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Basic Discipleship
Written by Dr. Lester Hutson

This material is copyrighted c2002 and may not be copied or reproduced without the express written permission of the Berean Baptist Church.

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PHASE 4                                        GROWTH TO MATURITY

SESSION 9

CHARACTER COUNTS

                Oh! Oh! Oh! We must say "Oh" with deep pain for lack of character has hurt our cause with great devastation. For centuries it has plagued us and plagued us and the plague continues. High figures in good churches turn up with sexual sins. The proverbial pastor ran off with the pianist or secretary is not just a joke. That loud-talking man in the Amen corner is in a corrupt business deal. Turns out that the respectable church member doesn't pay his bills and has a terrible business testimony. It comes to light that the fine Christian has a drinking problem. They put on a show at church, but cuss like a sailor, make passes and tell dirty jokes at work. They talk about Jesus and how great it is to be saved but you can't depend on them, they have no loyalty and very little endurance or temperance.

                So many in the world laugh at Christianity. We're viewed as a bunch of self-righteous hypocrites . . . pretenders . . . people who are just as corrupt as those who profess nothing. They see themselves as better than us because they are at least honest about their wickedness and lack of character.

                This session is about character. It looks at a few character traits and then asks your disciple to grade himself. It challenges him to an improved character and warns him that he will have no effective Christian ministry apart from good character.

                Discipleship Minister, after this session there are only four more. This is the time when you should encourage your disciple to take hold for himself. You will soon be leaving him. By now, he should be about ready to stand on his own. Do all you can to encourage him in that direction. Challenge him to become a Discipleship Minister even as you are. You should be able to share firsthand the joy and spiritual reward it is to be seriously engaged in such a work.

                Pray with your disciple. Let him hear you talking to God about him. Let him hear you asking God to make a faithful Discipleship Minister out of him. Answer his questions. Help him with his fears.

                With this course you have been and are reproducing yourself in the life of another believer. That is the assignment we have received from 2 Timothy 2:2. Rejoice that you have had the privilege to be engaged in this effort with this Disciple.

                Be sure your disciple receives the next assignment. 

                Yes! Character counts! Morals matter! Integrity is important! Without it, you will become a reproach to the cause of Christ. If not openly, in their hearts people will mock when they learn that you name the blessed name of Jesus, especially at any efforts on your part at Christian impact on them. That will include your own children as well as strangers. What you say will never rise above what you are.

WHAT CHARACTER IS

                One U.S. Congressman said, "Character is doing right when nobody's looking." Look up the word character in your dictionary. Consider the words character, reputation and self-perception. Below are the definitions of each word. Write the correct word in the blank by each definition. 

Reputation.        What people generally think about the character of another person. 

Character.    The total of things that a person is, feels, thinks and does as known by God. 

Self-perception.  What a persons thinks about his own character. 

CHARACTER TRAITS

                Below is a list of good character traits. Do not suppose that these are all there are. Following this list of character traits you will find an equal number of Bible passages with clues. In the blanks provided, write the character trait that best matches the passage and clues.

        Courage.                           Decisiveness.                        Availability.

                      Generosity.         Temperance.          Hospitality.

        Initiative.                            Punctuality.                           Endurance.

                    Orderliness.        Gratefulness.   Resourcefulness.

         Loyalty.                Morality.          Responsibility.         Alertness.

                                     Thriftiness.        Cautiousness.

    Contentment.                         Flexibility.                            Joyfulness.

  Determination.         Kindness.               Integrity.                 Purity.

  1.   Flexibility.  Genesis 24:15-25

        Clues:

        A.    Using time, energy and other resources wisely in order to complete my priorities.

        B.    Adapting to meet my needs and the needs of the one I serve.

        C.    Rebekah is a good Bible example of this character trait.

        D.    Refusing to become entangled with the affairs of life in order to stay free to pursue the best course of action.

        E.     The willingness and ability to change plans and courses as needed. 

  2.   Morality.  Ephesians 5:3-5

        Clues:

        A.    Old Testament Joseph is a very good example of this character trait.

        B.    Includes keeping one's body sexually pure.

        C.    Includes paying one's debts and properly attending other obligations.

        D.    Includes the practice of a high code of ethics.

        E.    Precludes child molestation and all sex outside of marriage. 

  3.   Courage.  Joshua 10:24-25. Psalm 27:14. Psalm 31:24

        Clues:

        A.   Believing that God can and will take care of you regardless of what you face.

        B.   Applying the resources you have in whatever ways necessary in the face of overwhelming odds.

        C.   Confidence in God and not in self.

        D.   Young David in the face of Goliath is a Bible example of this character trait.

        E.    Going forward in the strength of God even when the way seems hopeless. 

  4.                Cautiousness.  1 Peter 5:8. 1 Timothy 3:2

        Clues:

        A.    Remembering that the heart of even the best man is corrupt and that only God is unfailingly trustworthy.

        B.    Recognizing that the majority is often wrong.

        C.    Refusal to go beyond the protection of my God-given resources.

        D.    Realizing that even self is not trustworthy.

        E.     Accepting the fact that one's greatest ability can also be his greatest point of vulnerability.

  5.                Determination.  1 Corinthians 2:2

        Clues:

        A.    Staying with a right course in spite of resistance and obstacles.

        B.    Conquering a seemingly impossible task by systematically attacking it on small points that are achievable.

        C.    Refusal to be distracted from the completion of the task.

        D.    Recognition that present struggles are often essential to future achievement.

        E.     Joshua's conquest of Canaan is an excellent example of this character trait. 

  6.   Integrity.  Psalm 25:21.

        Clues:

        A.    Abimelech in Genesis 20:4-10 is a Bible example of this character trait.

        B.    The quality of being honest and trustworthy.

        C.    Honesty and uprightness.

        D.    Applies not only to honesty of speech but also honesty of lifestyle.

        E.     Involves consistency and freedom from hypocrisy. 

  7.                Resourcefulness.  Matthew 13:52

        Clues:

        A.    Skilled at solving problems and getting out of trouble.

        B.    Seeing resources that are commonly overlooked by others.

        C.    Using my time, talent and treasure to extend and enhance the work of God.

        D.    Avoiding entrapments to extend one's ability and usefulness.

        E.     Hiram's help to Solomon in 1 Kings 5:1-10 illustrates this character trait. 

  8.   Temperance.  Galatians 5:22-23. 2 Peter 1:6

        Clues:

        A.    Care in keeping one's actions, appetites and feelings under proper control.

        B.    Moderation.

        C.    One's spirit brought into control under the Spirit of God.

        D.    2 Corinthians 10:4-5 teaches that only submission to the Spirit of God through His word can produce this character trait.

        E.     From Philippians 3:8-10 it is evident that Paul had gained this character trait. 

  9.                Responsibility.  Genesis 18:17-19

        Clues:

        A.    Abraham is a good Bible example of this character trait.

        B.    Properly taking care of business and assignments.

        C.    Trustworthiness in the completing of tasks.

        D.    Realizing the importance of accepting a task or assignment.

        E.     The ability to be counted on to get the job done and done right. 

10.   Generosity.  Acts 20:35. Luke 6:38

        Clues:

        A.    Willing to give or share.

        B.    Not selfish or stingy.

        C.    Openhanded and giving the right amount at the right time.

        D.    Giving even when the gift may require personal sacrifice.

        E.     In Acts 3:2-9 Peter illustrates this character trait. 

11.   Kindness.  Ephesians 4:32. Colossians 3:12

        Clues:

        A.    Showing goodness, generosity and sympathy.

        B.    Efforts to help and relieve those in distress or need.

        C.    Returning good for evil.

        D.    Always ready to help others and do good.

        E.     David's actions toward King Saul reflect this character trait. 

12.   Alertness.  Mark 14:38. 1 Corinthians 16:13

        Clues:

        A.     Watchful and ready.

        B.      Recognizing opportunities and dangers which others overlook.

        C.      Anticipating the actions of those who seek to harm us.

        D.      Visualizing the consequences of subtle dangers.

        E.       Noah is a Bible example of this character trait.

13.   Loyalty.  Esther 2:21-23

        Clues:

