Handouts on Character

 

PETER'S CATALOGUE FOR SPIRITUAL CHARACTER: 

Faith:  Biblical faith is a deep trust and confidence in God and God's promises, based on evidence and revelation, even when not fully visible or understood.  It involves believing in God's existence and character, accepting His word as true, and acting on that belief.  

But biblical faith isn't simply believing that something is true, it also is trusting in it and relying on it.  It's not blind faith merely dictated to be followed.  It's built on the evidence of God's works in the universe and the world, His revealed word in the Bible, in the testimony of others and in our own lives. 

Faith is both a gift from God that enables a person to believe, and a response to God's grace and revelation. It involves a personal relationship with God, characterized by trust, adherence to God’s guidance, and a desire to follow His instructions. 

Biblical faith is not passive, but active, leading to good works and a transformed life. It is about learning about good, learning to do good, and learning to be good and then seeking to do this at every opportunity in our lives. 

Faith is trusting that God will fulfill His promises, even when circumstances seem to contradict them. 

Goodness:  Good character has a magnetic quality to it. We are drawn to people who are truly good. In the Bible, goodness signifies a moral quality of being virtuous, righteous, and benevolent, aligning with God's will and reflecting His nature. 

It encompasses actions, intentions, and character that are considered praiseworthy and beneficial to others. Goodness is also seen as a fruit of the Holy Spirit, a characteristic that believers are called to cultivate and exhibit in their lives. 

Goodness is a core attribute of God, reflecting His character of love, kindness, and generosity, and is listed as one of the fruits of the Spirit, suggesting it's a quality that grows within believers as they yield to the Holy Spirit's influence. 

Biblical goodness goes beyond presenting a mask of goodness; it involves actively choosing and doing what is right, both in terms of behavior and character. It often involves working for the benefit of others, demonstrating kindness, compassion, and generosity. 

The Hebrew word translated as "goodness" also carries connotations of pleasantness, beauty, and benefit.  The Bible provides examples of God's pleasantness, beauty, and benefit and calls believers to imitate God's character, such as being kind, merciful, and just. 

Goodness is not self-serving, it is about putting the needs and well-being of others first. It is often linked to faithfulness.

Knowledge: In a biblical context, "knowledge" encompasses more than just factual information. It signifies a deep, experiential understanding of God, His character, and His will, often involving a personal relationship and obedience to God’s instruction. 

It's not merely conscious awareness, but also an experiential spiritual application of truth in daily life. This knowledge is often gained through personal experiences, prayer, and studying Scripture. It involves discernment, perception, and the ability to apply truth to life situations. 

Knowledge provides the raw information, understanding helps grasp its meaning, and wisdom guides its application.  For example knowing that a tomato is a fruit is knowledge, but wisdom dictates not putting it in a fruit salad; or knowing the scriptures is knowledge, comprehending their meaning is understanding, and applying their principles to life is wisdom. True knowledge involves understanding what to do with information.

The Bible suggests that knowledge can be a gift from God, a revelation of consistent reality. It also emphasizes the importance of actively pursuing knowledge through study, prayer, and obedience. The Bible also warns that knowledge can be misused if not coupled with love and humility; "knowledge puffs up, but love builds up". True knowledge is meant to lead to growth, service and a closer relationship with God.  Just plain knowledge can lead to pride or arrogance, hindering a relationship with God. 

Self-control: In the Bible, self-control (or temperance) is defined as the ability to restrain one's desires and impulses, mastering one's actions, thoughts, and emotions, especially in the face of temptation. 

It, too, is a fruit of the Spirit, meaning it is empowered by the Holy Spirit and is essential for a godly and righteous life. 

Self-control helps believers to resist temptation and avoid sinful/harmful behaviors. It involves making conscious choices to align one's behavior with God's will. It extends to thoughts, feelings, and internal states. It is a characteristic developed through the work of the Holy Spirit in a believer's life, rather than solely through human effort, and is considered a vital virtue for Christian character and maturity.  

It involves making wise choices in everyday situations, such as resisting overeating, controlling anger, or maintaining sexual purity. Self-control requires active effort and intentionality, rather than being a passive trait, it involves taking positive actions to live a godly life. 

Self-control mirrors God's own discipline and order, and it helps believers to live in accordance with His nature.

