My Character is in Christ

Romans 5:3–4 NLT

3 We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance. 4 And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation.

Confession of Faith

I am not moved by what I see or by what I feel. I am moved by what I believe. I believe the WORD of God! The victory is mine! I have it now! I can see it through the eyes of my faith! In Jesus Name!

Intro:

Character:

The moral and mental features that define a person, whether good or evil.

Character also means moral strength, which the bible regards as something to be highly valued.

Romans 5:3 NCV

3 We also have joy with our troubles, because we know that these troubles produce patience.

Today, just like in any other times, If you want to find out what a persons character is like - watch them during times of trouble, times of problems and times of trials!

The bible tells us we will run into problems, trials, and troubles in this life!

When those days of trials, come or those seasons problems, or those occurrences of troubles hit us the bible challenges us, compels, us, encourages us to operate in the spirit of Joy!

If we don’t push are way and embrace joy something else will show up!

What you will see is that which has been carved into your nature

The real you!

The innermost truth about you! The truth that has been written on your personality which people will be able to read and perceive accurately and which God will base his judgement on!

When the books are opened in the Day of Judgment, I believe what we will see and be read to us about our life stems from our character! It is what’s inside you which will be read to you and determine our ultimate fate

Your Character

You must develop your character!

Proverbs 23:7 NKJV

7 For as he thinks in his heart, so is he. “Eat and drink!” he says to you, But his heart is not with you.

Developing a Christ based Character takes time!

But you first need to make up your mind to do it!

You have to choose to work on your character as a believer!

Develop Patience

Romans 5:3 NCV

3 We also have joy with our troubles, because we know that these troubles produce patience.

Patience allows us to develop Christ based Character!

So what does Christ based character look like?

Compassion

Christ based character shows compassion:

Colossians 3:12 The Message

12 So, chosen by God for this new life of love, dress in the wardrobe God picked out for you: compassion, kindness, humility, quiet strength, discipline.

Compassion literally means “to suffer together.”

it is defined as the feeling that arises when you are confronted with someone else’s suffering and feel motivated to relieve that suffering.

Psalm 112:4 NIV

4 Even in darkness light dawns for the upright, for those who are gracious and compassionate and righteous.

1 Peter 3:8 NAB

8 Finally, all of you, be of one mind, sympathetic, loving toward one another, compassionate, humble.

Humility Or Humbleness

the next component of Christ based Character humility and humbleness

1 Peter 5:5 NLT

5 In the same way, you who are younger must accept the authority of the elders. And all of you, dress yourselves in humility as you relate to one another, for “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.”

Isaiah 29:19 NIV

19 Once more the humble will rejoice in the Lord; the needy will rejoice in the Holy One of Israel.

Philippians 2:3 NLT

3 Don’t be selfish; don’t try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves.

Joyful

Another Christ based component of character is Joyfulness - or displaying Joy!

Philippians 4:4 NKJV

4 Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice!

Romans 12:12 NLT

12 Rejoice in our confident hope. Be patient in trouble, and keep on praying.

Love

Another Christ based component of character is Love

1 John 4:7 NKJV

7 Beloved, let us love one another, for love is of God; and everyone who loves is born of God and knows God.

Galatians 5:22 NKJV

22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,

Colossians 3:14 NCV

14 Even more than all this, clothe yourself in love. Love is what holds you all together in perfect unity.

1 Thessalonians 4:9 The Message

9 Regarding life together and getting along with each other, you don’t need me to tell you what to do. You’re God-taught in these matters. Just love one another!

Contentment

Another Christ based component of character is being content or operating in contentment!

Philippians 4:11 NLT

11 Not that I was ever in need, for I have learned how to be content with whatever I have.

1 Timothy 6:6–8 NKJV

6 Now godliness with contentment is great gain. 7 For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. 8 And having food and clothing, with these we shall be content.

Hebrews 13:5 NKJV

5 Let your conduct be without covetousness; be content with such things as you have. For He Himself has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.”

We Should Be Holy

Another Christ based component of character is Holiness or just being holy

1 Peter 1:15–16 NKJV

15 but as He who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, 16 because it is written, “Be holy, for I am holy.”

Romans 12:1–2 NIV

1 Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. 2 Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.

Hebrews 12:14 NCV

14 Try to live in peace with all people, and try to live free from sin. Anyone whose life is not holy will never see the Lord.

Mercy

Another Christ based component of character is mercy or being merciful

Luke 6:36 NKJV

36 Therefore be merciful, just as your Father also is merciful.

Matthew 5:7 NCV

7 They are blessed who show mercy to others, for God will show mercy to them.

Romans 12:8 NCV

8 Whoever has the gift of encouraging others should encourage. Whoever has the gift of giving to others should give freely. Anyone who has the gift of being a leader should try hard when he leads. Whoever has the gift of showing mercy to others should do so with joy.

James 3:17 NKJV

17 But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality and without hypocrisy.

Meekness, Poor in Spirit, Poor In Heart

Matthew 5:5 NKJV

5 Blessed are the meek, For they shall inherit the earth.

Matthew 5:3 NKJV

3 “Blessed are the poor in spirit, For theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

Matthew 5:8 NKJV

8 Blessed are the pure in heart, For they shall see God.

Christ Based Character should provide a moral strength during times trouble, times of problems and times of trials!

Romans 5:3–4 AMP

3 Moreover [let us also be full of joy now!] let us exult and triumph in our troubles and rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that pressure and affliction and hardship produce patient and unswerving endurance. 4 And endurance (fortitude) develops maturity of character (approved faith and tried integrity). And character [of this sort] produces [the habit of] joyful and confident hope of eternal salvation.

Human life is character-building; please know your character is exactly who you are, while your reputation is only what other people think you are. Every person builds his or her own character.

Hear me on this - the better and stronger you develop a Christ based character - the more dearly you will must pay for it.

Know this all the best things are costly.

Jesus Christ laid down His life to redeem you from sin and death. that Cost

"Free grace" for you meant Calvary for Christ. - that cost

A strong, godly Christ centered character is not going to be cheap - it will cost deeply, but it’s worth the price you will pay for God to say to Well done Good and Faithful Servant!