Christian Character: Endurance or Weakness

II Timothy 2:1 "Thou therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus."

The lost are watching us. We need to live to be the best example of Christ that we can be so as not to cause them to fall or to reject Christ. We should live so they will want what we have.

The world has no character. A definition of character according to the Webster's Dictionary is "peculiar qualities which constitutes personal individuality; a person of remarkable individuality." I've heard character described as what you are when no one else is around. The lost are the same in private as they are in public. Even those who are "religious" have no character because they are one thing in front of people...but when they are alone they are no different than the rest of this lost world.

The faith of a Christian...we can trust only what God says in His Word. We need to get some "stick-em" to us. We need to be glued to the Word of God. That is where the journey begins.

By faith we are to respond to God's power. His power will wash away sin. Isaiah 40:29 "He giveth power to the faint; and to them that have no might he increaseth strength." Power and grace are Siamese twins.

By faith we rest in His promises.

By faith we receive His provision. Philippians 4:19 "But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus."

The fortitude of the Christian...God is our refuge. Psalm 46:1 "...God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble."

The fierceness of the Christian...We've been given an armour. Ephesians 6:11 "Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil." The problem is that a lot of Christians are not using their armour.

The future of the Christian...Our future is bright. When He comes there will be rejoicing, reuniting and reward.

I Corinthians 9:22 "To the weak became I as weak, that I might gain the weak:" There were a lot of weak Christians at the church of Corinth. They were weak because they wondered about the four prior points listed. They didn't have it settled in their hearts.

So which category do you fit in....endurance or weakness?

These are the notes taken from the message preached by Bro. Garland Odom on Thursday morning June 28, 2007 at Faith Baptist Camp.