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Godly Character

Sermonette by James Beaubelle

None of us is born with godly character; we develop it over a lifetime, working with God to develop right habits, conforming to God's holy characteristics.

Character and Reputation (Part Two)

CGG Weekly by James Beaubelle

Our character is who we are in God's estimation, for only He truly knows us. God's giving of the Holy Spirit converts our thinking, enabling us to see what we otherwise would not, and His Word reveals truth, instilling in us a desire to practice what we learn and conform to His image. As we grow in His way of living, we desire to please God and act acceptably before Him, proving that the love of God has taken root in our hearts. These changes are gifts from God, and if we cultivate them, godly character begins to grow. God placed many examples in His Word of men and women who strived to live according to His will in faith, hope, and love, revealing His divine nature and holy, righteous character. Jesus manifested the Father's name through His day-to-day example, showing the true nature and character of God. We should never forget that we are constantly in His presence, as He lives in us by His Spirit, and nothing we possess comes close to His matchless holy character and glory. Therefore, we should always speak of Him reverently and approach Him with the utmost respect in prayer and services, aiding greatly in developing our own character in concert with our holy God. Character is spiritual in nature, unlike physical wealth, and carries beyond the grave. Jesus calls us to be perfect as our Father in heaven is perfect, and we are urged to be holy in all our conduct, as He who called us is holy. God establishes His image in us, implanting the riches of His holy character within each of His children. Aligning ourselves with God's character is most important in our preparation for the Kingdom of God. By faithfully following Christ, we grow into His image, and though change can be difficult, clinging to God provides the strength and motivation to lead us in the right direction. On that day when He looks for His people, He will find us because we will be like Him and known by Him.

Character and Reputation

Article by James Beaubelle

Obedience to God's moral laws brings rich rewards in developing godly character. After choosing to follow God, He begins forming each of us into the image of His Son, Jesus Christ. As we turn aside from evil and cleave to God in times of trouble, our lives and character become enriched beyond what we could achieve alone. God has called us personally, teaching us daily to build our lives on the Rock, bestowing a great responsibility to walk worthy of His name by reflecting His character in every activity of our lives. God, the true and everlasting Most High, embodies beauty, power, righteousness, and holiness as our Father, Provider, Healer, and Teacher. His names and titles reveal His divine nature, instructing us to know, love, and desire to be like Him. Godly character is rarely innate; it must be acquired over a lifetime of learning and experience. Our transformation from the old to the new is a collaborative work with God, requiring our active participation in the conditions and trials He sets for growth. Our choices significantly influence the building of godly character. When we practice what we know to be true beyond mere intellectual consent, we become more like Him. Sin opposes the creation of godly character, but good habits leading to virtuous behavior are contagious. God has given us control over our conduct and the responsibility to choose actions that build godly character, reflecting well on His name and on each other as one body. Character, in God's estimation, is an accurate picture of who we are, within our keeping to maintain and grow more Christ-like through change, which is essential to His creative process. Day by day, small decisions cultivate virtues like patience, charity, forgiveness, and self-control, weaving these traits into the fabric of our character as part of the conversion process. God's standard, revealed through our relationship with Him and His Son, transforms our thinking and instills a desire to conform to His image, allowing godly character to grow within us. God's revelation of His character to Moses in Exodus 33 and 34 shows His glory in His goodness and names, describing His holy and righteous nature. Since Jesus has revealed the Father and His character to us through Scripture, we should approach Him with reverence in prayer and assembly, aiding our character development in concert with our holy God. Aligning with God's character is paramount in preparing for His Kingdom, and by faithfully following Christ, we grow into His image, clinging to Him for guidance when change is difficult.

Israel's Missing Characteristics of God

Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)

Among the vast multitude of humanity, only One has been fully faithful to our Creator, living without sin despite sharing our human nature. This One, born of a woman, faced hunger, thirst, anger, desires, mockery, persecution, and an unjust death, yet never allowed these to control His conduct. He stands as our model, the forerunner of a new race, demonstrating perfect righteousness and fidelity. God's character remains beyond reproach, unchanging through the ages. His consistency contrasts sharply with humanity's persistent flaws, evident in the tumultuous history of His relationship with the Israelitish people, marked by far more lows than highs. Despite exceptional relationships with figures like Abraham, Moses, and David, the central problem lies in human carnality, a challenge impacting every relationship and driving actions contrary to God's laws. Moses, handpicked by God, exemplifies godly character through humility and meekness, essential for a relationship with God. Though not weak, he faithfully waited on God, submitting humbly and acting on his faith. His wisdom, gained through varied life experiences, guided his leadership and dealings with the Israelites, reflecting a steadfast commitment to God's will. Even in moments of failure, such as striking the rock, his overall character demonstrated a profound alignment with God's desires. God seeks faithfulness in us, a quality encompassing love expressed through consistent action. Faithfulness involves adhering devotedly to God, His commands, and His way of life with loyalty, reliability, and unshakable allegiance. It requires faith as its foundation, continuously displayed in keeping God's commandments. Moses, commended by God as faithful in all His house, models this quality, taking on responsibilities with steadfast loyalty despite challenges. God desires us to embody this faithfulness, actively living by faith day by day, overcoming obstacles, and moving our character toward glorifying Him. It is not merely about possessing love as a feeling but applying His Word with consistent, faithful action, reflecting the character He seeks to build within us.

Money: A Gauge of Character

Sermonette by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

If God cannot trust a person to properly handle a small amount of money, He will not give him responsibility over more crucial matters.

What Do You Do in the Dark?

Article by Mike Ford

Character has been defined as what you are when no one else can see you. The story of Joseph in Potiphar's house teaches us lessons about character.

The Nanny Church (Part One)

CGG Weekly by David C. Grabbe

Jesus does not want 'serving' through iron-fisted control and ruling by fear, nor does He mean 'benevolently' doing for them what they can do for themselves.

What's in a Name Anyway?

Article by David F. Maas

Names not only identify but they also arouse associations. Biblically, a person's name held his reputation, a thing to be guarded and enhanced.

Self-Government (Part One)

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)

Regardless of whether one submits to God, government, or community, self-government is the best means to having a safe, smooth course toward an objective.

Marriage—A God-Plane Relationship (Part Two)

CGG Weekly by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

When God introduces marriage, the first thing He does is to put it on a spiritual plane. Our relationships should include this God-plane quality.

Paul's 'Politically Incorrect' Advice to Titus (Part Two)

CGG Weekly by Mike Ford

Paul was quite blunt in how he characterized the Cretans' traits. He had a higher purpose than to criticize them; he wanted to impart helpful instructions.

Ecclesiastes Resumed (Part Seventeen)

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)

Wisdom can be defined as doing the right thing at the right time in the right way to the right measure. Wisdom is not given as a whole, but incrementally.

Self-Government and Responsibility (Part One)

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

We need free moral agency to be transformed into God's image. Unless one has God's Spirit, he cannot exercise the internal control to be subject to the way of God.

Self-Government (Part Two)

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)

If we govern ourselves, God will take care of us. Government of any kind will not work unless people govern their own nature. Self-control enables us to show love.

Sovereignty, Election, and Grace (Part Six)

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

Grace's influence extends beyond justification, into the sanctification stage where the believer yields himself to righteousness, keeping God's commandments.