CHRISTIAN CHARACTER

Balanced Christian Living

Dr. Leon van Rooyen

Global Ministries and Relief, Inc

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Christian Character: Balanced Christian Living

Copyright © 2005 by Global Ministries and Relief Incorporated

Printed in the United States of America
Revision 050322

Published by Global Ministries and Relief

PO Box 47599
Tampa, FL 33647
USA

All rights reserved under International Copyright Law. No part of this publication may be
reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted, in whole or in part, in any form
or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without
the prior express consent of the publisher. Unless otherwise noted, all Scripture
quotations are taken from the New King James Version, Copyright © 1982, Thomas
Nelson, Inc. Scripture marked NIV is taken from the New International Version,
Copyright © 1984, International Bible Society. Scripture marked AMP is taken from the
Amplified Bible, Copyright © 1987, Zondervan. Scripture marked TLB is taken from the
Living Bible, Copyright © l978, Tyndale House. Scripture marked NLT is taken from the
New Living Translation, Copyright © 1996, Tyndale House.

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 TABLE OF CONTENTS

Acknowledgements

Introduction

Scripture Memorization

1. Development of Christian Character

2. Servanthood I

3. Servanthood II

4. Servanthood III

5. Excellence of Ministry I

6. Excellence of Ministry II

7. Integrity

8. Faithfulness

9. Submission to Authority I

10. Submission to Authority II

11. Diligence

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4
 Acknowledgements
This training manual is the result of team effort, and I am grateful to those who have
assisted me in completing the task. I am very conscious of my own limitations, and I am
grateful to those who have stepped forward to make up for what I lack. We all have
those who surround us and make us what we are. The success of this manual is due to
the diligence and involvement of a number of important people:

To my wife Bridgette, who is so gracious and giving of her space and time, that through
her sacrifice, I am able to help others fulfill their dreams. She has sacrificed more than I
have, her own life-Thank you!

To Steve Talacki, who is a son in the Lord and an excellent graphic artist. Steve
created the cover artwork for these manuals and has contributed to the success of this
ministry in countless other ways.

To Jenni Baier, who helped us pull all of the pieces together to take this ministry to the
next level. Her diligence and creative flair has made the completion of this work
possible.

And finally, I would like to extend very special thanks to my editor, Bev Tivin, who took
my raw material and turned it into this polished final product. She has an eye for detail
and a heart for excellence. Without her contribution, this document wouldn’t have nearly
the same impact or clarity.

Dr. Leon van Rooyen

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 Introduction
“Christian Character” is one of the most important courses that I have written. God is
interested in the works that you are doing for Him, but even more, He is interested in the
character of the person doing those works. This series of teachings will challenge and
provoke you in your service to Him. If you fully embrace what the Word of God teaches
and what the Holy Spirit reveals, you will find your life as a Christian forever changed. In
fact, not only will your own life be taken to a whole new level, but you will also impact
the entire Body of Christ. As you are touched and begin to live out what you are
learning, it will soon cause a domino effect as those around you are stirred and
provoked to do their best for God.

This course will define what is meant by “character.” The world places a premium on
personality, talent, and ability, but God places value on character, which is the
Christlikeness of who you are. Personality is who you are in public, but character is who
you are in private…and public.

No masks and no false fronts, but living in honesty and transparency!

The Church needs Christians who “walk the talk.” As we become Christlike in character,
the world will no longer be justified in rejecting us for any other reason than that they are
simply rejecting the Christ within us.

In all things showing yourself to be a pattern of good works; in doctrine showing

integrity, reverence, incorruptibility, sound speech that cannot be condemned, that one
who is an opponent may be ashamed, having nothing evil to say of you. (Titus 2:7-8)

During this time of renewal currently taking place in the Church, we see an emphasis on
the subject of the anointing. However, it must be pointed out that the subject of
character is every bit as important. Anointing alone is insufficient; it must be
accompanied by a life that reveals Jesus. Therefore, each lesson will deal with the
various indispensable qualities which should be evidenced in every person who calls
himself a Christian:

• Servanthood
• Excellence of ministry
• Integrity
• Faithfulness
• Submission
• Diligence

My utmost desire is to see your life impacted by these lessons, and for your life to then
impact the world.

Dr. Leon van Rooyen

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 Introduction
As you study this subject, each chapter has a verse to memorize. This will help you to
have a better recall of Scripture, especially as you share the Word of God. You can use
the Word of God as a sword against the enemy in warfare. This simple exercise will
strengthen and build your life. By committing yourself to five minutes each day you will
soon be able to quote many verses of Scripture.

1. James 1:2-4
My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing
of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may
be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.

2. Romans 1:1
Paul, a bondservant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, separated to the gospel
of God.

3. Mark 9:35
And He sat down, called the twelve, and said to them, “If anyone desires to be first,
he shall be last of all and servant of all.”

4. Philippians 2:5
Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus

5. Ephesians 4:1
I, therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you to walk worthy of the calling with
which you were called.

6. Daniel 6:3
Then this Daniel distinguished himself above the governors and satraps, because an
excellent spirit was in him; and the king thought to setting him over the whole realm.

