EPISODE 0017 | Tests Of Character
THESE NOTES ACCOMPANY EPISODE 0017
Everyone has character. The question is: Is our character strong enough to sustain the life we want? . In to today’s episode, Pastor Stephen teaches us about character as a foundation for our lives and leadership as well as the role of accountability in personal growth and development.
The foundation of all leadership growth and success is Character:
Character is defined as the mental and moral qualities distinctive to an individual.
Three Characteristics of Character from Luke 2 and Matthew 4
1. Character is built over time. (21 years as carpenter’s apprentice)
2. Character is built in hiddenness. (no mention of miracles, status)
3. Character is tested through temptation. (Jesus was tempted)
Matthew 4:3,6,9
3 During that time the devil came and said to him, “If you are the Son of God, tell these stones to become loaves of bread.” [lust of the flesh]
6 and said, “If you are the Son of God, jump off! For the Scriptures say, ‘He will order his angels to protect you. [pride of life].
9 “I will give it all to you,” he said, “if you will kneel down and worship me.” [lust of the eyes]
Three Tests of Character – All temptation come from one of these:
1. Lust of the Flesh - It can involve any type of sinful activity that will bring pleasure to the body.
● Sexual sins
● Gluttony
● Addictions
● Uncontrolled anger & violence
2. Lust of the Eyes - We rarely hear of the sin of coveting in today’s time, but “thou shalt not covet” was the 10th commandment that God gave to the Israelites. To covet means to have a yearning or a strong desire to have something that rightfully belongs to someone else or something you haven’t earned or worked for.
● Entitlement
● Status & Recognition
● Fairness
● Mammon (love of money)
3. Pride of Life - The pride of life is that sinful temptation for excess greatness or power that we all feel the temptation to attain. Pride itself is one of the sins that God hates most. Some examples of this sin include the following:
● Excess or undue esteem
● Self-Righteousness
● Power
● Pride
Character always produces accountability.
● Character produces accountability to God.
James 4:7 So humble yourselves before God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.
● Character produces accountability to others.
Matthew 18:19-20 “I also tell you this: If two of you agree here on earth concerning anything you ask, my Father in heaven will do it for you. 20 For where two or three gather together as my followers, I am there among them.”
Three Accountable Relationships
1. Every Christian needs a Paul who is leading. (You need them, but they don’t need you) But you can’t be fathered by a podcast!
2. Every Christian needs a Barnabas who is loving. A friend or several friends who are with you, encouraging you. They sharpen you. (You need each other.)
3. Every Christian needs a Timothy who is learning. (They look to you as an example.)
You fail two ways in your character: When you go too fast and when you go alone.
Character always produces accountability and it is the foundation of all personal growth and success. It is key to leading yourself.
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