        A.    Mordecai to King Ahasuerus is a Bible example of this character trait.

        B.    Faithful to one's family, duty, beliefs, friends, etc.

        C.    Standing with those you serve in their times of need.

        D.    Knowing and following the wishes of those responsible for you.

        E.     Adjusting your schedule to meet the needs of the one you serve and being a faithful messenger to him. 

14.                Contentment.  1 Timothy 6:6-8. Hebrews 13:5

        Clues:

        A.    Happiness with what one has or is.

        B.    Satisfied; not wanting anything else and unencumbered with the bondage of personal expectations.

        C.    Valuing God-given relationships more than earthly possessions.

        D.     Happiness with the way God made you and how He is providing for you.

        E.      Zacchaeus definitely did not have this character trait before he met Jesus. 

15.   Availability.  1 Peter 3:15

        Clues:

        A.    That which can be gotten, reached and used.

        B.    The rejection of hindrances that keep one from being disposable in the time of need.

        C.    Refusal to be deterred and taken out of the loop by deceptive distractions.

        D.    Opportunity for use whenever the need exists, not only at convenient times.

        E.     The Philippian church of Philippians 4:15-16 illustrate this character trait. 

16.   Purity.  Matthew 5:8. 1 Timothy 5:22. Titus 1:15-16

        Clues:

        A.    The maintenance of a separated, holy, godly life by a believer.

        B.    The rejection of entanglements that identify one with the world.

        C.    Moral goodness and innocence.

        D.    Not mixed, dirty or polluted with ungodly speech, actions or attitudes.

        E.     Dorcas in Acts 9:36-39 is a Bible example of this character trait. 

17.   Orderliness.  1 Corinthians 14:33,40

        Clues:

        A.    Organizing and using resources to their greatest efficiency.

        B.    Being specific in both analysis and approach.

        C.    Involves plans, organization and systematic structure.

        D.    A place for everything and everything in its place.

        E.     King Solomon is a Bible example of this character trait. 

18.   Endurance.  2 Timothy 2:3-4

        Clues:

        A.    Setting aside privileges which weaken me or others.

        B.     Knowledge and commitment to using the resources available to me in the most efficient manner.

        C.     Maintaining commitment to a goal even during times of pressure and obstacles.

        D.    To hold up under suffering; to bear up; to stand.

        E.     Queen Esther is a Bible example of this character trait.

19.   Punctuality.  Romans 12:11

        Clues:

        A.    Diligent, vigilant, prompt, quick to take care of business.

        B.    Doing the right thing at the right time.

        C.    Refusal to put things off and vacillate.

        D.    Rising quickly to the occasion in the time of need and attending responsibilities in a timely manner.

        E.     Barzillai in 2 Samuel 17:27-29 is an excellent example of this character trait. 

20.   Hospitality.  Romans 12:13. 1 Peter 4:9

        Clues:

        A.    A generous and friendly way of treating others, particularly guests.

        B.    Providing leadership for a peaceful and harmonious surrounding.

        C.    Aquila and Priscilla are great Bible examples of this character trait.

        D.    Making sure the environment is proper for those we serve.

        E.     A character trait that calms people, makes them feel at ease and which paves the way for Christian ministry. 

21.   Initiative.  Joshua 7:10-13

        Clues:

        A.    The ability to get things done without having to be told what to do.

        B.    Taking the first step in bringing something about.

        C.    Responding wisely and quickly to situations of need or danger.

        D.    Reaching out, exploring and taking the lead.

        E.     Abigail in 1 Samuel 25:14-32 is a classic example of this character trait. 

22.   Thriftiness.  Proverbs 18:9

        Clues:

        A.    The opposite of wastefulness and careless excess.

        B.     Preparing in times of plenty to meet future needs.

        C.    Learning to live within your means.

        D.    Accepting and practicing the reality that God's resources are not to be abused or misused.

        E.     Taking care of what you have to extend its usefulness. 

23.   Joyfulness.  James 1:2-6

        Clues:

        A.    Showing or causing gladness and happiness.

        B.    Providing brightness in the lives of others regardless of outward conditions.

        C.    The Apostles in Acts 5:41 illustrate this character trait.

        D.    A condition that comes from knowing you are where God intends you to be.

                       E.    A trait that can have a great uplifting impact on the spirit of others

24.           Gratefulness.  Philippians 4:6. Colossians 3:15

        Clues:

        A.    Refusal to all the difficulties of life blind one to the blessings.

        B.    Appreciation to God and to all those whom He has used to minister to me.

        C.    Investment in others to insure that the process that reached me does not end with me.

        D.    Proving my appreciation to God for His goodness to me by honoring Him with the firstfruits of all my substance.

        E.     The leper of Luke 17:12-16 is an example of this character trait. 

25.                Decisiveness.  1 Kings 18:21

        Clues:

        A.    Nehemiah is a clear Bible example of this character trait.

        B.     Firmness, determination and clear direction.

        C.    Refusing to consider a decision or direction that is known to be wrong.

        D.    Making present commitments and moves to avoid future failures.

        E.     Evaluating courses of action quickly and accurately and devoting all energies to the best course of action. 

Food for Thought

1.     Based on the character traits considered in this exercise how do you score yourself? Check one.

                                    A     90 - 100

                                    B     80 -   89

                                    C     70 -   79

                                    D     60 -   69

                                    F      0   -   59

2.     Do you think your current character equips you to have an effective Christian ministry?

3.     Are you brave enough to ask a true and honest person who knows you (mate, friend, family member) to tell you the truth about what he sees in your character? You must promise to take the truth without offense or reprisals. You may not find anyone willing to do so.

4.     Change is very hard work. It takes time and cold honesty. How do you feel about the way the truth has exposed you and the changes you need?

5.     By God's enabling grace are you willing to work on improving your character?

CHARACTER AND MINISTRY

        For a better look at the impact of character on Christian ministry, match the following scriptures with the proper statements and concepts. 

  1.   Jesus warned against following the Pharisee because "for they say, and do not."    (10) 2 Sam. 12:14

  2.   The command to "So speak ye, and so do"  suggests that good character is important    (  3) 2 Cor. 3:2-3

  3.   Like an open book people are reading the character of Christians      (  7) 2 Tim. 2:21

  4.   Enoch is a clear message that character is very important with God     (14) Ps. 51:1-13

  5.   The great character of Paul gave tremendous weight to his message      (  8) Prov. 14:34

  6.   Apart from the character trait of love,  one's message is really empty       (  9) Prov. 19:26

  7.   Only as vessels with good character can believers expect to be useful to God      (  2) Jam. 2:12 

  8.   "Sin is a reproach to any people"       (12) 1 Tim. 4:12 

  9.   A son void of good character is a shame and reproach to his parents       (  1) Mat. 23:3

10.   A breach in King David's character caused multitudes to mock him      (  6) 1 Cor. 13:1-3

11.   A man void of good character cannot legitimately become a pastor or deacon       (11) 1 Tim. 3

12.   Paul suggests that apart from good character, bystanders can "despise" Christians        (13) 1 Pet. 2:12

13.   God begs for good character in believers that they may be able to reach others       (  5) Acts 24:16

14.   David taught that cleansing of character precedes the reaching of sinners    (  4)Heb. 11:5

                Dear disciple, in just one month you will complete this course. May there be a growing passion in your heart to be used of God! May it be within your heart to reach out and impact the lives of others even as you have been impacted! The fields truly are white unto harvest, both (1) for the reaching of lost souls who know not Jesus Christ and (2) for the helping of younger brothers and sisters to grow up in the Lord. There is a great need for you in the work of the Lord.

                Please think about the vessel you are. Each of these sessions is designed to bring you closer and closer to becoming a Discipleship Minister. From the start the hope has been that you would grow and grow and grow during this experience, that you would grow to the point of becoming a reproducer of all that you are and have gained. Please don't stop short.

                You have a person who has been standing with you, helping you to grow. Talk to him/her. Don't be inhibited about your fears and weaknesses. We all have them but by God's grace we can deal with them and be victorious in the Lord.

                Spend extra time meditating on this session. Regardless of how much you might know a weak character will seriously handicap all of your Christian efforts.  It may prove fatal to them.

"It Does Make a Difference What You Believe"