7. Proverbs 11:3
The integrity of the upright will guide them, but the perversity of the unfaithful will
destroy them.

8. 2 Timothy 2:2
And the things that you have heard from me among many witnesses, commit these
to faithful men who will be able to teach others also.

9. James 4:7
Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you.

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10. Hebrews 13:17
Obey those who rule over you, and be submissive, for they watch out for your souls,
as those who must give account. Let them do so with joy and not with grief, for that
would be unprofitable for you.

11. Proverbs 12:24

The hand of the diligent will rule, but the lazy man will be put to forced labor.

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Chapter 1

Development of Christian Character

The Holy Spirit does not make mistakes. He does not fail or fall, but the
people He uses fail. Our own frailty as servants can cause His work to
be blasphemed. We see people fall not because the anointing has failed,
but because they are lacking in character. God is very interested in you
as His vessel. He wants to use you in power, but not at the expense of
your own destruction. Therefore, He will work to develop you in the inner
man, to conform you to the image of Jesus so that the Christlikeness of
your character will be seen.

Your value to God is the Christlikeness of your character

Many of the men God used in Old Testament times such as Samson,
David, Nehemiah, Moses, Joshua, Caleb, and Gideon, had to go through
a process of development in the inner man, so that as God’s servants
they would be able to stand under the pressure of the work to be
accomplished. Sadly, even with God at work in them, some would fail in
their greatest hour. This is a warning to us that the decisions we
ultimately make are going to determine who we will be and what we will
do.

Moreover, brethren, I do not want you to be unaware that all our fathers
were under the cloud, all passed through the sea, all were baptized into
Moses in the cloud and in the sea, all ate the same spiritual food, and all
drank the same spiritual drink. For they drank of that spiritual Rock that
followed them, and that Rock was Christ. But with most of them God was
not well pleased, for their bodies were scattered in the wilderness. Now
these things became our examples, to the intent that we should not lust
after evil things as they also lusted. And do not become idolaters as
were some of them. As it is written, “The people sat down to eat and
drink, and rose up to play.” Nor let us commit sexual immorality, as some
of them did, and in one day twenty-three thousand fell; nor let us tempt
Christ, as some of them also tempted, and were destroyed by serpents;
nor complain, as some of them also complained, and were destroyed by
the destroyer. Now all these things happened to them as examples, and
they were written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the
ages have come. (1 Corinthians 10:1-11)

In this portion of Scripture, we see that many written about in the Old
Testament failed God in spite of the reality of God’s presence and power
with them. The fact that the presence of God is with us is no guarantee

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that we will do the right thing. Doing the right or wrong thing is
determined not by God, but by us. Our actions and decisions are
determined by our character.

In this lesson, we are going to study how God worked in Joseph so that
he could be used and trusted by Him. As we study Joseph, we will see
how God wants to make us into men and women who can reign with Him
and deliver those who are in famine.
The difference between personality and character

1. Character is not the same as personality.

2. God does not want to change your personality but your character.
3. Personality is seen in public; character is built by what you do in
private.
4. It is possible to build personality but neglect character.
5. Personality wears off but character remains.
6. To build a church around the leader’s personality is fatal, but to
build it around godly character is essential.
7. Although the world focuses on talent and personality, character is
always more important.

Definition of character and personality

Character involves the sum of moral qualities associated with an

individual, such as self-discipline, honesty, decency, backbone, and a
good reputation. It is one’s nature shown by one’s acts.

Personality applies to the physical, mental, and emotional qualities that

distinguish one as a person, and suggests attractiveness or charm. It
draws more on the indefinable coloration that a specific person gives off.

A “Christian” is one who follows and imitates Christ by becoming

conformed to His very likeness and nature. Therefore, the quality most
indicative of Christian maturity is Christlike character.

Anointing or character?

One day, a good friend of mine asked me a provocative question that

has impacted my life and ministry. The question was, “Which do you
consider to be more important, anointing or character?” I knew
where he was going with this question. He had seen anointed people fall
and fail God, and he had seen people with less anointing but strong
moral fiber stand, and the latter stood the test of time. I told him that it
was not a question of choosing one or the other, but that both were
essential and inseparable. On the one hand, someone with anointing
alone but no strength of character would be doomed to certain failure.

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On the other hand, someone of character with no anointing was no
different from any fine, morally upstanding person because his good
character would not be enough to win the world. Living an ethically pure
life is simply not enough to do the works of God. The religious leaders of
2,000 years ago were living morally pure lives but saw no need for the
Anointed One Himself, Jesus. It is therefore clear that anointing and
character go hand in hand; neither can successfully stand alone.

An illustration of a person lacking in qualities of character:

A building was cracking and an inspector was called to investigate.

Instead of checking out the cracks in the walls, he decided to dig into the
foundations because he knew that treating the cracks would not be the
answer! Since the foundations were weak, he knew that the building had
to be condemned because the cement mixture used in making the
foundations had been sanded (too much sand and not sufficient
cement). This is similar to a person without character; when the charm of
personality wears off, the cracks start to show.

When Joseph was young

This is the history of Jacob. Joseph, being seventeen years old, was
feeding the flock with his brothers. And the lad was with the sons of
Bilhah and the sons of Zilpah, his father’s wives; and Joseph brought a
bad report of them to his father. (Genesis 37:2)

The development of a man’s character takes place through his life’s

journey. Through this journey there will be many trials, situations,
pressures, tragedies, and disappointments, all of which shape character.
Trials and sufferings can make or destroy our lives. We as believers
ought to allow God to form character in us so that we can be vessels He
can trust.

