Sermons on Character (Page 7)
Seeing Yourself
Human beings are not famous for seeing themselves as they really appear. It’s not the outside. It’s our habits that build over time… . Thoughtlessness•Rudeness in the name of humour•Arrogance•Messiness•Eating habits•Wastefulness•Selfishness•Aggression•Judgmental•Bad language 2 Corinthians 3:18 (NASB) 18 But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as from the Lord, the Spirit.
Add Love, Too
Conditional v Unconditional Love Love—Dangerous when ill-defined. It pays to check for any unrealistic conditions The Greatest Commandements GOD IS LOVE !!! 2 Peter 1:7 (NASB) 7 and in your godliness, brotherly kindness, and in your brotherly kindness, love.
Criticism…Again?
Always going to be those—1.Professional complainers2.Burdened down with hurt to share3.Sinners reflecting their guilt4.Who just-don’t-care how you feel5.Selfishly looking to take advantage6.Who think they’re funny7.Are poor communicators8.We just don’t get Forms of criticism…1. Blame2. Condemnation3. Protest4. Destructive behaviour5. Silence6. Withholding of payment7. Boycott Criticism Best Defeated Through Resilience Proverbs 11:14 (NASB) 14 Where there is no guidance the people fall,But in abundance of counselors there is [a]victory.
Add Moral Excellence, Too
Man is made in the Image of God God’s Character is reflected in man Love Goodness Kindness Mercy Compassion Grace Righteousness If there was ever a time that was in need of moral heroes, this would be the time. Our generation is very much like those described in the book of Judges where it says that “everyone did what was right in his own eyes.” (Judges 21:25) 2 Peter 1:5 (NASB) 5 Now for this very reason also, applying all diligence, in…
Add Knowledge, Too
The Knowledge that MattersThe Facts are— •If you are not teaching your children who God really is,… I assure you the world is giving them their version •The Bible has transformed civilization. Its impact is unquestioned •The Bible will transform you! The Bible gives: •Peace in fear •Calm in crisis •Power and strength in weakness •Light in darkness 2 Peter 1:5-7 (NASB) 5 Now for this very reason also, applying all diligence, in your faith supply moral [a]excellence, and in your moral excellence, knowledge, 6 and in your knowledge, self-control, and in your self-control, perseverance, and…
Endure to the End
Rather you, than me 1.Demands great physical and mental stamina 2.Excessive investment –Years of work. –Long distances –Controlled Diet 3.Punishing toll –Injuries –Hours alone Could be doing something else 4.For what? –A medal –Fame –Money –Personal satisfaction Spiritual Endurance 1.Demands great physical and mental stamina. •Struggle against the devil •Excesses of this world •Staying focus amidst constant distractions 2.Excessive investment –2Cor.12:15—“I will most gladly spend and be expended for your souls.” –Mt.19:21—“Sell all and give to the poor…come follow me”…
The Company You Keep
Bad Company •Remember that God forgives you and I multiple times a day •7 times is being generous •Jesus has made friends of ‘Bad Company.’ Proverbs 22:24-25 (ESV) 24 Make no friendship with a man given to anger, nor go with a wrathful man,25 lest you learn his ways and entangle yourself in a snare.
Time For A Change
Each one of us has a role—Even in isolation I need to adjust to a new reality Matthew 15:18-20 (ESV) 18 But what comes out of the mouth proceeds from the heart, and this defiles a person. 19 For out of the heart come evil thoughts, murder, adultery, sexual immorality, theft, false witness, slander. 20 These are what defile a person. But to eat with unwashed hands does not defile anyone.”
Brotherly Kindness, Too
Brotherly love must be kept alive and active— -Fuelled to continue: -Takes time spent -Takes needs met – Takes patience invested -Takes a desire IN YOU that everyone do well in the Lord—This is a given! 2 Peter 1:5-7 (ESV) 5 For this very reason, make every effort to supplement your faith with virtue,[a] and virtue with knowledge, 6 and knowledge with self-control, and self-control with steadfastness, and steadfastness with godliness, 7 and godliness with brotherly affection, and brotherly affection with love.
Times of Refreshing
Faith, like trees need water to live and thrive. Jesus gives us Living Water. Jesus is our Life. It is only from him that comes “Times of Refreshing.” Acts 3:19 (NASB) 19 Therefore repent and return, so that your sins may be wiped away, in order that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord;