1-- Pfhl 201-- Christian Character Traits

Preparation for Heavenly Living Correspondence School http://www.geocities.com/bibleloverbill PFHL Course 201 -- True Christian Character Traits Directions:

This assignment is worth 5 units, so write at least 9 quality pages (single spaced lines and no redundancies) There are 4 parts. Christian Character Traits Stated and Implied in 2 Peter (Compiled by Bill Stevenson-- March 17, 1998)

Part 1 Directions:

Personally relate to the following by writing at least one comment about each item and respond to the other related Scripture references indicated in the note after item 21.

1. servants: unselfish living for others [1:1] 2. receivers of divine faith because of the righteousness of God [1:1, 2:5b & 7] 3. receivers of divine grace and divine peace, possibly abundantly via the knowledge of God the Father and Jesus Christ (which should be daily increased) [1:2 & 3:18] 4. content and thankful because all needs (not all desires), especially for righteousness, are fullfilled (misspelled on purpose) by divine power via the knowledge of Jesus Christ (which should be daily increased) [1:3] 5. called or specially chosen by the example and glory of Jesus Christ [1:3] 6. receivers of very great and precious promises which enable believers to experience in the divine nature instead of the fallen sinful/selfish nature and not be a slave to the evil desires caused corruption of our society [1:4; 2:8-9; 3:9-15a] 7. eager to increase and increasing in faith living (complete trust in Holy Spirit and Scriptural guidance), goodness, knowledge, self-control, perseverance, righteousness, compassionate/caring kindness, and God’s special/forever/unselfish love [1:5-8] 8. being transformed via repentance (proper change) and remembering forgiven past sins via Salvation and living 1 John 1:9 [1:9] 9. eager to be as Christ-like as possible to exemplify what pleases God [1:10; 3:11-12a & 14], not creatures of instinct (acting like animals) [2:12b & 3:3] 1. confident about the wonderful success and future Heavenly fellowship God promises [1:11] 2. never upset about being reminded of the above [1:12-15; 3:1-2, 5, & 17-18] 3. careful discerners of right and wrong communication, not believers of and followers of (living according to) cleverly invented stories [1:16 & 3:17-18] 4. acknowledgers of the majesty, honor, and glory Jesus Christ received from God the Father [1:16-17 & 3:18] 5. believers of the truths of the Apostles, including the explanations of the Bible prophesies’ origins and God’s (past and future) promised judgments [1:16-2:3-22 & 3:3-16]; avoiders of false teachers, false prophets, and other wicked people [2:15-16 & 3:16c-17] 6. careful and open communicators of constructive divine truth (not man created theories or destructive criticism) [2:1 & 19-22] 7. examples of God’s ways for proper relationships, not shameful (avoiding any appearances of evil) bad examples of New Testament Christianity [2:2] 8. generous (not greedy) whenever Holy Spirit urged and non-strings-attached (non-exploiting) teachers (using only true and appropriate stories) [2:3 & 14c] 9. submissive to individuals of authority and laws/rules as long as not being asked or demanded to say or do something unrighteous [2:10b] 10. bold only when Holy Spirit urged (not with any arrogance, pride, slander, false accusations, blasphemy, or ignorance) [2:10c-12a & 17-18a]

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11. as kind as possible, not harmful even in entertainment activities and not mockers of the righteous (true Christians) [2:13 & 3:3-4]

12. faithful to Christian marriage without sexual lusting and seducing [2:14a-b & 18b] Note:

Read and relate the above to Psalms 37 & 73, 2 Corinthians 4, and John 15.

12 “Blessed”s and Christian Character Traits Note:

In this study, I decided to use verses from the Lockman Foundation’s Amplified Bible so that I don’t have to expound on the carefully chosen Scripture. I did some bolding of what I thought was the most important to think about. Look at each of the Beatitudes for hints about what you could do to improve your thinking and your behavior in relating to others.

