DISCIPLESHIP ESSENTIALS 1

SESSION 3

 
 

Session 3: Show Christ’s Character (Act like Jesus)

Summary of video content

  • Your character is who you are when no one is looking. 1 Sam. 16:7, “… For man looks at the outward appearance but the LORD looks at the heart.” Character is like the foundation of a house - it’s what’s below the surface. 

  • Christian character begins with the new birth and the new nature of Jesus Christ being formed in you. This is both instantaneous and a lifelong process. (2 Cor. 5:17, Ez. 36:26) God’s will for our character is Christ-likeness - to be like Jesus, reflecting His nature and character. (2 Cor. 3:18, 2 Peter 1:4, Ro. 8:29)

  • Character is all about being. It’s about who we are at the core. We are human beings not human doings. Before we do we must first be. 

  • From our core (new nature, transformation) comes our character.

  • From character comes our conduct - what people see us do in living out our new life in Christ. (1 Tim. 4:12, Phil 3:17, James 3:13)

  • From our conduct comes consistency, faithfulness, reliability over a long period of time. (Pro. 20:6, Heb. 13:7) A long obedience in one direction.

  • Consistent character and conduct produce confidence in yourself and is given by those whom you influence and/or lead. Credibility, integrity and trust. (1 Jn. 3:21) 

  • Confidence in a person causes others to contribute to the cause which results in completion of a vision or any endeavour.

Discuss

  1. Why is it so common that we are distracted by the superficial characteristics of an individual? What is needed to see beyond the outward appearance?

  2. Christian character has been compared to a solid foundation, be it a house or a high-rise. What problems occur in a building when the foundation is faulty? How would you compare these analogies to the Christian life?

  3. What are some aspects of Christian character? What does “acting like Jesus” mean to you?

  4. Why is being more important than doing?

  5. What is the value and on-going benefit of demonstrating Christ’s character consistently over a long period of time? Consider thinking generationally.

COMPLETION

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