3 Elements of The Christian’s Character
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Point #167. When we preach on sin, we should always assume they didn’t mean to do it.
Scripture: Luke 23:34 Then said Jesus, Father forgive them; for they know not what they do. And they parted His raiment, and cast lots.
This Mornings Bread of Life deals with 3 Elements of The Christian’s Character
Courage
Integrity
Compassion
Three Old Joes
I. Joe Number One: Joseph of Arimathaea - A Man Of Courage
A. Mark 15
43 Joseph of Arimathaea, an honourable counsellor, which also waited for the kingdom of God, came, and went in boldly unto Pilate, and craved the body of Jesus.
B. Matthew 27
57 ¶ When the even was come, there came a rich man of Arimathaea, named Joseph, who also himself was Jesus’ disciple:
58 He went to Pilate, and begged the body of Jesus. Then Pilate commanded the body to be delivered.
59 And when Joseph had taken the body, he wrapped it in a clean linen cloth,
60 And laid it in his own new tomb, which he had hewn out in the rock: and he rolled a great stone to the door of the sepulchre, and departed.
C. John 19
38 ¶ And after this Joseph of Arimathaea, being a disciple of Jesus, but secretly for fear of the Jews, besought Pilate that he might take away the body of Jesus: and Pilate gave him leave. He came therefore, and took the body of Jesus.
* Joseph of Arimathaea followed Jesus only close enough to know him but not close enough to cost him
* The more one has to loose the harder it is to have courage
* What was it that brought this Joe from a low risk relationship with Jesus to a high risk response for Jesus?
> Perhaps it was realizing what opportunities he had lost forever
* We often do not realize the opportunities at hand until they are gone
* Perhaps it was the courage of Jesus that rang Joseph’s bell
* When will you do what courage requires of you?
> Beginning something
> Ending something
> Standing against the odds or crowds
> Standing for the Christ who gave His life for you
II. The Second Joe: Joseph, The Son of Jacob - A Man Of Integrity
Scripture: Genesis 39
1 ¶ And Joseph was brought down to Egypt; and Potiphar, an officer of Pharaoh, captain of the guard, an Egyptian, bought him of the hands of the Ishmeelites, which had brought him down thither.
2 And the LORD was with Joseph, and he was a prosperous man; and he was in the house of his master the Egyptian.
3 And his master saw that the LORD was with him, and that the LORD made all that he did to prosper in his hand.
4 And Joseph found grace in his sight, and he served him: and he made him overseer over his house, and all that he had he put into his hand.
5 And it came to pass from the time that he had made him overseer in his house, and over all that he had, that the LORD blessed the Egyptian’s house for Joseph’s sake; and the blessing of the LORD was upon all that he had in the house, and in the field.
6 And he left all that he had in Joseph’s hand; and he knew not ought he had, save the bread which he did eat. And Joseph was a goodly person, and well favoured.
7 ¶ And it came to pass after these things, that his master’s wife cast her eyes upon Joseph; and she said, Lie with me.
8 But he refused, and said unto his master’s wife, Behold, my master wotteth not what is with me in the house, and he hath committed all that he hath to my hand;
9 There is none greater in this house than I; neither hath he kept back any thing from me but thee, because thou art his wife: how then can I do this great wickedness, and sin against God?
10 And it came to pass, as she spake to Joseph day by day, that he hearkened not unto her, to lie by her, or to be with her.
11 And it came to pass about this time, that Joseph went into the house to do his business; and there was none of the men of the house there within.
12 And she caught him by his garment, saying, Lie with me: and he left his garment in her hand, and fled, and got him out.
13 ¶ And it came to pass, when she saw that he had left his garment in her hand, and was fled forth,
14 That she called unto the men of her house, and spake unto them, saying, See, he hath brought in an Hebrew unto us to mock us; he came in unto me to lie with me, and I cried with a loud voice:
15 And it came to pass, when he heard that I lifted up my voice and cried, that he left his garment with me, and fled, and got him out.
16 And she laid up his garment by her, until his lord came home.
17 And she spake unto him according to these words, saying, The Hebrew servant, which thou hast brought unto us, came in unto me to mock me:
18 And it came to pass, as I lifted up my voice and cried, that he left his garment with me, and fled out.
19 ¶ And it came to pass, when his master heard the words of his wife, which she spake unto him, saying, After this manner did thy servant to me; that his wrath was kindled.
20 And Joseph’s master took him, and put him into the prison, a place where the king’s prisoners were bound: and he was there in the prison.
A. Genesis 39:10 And it came to pass, as she spake to Joseph day by day, that he hearkened not unto her, to lie by her, or to be with her.
B. Genesis 39:9c … how then can I do this great wickedness, and sin against God?
* Joseph lived and died with his integrity in tact … without scandal, without failure, without compromise.
* Joseph was the original ‘zero tolerance’ guy … Joseph had ‘zero tolerance’ for sin
* How would it change your life and world if you took a ‘zero tolerance’ vow? A pledge to 100% integrity!
III. Joseph Number Three - Joseph, The Husband Of Mary - A Man Of Compassion
A. Luke 1:26ff The Virgin Mary is informed by Gabriel concerning the Immaculate Conception
B. Matthew 1:19 Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not willing to make her a publick example, was minded to put her away privily.
* Joseph was unwilling to hurt those who had hurt and wronged him
* He must have loved Mary. Proverbs 10:12 “… love covers all sins.”
* 1 Corinthians 13:13 Now abideth faith, hope and love, the greatest of these is love.
* We can increase our compassion by moving ourselves into the middle of a work of God.
* Get out into the field … Jesus will love the hungry, the hurt, the lost, those who are afraid, the lonely and the wounded through you.
* Four times the gospels say Jesus was ’moved with compassion’
> Matthew 9:36
> Matthew 14:14
> Mark 1:41
> Mark 6:34
IV. Conclusion
A. We must be people of courage to seize the opportunities Jesus gives us and not miss the day of our visitation.
B. We must be people of integrity. Those with a zero tolerance policy toward sin.
C. We must be people of compassion who treat even our sworn enemies with the love of Christ, doing good to those who use us, evilly treat us and wrongly persecute us. How much more must we love with action those who are sitting by the wayside in life.
D. Your Part Today:
1. Commit to a courageous life with Christ as your example
2. Take a ’zero tolerance’ vow.
* Declare: “I will not willingly sin against God.”
3. Begin a compassionate journey
* Remember Point #167. When we preach on sin, we should always assume they didn’t mean to do it.
* Be a covering agent of Christ.
