The Criteria of Character Four Tests of True Character

1.How Do We Deal With Failure 2.How Do We Deal With Criticism 3.How Do We Deal With Trials 4.How Do We Deal With “No”

Dealing with failure is essential to living a godly life Failure may lead us to depression, anxiety, anger and bitterness True conversion can only occur when we recognize and correct our failures How Do you deal with failure?

Will I use this failure to drive myself to become a better _______ and thus a better servant of God? How Do you deal with failure?

How Did Paul deal with failure? 5 circumcised the eighth day, of the nation of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews; as to the Law, a Pharisee; 6 as to zeal, a persecutor of the church; as to the righteousness which is in the Law, found blameless. 7 But whatever things were gain to me, those things I have counted as loss for the sake of Christ. 5 circumcised the eighth day, of the nation of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews; as to the Law, a Pharisee; 6 as to zeal, a persecutor of the church; as to the righteousness which is in the Law, found blameless. 7 But whatever things were gain to me, those things I have counted as loss for the sake of Christ. Philippians 3:4–7 (NASB95) His entire life’s goal was built on a misconception that led to ultimate failure His entire life’s goal was built on a misconception that led to ultimate failure  He put his confidence in the “flesh”  Excelled in the teachings of the strictest sect of the Jews  Acted with great zeal

How Did Paul deal with failure? 14 For we know that the Law is spiritual, but I am of flesh, sold into bondage to sin. Romans 7:14 (NASB95) Paul’s failure was in his core understanding of how to relate to God Paul’s failure was in his core understanding of how to relate to God “flesh” - he put his trust in being a Jew rather than grace through the Gospel “flesh” - he put his trust in being a Jew rather than grace through the Gospel

How Did Paul deal with failure? 18 For I know that nothing good dwells in me, that is, in my flesh; for the willing is present in me, but the doing of the good is not. 19 For the good that I want, I do not do, but I practice the very evil that I do not want.Romans 7:18–19 (NASB95) Due to his false concept his efforts at righteousness failed Due to his false concept his efforts at righteousness failed

How Did Paul deal with failure? 42 Nevertheless many even of the rulers believed in Him, but because of the Pharisees they were not confessing Him, for fear that they would be put out of the synagogue;John 12:42 (NASB95) Due to his false concept his efforts at righteousness failed Due to his false concept his efforts at righteousness failed Many of the Jews struggled with this same failure Many of the Jews struggled with this same failure

How Did Paul deal with failure? 22 But at these words he was saddened, and he went away grieving, for he was one who owned much property.Mark 10:22 (NASB95) Due to his false concept his efforts at righteousness failed Due to his false concept his efforts at righteousness failed Many of the Jews struggled with this same failure Many of the Jews struggled with this same failure

How Did Paul deal with failure? 8 More than that, I count all things to be loss in view of the surpassing value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them but rubbish so that I may gain Christ,Philippians 3:8 (NASB95) Due to his false concept his efforts at righteousness failed Due to his false concept his efforts at righteousness failed Many of the Jews struggled with this same failure Many of the Jews struggled with this same failure Paul took the approach of repentance Paul took the approach of repentance

Will we stubbornly hold onto failed thinking? Will we forget “what lies behind”? What will you do with your failures?

Dealing with criticism is essential to maintaining a strong faith Some criticism will be just Some criticism will be unjust How Do You Deal With Criticism?

How Did Paul deal with unjust criticism? 13 But Ananias answered, “Lord, I have heard from many about this man, how much harm he did to Your saints at Jerusalem;Acts 9:13 (NASB95) He never let criticism prevent him from serving He never let criticism prevent him from serving

How Did Paul deal with unjust criticism? 23 But I call God as witness to my soul, that to spare you I did not come again to Corinth. 24 Not that we lord it over your faith, but are workers with you for your joy; for in your faith you are standing firm.2 Corinthians 1:23–24 (NASB95) He never let criticism prevent him from serving He never let criticism prevent him from serving He never allowed himself to forget the true focus of his life He never allowed himself to forget the true focus of his life

How Did Paul deal with unjust criticism? 1 I wish that you would bear with me in a little foolishness; but indeed you are bearing with me. 2 For I am jealous for you with a godly jealousy; for I betrothed you to one husband, so that to Christ I might present you as a pure virgin.2 Corinthians 11:1–2 (NASB95) He never let criticism prevent him from serving He never let criticism prevent him from serving He never allowed himself to forget the true focus of his life He never allowed himself to forget the true focus of his life Rather than descend to the mire he encouraged the faith if his critics Rather than descend to the mire he encouraged the faith if his critics

Will you use unjust criticism as an opportunity to demonstrate love? Will you use unjust criticism as an opportunity to encourage? Will you use unjust criticism as an opportunity to teach? How Do You Deal With Criticism?

Like criticism trials have a way of changing our focus Often when in trials we become selfish Such an attitude destroys relationships and eventually faith How Do You Deal With Trials?

How Did Paul deal with Trials? 28 Apart from such external things, there is the daily pressure on me of concern for all the churches.2 Corinthians 11:28 (NASB95) Paul suffered unimaginable trials throughout his life as a Christian Paul suffered unimaginable trials throughout his life as a Christian Rather than allow these sufferings to destroy his faith he used them to strengthen his faith Rather than allow these sufferings to destroy his faith he used them to strengthen his faith He was able to be so strong by intentionally not focussing on self He was able to be so strong by intentionally not focussing on self

Like criticism trials have a way of changing our focus Often when in trials we become selfish Such an attitude destroys relationships and eventually faith How Do You Deal With Trials?

Descend into self-absorbed pity? Allow close relationships and faith to be destroyed? Focus on and serve the Lord even in difficulty? What will you do with your trials?

How Did Paul deal with “NO”? 7...to keep me from exalting myself, there was given me a thorn in the flesh, a messenger of Satan to torment me—to keep me from exalting myself! 8 Concerning this I implored the Lord three times that it might leave me. 9 And He has said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness”...2 Corinthians 12:7–9 (NASB95) Paul was given a “thorn in the flesh” as a means of defeating pride Paul was given a “thorn in the flesh” as a means of defeating pride He plead with God to remove this suffering...but God said NO He plead with God to remove this suffering...but God said NO

How Did Paul deal with “NO”? 9 And He has said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness.” Most gladly, therefore, I will rather boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may dwell in me.2 Corinthians 12:9 (NASB95) Paul was given a “thorn in the flesh” as a means of defeating pride Paul was given a “thorn in the flesh” as a means of defeating pride He plead with God to remove this suffering...but God said NO He plead with God to remove this suffering...but God said NO He chose to humble himself and submit! He chose to humble himself and submit!