Following Christ's ExampleSample

GOOD CHARACTER IS CHRIST CHARACTER

INTRODUCTION

Good character building is a good foundation of success because it determines how we respond to circumstances and how we choose our choices and the results we get. 

Character is much more than just a reputation.  Reputation is what other people see about us but character is who we really are, even when no one is watching.  

Developing the characters of Christ in our life is very important because it is the only thing we will take into eternity. The Lord Jesus made it quite clear in his Sermon on the Mount (Mat 5:1-16) that eternal rewards in Heaven will be based on the character we develop and demonstrate here on Earth.

God often builds character in our lives by allowing us to experience situations where we are tempted to do the exact opposite of the character quality. Character development always involves a choice. When we make the right choices, our character grows to be more mature and to be more like Christ.

We will learn some characters of Christ that could transform us and renew our minds to be more mature Christians so we can lead a blessed life of the good, acceptable, and perfect will of God.  

DISCUSSION 

1.  Humble Service Character. (John 13:1-5)

From the reading, we can study Christ humble service character in the form of humbleness of heart, compassion, and large capacity of heart, generousness, and carefulness.

a. Humbleness of heart. Christ shows us that humbleness of heart will be shown in the service and character which is to walk in full love, submission, and obedience to the Father’s will.  In John 5:19 Jesus said to them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, the Son can do nothing of his own accord, but only what he sees the Father doing. For whatever the Father does, that the Son does likewise.

A humble person is a peacemaker living in harmony with one another. Peacemakers will attract others to get to know the Lord Jesus and His characters so more can get a chance to know the forgiveness of sin.

b. Compassionate. Even though Jesus knows that Judas is going to betray Him, and His disciples will leave Him, His does not falter and yet still takes the first initiative to serve the disciples including Judas to show the love of God.  Even though Jesus is aware of His position, He doesn’t boast nor insist on everything being done His way. He takes joy in life and does what Father God has called Him to do, regardless of what the world thinks about it.

Compassionate and large capacity of the heart is characterized by giving selflessly, serving selflessly, easy to rejoice and being quick to empathize. (Mark 10:45, Mark 6:34)

c. Generous heart. Jesus shows us that He quicks to forgive and not easy to offend, and content to wait on God for vindication when He is wronged.  He is patient and doesn't get frustrated with the weaknesses of others. He blesses, forgives sin, heals the sick, raise the dead, giving bread to followers, and gives hope to many. (Mat 11:28-30)

d. Careful heart. Jesus is not tacky in his ministry. His action and words simply confirm His true character. He is mindful and careful not to give orders and being served only, but rather He himself shows that he also serves even to the simple acts like lay aside his garment, take a towel, gird himself, pour water into a basin, and wash disciples feet.

He also reminds us not to conform to the characters that against the Faith, Hope, and Love of God (Mar12:38-40) 

2.  Holiness (I Peter 1:15-16) 

Holiness is derived from the Hebrew word QADOSH which primary meaning is to be separated, to be distinct, or to be cut from (the sin). The word holy often use to show character of His church that is separated from the sin of the world so we can be used by God to do His works and to perform His miracles (Yos 3:5, Luk 1:35)

Our God is apart from His nature of perfectness and righteousness, and yet it is His desire to fellowship with man, with us, despite the sinfulness of man. Therefore, God calls His people to be holy as He is holy 

In His ministry on earth, Jesus shows us how to live Holy by living intimately with Holy Spirit. Jesus only start His ministry when He is already baptized and fulfilled by the Holy Spirit (Mat 3:16)

The Holy Spirit helps in our weaknesses and teaches us to be separate from the conformity of the world that belittles sin, ridicules holiness, and mocks righteousness (Rom 8:26, 1Cor 6:19)

The Holy Spirit will also guide us to live the way of life in the Kingdom of God which is exampled by Jesus as He presents His life as an ultimate living sacrifice (Isa 9:6, Hebrew 4:15)

3.  Righteousness (I John 3:7)

We must then say the righteousness of God is evident in the way Jesus consistently acts in accord with God's own character. God always acts righteously. His every action is consistent with His character that mirrors the standard of righteousness of God. God reveals His righteousness to man by revealing His will in His Word.  

His righteousness is revealed by the fruit of the Spirit love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, forgiving transgressions, and sin. At the same time, His uncompromising standard of righteousness means He is also a God who judges over iniquities and sin without compromises.

Righteousness is a gift that comes from the Lord to those who accept what Jesus has done for them by faith (Rom. 5:17-18). The gift of salvation produces a changed heart that, in turn, changes our actions. 

Actions cannot change our hearts. Action may make us looks good from on outside but anyone heart who knows. For the heart can be full of anger and despise without showing. However, it is the heart of man that God looks upon (Jeremiah 17:10, 1 Sam 16:7).

Our actions and our heart must be in good order for us to truly worship Him and live in His blessing and perfect will.

Praise be to the Lord!

DISCUSSION

1. How do we know that we live the life  of Humble Service, Holy and Righteous?  (Rom 8:16)

2. Why is important to study the Character of Christ?