Dear brothers, is your life full of difficulties and temptations? Then be

happy, for when the way is rough, your patience has a chance to grow.
So let it grow, and don't try to squirm out of your problems. For when
your patience is finally in full bloom, then you will be ready for anything,
strong in character, full and complete. (James 1:2-4, TLB)

Notice that the above passage indicates that the challenging and difficult
situations of life provide an opportunity for our growth. As we go through
these things in the comfort of our God, our character will be
strengthened.

God does not take us into this place of suffering and leave us there, but
He takes us through it. As the scripture says, “we walk through the

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valley of the shadow of death” (Psalm 23:4). Not only does He take us
through, but while we are there He is with us and comforts us.

The development of character begins in our youth. Like Joseph, we are

given a dream from God, but there is something that hinders our
usability. This hindrance is the lack of experience and maturity. We do
not want to curb youthful zeal, but want to harness this energy and
release it into the work of God. However, most young people do not
realize that the call of God requires more than a dream and more than
an anointing. Character must be developed and shaped within them. The
anointing is wonderful. It allows us to minister in the ability of God. A
dream is also a powerful thing as it gives a sense of direction and
purpose that will cause a work to be accomplished. However, it is
developed character that will give credibility and longevity to what is
being done. Character is as important as anointing or a dream.

Anointing and vision may get you to the top, but it takes character to
keep you there.

Vision and anointing without character is like wine on a hot

summer’s day—it goes straight to the head!

Joseph’s relationship with his brothers was not right

Now Israel loved Joseph more than all his children, because he was the
son of his old age. Also he made him a tunic of many colors. But when
his brothers saw that their father loved him more than all his brothers,
they hated him and could not speak peaceably to him. (Genesis 37:3-4)

It would be this wrong relationship that God would use to begin to

change Joseph. His brothers were angry and jealous of the special favor
that he enjoyed with his father, and they rose up against him to destroy
him and his God-given dream. God used their evil plan to shape and
build qualities in Joseph that would cause him to handle great
responsibility and be a deliverer to Israel. Joseph’s failure would mean
Israel’s failure, so God was going to make this young man able to bear
the load of responsibility.

In order to be used by God, we have to learn the difference between

personality and character. Godly character will take us where He wants
us. Just like Joseph would have to learn to accept and work with his
brothers, we also have to learn how to respect and accept the family of
God. By doing this we can stop the hatred that exists in the Body of
Christ between brothers.

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 Love is the strongest, most effective language in the world. It will
speak louder to a person’s heart than any word. Joseph was a man
of vision and destiny.

As with Joseph, God has given to each Christian a dream or a vision and
goals to accomplish. Each one of us has divine destiny.

For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works,
which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.
(Ephesians 2:10)

We must give ourselves totally to the fulfillment of this dream, making it a

high priority. To fulfill our vision we should learn to use our time wisely
and not allow the devil or anything else to distract us or rob us of our
time or focus.

See then that you walk circumspectly, not as fools but as wise,
redeeming the time, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be
unwise, but understand what the will of the Lord is. (Ephesians 5:15-17)

And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the

renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and
acceptable and perfect will of God. For I say, through the grace given to
me, to everyone who is among you, not to think of himself more highly
than he ought to think, but to think soberly, as God has dealt to each one
a measure of faith. (Romans 12:2-3)

Jesus said to them, “My food is to do the will of Him who sent Me, and to
finish His work.” (John 4:34)

Now Joseph had a dream, and he told it to his brothers; and they hated
him even more. So he said to them, “Please hear this dream which I
have dreamed: There we were, binding sheaves in the field. Then
behold, my sheaf arose and also stood upright; and indeed your sheaves
stood all around and bowed down to my sheaf.” And his brothers said to
him, “Shall you indeed reign over us? Or shall you indeed have dominion
over us?” So they hated him even more for his dreams and for his
words. Then he dreamed still another dream and told it to his brothers,
and said, “Look, I have dreamed another dream. And this time, the sun,
the moon, and the eleven stars bowed down to me.” So he told it to his
father and his brothers; and his father rebuked him and said to him,
“What is this dream that you have dreamed? Shall your mother and I and
your brothers indeed come to bow down to the earth before you?” And
his brothers envied him, but his father kept the matter in mind. (Genesis
37:5-11)

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Avoid the error of Joseph

• He shared his vision prematurely.

• He shared his vision from a platform of strife, envy, and pride.
• He shared his vision with those of “another spirit” (they were not
linked in strong relationship, even though they were family). This
premature declaration widened the breach even to the point of
planned murder.

Self-exaltation will lead to abasement

So it came to pass, when Joseph had come to his brothers, that they
stripped Joseph of his tunic, the tunic of many colors that was on him.
Then they took him and cast him into a pit. And the pit was empty; there
was no water in it. (Genesis 37:23-24)

• Joseph was stripped of his colored robe (symbol of favor with

Israel).
• He was then thrown down. The opposite of exaltation is
abasement.
• Humility will lead to exaltation (Philippians 2:5-9), but pride and
self-exaltation will lead to abasement and defeat (James 4:6, 10;
1 Peter 5:5-6).