Part 2 Directions: Personally relate to the following by writing at least one comment about each item and respond to the other related Scripture references indicated. Matthew 5: “1 And seeing the multitudes, He [Jesus Christ] went up on a mountain: and when He was set, His disciples came unto Him. 2 And He opened His mouth, and taught them, saying, 3 ‘Blessed (happy, to be envied, and spiritually prosperous-with life-joy and satisfaction in God's favor and Salvation, regardless of their outward conditions) are the poor in spirit (the humble, who rate themselves insignificant), for theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven!’” from the 1828 Webster’s Dictionary-POOR, a. [L. pauper.] 4. Destitute of value, worth or importance; of little use; trifling. 7. Of little worth; unimportant; as in my poor opinion. 8. Unhappy; pitiable. “4 ‘Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted! 5 Blessed are the meek (the mild, patient, long-suffering) for they shall inherit the Earth! 6 Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness (uprightness and right standing with God), for they shall be completely satisfied! 7 Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy!’” from the 1828 Webster’s Dictionary-MER'CIFUL, a. [from mercy.] Having or exercising mercy; compassionate; tender; disposed to pity offenders and to forgive their offenses; unwilling to punish for injuries; applied appropriately to the Supreme being. The Lord passed before him (Moses) and proclaimed, the Lord, the Lord God, merciful and gracious, long-suffering and abundant in goodness and truth. Exodus 34 MER'CY, n. [L. misericordia.] 1 That benevolence, mildness or tenderness of heart which disposes a person to overlook injuries, or to treat an offender better than he deserves; the disposition that tempers justice, and induces an injured person to forgive trespasses and injuries, and to forbear punishment, or inflict less than law or justice will warrant. In this sense, there is perhaps no word in our language precisely synonymous with mercy. That which comes nearest to it is grace. It implies benevolence, tenderness, mildness, pity or compassion, and clemency, but exercised only towards offenders. Mercy is a distinguishing attribute of the

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Supreme Being. The Lord is long-suffering and of great mercy, forgiving iniquity and transgression, and by no means clearing the guilty. Numbers 14. from Romans 12: 8d if it is showing mercy, let him [or her] do it cheerfully. 15 Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. 16 Live in harmony with one another. [“Be of the same mind toward one another.”] Do not be proud, [“Do not set your mind on high things.”] but be willing to associate with people of low position [the humble]. 17 Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everybody. 18 If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. 19 Do not take revenge, my friends, but leave room for God's wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay”, says the Lord. 20 On the contrary: “If your enemy is hungry, feed him [or her]; if he [or she] is thirsty, give him [or her] something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his [or her] head." 21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. Matthew 5: “8

‘Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God!’”

1 Peter 1:21-23 “Who by Him [Jesus Christ] do believe in God [the Father], that raised Him up from the dead, and gave Him glory; that your faith and hope might be in God. Seeing ye have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Holy Spirit unto unfeigned love of the brethren, see that ye love one another with a pure heart fervently: Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the Word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever.” Matthew 5: “9 10 11 12

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‘Blessed are the makers {and} maintainers of peace, for they shall be called the children of God! Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake (for being and doing right), for theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven! Blessed are you when people revile you and persecute you and say all kinds of evil things against you falsely on My account. Be glad {and} supremely joyful, for your reward in Heaven is great (strong and intense), for in this same way people persecuted the prophets who were before you.’” [See 2 Chronicles 36:16 and 2 Corinthians 4:15-18.] ‘Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works,

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and glorify your Father Who is in Heaven. [See Ephesians 2:8-10.]

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For I say unto you, that except your righteousness shall exceed the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, you shall in no case enter into the Kingdom of Heaven.’” In relation to the last two verses: True Christians should have the right motives for doing righteousness, which are because they love Jesus Christ (John 14:23-24) and are not trying to impress others. For more thinking or discussion 1.) Reread the Beatitudes and think of your spiritual testimony. 2.) Reread the Beatitudes and think of the development of a few of your beliefs/convictions.

Accelerated Christian Education’s List of Sixty Christian Character Traits (specially arranged by Bill Stevenson in 1981) Part 3 Directions:

Personally relate to the following breakdown of Christ-like qualities. Why do you think each is located where it is? Which are your main qualities? Which do you live often or as much as possible?

1.) dominant-- ideal Christian shepherd compassionate, confident, consistent, discreet, efficient, equitable, friendly, generous, gentle, honest, joyful, merciful, observant, optimistic, patient, peaceful, persuasive, prudent, purposeful, resourceful, responsible, sincere, tactful, thrifty, truthful, and virtuous. 2.) aggressive-- ideal Christian soldier or husbandman appreciate, compassionate, courageous creative, decisive, determined, diligent, discreet, friendly, generous, honest, perseverant, persuasive, resourceful, secure, selfcontrolled, thorough, thrifty, and virtuous. 3.) subservient-- ideal servant of the Lord attentive, available, committed, concerned, consistent, cooperative, dependable, diligent, faithful, flexible, humble, kind, loyal, meek, peaceful, responsible, reverent, self-controlled, sincere, submissive, thorough, truthful, and virtuous. 4.) defensive-- ideal steadfast Christian sojourner consistent, content, deferent, discerning, discreet, equitable, fair, forgiving, gentle, joyful, loyal, optimistic, patient, perseverant, self-controlled, tactful, temperate, tolerant, and virtuous.

