Character verses Charisma
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Introduction
Introduction
Last night we began our study of Character. We define character as:
—The mental and moral qualities distinctive to an individual.
—Character is the sum total of what you think and believe.
We want to continue our look at character and how it effects our lives.
Yet, it seems as though the world around us values the charisma of a person, more than it values the character of a person. Thus, the charismatic person has more influence in the world. That means that in our world, more often than not, charisma is more important than character.
It seems like every day there is some celebrity that comes out with an opinion about something.
QUESTION: What are some of the celebrities that you have heard give an opinion about some “issue.”
—Movie Stars talking about how to stop school shootings.
—Football Players talking about how to have world peace.
—Pop Music Artist talking about the vaccine for COVID-19.
—Celebrities support the latest social causes like: Black Lives Matter, Abortion on demand, the LGBTAQ. And because they are celebrities people listen.
So, would you agree that we have all kinds of celebrities that present themselves as “experts” in a field in which they may have NO true expertise, but because of their charismatic personality and their popularity people will listen to them.
Now, here’s the key! Sin loves to use charismatic personalities to sell its desires. In fact, sometimes evil spirits entice people with sin, and make it very appealing.
Listen to the words of Jesus in John 10:10.
The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.
The thief is understood to be Satan. EVERYTHING he does is meant to steal, kill, and destroy. So if we are going to be people of strong moral character we need to understand that who we listen to matters.
If you have your Bibles, turn with me to 1 Timothy chapter 4.
The Spirit clearly says that in later times some will abandon the faith and follow deceiving spirits and things taught by demons.
Evil Messages
Evil Messages
Paul tells Timothy that people—even true followers of Jesus—will abandon the faith in the “the later times.”
They will follow after deceiving spirits—these are evil spirits whose job it to spread deception.
They will also follow after things taught by demons!
QUESTION: Do you believe in evil spirits?
QUESTION: Do you believe in demons?
—Do you believe you should fear these evil spirits, or demons?
(Tell part of your story)
Sifting—Luke 22:31 “Simon, Simon, Satan has asked to sift you as wheat.”
There was a time when I gave lip services to believing in the demonic world, but when I really did not have any “knowledge” of the demonic world. All of that changed on May 1, 2019.
I now understand the reality of 1 Timothy 4:2.
Such teachings come through hypocritical liars, whose consciences have been seared as with a hot iron.
These demons use people who are hypocritical liars and whose consciences have been seared. These people are so deceived that they don’t even know they are believing a lie of Satan! And have NO tolerance for the preaching of the cross.
Now, tie this into our passage last night. We need to guard against: walking in the counsel of the wicked, standing in the way of sinners , or sitting in the seat of mockers!
Paul tells Timothy that part of his job is to point out these false teachings! Look at verse 6.
If you point these things out to the brothers, you will be a good minister of Christ Jesus, brought up in the truths of the faith and of the good teaching that you have followed.
I really like the New Living Translations a little better.
If you explain these things to the brothers and sisters, Timothy, you will be a worthy servant of Christ Jesus, one who is nourished by the message of faith and the good teaching you have followed.
Here’s the thing, when I’m sharing God’s truth about an issue—any issue, I am nourished in my faith, and encouraged to keep following good teachings.
To drive his point home, Paul gives Timothy a warning of sorts in verse 7.
Have nothing to do with godless myths and old wives’ tales; rather, train yourself to be godly.
Paul tells Timothy not to get involved in “godless myths”—lit. pointless narratives.
And then Paul says to have nothing to do with old wives’ tales—lit. silly or absurd talk.
QUESTION: Have you every gotten into an argument—I mean a discussion—with someone who has a pointless narrative, or silly absurd talk?
Instead, Paul tells Timothy is to train—this is the Greek word “gymnaze” from which we get our English word “gymnasium.” Literally, we are to work out to become stronger and stronger in our godly beliefs.
That’s what this part of IMPACT is all about. It is training each of us to be godly!
This is an important point, because Paul repeats it in a different way. Look down at verse 12.
Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith and in purity.
First, just because you are young, does not mean you don’t have something worth sharing! That’s the point of journaling about your thoughts when you study God’s Word. They are YOUR insights and thoughts!
But a key is: to be worthy of sharing, Character matters. That’s why Paul tells Timothy to set an example in four areas!
—In speech. The words we use, and the message communicated by those words matter!
Ephesians 4:29 tells us, “Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.”
—In life. We are to be an example in the way we live life. In other words, in what we do or don’t do, our conduct.
In Philippians 1:27 we read, “Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. Then, whether I come and see you or only hear about you in my absence, I will know that you stand firm in one spirit, contending as one man for the faith of the gospel”
—In love. We are to be an example in the way we love people. This is the Greek word “agape” or unconditional love.
Jesus told us that love was to be the distinguishing feature for those who follow Him. In John 13:35 Jesus said, “By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”
—In faith. You and I are to be examples in the confidence we have in Jesus as we live out our faith. Hebrews tells us exactly what faith is. In Hebrews 11:1 says, “Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.”
—In purity. We are to be examples in our moral purity or cleanness. The Greek word Paul uses here is only used twice in the Scriptures. It is used here and in 1 Timothy 5:2.
We are told in 2 Corinthians 6:6 NLT, “We prove ourselves by our purity. . .”
Paul goes on to tell Timothy to continue to exercise the gifts that God has given to him.
Until I come, devote yourself to the public reading of Scripture, to preaching and to teaching. Do not neglect your gift, which was given you through a prophetic message when the body of elders laid their hands on you.
When we come to verse 16 Paul summarizes verse 6-16 in one final verse.
Watch your life and doctrine closely. Persevere in them, because if you do, you will save both yourself and your hearers.
Paul tells Timothy to:
—Watch your life, literally, watch “yourself.” You and I are to watch very closely all that we do.
—Watch your doctrine. That is we are to watch what we believe about God, and ultimately what we say, or teach, or pass on to others.
The key here is: The message matters!
So What?
So What?
What message is your life telling others?
As a young person are you watching your life?
Are you watching your doctrine?
Are you being an example for others in:
—Speech
—Life
—Love
—Faith
—Purity
You you get wrapped up in pointless arguments, or the silly and absurd talk?
In your life do you point people back to the truths of God’s Word?
Are you watching out—be on guard against deceitful spirits, and demons?
If you are doing these things, you will stay true to Jesus, and you will encourage those around you to stay true to Him as well.
All of this is important because the message matters far more than charisma.
