What are you like when no one is watching? What is the real you like when you are alone with your thoughts and no one can see or hear what you are doing? In your public life, you might adopt certain behaviors that don’t fully reflect who you really are, deep down inside. But when you're alone, these facades fall away, revealing parts of yourself that are rarely seen. One of the things that Christianity is about is personal growth, so that our internal self matches the person of Jesus Christ as closely as possible. That’s the journey that we’re on.
Character
The set of values, beliefs and behaviors that define a follower of Christ.
Character is what you are in the dark when no one is looking.
Integrity
When your actions, words & attitudes are consistent with Christian values.
Integrity is doing what is right even when it hurts.
What kind of Christian do I want to be?
From Miletus he sent to Ephesus and called for the elders of the church. And when they had come to him, he said to them: "You know, from the first day that I came to Asia, in what manner I always lived among you, "serving the Lord with all humility, with many tears and trials which happened to me by the plotting of the Jews.
Paul was a genuine in public as he was in private.
Would you be comfortable if people knew the real you.
Transparency is a crucial leadership skill because it builds trust.
3 principles on how to gain character.
#1. Character is learned best when it is lived out in front of us.
We learn best by example.
Character is more caught than taught.
“You follow me, as you see me following Jesus.” 1 Cor 11:1
#2 Character has its roots in humility.
humility is having an accurate understanding of yourself.
You must be able to admit to others when you are wrong.
you must be able to submit to God when his way conflicts with yours.
#3 Character is best demonstrated during trials.
It’s when we are under fire that our true character shows up.
This just doesn’t happen by accident; it takes great commitment.
“Daniel resolved in his heart that he would not defile himself.” Dan 1:8
“He resolved that his mouth would not transgress.” Ps 17:3 Character is more important than competence. Lapses in character create problems with far-reaching implications.
Effective Ministry flows from Character 20-21
You saw how I kept back nothing that was helpful, but proclaimed it to you, and taught you publicly and from house to house, testifying to Jews, and also to Greeks, repentance toward God and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ.
Effective leaders do everything they can to be helpful to those they lead.
I want to give you every tool at my disposal to live a successful Christian life.
#1 we proclaim truth. ἀναγγέλλω to announce or pass on a message.
I am just a simple messenger.
#2 we teach truth. Διδάσκω
In teaching we want to impart information from the Word of God.
In teaching we want to impart understanding, so you can get it.
They gave the sense & helped them to understand the reading. Neh 8:8
#3 we Testify about Jesus – διαμαρτύρομαι - to solemnly bear witness
Repentance and faith are the building blocks of character!
μετάνοια metanoia – Repentance is a change of mind and heart!
Faith πίστις– the belief that Jesus is the Savior and you need Him! Character is based on Long Term Convictions 22-25
Now I am going bound in the spirit to Jerusalem, not knowing the things that will happen to me there, except that the Holy Spirit testifies in every city, saying that chains and tribulations await me. But none of these things move me; nor do I count my life dear to myself, so that I may finish my race with joy, and the ministry which I received from the Lord Jesus
Character is doing the right thing without knowing the outcome.
We choose character even if it puts us on a collision course with the world.
It means that we retain our convictions no matter the consequences.
Character is un-moved no matter the trials.
Caracter turns a man into an unmovable mountain!
Character wants to finish the job for Jesus.
I count all things loss for the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord. Phil 3:7
I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. 2 Tim 4:7-8
When a leader has developed proven character it has a powerful affect on those who want to follow Jesus… yet character is not only for leaders; it is for every Christian. We all are supposed to be in the process of becoming like Christ. A leaders goal is that “you would follow me as I follow Jesus.” Whatever you do get character.