Building Godly Character

PEOPLE UNDER CONSTRUCTION!

A BLUEPRINT? 1 John 2:6 Those who say they live in God should live their lives as Christ did.

THE LABOR FORCE? 1 Corinthians 3:9 For we are God's fellow workers; you are God's field, God's building.

1 Peter 2:4-5 MATERIALS BEING USED? US Come to Christ, who is the living cornerstone of God's temple…God is building you, as living stones, into his spiritual temple.

Ephesians 2:21 THE FINISHED PRODUCT? In him, the whole building is joined together and rises to become a holy temple in the Lord.

OUR CONDITION BEFORE GOD

Ephesians 2:1-3 [1] As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins, [2] in which you used to live when you followed the ways of this world and of the ruler of the kingdom of the air, the spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient. [3] All of us also lived among them at one time, gratifying the cravings of our sinful nature and following its desires and thoughts. Like the rest, we were by nature objects of wrath.

Ephesians 2:1-3 [1] As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins, [2] in which you used to live when you followed the ways of this world and of the ruler of the kingdom of the air, the spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient. [3] All of us also lived among them at one time, gratifying the cravings of our sinful nature and following its desires and thoughts. Like the rest, we were by nature objects of wrath.

Ephesians 2:1-3 Condemnation [1] As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins, [2] in which you used to live when you followed the ways of this world and of the ruler of the kingdom of the air, the spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient. [3] All of us also lived among them at one time, gratifying the cravings of our sinful nature and following its desires and thoughts. Like the rest, we were by nature objects of wrath. Condemnation

2 Corinthians 4:4 Satan, the god of this evil world, has blinded the minds of those who don't believe, so they are unable to see the glorious light of the Good News that is shining upon them. They don't understand the message we preach about the glory of Christ, who is the exact likeness of God.

WHERE IS GOD?

Ephesians 2:4-5 [4] But God is so rich in mercy, and he loved us so very much, [5] that even while we were dead because of our sins, he gave us life when he raised Christ from the dead. (It is only by God's special favor that you have been saved!)

THE PROPER RESPONSE

“J-U-S-T-I-F-I-C-A-T-I-O-N” JUST AS IF I HAD NEVER SINNED! Acts 2:37-38 [37] When the people heard the message, they were cut to the heart, and cried out, What shall we do?” [38] Peter replied, "Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. “J-U-S-T-I-F-I-C-A-T-I-O-N” JUST AS IF I HAD NEVER SINNED! "S-A-N-C-T-I-F-I-C-A-T-I-O-N"

"S-A-N-C-T-I-F-I-C-A-T-I-O-N" To be made holy (pure) in God’s sight. To be set apart for God. To be dedicated to God. BUILDING GODLY CHARACTER

“J-U-S-T-I-F-I-C-A-T-I-O-N” JUST AS IF I HAD NEVER SINNED! Acts 2:37-38 [37] When the people heard the message, they were cut to the heart, and cried out, What shall we do?” [38] Peter replied, "Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. “J-U-S-T-I-F-I-C-A-T-I-O-N” JUST AS IF I HAD NEVER SINNED! "S-A-N-C-T-I-F-I-C-A-T-I-O-N"

“J-U-S-T-I-F-I-C-A-T-I-O-N” JUST AS IF I HAD NEVER SINNED! Acts 2:37-38 [37] When the people heard the message, they were cut to the heart, and cried out, What shall we do?” [38] Peter replied, "Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. “J-U-S-T-I-F-I-C-A-T-I-O-N” JUST AS IF I HAD NEVER SINNED! "GODLY CHARACTER"

“J-U-S-T-I-F-I-C-A-T-I-O-N” JUST AS IF I HAD NEVER SINNED! Acts 2:37-38 [37] When the people heard the message, they were cut to the heart, and cried out, What shall we do?” [38] Peter replied, "Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. “J-U-S-T-I-F-I-C-A-T-I-O-N” JUST AS IF I HAD NEVER SINNED! "S-A-N-C-T-I-F-I-C-A-T-I-O-N"

“J-U-S-T-I-F-I-C-A-T-I-O-N” JUST AS IF I HAD NEVER SINNED! Acts 2:37-38 [37] When the people heard the message, they were cut to the heart, and cried out, What shall we do?” [38] Peter replied, "Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. “J-U-S-T-I-F-I-C-A-T-I-O-N” JUST AS IF I HAD NEVER SINNED! "GODLY CHARACTER"

Titus 3:4-5 [4] But then God our Savior showed us his kindness and love. [5] He saved us, not because of the good things we did, but because of his mercy. He washed away our sins and gave us a new life through the Holy Spirit.

GROWING IN THE LORD

1 Peter 1:2 …who have been chosen according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, through the sanctifying work of the Spirit, for obedience to Jesus Christ and sprinkling by his blood:

Matthew 28:18-20 [18] Jesus came and told his disciples, "I have been given complete authority in heaven and on earth. [19] Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit.

Matthew 28:18-20 [20] Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age."

1 Peter 2:2-3 [2] You must crave pure spiritual milk so that you can grow into the fullness of your salvation. Cry out for this nourishment as a baby cries for milk, [3] now that you have had a taste of the Lord's kindness.

John 17:17 Make them pure and holy by teaching them your words of truth.

Titus 2:11-12 [11] For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men. [12] It teaches us to say "No" to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age…

BUILDING GODLY CHARACTER Hebrews 10:14 For by that one offering he perfected forever… all those whom he is making holy. CROSS JUSTIFIED SANCTIFYING BUILDING GODLY CHARACTER

BUILDING GODLY CHARACTER Galatians 4:19 But oh, my dear children! I feel as if I am going through labor pains for you again, and they will continue… UNTIL CHRIST IS FULLY DEVELOPED IN YOUR LIVES! BUILDING GODLY CHARACTER