Developing Biblical Character

24_12_07 -Ep.341  - Run With Horses Podcast  - Developing Biblical Character
 
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Susan’s New book – Parenting Manual
https://a.co/d/8L7GWIo
 
Norman’s New book – Pursuing Godliness Together  - It’s a practical, quick read!
https://a.co/d/c7Y7F04
 
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Today we consider Biblical Character, what it is and how to get it!
 
Welcome to Run With Horses! My name is Norman and my goal is to help you thrive as a follower of Jesus. The spiritual life is both incredibly simple and potentially the most difficult part of your life. God invites you to live intentionally and on His mission. It’s very cool that we can do that together!
 
Thank you for joining me today! “If you’re new here, you can check out past episodes at runwithhorses.net. As always, I appreciate your feedback, questions, and reviews!”
 
**(27:00 – 23:00)**   
 
Spiritual Habits -  
 
**(23:00 – 0:00)* *  PART 1
Part 1: What is Biblical Character? 
1. Definition of Biblical Character 
    • Definition: Dictionary definition of character 1. "Moral or ethical strength: integrity. Biblical perspective on character 1. Character as inner moral strength 2. Proverbs 4:23 (NKJV): "Keep your heart with all diligence, for out of it spring the issues of life."
Biblical character is the moral and spiritual qualities that align with God's Word, reflecting His nature and will in a person's life. 
        ◦ Rooted in the word “character,” which implies a distinctive mark or engraving. Biblical character involves being “marked” by God’s nature. 
    • Key Passage: Romans 5:3-4 
      "And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; and perseverance, character; and character, hope."
    • A. Integrity 1. Definition: "The quality of being honest and having strong moral principles"2. Job 2:3 (NKJV): "And the Lord said to Satan, 'Have you considered My servant Job, that there is none like him on the earth, a blameless and upright man, one who fears God and shuns evil? And still he holds fast to his integrity, although you incited Me against him, to destroy him without cause.'" 
    • B. Faithfulness 1. Importance of being trustworthy 2. Luke 16:10 (NKJV): "He who is faithful in what is least is faithful also in much; and he who is unjust in what is least is unjust also in much."
 
2. Examples of Biblical Character in Scripture 
    • Abraham (Faith and Obedience):
        ◦ Genesis 22:12: "And He said, 'Do not lay your hand on the lad, or do anything to him; for now I know that you fear God, since you have not withheld your son, your only son, from Me.'" 
        ◦ Emphasis on obedience to God despite personal cost. 
    • Joseph (Integrity and Forgiveness):
        ◦ Genesis 39:9: "There is no one greater in this house than I, nor has he kept back anything from me but you, because you are his wife. How then can I do this great wickedness, and sin against God?" 
        ◦ Focus on Joseph's integrity and forgiveness in Genesis 50:20. 
    • Ruth (Loyalty and Devotion):
        ◦ Ruth 1:16: "Entreat me not to leave you, or to turn back from following after you; for wherever you go, I will go; and wherever you lodge, I will lodge; your people shall be my people, and your God, my God." 
    • Daniel (Faithfulness):
        ◦ Daniel 6:10: "Now when Daniel knew that the writing was signed, he went home. And in his upper room, with his windows open toward Jerusalem, he knelt down on his knees three times that day, and prayed and gave thanks before his God, as was his custom since early days." 
 
3. Why Biblical Character Matters 
    • Reflection of God’s Nature: 
        ◦ 1 Peter 1:15-16: "But as He who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, because it is written, 'Be holy, for I am holy.'" 
    • Witness to Others: 
        ◦ Matthew 5:16: "Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven." 
 
