Christian Character: Virtue or Impurity

Philippians 4:8 "Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things."

So many people parade their immorality. We are all an influence on someone. We as Christians need to be a positive and godly influence on others.

The virtue of acceptance...We are to conform to a standard...God's standard. God will not force His will on us. But if we're willing then His will can be done. When God saves us a transformation takes place.

We need to be aware that the world can take away our appetite for God if we're not careful. That is why it is so important to abstain from getting involved in the things of this world.

The virtue of acceptance comes when we get saved. God wants to change some things in our lives. We need to be willing to lay down or put away those things that will hinder others from coming to Christ.

There are those who are saved that have lost the "taste" of how good God really is. We need to let God build some real character in us. We need a willingness for this virtue.

I Timothy 4:12 "Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity." We're to be an example in separation. Not in just one area...but in all areas. II Corinthians 6:14-18 "Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness? And what concord hath Christ with Belial? or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel? And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people. Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you, And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty."

If we say we're a Christian...then everything we do and say speaks to this world of the Savior. Even if it is negative. We are the reason some never come to know the Savior...our lives don't portray anything that anybody would want. Shame on us!!

The virtue of abstinence...We need to learn to abstain from some things. I've already said that I know but it is important to repeat. Things that do not honor the Lord are things we need to abstain from. If it isn't something you'd find Jesus doing or saying....then abstain from it.

The virtue of action...We must put those things into action that are of God. God wants to do something in all of us. Are we willing to let Him?

Our lives are to be pure. To be impure is to be out of the will of God. I Timothy 4:12 "Let no man despise thy youth, but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity."

These are notes taken from a message preached by Bro. Garland Odom on Tuesday morning June 26, 2007 at Faith Baptist Camp.