Christian Character Qualities (by Bill Stevenson, developed in the 1981 and 2007) Note:

I developed this list after I indexed a three volume anthology using A. C. E.'s 60 character traits and studying Bill Gothard's list of 36 character traits. In 2007, I finally searched for appropriate Scripture for each one. It can be used for self assessment and as a Bible study “springboard”. Married couples can use it to improve or revive their marriage.

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Directions: 1.

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For each character trait, after looking up all of the Scriptures, introspect and use a 1-5 or 1-10 system with the higher number meaning either already done or all of the time.

Attentive: desire to listen and to be respectful. Luke 19:47-48, John 5:24, John 8:47, John 10:25-30, Revelation 3:19-21, John 18:37, Matthew 13:8-9, (Matthew 13:1-23 or Mark 4), Luke 11:28, Matthew 7:24-27, Acts 10:21-22 & 33, Acts 13:42-44, James 1:19, Hebrews 2:1, Luke 21:34-36, Revelation 1:3, Revelation 2:7, Revelation 2:11 (Revelations 2:17 & 29, 3:6, 13, & 22), Revelation 22:16-19 Available: desire to be flexible and generous with time. Luke 2:41-49, Mark 17-18, Titus 3:1-2, 1 Peter 3:15-16, Acts 19:8-11, Acts 20:31 Careful: desire to be accurate and efficient. Philippians 4:10, Titus 3:7-11 Compassionate: desire to be sensitive and loving. Proverbs 15:23 & 30, Matthew 10:35-38, Romans 12:9-13, Galatians 5:22-23, Galatians 6:1-10, Ephesians 4:1-3, Philippians 2:1-5, Hebrews 6:9-12, Hebrews 10:23-25, 1 Peter 3:8-9, 1 Peter 3:8-9 & 15, 1 John 3:16-19, Jude 21-23 Consistent: desire to be orderly and to usually remember. Job 11:14-15, 1 Corinthians 15:58, Hebrews 3:12-15, Hebrews 10:19-25 Content: desire to be thankful and peaceful. Philippians 4:11, 1 Timothy 6:6-11, Hebrews 13:4-6 Cooperative: desire to work with others. Psalm 133:1-3, Ephesians 4:1-7, Colossians 3:12-15, 1 Corinthians 12, Romans 12 Creative: desire to pray for new ideas and to be resourceful. Genesis 4:20-22, Isaiah 57:19, 1 Corinthians 3:11-15 Also, think about the making of the tabernacle in Exodus and the songs that David created in Psalms, and how creative God has been. Decisive: desire to discern right and wrong according to God's Word. Psalm 25:10-12, Proverbs 1:29-30, Isaiah 7:14-15, Romans 12:2, Romans 13:12-14, Galatians 5:2223, Colossians 3:8-17, 1 Peter 1:13-15, 1 Peter 3:8-17 Dependable: desire to be responsible and punctual. Matthew 25:21 & 23 ff, 2 Corinthians 8:20-22, Colossians 1:10, Colossians 3:23 Enduring: desire to keep healthy and to be persevering. Psalms 33:20-21, Psalm 43:4-5, Proverbs 3:7-8, Proverbs 4:20-23, Proverbs 12:17-19, Proverbs 16:24, Romans 5:1-5, Romans 12:9-13, Hebrews 6:11-12, 1 Corinthians 1:5-8, Galatians 5:22-23, Ephesians 4:1-3, Philippians 4:13, Colossians 1:21-23, 1 Timothy 6:12, Hebrews 6:9-12, Hebrews 10:23-25, Hebrews 10:35-39, Hebrews 12:12-13, 1 Peter 5:8-9, 3 John 3, Revelation 14:12 Faithful: desire to be loyal and responsible. Deuteronomy 7:8-10, Psalm 37:3-6, Psalm 101:6-7, Proverbs 14:5, Proverbs 18:24, Daniel 6:4, Galatians 5:22-23, 1 Corinthians 1:9, 1 Corinthians 10:13, 1 Thessalonians 5:23-24, 1 John 1:9, Hebrews 3:1-6, Hebrews 4:14-16, Revelation 17:14, Luke 19 Flexible: desire to change without compromising standards. Read about Saul and Ananias in Acts 9, Cornelius and the Apostle Peter in Acts 10, more about Peter, Barnabas, and Saul in Acts 11, more about the Apostles Paul and Barnabas in Acts13-14, about the Circumcision controversy in Acts 15 & Galatians 2, more about the Apostle Paul in Acts 16-20. This trait is also related to contentment (# 6). Forgiving: desire to feel sorry and to be considerate. Matthew 6:14-15, Genesis 37 & 45, Matthew 18:15-16, 2 Corinthians 2:4-11 Generous: desire to pray and give anything. Deuteronomy 15:7-8, Deuteronomy 16:17, 2 Corinthians 8:1-5, 2 Corinthians 9:6-11 Gentle: desire to be considerate and patient. Galatians 5:22-23, Ephesians 4:1-3, 1 Thessalonians 2:7-12, 2 Timothy 2:24-26, Titus 3:1-2, James 3:17