 
**(00:00) END PART 1**
 
**(27:00 – 5:00) BEGIN PART 2** 
Part 2: Developing Biblical Character 
1. Foundational Principles for Developing Biblical Character 
    • Commit to God’s Word:
        ◦ Psalm 119:11: "Your word I have hidden in my heart, that I might not sin against You." 
        ◦ 2 Timothy 3:16-17 (NKJV): "All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.
        ◦ Spiritual habit of daily Bible reading and meditation. 
        ◦ Study and Meditate on God's Word  - Joshua 1:8 (NKJV): "This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate in it day and night, that you may observe to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success." - Practical tips for Bible study and meditation
        ◦ Practical tip: Use a reading plan to engage with Scripture regularly. 
    • Prayer for Transformation:
        ◦ Philippians 4:6-7: "Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus." 
        ◦ Develop a habit of daily prayer asking God for character growth. 
        ◦ Cultivate a Strong Prayer Life  - 1 Thessalonians 5:17 (NKJV): "Pray without ceasing." - Different types of prayer and their importance in character development
    • Community and Accountability:
        ◦ Relationship - Building authentic connections 1. With God: Prayer and personal devotion 2. With others: Accountability and fellowship
        ◦  1 Thessalonians 2:8 (NKJV): "So, affectionately longing for you, we were well pleased to impart to you not only the gospel of God, but also our own lives, because you had become dear to us."
        ◦ Proverbs 27:17: "As iron sharpens iron, so a man sharpens the countenance of his friend." 
        ◦ Be involved in a discipleship relationship or small group for encouragement and accountability. 
        ◦ Embrace Accountability and Community - Proverbs 27:17 (NKJV): "As iron sharpens iron, So a man sharpens the countenance of his friend." - The importance of Christian fellowship in character growth
 
2. Practical Steps to Build Character 
    • Practice Humility:
        ◦ Philippians 2:3-4: "Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others."
        ◦ Practice Obedience and Submission to God  - James 1:22 (NKJV): "But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves." - The role of obedience in shaping character 
    • Respond Well to Trials:
        ◦ James 1:2-4: "My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing." 
        ◦ View difficulties as opportunities for God to refine character. 
    • Serve Others:
        ◦ Mark 10:45: "For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many." 
        ◦ Develop selflessness through acts of service. 
* Develop Spiritual Disciplines (4 minutes) - Fasting, solitude, service, etc. - 1 Timothy 4:7 (NKJV): "But reject profane and old wives' fables, and exercise yourself toward godliness."
 
3. Encouragement to Continue Growing 
    • Ongoing Process:
        ◦ 2 Peter 1:5-7: "But also for this very reason, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue, to virtue knowledge, to knowledge self-control, to self-control perseverance, to perseverance godliness, to godliness brotherly kindness, and to brotherly kindness love." 
        ◦ Sanctification is a lifelong journey. 
        ◦ Galatians 5:22-23 (NKJV): "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law."
        ◦ 
    • Final Exhortation:
        ◦ Galatians 6:9: "And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart." 
 
Call to Action:
    • Reflect on one area of character that needs development this week. 
    • Commit to one practical step (e.g., memorize a verse, journal about a trial, seek accountability). 
    • Pray daily for God’s help to grow in character. 
  
**(5:00 – 1:00)**  
 
Doctrine of the Month - Salvation
*The Need for Salvation
Romans 3:23-24 – “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, being justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus.”
 
Define salvation as deliverance from sin and its consequences.
Briefly discuss the universality of sin.
*Sin Problem
Explain sin as rebellion against God (1 John 3:4 - Whoever commits sin also commits lawlessness, and sin is lawlessness.).
Emphasize the separation sin causes between humanity and God (Isaiah 59:1-2 - 1 Behold, the Lord’s hand is not shortened, That it cannot save; Nor His ear heavy, That it cannot hear. 2 But your iniquities have separated you from your God; And your sins have hidden His face from you,
So that He will not hear.).
*God’s Standard
Discuss God’s holiness and the impossibility of humans meeting His standard (Romans 3:10 - 9What then? Are we better than they? Not at all. For we have previously charged both Jews and Greeks that they are all under sin.
10As it is written:
“There is none righteous, no, not one;
11There is none who understands;
There is none who seeks after God.
12They have all turned aside;
They have together become unprofitable;
There is none who does good, no, not one.”
13“Their throat is an open tomb;
With their tongues they have practiced deceit”;
“The poison of asps is under their lips”;
14“Whose mouth is full of cursing and bitterness.”
15“Their feet are swift to shed blood;
16Destruction and misery are in their ways;
17And the way of peace they have not known.”
18“There is no fear of God before their eyes.”).
 
Reflect on your need for salvation and your personal standing before God.
  
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- “Thank you for listening today! Giving Thanks should be a daily part of the life of every disciple of Jesus. We have so much to be thankful for, we just so easily are distracted by the details of life.Be intentional, be thankful!
 
-If you enjoyed the show you can listen to all the past shows wherever you listen to podcasts. A good place to start is at runwithhorses.net. You can also write me at norman@runwithhorses.net or leave a comment on the Run With Horses Podcast facebook page. Take time today to pause and thank God for His work in your life and keep running.
 
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