. family
3. civil
4. company
5. Etc. - Etc.

God’s Order:

1. God The Father – The Word (Jesus) – Holy Spirit
2. Jesus (on earth) -
   • man on earth / God in heaven - John 1:1, 1:14 (read), tempted in every point as we are, name above every name.

• Under the authority of God The Father – Lk 2:49 “about my father’s business” , John 8:28 “I do only that which my Father tells me”, Mark 14:36 “not my will but yours be done”

• Read John 8:25-8:40

3. Government – Federal, State and Civil – for the protection of the individual and the family.

1 Cor 12:28

And God hath set some in the church, first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, governments, diversities of tongues

4. Pastor – to guide father and mother in spiritual things so they can guide the family in spiritual things.

5. Father – Genesis / God’s image – man - dominion

6. Mother / wife – Genesis – Adam’s helper

7. Children (family) – To learn by being under authority and be protected as they learn the lessons of life in relation to all spiritual things.

Authority established by God for our protection – example: the family established for the protection and well being of its members.

Matt. 18:3

And said, Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven.

• become as little children (under there Fathers protection and Authority)

• God being perfect established His system of order or authority which is in turn perfect.

• System is not broken, through sin, those who administer it are.

(misuse of power, accused etc.)

Prov 29:2 When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice: but when the wicked beareth rule, the people mourn.

1. God gives us a choice, accept Him or not. -free gift
   1. garden of Eden – man not forced to worship God (obedience or disobedience)
   2. Eph 2:8-9
   3. God made a choice to sacrifice His Son
   4. We have a choice to accept or reject. John 3;16, 17 (read)
2. When we choose God through His Son

a. we choose every thing God makes available to us – Why would we not want it? : (List – count blessings)

2. We have accepted free gift of salvation

c. We are joint heirs to Dad’s Kingdom -

Rom 8 :17 Now if we are children, then we are heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory

• If we accept the salvation God offers to us we can an will achieve spiritual freedom.
• Our lives will be changed. Those around us.
• Stay with it – meditate on Word daily – (Rom 12:2 Josh 1:8)

John 4:23
Yet a time is coming and has now come when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for they are the kind of worshipers the Father seeks.

John 8:32
Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free."

2 Corinthians 3:17
Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.

If we choose to be under the authority of the Word of God, we will do what the Word says, and since we are spirits, we can then expect the things the Word promises – salvation, freedom and truth, to be under a loving Father protective umbrella.