CHRISTLINKS INTERNATIONAL CHURCH PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT & CAREER SERVICE | 1ST SERVICE TOPIC: EQUIPPED UNTO GOOD WORKS (PT. 7) – CHARACTER AND DISPOSITION

TOPIC: EQUIPPED UNTO GOOD WORKS (PT. 7) – CHARACTER AND DISPOSITION Text: Genesis 25:23–25; Galatians 5:22–23 AIMS * Understanding divine equipment. * Understanding character as an essential equipment for a glorious destiny. 1\. UNDERSTANDING DIVINE EQUIPMENT Divine equipment is vital for the fulfilment of a glorious destiny. From Scripture, we understand that God's equipment is primarily for good works (2 Corinthians 9:8; 2 Timothy 3:16–17). God does not equip us merely for personal benefits but principally for His assignment. In this teaching, our emphasis is on the equipment of character for a glorious walk in destiny. 2\. WHAT IS CHARACTER? Character is the outward manifestation of inward disposition. It is the expression of what is inside a person through their attitudes, actions, decisions and relationships. Scripture presents two categories of character: A. Good Character – Galatians 5:22–23 The fruit of the Spirit includes: * Love * Joy * Peace * Longsuffering * Kindness * Goodness * Faithfulness * Gentleness * Self-control. B. Bad Character – Galatians 5:19–21 These include hatred, jealousy, anger, selfish ambition, envy, sexual immorality and other works of the flesh. A person may be gifted and talented, but without godly character, such gifts may not produce lasting results. 3\. HOW IS CHARACTER DEVELOPED? Character can be cultivated and developed through five major channels: 1\. Family Upbringing – Proverbs 22:6; 2 Timothy 1:5–6 Family upbringing fundamentally shapes a child's character, personality, values and behaviour. Children learn through what they are taught and what they observe. 2\. Environmental Influence – 1 Corinthians 9:20 Our environment influences how we think, speak and behave. We must be careful about the values we expose ourselves to. 3\. Associations and Relationships – Proverbs 18:20 The people we associate with can influence our character. Choose relationships that encourage discipline, wisdom and godliness. 4\. Divine Encounter – 2 Timothy 3:16–17 A genuine encounter with God should produce transformation in our attitudes, behaviour and lifestyle. 5\. Information and Knowledge – 2 Timothy 3:16 What we consistently read, hear and meditate upon influences our thinking and character. God's Word provides the right standard for living. 4\. THE INFLUENCE OF CHARACTER ON DESTINY Scripture: 1 Samuel 18:5 David behaved himself wisely wherever Saul sent him, and his conduct earned him acceptance. Character can either: * Open or close doors: Good character attracts opportunities, while bad character can destroy them. * Open or close hearts: Humility and kindness attract people, while arrogance pushes them away. * Attract or deny favour: People are more willing to help those they can trust. * Lift or bring you down: Poor character can destroy opportunities and valuable relationships. * Attract or deny help: People are more comfortable supporting responsible, trustworthy and dependable individuals. Key lesson: Your character can either support your destiny or become an obstacle to its fulfilment. 5\. WHY IS CHARACTER IMPORTANT? * Character sustains opportunities. * Character builds trust and credibility. * Character strengthens relationships. * Character prepares us for greater responsibilities. * Character gives credibility to our spiritual gifts. * Character reflects our spiritual maturity. Remember: Your gifts may introduce you to opportunities, but your character influences whether people can continue to trust you. 6\. CONCLUSION God is not only interested in our gifts, talents and abilities; He is also interested in our character. Do not only pray for open doors; develop the character to sustain them. Do not only desire greatness; develop the disposition required to handle greatness. A glorious destiny requires more than ability. It requires godly character. 7\. PRAYER POINTS * Father, transform my character and disposition. * Lord, deliver me from pride, anger, jealousy and every negative attitude. * Holy Spirit, develop Your fruit in my life. * Father, do not allow my character to destroy my destiny. * Lord, give me the wisdom and self-control to handle people and situations correctly. * Father, equip me with the character required to fulfil Your assignment for my life. Final Declaration: My character will not destroy my destiny. I receive grace to walk in humility, integrity, discipline, wisdom and the fruit of the Spirit. I am equipped unto every good work, in Jesus' name. Amen.

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