Endurance: Biblical self-endurance, often discussed alongside perseverance and patience, refers to the ability to withstand trials, hardships, and temptations while maintaining faith and integrity.  

It's about remaining steadfast in one's commitment to God and His teachings through difficult circumstances, and not merely enduring hardship.  This involves relying on God's strength, growing in spiritual maturity, and ultimately, becoming more like Christ. 

It involves actively persevering through challenges, learning from them, and allowing them to strengthen one's faith. It is intertwined with faith and a commitment to God's principles, remaining true to one's beliefs even when faced with opposition or adversity. Trials are seen as opportunities for growth, and endurance is a key component in developing spiritual maturity and a stronger character.  The Bible provides numerous examples of individuals who displayed remarkable endurance, such as Job, Joseph, and the Apostle Paul, all of whom faced significant hardships while remaining faithful to God. Jesus Christ serves as the ultimate example of endurance, enduring the cross to the point of death trusting that God would resurrect him to life to continue his mission with humanity.

Practices like prayer, scripture reading, meditation and fellowship with other believers can help cultivate endurance in the face of trials, hardships and temptations. 

Godliness: In the Bible, godliness refers to a life that is pleasing to God. God has standards characterized by reverence, piety, and a commitment to living according to His wisdom.  It involves both an inward devotion and an outward expression of that devotion through righteous behavior. 

Essentially, godliness is about being like God in thoughts, feelings, desires, and actions – a mighty tall order for mere humans.  Godliness involves a deep respect and awe for God's character and commands; separation from sin and dedication to God's purposes; living justly and uprightly, and reflecting God's moral standards into the world. 

Demonstrating selfless love towards God and others, fulfilling the law; recognizing dependence on God and submitting to His will, and actively living out God's commands and principles are all a part of godliness.

In its essence, godliness is not just an outward appearance of adhering to a set of rules, it is a transformation of the inner self that results in a life that honors and reflects God's character. 

Stated another way using a human parental phrase, godliness is living in a way that makes God proud of us.

Brotherly affection: Biblical brotherly affection, often referred to as "brotherly love", is a deep, familial love and affection that should exist among believers in the Christian community. 

It is feeling such a love and respect for others that one considers almost all of humanity a "part of the family."  

It is a reflection of the love of God characterized by compassion, care, and mutual support, mirroring the natural bond between siblings. 

This love extends beyond mere feelings to active expressions of service, encouragement, and forgiveness. Brotherly affection is a reflection of God's love for humanity, which is extended to believers as a community. It's not just an emotion but a commitment to serving, encouraging, and supporting other believers through actions. 

It's not enough to simply say "I love you." Brotherly affection requires tangible expressions of love through actions, demonstrating genuine care and concern for others. It involves being willing to forgive one another, bearing one another's burdens, and seeking the best for each other, even when it's challenging. 

In essence, biblical brotherly affection is a call to treat other believers with the same love, care, and loyalty that one would show to a close family member, all rooted in the love of God and expressed through our practical actions. 

Love:  Biblical love is more than just a fleeting emotional feeling or romantic inclination.  It's a deep, abiding commitment rooted in God's character, emphasizing action, sacrifice, and loyalty. 

Biblical Love originates from God.  It is unconditional; this selfless, sacrificial love is given freely without expecting anything in return. It, too, is reflected in God's love for humanity which was demonstrated by sending Jesus Christ. 

It describes a deep affection and bond between friends or fellow believers, characterized by mutual respect, shared devotion, and common values.  It is also the natural love and affection felt between family members, like the love of parents for their children.  

Jesus demonstrated the ultimate act of love – laying down his own life on the cross and assuming the penalty of sin for all of humanity. Or stated simply, Jesus paid the price (death) that God foretold would be the result when humanity rebelled against God's authority in Eden.

Characteristics of biblical love include patience and kindness, enduring difficulties with grace and seeking the well-being of others.  Biblical love is humble and celebrates the successes of others without seeking its own glory.  It acts appropriately and considers the needs and interests of others ahead of its own.  It is not easily angered and doesn't keep score, but rather forgives and lets go of resentment.  

Biblical love seeks and delights in what is right and just, and it perseveres through trials and challenges. 

Biblical love is not passive; it calls for action in daily lives. People are to love God with all their heart, soul, and might, and love their neighbor as themselves. This translates into practical acts of kindness, compassion, forgiveness, and serving others, even those who may oppose them.  