The pit of rejection

Then they took him and cast him into a pit. And the pit was empty; there
was no water in it. (Genesis 37:24)

Remember that we are dealing with “Christian maturity,” and in order to

develop into the image of Christ, much work must be done in our hearts.
This is called “character development.” Ultimately, as mature Christians,
we can be used mightily and be entrusted with much if we learn to walk
as Jesus walked. Jesus had the nature and character of God.

In the future, Joseph would be given much responsibility:

• He would rule under Pharaoh and be the deliverer of Israel. In the

same way, we rule and reign in this life together with Christ. There
is only One higher in authority.
• Ultimately, God’s prophetic people would end up emerging out of
Egypt.

We are also a delivering people. As the lost face certain death because
of the famine (spiritual poverty), they will need to come to the Church to

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satisfy their hunger and thirst. Because we will be in the place of
abundance, we will be able to meet their needs through Christ.

All who are used of God will face the pit of rejection. The pit was the
place of brokenness and reconstruction in Joseph’s life. The pit of
rejection is not the place of permanent burial, but it has a deep inner
impact upon us. The lessons learned in this pit will keep us from the
dangers of pride and arrogance.

Anyone to be used by God will face situations in which he will face

rejection. If he does not handle rejection, then rejection will always
handle him!

Rejection comes from the following areas:

• Family
• Friends
• Brothers and sisters in Christ
• Leaders
• Other denominations
• Unsaved loved ones
• The religious world
• Everyone not mentioned here!

In the life of Christ, we see that He faced rejection quite often, including
rejection from His own family and friends.

He came to His own, and His own did not receive Him. (John 1:11)

In His teaching ministry they loved Him, but when He told them
something that they did not like, they deserted Him.

Only the Holy Spirit gives eternal life. Those born only once, with
physical birth, will never receive this gift. But now I have told you how to
get this true spiritual life. But some of you don't believe me." (For Jesus
knew from the beginning who didn't believe and knew the one who
would betray him.) And he remarked, "That is what I meant when I said
that no one can come to me unless the Father attracts him to me." At
this point many of his disciples turned away and deserted him. Then
Jesus turned to the Twelve and asked, "Are you going too?" (John 6:63-
67)

In His darkest moment as He was about to face death on the cross, all
His disciples fled from His side. Judas sold Him out and all would leave
Him. Even His friend Peter would deny knowing Him.

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Paul also faced this rejection:

At my first defense no one stood with me, but all forsook me. May it not
be charged against them. (2 Timothy 4:16)

For Demas has forsaken me, having loved this present world, and has
departed for Thessalonica—Crescens for Galatia, Titus for Dalmatia. (2
Timothy 4:10)

Like all the leaders of the past who had to endure the agony of
desertion, it is not a question of “if,” but “when” you too will face this
rejection. There is no way to avoid it; even if you compromise and “play
the field,” you will end up losing friends. As part of this inner
development, all leaders in the making should be exposed to having to
deal with this hurting process. Without going through it, leaders will not
be as effective as they should be.

Men or women of God who do not handle rejection will end up with
weaknesses in their character. They will be defensive, suspicious,
untrusting, and fearful. They run the risk of becoming “people-pleasers”
rather than “God-pleasers.” Some leaders may even resort to buying
their friends.

The slave market of humiliation

The pit of rejection now leads to Joseph’s sale into slavery and further
humiliation. Not only does he have to face the disappointment of
rejection, the conflict of emotional wounding, and the loss of his security,
but in addition, he is disgraced by being placed on public auction.

Now the Midianites had sold him in Egypt to Potiphar, an officer of

Pharaoh and captain of the guard. (Genesis 37:36)

It is a terrible thing to be put on the slave market: every area of your life
is exposed just so that people are able to decide whether you can be of
service to them. Your welfare is of no concern to them; their only goal is
to use you to meet a need in their lives. Though there is no justice in this
place, it is life. There will be times when you are going to be exploited in
life. You will not only be used but also abused. Face reality! At times life
is unfair.

Those who are going to do a work for God may find others turning
against them in an unfair way. They will be put on public display and
even humiliated. I know that this is not right or fair, but that’s life in the
ministry.

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“The Son of Man came eating and drinking, and they say, 'Look, a
glutton and a winebibber, a friend of tax collectors and sinners!' But
wisdom is justified by her children.” (Matthew 11:19)

Here, Jesus is describing what people were saying about Him. Some of
it was true. He was a friend to sinners and never rejected them
because He came to save them. They said things against Him that were
false. Well, that’s life.

It would have been easy for Joseph to become resentful, bitter, angry,
sullen or negative, but instead he kept his heart pure before God and
man. The greatest danger in the place of humiliation is to become bitter
and resentful. If this takes place in your heart, you can kiss good-bye the
full potential that God had in store for you. The problem is that in this
place, you can get so wrapped up in the immediate that you lose sight of
your dream. You have to keep the big picture in focus in these tough and
unfair situations. Do not allow the challenge of much smaller things to
keep you from your God-destiny. Walk in love and forgiveness towards
those who have hurt you, as this will build character. In this way, instead
of the situation destroying you and your dream, it will actually make you
a better person.

