1. Wednesday Night Lesson: Plot and character
August 31, 2016

2. The scripture is a story … And there are two types of stories: plot
character
Question applies to conferences and other aspects as well … applies to us in the larger sense.

3. We live our lives as a plot-based story (esp. with our children)
… what are we/they going to do, what do we/they need to study, what is our/their next step …?
Fear God and keep His commandments.
Our purpose is not doctrine. Doctrine matters but that’s not why we are here!

4. An example of too much “plot”.....
Story of Esther … save her people but with mortal risk
She had to be reminded that she was there for a purpose – it began with a beauty contest
God is constantly working with us and in us to be that light and step up for him.
Dr. Brantly – obvious an international stage
For us – maybe not so obvious!

5. Scripture, however, is not plot based, it is character-based …

6. Some examples: Samuel – little known about his life
David – so much less known about his life than his character
Jesus – no plot details at all
Trials are price we pay for good times
Hard to consider it a pure joy
Compelling when we do (Dr Brantly)
Inordinately difficult if we don’t know how long

7. A scriptural example of too much “plot”: Luke 12
16 And he told them this parable: “The ground of a certain rich man yielded an abundant harvest. 17 He thought to himself, ‘What shall I do? I have no place to store my crops.’
18 “Then he said, ‘This is what I’ll do. I will tear down my barns and build bigger ones, and there I will store my surplus grain. 19 And I’ll say to myself, “You have plenty of grain laid up for many years. Take life easy; eat, drink and be merry.”’
20 “But God said to him, ‘You fool! This very night your life will be demanded from you. Then who will get what you have prepared for yourself?’
21 “This is how it will be with whoever stores up things for themselves but is not rich toward God.”
Story of Esther … save her people but with mortal risk
She had to be reminded that she was there for a purpose – it began with a beauty contest
God is constantly working with us and in us to be that light and step up for him.
Dr. Brantly – obvious an international stage
For us – maybe not so obvious!

8. God is not as concerned with the plot of our lives as he is with the character of those living.

9. Luke 12
22 Then Jesus said to his disciples: “Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat; or about your body, what you will wear. 23 For life is more than food, and the body more than clothes. 24 Consider the ravens: They do not sow or reap, they have no storeroom or barn; yet God feeds them. And how much more valuable you are than birds! 25 Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to your life[? 26 Since you cannot do this very little thing, why do you worry about the rest?
27 “Consider how the wild flowers grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you, not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. 28 If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today, and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, how much more will he clothe you–you of little faith! 29 And do not set your heart on what you will eat or drink; do not worry about it. 30 For the pagan world runs after all such things, and your Father knows that you need them. 31 But seek his kingdom, and these things will be given to you as well.

10. Biblical emphasis on Character
22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. 24 Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. 25 Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit. 26 Let us not become conceited, provoking and envying each other. (Gal. 5: NIV)
This may be even harder …
Satan can take our possessions away OR he can give us more.
The parable applies to material possessions and time! Our busy schedule can crowd out God
The problem was not the abundance, nor even storing the surplus but storing up for themselves AND not being rich toward God.

11. II Peter 1:5-12
5 For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; 6 and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; 7 and to godliness, mutual affection; and to mutual affection, love. 8 For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. 9 But whoever does not have them is nearsighted and blind, forgetting that they have been cleansed from their past sins.
10 Therefore, my brothers and sisters, make every effort to confirm your calling and election. For if you do these things, you will never stumble, 11 and you will receive a rich welcome into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

12. Scripture is actually dedicated to both
Our job is character
God’s job is the plot (and the most important part is determined)
Scripture is actually dedicated to both

14. Philippians 4
6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
8 Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable–if anything is excellent or praiseworthy–think about such things. 9 Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me–put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.
Story of Esther … save her people but with mortal risk
She had to be reminded that she was there for a purpose – it began with a beauty contest
God is constantly working with us and in us to be that light and step up for him.
Dr. Brantly – obvious an international stage
For us – maybe not so obvious!

15. Philippians 4
10 I rejoiced greatly in the Lord that at last you renewed your concern for me. Indeed, you were concerned, but you had no opportunity to show it. 11 I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. 12 I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. 13 I can do all this through him who gives me strength.
Story of Esther … save her people but with mortal risk
She had to be reminded that she was there for a purpose – it began with a beauty contest
God is constantly working with us and in us to be that light and step up for him.
Dr. Brantly – obvious an international stage
For us – maybe not so obvious!

16. If this applies to individuals, then shouldn’t it apply to groups?
Story of Esther … save her people but with mortal risk
She had to be reminded that she was there for a purpose – it began with a beauty contest
God is constantly working with us and in us to be that light and step up for him.
Dr. Brantly – obvious an international stage
For us – maybe not so obvious!