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Hopeful: desire to be thankful for God's control and promises. Psalm 33:18-21, Psalm 28:7, Psalm 43:4-5, Psalms 71:14-15, Psalm 119:81-82, 114, 116-117, 147148, & 166, Psalm 130:5, Psalm 147:11, Proverbs 10:27-28, Proverbs 23:17-18, Jeremiah 17:7-8, Lamentations 3:21-24, Romans 5:1-5, Romans 8:23-25, Romans 12:10-13, Romans 15:4 & 13, Galatians 5:5, Colossians 1:23, 1 Thessalonians 5:8-10, 2 Thessalonians 2:16-17, Titus 1:1-2, Hebrews 3:6, Hebrews 10:23, 1 Peter 1:13-15, 1 John 3:1-3, 1 Peter 3:15-17 Joyful: desire to be happy and enthusiastic. 1 Corinthians 13:6, Psalm 28:7, Psalm 43:4-5, Psalm 71:23, Psalm 94:19, Psalms 126:3 & 5, Hebrews 12:2, 1 Peter 1:8, Psalm 149:4-5, Romans 15:13-14, Psalm 19:8, Psalm 119:111, Jeremiah 15:16, Psalms 68:3, Psalms 97:11, Proverbs 10:28, John 15:10-11, Hebrews 1:9, Proverbs 12:20, Proverbs 21:15, Proverbs 15:30, Isaiah 29:18-20, Luke 10:17, John 16:20, Romans 12:12, Romans 15:13, Galatians 5:22-23, Ephesians 5:18-21, 1 Thessalonians 1:6-8, 1 James 1:2-4, 3 John 3 Kind: desire to be friendly and considerate. Luke 6:35-36, Romans 12:10-13, 1 Corinthians 13:4-7, Ephesians 4:31-32 Meek: desire to be humble and patient. Numbers 12:3, Psalm 22:26, Psalm 25:9-10, Psalm 147:5-6, Psalm 149:4-5, Deuteronomy 8:2-3, Zephaniah 2:1-3, 2 Chronicles 7:14, Isaiah 29:18-20, Isaiah 61:1-3, Matthew 11:28-30, Matthew 21:4-5, Proverbs 16:18-19, Proverbs 29:23, Matthew 18:1-4, Matthew 23:10-13, Matthew 5:3-10, Galatians 5:22-23, James 4:6 (Proverbs 3:34)-10, 1 Peter 5:5-7 Obedient: desire to be submissive and to learn from doing. Deuteronomy 13:4, Hebrews 5:8-9, Matthew 11:29-30, James 4:7, Romans 6:14-18, 2 Corinthians 10:3-6, Hebrews 13:17, Philippians 2:1-5, Philippians 3:15-16, Hebrews 13:17, Colossians 3:18-24, 1 Peter 5:5-7 Patient: desire to wait on God for changes. Ecclesiastes 7:7-9, Luke 8:15, Romans 15:1-6, Colossians 1:9-11, James 1:2-4, 2 Peter 1:2-8, Romans 2:5-11, Romans 8:23-27, 2 Thessalonians 3:5, James 5:7-8, Hebrews 10:35-36, Romans 5:1-5, Luke 21:19, 1 Thessalonians 1:3-6, Romans 12:10-15, 1 Timothy 6:10-12, 1 Thessalonians 5:12-15, 2 Timothy 2:24-26, 1 Timothy 3:2-3, Titus 2:2-5, Hebrews 6:11-12, Hebrews 12:1-4, James 5:10-11, 2 Timothy 3:10-12, Revelation 1:9 Purposeful: desire to do what God wants. Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 & 13-17, Ecclesiastes 8:6a, 1 Corinthians 3:6-15, 2 Timothy 1:7-14, 1 John 3:78, Acts 11:19-24, Romans 8:28-30, Ephesians 1:8-12, Proverbs 15:20-24, 1 Peter 4:17-19, Psalm 119:9-12 Respectful: desire to be reverent to God, and proper authorities, and other people. Psalm 145:3-5, Psalm 119:6-8 & 13-16, Romans 13:7, Ephesians 6:2-3, 1 Peter 2:17, 1 Timothy 2:1-2, 1 Thessalonians 5:12-13, Leviticus 19:14-15, James 2:1-9, 1 Corinthians 12:20-27, Matthew 22:37-40, 1 Peter 3:7-8, Philippians 2 Righteous: desire to be like Jesus Christ was when He was on Earth in human form. Proverbs 2:20-22, Proverbs 4:14-19, Zephaniah 2:3, Matthew 5:6 & 16-20, Romans 14:16-19, Luke17:20-21, Ephesians 5:1-17, 2 Timothy 3:16-17, Ephesians 2:8-10, Galatians 5:19-26, Ephesians 6:12-14, 2 Timothy 2:22-26, Romans 1-6, Philippians 2, Ephesians 4-5 Spirit-submissive: desire to obey the Holy Spirit's guidance. Proverbs 3:5-7, Ephesians 5:18-21, John 14:26, 15:26, & 16:7-14, Romans 5:1-5, Romans 15:1314, Philippians 2:1-5, Titus 3:3-7, 1 Corinthians 2:9-16, Romans 8:1-15, Galatians 5:16-25, 1 Corinthians 12:3-13, 2 Corinthians 13:14 Thankful: desire to be observant and appreciative. 1 Chronicles 16:34, Psalm 105:1-5, Philippians 4:4-7, Colossians 2:6-8, Colossians 3:15-17, Colossians 4:2, 1 Timothy 2:1-2, 1 Thessalonians 5:15b-18, Hebrews 13:15-16, Psalm 97:10-12, Psalm 79:9 & 13, Ephesians 5:3-4 Thorough: desire to do everything necessary for success. Colossians 4:12-13, Ecclesiastes 9:10, Colossians 2:6-10, Ephesians 2:8-10, 2 Timothy 3:16-17 Thrifty: desire to use and purchase things properly. 2 Samuel 24:15-25, Matthew 6:24-34, Acts 2:44-47, Acts 4:32-37, Luke 16:10, Luke 14:28-30, 2 Corinthians 3:4, 2 Corinthians 8:20-22, Philippians 4:15-19, Revelations 3:14-22