For God to use Joseph, he had to have the heart of a servant

Now Joseph had been taken down to Egypt. And Potiphar, an officer of
Pharaoh, captain of the guard, an Egyptian, bought him from the
Ishmaelites who had taken him down there. The LORD was with Joseph,
and he was a successful man; and he was in the house of his master the
Egyptian. And his master saw that the LORD was with him and that the
LORD made all he did to prosper in his hand. So Joseph found favor in
his sight, and served him. Then he made him overseer of his house,
and all that he had he put under his authority. (Genesis 39:1-4)

Joseph served his master

Some people say, “I am a failure because circumstances are against

me!” I have news for you: circumstances will always be against you. The
secret of a successful person’s life lies in how he or she handles the
adversities and challenges that arise. Joseph succeeded in spite of
much that came against him, as we will see.

At the time, Joseph could not even fathom how he could possibly
become a great leader (according to the dream that God had given him).
He was a slave (not even getting a salary!), but in spite of the apparent
contradiction, he gave himself totally to the demands of his master and

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began to take the path to God’s greatness—the way of the bowl and
towel.

A man of character will serve another man’s vision and dream until his
dream becomes a reality. Some young, anointed Christians called of
God are waiting for God’s release into ministry. They suppose that
ministry begins when one becomes the “top gun.” They cannot serve
another man’s vision, and those who do often do it with such a bad
attitude that their service is of no service anyway. What they don’t realize
is that they are disqualifying themselves from growth and greatness.
They will one day discover that they cannot seem to produce servants in
their ministry. They cannot produce something that they themselves are
not! Every seed will produce after its own kind.

A servant is not selfish but has a genuine concern for the well-being of
others.

But I trust in the Lord Jesus to send Timothy to you shortly, that I also
may be encouraged when I know your state. For I have no one like-
minded, who will sincerely care for your state. For all seek their own, not
the things which are of Christ Jesus. But you know his proven character,
that as a son with his father he served with me in the gospel. (Philippians
2:19-22)

As a church member, are you fully committed in serving?

• Serving the Lord
• Serving the vision of the leadership
• Serving the Body of Christ
• Serving the lost and hurting in the world

(Because this is such a vital subject, the next three chapters are devoted
to servanthood.)

Learning to handle success

The LORD was with Joseph, and he was a successful man; and he
was in the house of his master the Egyptian. And his master saw that the
LORD was with him and that the LORD made all he did to prosper in his
hand. So Joseph found favor in his sight, and served him. Then he
made him overseer of his house, and all that he had he put under
his authority. (Genesis 39:2-4)

• The Lord was with Joseph. God is not only with us but in us.
• Joseph was a successful man. He was not lazy, for success
never comes to the lazy but to the person who applies the Word
of God.

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 • Success comes to the servant-hearted person.

Success comes because we apply the Word of God to every area of

our lives

We can see this clearly established in the following verses:

This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall
meditate in it day and night, that you may observe to do according to all
that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and
then you will have good success. (Joshua 1:8)

Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor
stands in the path of sinners, nor sits in the seat of the scornful; but his
delight is in the law of the LORD, and in His law he meditates day and
night. He shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that brings
forth its fruit in its season, whose leaf also shall not wither; and
whatever he does shall prosper. (Psalm 1:1-3)

But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.
For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man
observing his natural face in a mirror; for he observes himself, goes
away, and immediately forgets what kind of man he was. But he who
looks into the perfect law of liberty and continues in it, and is not a
forgetful hearer but a doer of the work, this one will be blessed in what
he does.(James 1:22-25)

His master “saw” that Joseph had a proven testimony. His life was
conducted in such a way that it was obvious to his master how he
served. His master could see the success in Joseph’s life because he
was diligent. It was obvious that God was with him. What a testimony!
The evidence of his relationship with God was his lifestyle. This causes
God to get the glory! This is what should be seen in all of our lives.

God caused all that Joseph did to prosper (Genesis 39:3).

• God desires all of His children to succeed.

• We are created to be victorious.
• We are not designed to underachieve.
• We are not created to be limited by circumstances.

Prosperity is the blessing of God

Joseph is an example of a real “rags to riches” story. Difficulties had

come, rejection had come, humiliation had come, slavery had come, but
in spite of all these things he overcame. Character had been developed

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within him. He was not bitter, unforgiving, living in a state of rejection and
feeling sorry for himself. The result of hard work, serving, faithfulness,
and God’s favor upon him led to promotion.

So Joseph found favor in his sight, and served him. Then he made him
overseer of his house, and all that he had he put under his authority.
(Genesis 39:4)

God’s favor upon our lives is attractive to others:

Favor is the key to promotion. All who desire to serve God must live in
such a way that we enjoy the favor of God and man. This favor will then
cause others to entrust us with more responsibility and with greater
things.

