The Importance Of Character Series

CHARACTER AND GIFTING

1 Samuel 12:1-5 Now Samuel said to all Israel: "Indeed I have heeded your voice in all that you said to me, and have made a king over you. And now here is the king, walking before you; and I am old and grayheaded, and look, my sons are with you. I have walked before you from my childhood to this day. Here I am. Witness against me before the LORD and before His anointed: Whose ox have I taken, or whose donkey have I taken, or whom have I cheated? Whom have I oppressed, or from whose hand have I received any bribe with which to blind my eyes? I will restore it to you." And they said, "You have not cheated us or oppressed us, nor have you taken anything from any man's hand." Then he said to them, "The LORD is witness against you, and His anointed is witness this day, that you have not found anything in my hand." And they answered, "He is witness."

GIFTING

1 Tim. 4:14 Do not neglect the gift that is in you, which was given to you by prophecy with the laying on of the hands of the eldership.

A spiritual gift is a special attribute given by the Holy Spirit to members of the body of Christ according to God’s grace for use within the context of the body.

CHARACTER

Romans 5:1-4 Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, 2through whom also we have access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. 3And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; 4and perseverance, character; and character, hope.

character greek dokime – Experience, Trustiness, Proof, integrity

Character defined - The pattern of behavior or personality found in an individual or group; moral constitution

How a Christian deals with the circumstances of their life speaks of their character. Crisis doesn’t necessarily make character, but it does reveal it. Adversity in our lives is a crossroads where a person chooses one path – Character or Compromise.

Jesus was the ultimate example of character. Every time we choose character, we grow more into the image of Christ. Character is who you are when no one is looking.

4 THINGS YOU MUST KNOW ABOUT CHARACTER

1. Character Is More Than Talk.

Anyone can say they have integrity but action is the true indicator. Your character determines who you are. People that always seem to be at war with themselves have a problem in their character. James 2:18 But someone will say, "You have faith, and I have works." Show me your faith without your works, and I will show you my faith by my works. Proverbs 20:11 Even a child is known by his deeds,Whether what he does is pure and right.

Your walk talks and your talk talks but your walk talks louder than your talk talks."

2. Talent Is A Gift, But Character Is A Choice.

There are a lot of things in our life that we have no control over – We don’t get to pick our parents, our upbringing, our talents, our IQ But we do choose our character.

In fact, we create it – every time we make choices. Deut 30:19 "I call heaven and earth as witnesses today against you, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing; therefore choose life, that both you and your descendants may live; Prov 3:31 Do not envy the oppressor, and choose none of his ways;

Will you choose the easy way or the right way?

3. Character Brings Lasting Success With People.

Lifestyle evangelism is all about relationships. People do not trust those who have flawed characters.Good character will open up doors for lasting relationships with those around you. 1Thes 5:22 Abstain from all appearance of evil. 2 Cor 6:3 We give no offense in anything, that our ministry may not be blamed.

4. People Cannot Rise Above The Limitations Of Their Character.

Success without a good foundation of character is bound for failure.

Look at every aspect of your life; your relationship with God, your spouse, your children, your peers, your employer. Identify short cuts and short comings in those aspects of your life and write them down. Pray about each one.

Look For Patterns. What patterns of weakness do you see? These are character issues. Ask God to deliver you from these patterns.

Face The Music. The beginning of character repair is when you face your flaws, repent and deal with them. This is why so many Christians never get delivered.

Repentance is a good thing

Rebuild. Begin building a new future. Keep praying against your weaknesses, Search the word about these areas, be accountable to someone in these areas.