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Tolerant: desire to understand others' viewpoints, not putting up with others' sins. 1 Thessalonians 5:14-15, Acts 9-10, Matthew 11:23, Romans 1:17-32, Matthew 5:17-30, Galatians 5:15-21, 2 Timothy 3:1-5 Why was Jesus Christ ridiculed for the men He chose to be as His close disciples? Why was He criticized and scorned for ministering to the woman at the well, the lepers, Zacchaeus, Mary (sister of Lazarus), and others? Why should a Christian be against having prejudice or any forcing others to have the same preferences? When does God become tolerant of a sinner? Truthfulness: desire to be honest and sincere. Proverbs 8:6-9, Proverbs 12:17-20, Psalm 15:2, Psalm 25:10, Psalm 45:4a, Ephesians 4:20-25, Luke 8:15, Philippians 4:8, 1 Corinthians 5:8, 1 John 3:18-19, 3 John 3-4, Ephesians 4:14-16, Ephesians 5:6-10 & 14, 2 Corinthians 4:1-6, Romans 12:17, 2 Corinthians 8:20-22, 2 Corinthians 13:7-8, 1 Peter 2:12, Philippians 1:9-11 Wise: desire to understand and apply God's truth. Psalm 19:7-8, Psalm 107:43, Proverbs 1:1-7, Proverbs 3:5, Proverbs 8:33, Proverbs 10:14, Proverbs 15:7, Proverbs 16:21-24, Proverbs 14:16, Proverbs 14:1, Proverbs 9:8-12, Proverbs 29:11, Proverbs 10:19, Proverbs 17:27-28, Proverbs 15:1, Proverbs 11:30, Proverbs 24:5, Proverbs 3:35 Onward For Better Living

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