And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and
men. (Luke 2:52)

And the patriarchs, becoming envious, sold Joseph into Egypt. But God
was with him and delivered him out of all his troubles, and gave him
favor and wisdom in the presence of Pharaoh, king of Egypt; and he
made him governor over Egypt and all his house. (Acts 7:9-10)

Now God had brought Daniel into the favor and goodwill of the chief of
the eunuchs. (Daniel 1:9)

In order to obtain favor with man we must avoid compromise:

• Do not lose favor with God at the cost of gaining favor with man.
• Stay faithful to God. He will touch the hearts of man to receive
you.
• Do not be bought by man and thereby compromise the favor of
God.
• Do not be influenced by deals with strings attached; these will one
day emerge to control you.

So it was, from the time that he had made him overseer of his house and
all that he had, that the LORD blessed the Egyptian’s house for Joseph’s
sake; and the blessing of the LORD was on all that he had in the house
and in the field. (Genesis 39:5)

Here we discover that God’s blessing will overflow and touch the “world”
around us. Just as the Ark (which represented God’s presence) that was
left in Obed-Edom’s house brought blessing to his home (1 Chronicles
13:14), so the presence of God in us should bring blessing to those
around us.

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The pit of false accusation

Thus he left all that he had in Joseph’s hand, and he did not know what
he had except for the bread which he ate. Now Joseph was handsome in
form and appearance. (Genesis 39:6)

Certain references record that Joseph was described as beautiful.

Potiphar’s wife would invite women to dinner just to observe his beauty,
even declaring him to be an angel.

Today’s world places a premium on looks and sensuality. Tremendous

hurts and emotional wounds are inflicted upon the “not-so-good-looking”;
they are made to feel inadequate and undesirable.

The Church should take note that God is looking at the heart, so we
ought to walk in a way that accepts everyone equally, not based on
looks or social standing but by the recognition that we are all equal in
God’s eyes.

For the LORD does not see as man sees; for man looks at the outward
appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart. (1 Samuel 16:7)

Do you look at things according to the outward appearance? If anyone is

convinced in himself that he is Christ's, let him again consider this in
himself, that just as he is Christ's, even so we are Christ's. (2 Corinthians
10:7)

Therefore, from now on, we regard no one according to the flesh…. (2

Corinthians 5:16)

Joseph’s good looks were to create a major problem for him, but again,
this test would produce godly character. He would be tested in loyalty to
his master and in his righteousness before God. Joseph’s character
produced some deep and sincere convictions, and he would be severely
tested because of his refusal to lower his standards.

So it was, as she spoke to Joseph day by day, that he did not heed her,
to lie with her or to be with her. (Genesis 39:10)

Potiphar’s wife was like Satan: she had persistence, and her wanton
craving and lust was constantly causing her to tempt Joseph. She
desired him, but he was a godly young man who desired righteousness.
Remember, Joseph was a young man! He was not homosexual, and
obviously the temptation must have been great, but character and
conviction would cause him to rise above the physical attraction. He

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would flee youthful lusts, but this righteous act would work against him
and not be to his outward advantage. However, to compromise his
convictions would not be the answer.

But in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and silver, but
also of wood and clay, some for honor and some for dishonor. Therefore
if anyone cleanses himself from the latter, he will be a vessel for honor,
sanctified and useful for the Master, prepared for every good work. Flee
also youthful lusts; but pursue righteousness, faith, love, peace with
those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart.(2 Timothy 2:20-22)

Pick up your skirts and run! Flee from the cravings of youth!

Many good ministries and ministers have been ruined and lives have
been scarred because of lack of character, conviction, and falling prey to
the seductions of sexual pleasure. Sexual desire is normal and God-
given, but only within marriage. If the one being tempted does not flee
from these situations, the God-given appetites for sexual pleasure will be
too great to avoid. It is like the alcoholic who cannot go to his old
hangouts when he becomes saved because there is too much
temptation there to cope with.

• Don’t put yourself in a place of temptation.

• Set your mind on things above.
• Don’t entertain lustful thoughts.

There are two kinds of adultery and fornication: the natural, which is
sexual, and the spiritual, which bears the same consequence—defeat.
To engage in adultery is to be illegitimately joined to the world, as seen
in the following verse.

Adulterers and adulteresses! Do you not know that friendship with the
world is enmity with God? Whoever therefore wants to be a friend of the
world makes himself an enemy of God. (James 4:4)

Adultery with the world is unlawful union that leads to defeat

The pit of false accusation:

So it was, when his master heard the words which his wife spoke to him,
saying, “Your servant did to me after this manner,” that his anger was
aroused. Then Joseph’s master took him and put him into the prison, a
place where the king’s prisoners were confined. And he was there in the
prison. (Genesis 39:19-20)

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Joseph was not given a fair trial but was flung into prison. He had being
placed in a pit because of strife and insensitivity, but this time he was
imprisoned because of righteousness. He sought to live by God’s
standards, but because of his godly character, Joseph faced the “pit of
false accusation.” This is a crisis that all who make an impact in God’s
kingdom will face. Jesus, Peter, John, and Paul had to face it, and all
who will arise to leadership will also face it. False accusation is usually
based on lies or half-truths. There is never a fair trial in false
accusations. The person is always judged privately, without any
witnesses allowed to come to his defense. There are only accusations
and words of condemnation that attempt to destroy his reputation. Then
the sentence of execution is called for: Hang him! Shoot him! Fry him!

It is very easy for the accused person to become defensive, feebly trying
to justify and vindicate himself, but it is just as easy to become
embittered and then to defile others with it. The solution lies with God.
He alone is our vindication and deliverance.

