“What will be the character of our lives?” This is the question on the table today. At the end of the day, we are asking what our reputation will be? Will we be known as people of character, who loved and honored God with our lives, or will we be known as people who said we believed God, but our character did not match what we claimed to believe. My friends, this is of utmost importance if we want to live lives that point others to Christ. We must be people of character and teach our children to be people of character.
In your own words, define character. What do you think it means to be a person of character?
1. Who do you know who models excellent, Christ-like character? What can you learn from their example as you strive to set an example of Christ-like character to your children and those who are like children to you?
2. Read John 8:42-46. Why does God hate lying? How can you help others, especially your children, understand the importance of telling the truth?
John 8:42-46 “Jesus told them, “If God were your Father, you would love me, because I have come to you from God. I am not here on my own, but he sent me. Why can’t you understand what I am saying? It’s because you can’t even hear me! For you are the children of your father the devil, and you love to do the evil things he does. He was a murderer from the beginning. He has always hated the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he lies, it is consistent with his character; for he is a liar and the father of lies. So when I tell the truth, you just naturally don’t believe me! Which of you can truthfully accuse me of sin? And since I am telling you the truth, why don’t you believe me?
John 8:42-46
“Jesus told them, “If God were your Father, you would love me, because I have come to you from God. I am not here on my own, but he sent me. Why can’t you understand what I am saying? It’s because you can’t even hear me! For you are the children of your father the devil, and you love to do the evil things he does. He was a murderer from the beginning. He has always hated the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he lies, it is consistent with his character; for he is a liar and the father of lies. So when I tell the truth, you just naturally don’t believe me! Which of you can truthfully accuse me of sin? And since I am telling you the truth, why don’t you believe me?
3. How can you ensure that you are someone who always speaks the truth and seeks to pass that on to your children? What steps can you take?
4. Read 1 Corinthians 13:13. Why is love “the greatest” of the attributes listed in this verse?
1 Corinthians 13:13 Three things will last forever—faith, hope, and love—and the greatest of these is love.
1 Corinthians 13:13
Three things will last forever—faith, hope, and love—and the greatest of these is love.
5. Part of living a lifestyle of character is living as Jesus did. What hardship are you facing in your life right now? How do you think Jesus would have responded? How can you respond similarly and help your children or those like children to you respond well during trying times?6. Hebrews 11:6 says, “It is impossible to please God without faith.” Why do you think it is impossible to please God if you do not have faith? Why is this truth so important for you and your children to understand?
7. If purity is “the unconquerable allegiance to the standards of Christ,” then what exactly are the standards of Christ? Are you living up to them? What is going well? What needs improvement? How can you set an example for others who are watching you, especially your children?
Take a few moments and think about what you would like to be known for. List out at least three characteristics or attributes that you would like to be said about you and write them down. Pick one to focus on for the next month. After you pick one, write down at least three steps you can take this month to grow in that character trait or attribute. Include in this list one way you are going to set an example in this characteristic or attribute for the children in your life. Next, tell your small group so that you all can encourage each other as you strive to become a person of Christlike character.
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Hebrews 11:6 And it is impossible to please God without faith. Anyone who wants to come to him must believe that God exists and that he rewards those who sincerely seek him.
Hebrews 11:6
And it is impossible to please God without faith. Anyone who wants to come to him must believe that God exists and that he rewards those who sincerely seek him.
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