EPISODE 0054 | Character Is Your Foundation
THESE NOTES ACCOMPANY EPISODE 0054
Character is the foundation of personal growth and spiritual maturity. In this episode, Pastor Stephen introduces a practical framework for developing strong character that will guide every area of life. Growth is a lifelong process, and discipline and accountability help us stay aligned with God's purpose. By building a solid foundation of character, we can navigate life's challenges with strength and integrity.
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)
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 Sin
● Addictions (Be mastered by nothing)
● Gluttony
● 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 (wanting something without earning it or it being given)
● 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, “to make a name for ourselves” to be seen by others
● Self-Righteousness – we’re better than others
● Power (to lord it over others, Jesus said that those who desire to be great should be the greatest servant)
● Pride (Always the teacher never the student.)
Character always produces accountability.
Are you accountable?
● Character produces accountability to God.
James 4:7 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.”
Resources
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