Satan is the source of deception. He and his evil cohorts are always
behind the people engaged in maligning and destroying
reputations and credibility.

When facing the pit of false accusation, remember that God knows about
it and will vindicate all who have been in this place.

In this place you need to:

• Keep your heart pure.

• Be forgiving.
• Continue praising God.
• Take every thought captive.
• Be quick to repent and change if there is any truth in the “lies.”

But the LORD was with Joseph…(Genesis 39:21). It doesn’t matter

who’s against you or that the circumstances appear to be opposing the
plan of God, for He is not intimidated by these things.

If God is for us, who can be against us?” (Romans 8:31)

God’s favor on Joseph again led to favor with man, and this in turn led to
further development of character through his learning to handle
responsibility and accountability.

But the LORD was with Joseph and showed him mercy, and He gave
him favor in the sight of the keeper of the prison. And the keeper of the
prison committed to Joseph’s hand all the prisoners who were in the

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prison; whatever they did there, it was his doing. The keeper of the
prison did not look into anything that was under Joseph’s authority,
because the LORD was with him; and whatever he did, the LORD made
it prosper. (Genesis 39:21-23)

The development of character and the growth of ability come through

experience and crises. God had a great work for Joseph, but could he be
trusted with this place of authority? These were the characteristics being
developed in his life:

• Servanthood
• Leadership
• Faithfulness
• Handling success and prosperity

The agony of being “forgotten”

It came to pass after these things that the butler and the baker of the
king of Egypt offended their lord, the king of Egypt. And Pharaoh was
angry with his two officers, the chief butler and the chief baker. So he put
them in custody in the house of the captain of the guard, in the prison,
the place where Joseph was confined. And the captain of the guard
charged Joseph with them, and he served them; so they were in custody
for a while. Then the butler and the baker of the king of Egypt, who were
confined in the prison, had a dream, both of them, each man’s dream in
one night and each man’s dream with its own interpretation. And Joseph
came in to them in the morning and looked at them, and saw that they
were sad. So he asked Pharaoh’s officers who were with him in the
custody of his lord’s house, saying, “Why do you look so sad today?”
And they said to him, “We each have had a dream, and there is no
interpreter of it.” So Joseph said to them, “Do not interpretations belong
to God? Tell them to me, please.” Then the chief butler told his dream to
Joseph, and said to him, “Behold, in my dream a vine was before me,
and in the vine were three branches; it was as though it budded, its
blossoms shot forth, and its clusters brought forth ripe grapes. Then
Pharaoh’s cup was in my hand; and I took the grapes and pressed them
into Pharaoh’s cup, and placed the cup in Pharaoh’s hand.” And Joseph
said to him, “This is the interpretation of it: The three branches are three
days. Now within three days Pharaoh will lift up your head and restore
you to your place, and you will put Pharaoh’s cup in his hand according
to the former manner, when you were his butler. But remember me when
it is well with you, and please show kindness to me; make mention of me
to Pharaoh, and get me out of this house. For indeed I was stolen away
from the land of the Hebrews; and also I have done nothing here that
they should put me into the dungeon.” (Genesis 40:1-15)

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Joseph was gifted and anointed. He was used by God to interpret
dreams through the word of knowledge while he was in prison, and
hoped that this gift would be a way to obtain a quick release. However,
this was not God’s way or timing; there was still more development
needed in his character and motives.

Two full years passed (Genesis 41:1). I wonder what was going on in
Joseph’s mind during those two years of imprisonment.

• Am I forgotten, forsaken?
• What about the dream that God gave me?
• Will it ever become reality?
• Will I ever be free?

He is given a second chance to use the grace gifts of God to gain

recognition and escape, but this second time his motive and attitude are
different. God had been working in him. He was changing, maturing, and
was almost ready for more responsibility. Humility had yet to be
developed in his life. God cannot use someone filled with pride.

Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness

of mind let each esteem others better than himself. Let each of you look
out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others. Let
this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, who, being in the
form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, but made
Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in
the likeness of men. And being found in appearance as a man, He
humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the
death of the cross. (Philippians 2:3-8)

But he who is greatest among you shall be your servant. (Matthew

23:11)

Joseph is raised up in one day…actually thirteen years!

Joseph does not try to get himself out, but this time he trusts God.
Joseph is not in a rush; his prayer is, “Thy will be done!” Because of his
spirit and his purity of heart and motive, Pharaoh chooses Joseph. Again
we see the favor of God and man. Thirteen years after having gone
through the pit of rejection, this man had now been developed and
shaped by God through pressure, trial, and circumstances. Even now,
there would be continued development of his character as he would go
through the restoration process with his family.

