Philippians 2:19-22 (NKJV) 19 But I trust in the Lord Jesus to send Timothy to you shortly, that I also may be encouraged when I know your state. 20 For I have no one like-minded, who will sincerely care for your state. 21 For all seek their own, not the things which are of Christ Jesus. 22 But you know his proven character, that as a son with his father he served with me in the gospel.

PHILIPPIANS 2:19-22 Character Counts

Character can sometimes be hard to define There really is no biblical definition of it We often times talk about people with character In elections, we talk about a candidate who is a man/woman of character

Character Counts We use it to talk about someone who seems to be morally upright It seems to always be used in a good sense and not bad So what does it mean? What is the definition of character?

Defined Character defined:  The sum of features and traits that form the individual nature of some person  Qualities of honesty, courage, or the like; integrity  Reputation  The inherent complex of attributes that determines a persons moral and ethical actions and reactions

Defined Character is how we have been programmed and will determine how we act and react to others (who we are when no one is looking) We can and do allow ourselves to be programmed – Phil. 4:8 Prov. 23:7 – “ As he thinks in his heart… ”

Defined Matt. 15:18-19 – Whatever is in our heart is what will come through in our speech and actions So what is our character like? What is good character and how can we be sure we possess it?

Examples of Character 1 st to my mind – Job Job 1:1 Does this describe a man with character? Heading above v.6 – Satan Attacks Job ’ s Character

Examples of Character v.11 – Satan says the “ real Job ” would come out if he lost his possessions According to Satan, Job only cared about “ things ” What was Job ’ s true character? God still called him a servant of His (42:8)

Examples of Character NT example – Timothy Phil. 2:19-22 Paul says you can know what Timothy is going to do because of his character! That character had been proven by his words and actions

Character In The Bible Rom. 5:3-4 KJV – experience = dokime (greek) Means test, trustiness, experience, proof, trial It means that what ’ s inside of you will determine what you do!

Character In The Bible Tribulation produces character (experience) When we go through something, it makes us tougher We hold on to it internally It builds character!

Structure of Character So what things make up character? Col. 3:12-15 As God ’ s elect, we ought to have character Tender mercies = bowels of mercies Comes from within - sincere

Structure of Character Kindness – To all Humility – Opposite of pride Meekness – Gentleness Longsuffering – Patience Bearing with one another – Helping each other & being patient

Structure of Character Forgiving – What did Christ do? Love – Greatest of these Peace – Should come through character Thankful – Someone of good character is thankful for what other have done