Biblical love meets needs and does not force itself upon others for self-glorification

Character Matters

GODLINESS 

 

Respect for God that affects the way a person lives. 

 

The term “godliness” appears most frequently in Paul’s writings. Paul encouraged Timothy to pursue “godliness” in an active manner (1 Tim. 6:11). By so doing, Paul challenged Timothy to develop a true respect for God and to live his life based on that respect.   

 

Paul emphasized the value of godliness by contrasting it to physical training (1 Tim. 4:8). Whereas physical training has benefits for this life, godliness benefits the believer in this life and in the life to come. This characteristic was also recognized as being of “great gain” in the life of a Christian (1 Tim. 6:6).  

 

Peter likewise encouraged his readers to add to their lives “godliness” as a way of living (2 Pet. 1:6-7). Godliness reflects a life devoted to and characterized by deep respect for and commitment to God. This concept is integral to living out one’s faith authentically and consistently. 

 

HUMILITY 

 

The personal quality of being free from arrogance and pride and having an accurate estimate of one’s worth. 

 

Jesus Christ’s life provides the best example of what it means to have humility (Matt. 11:29; 1 Cor. 4:21; Phil. 2:1-11). Jesus preached and taught often about the need for humility. He urged those who desired to live by kingdom standards to practice humility (Matt. 18:1; 23:12). The person with humility does not look down on others (Matt. 18:4; Luke 14:11).  

 

While God resists those who are proud, He provides grace for the humble (Jas. 4:6). Paul believed that quality relationships with other people hinged on the presence of humility (1 Cor. 4:21; Gal. 6:1; 2 Tim. 2:25). 

 

Biblical humility is often associated with a proper understanding of one’s place before God and a heart of servanthood and dependence on God. 

 

CONTENTMENT 

 

A deep sense of satisfaction and peace regardless of external circumstances, rooted in one’s relationship with God. 

 

Psalm 23:1 expresses a profound sense of contentment and trust in God’s provision. 

Proverbs 19:23 links contentment with reverence for God and a peaceful state of being.  

 

Paul explained that his contentment was rooted in his relationship with Christ. 

Contentment is deeply connected to trust in God’s provision and sovereignty. Learning to be content in all situations is part of growing in faith and reliance on God (Phil. 4:12-13). Practicing contentment involves focusing on gratitude, recognizing God’s blessings, and adjusting one’s expectations and desires to align with biblical principles.  

 

Building a relationship of trust with God through prayer, reading Scripture, and relying on His promises helps cultivate a sense of contentment. 

 

GENEROSITY 

 

Freely giving good things to others, both material and immaterial, without expectation of repayment. 

 

Generosity is a significant theme in both the Old and New Testaments, reflecting God’s character and the ethical teachings provided to believers. Peter's Catalogue for Spiritual Character demonstrates that Love is a component of generosity.

Deuteronomy 15:7-11 emphasizes the importance of being openhanded and generous.  

 

Jesus teaches about the importance of giving to the needy without seeking recognition (Matt. 6:1-4). Genuine generosity is characterized by a sincere heart (2 Cor. 9:6-7). Believers are encouraged to cultivate a generous spirit in all areas of life. 

 

Generosity fosters unity and mutual support. It addresses social inequities and upholds the church’s mission to reach out to those in need. Generosity is all about the posture and condition of the heart. Generosity is all about Love. 

 

INTEGRITY 

 

Faithful support of a standard of values, encompasses wholeness, truthfulness, and moral uprightness. 

 

Terms that occur in parallel with integrity suggest its shades of meaning: righteousness (Ps. 7:8); uprightness (Ps. 25:21); without wavering (Ps. 26:1); blameless (Ps. 101:2).  

 

Several Old Testament characters are designated persons of integrity: Noah (Gen. 6:9); Abraham (Gen. 17:1); Jacob (Gen. 25:27); Job (Job 1:1,8; 2:3); and David (1 Kings 9:4).  

 

Integrity involves moral and ethical consistency. It means being whole and undivided in one’s values and actions, embodying sincerity and honesty. Integrity requires consistency between what one believes and how one acts. It means living according to one’s values and principles, even when challenging. 

 

Integrity reflects the character of God and is crucial for living a life that aligns with His standards.