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Joseph was thirty years old when he stood before Pharaoh king of
Egypt. And Joseph went out from the presence of Pharaoh, and went
throughout all the land of Egypt. (Genesis 41:46)

Joseph’s recognition of God’s intervention and development in his

life

And God sent me before you to preserve a posterity for you in the earth,
and to save your lives by a great deliverance. So now it was not you who
sent me here, but God; and He has made me a father to Pharaoh, and
lord of all his house, and a ruler throughout all the land of Egypt.
(Genesis 45:7-8)

By which have been given to us exceedingly great and precious

promises, that through these you may be partakers of the divine nature,
having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust. But also
for this very reason, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue, to virtue
knowledge, to knowledge self-control, to self-control perseverance, to
perseverance godliness, to godliness brotherly kindness, and to
brotherly kindness love. For if these things are yours and abound, you
will be neither barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus
Christ. For he who lacks these things is shortsighted, even to blindness,
and has forgotten that he was cleansed from his old sins. Therefore,
brethren, be even more diligent to make your call and election sure, for if
you do these things you will never stumble; for so an entrance will be
supplied to you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and
Savior Jesus Christ. (2 Peter 4-11)

Joseph had come a long way in thirteen years. He had concluded that
what man meant for evil, God had used for his good. Now Joseph was
ready for a greater level of authority and would rule next to Pharoah. He
had spent thirteen years growing up, maturing, and learning life skills
through experience. He was not bitter; he did not seek revenge or
vindication. Joseph was at peace, knowing that God had raised him up
for such a time as this.

For a Christian to be a vessel for the power of God and to walk in the
authority of Jesus, he will need to live a holy life, committed and zealous.
He must be filled and controlled (or led) by the Holy Spirit. However, the
man of God who will rule with Christ will also need to develop a
Christlike character. Although these qualities can be learned about in a
book, it’s one thing to know about these qualities in theory, and quite
another thing to embrace them and to allow them to become a part of
one’s life. The adversities and trials that we face are not always
deserved or fair, but nevertheless they come. Like Joseph, we need to
rise above the negative forces of self-pity, misery, rejection, and

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vengeance, not allowing them to dominate and rob us of becoming
broken, contrite, yielded, and humble.

Pain is inevitable, misery is optional!

As with Joseph, King David faced tremendous opposition from family,

king, and foe. He had conflict from the time he was anointed to the time
he was set in office as king of Israel, yet despite all the adversity and
trials, he continued to love and worship God. He loved the presence of
God so much that in spite of Saul’s opposition, he maintained a high
level of honor and respect for the anointing and calling that was once on
King Saul. He would not touch that anointing and refused to do harm to
his king. Though his life was under severe adversity, he came through it
to become a great king and worshipper of God.

His life was not easy and he made some very costly mistakes, but
because of character, he quickly repented and took God’s judgment. He
was a man of great anointing, purpose, and vision. He may have been
imperfect in his decisions, yet he was perfect in his love for God.

We are to walk in anointing and dominion. As worshippers of God, we

need to seek His manifest presence and power. Most likely we will face
trial, adversity, and hell’s opposition to our fulfilling God’s destiny to this
generation. Along the way, mistakes and unwise decisions may be
made, but this does not necessarily indicate poor character. As with King
Saul, poor character involves refusing to repent for one’s mistakes and
putting the blame onto other people instead. Blaming others and shirking
responsibility reveal weakness of character. David was quick to repent
and seek God for mercy (Psalm 51).

As worshippers of the living God we are called to holiness and purity.

We are expected to grow and mature, pressing towards perfection of
heart.

Therefore you shall be perfect, just as your Father in heaven is perfect.

(Matthew 5:48)

“Perfect” in Greek is “teleios,” meaning “wanting nothing necessary to

completeness; consummate human integrity and virtue; mature.”

How can we be perfect?

1. In character: In this life we cannot be flawless, but we can aspire

to be as much like Christ as possible.

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 2. In holiness: We are to be separated from the world’s sinful
values and practices.

3. In maturity: We can’t achieve Christlike character and holy living

overnight, but we must grow towards maturity and wholeness.
Just as we expect different behavior from babies, children,
teenagers, and adults, God expects different behavior from us,
depending on our stage of spiritual development.

4. In love: We can seek to love others as completely as God loves

us. We can be perfect if our behavior is appropriate for our
maturity level.

We can be perfect in our love for God while we are growing and
maturing. We are called to excel and rise above mediocrity, pressing
forward towards maturity in every area of our lives in order to become
more like Jesus Christ.

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 Assignment One:
Development of Christian Character
Name: _________________________________ Student #: _____________________

1. Scripture Memorization – Write out these verses without referring to your Bible:
James 1:2-4 (2 points)
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________

2. Complete these sentences: (3 points)

a) Character is not the same as __________________________.
b) God does not ___________ your ____________________ but your character.
c) Personality is seen in ________________ , __________________ is built by what
you do in ____________________

3. True or False (4 points)

a) Character is always more important than talent. True/False
b) Personality can lose its appeal but character is always desired. True/False
c) It is not possible to build personality. True/False
d) God does not make mistakes. He cannot fail. True/False

4. Define character in your own words. (2 points)

______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________

5. Why is it important for a Christian to learn how to cope with rejection? (5 points)
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________

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6. Jesus grew in favor with God and man (Luke 2:52). We need favor with God to
succeed in life but also with man. However, in order to obtain favor with man, what must
we avoid? (4 points)
a) ___________________________________________________________________
b) ___________________________________________________________________
c) ___________________________________________________________________
d) ___________________________________________________________________

Test Results: ______________________ (Total 20 points)

Lecturer’s Comments:
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
________________________________________

Lecturer’s Signature: ___________________________

Date: ___________________________

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