Undone: An Introduction to the Sermon Series
Character matters. In fact, particular kinds of character stand at the heart of God’s purpose for his people.
We can see its importance throughout Scripture. For example, God tells Israel they will be “a holy nation” (Exodus 19:6; 1 Peter 2:9). That admonition receives further support through the repeated statement, “You shall be holy for I am holy” (Leviticus 11:44).
For nearly two millennia now, Christians have recognized this central truth. In the early centuries of the church, this concern became codified in what became known as the “Seven Deadly Sins” and the “Seven Cardinal Virtues.” One list contained those habits of character that ran contrary to the purposes of God; the other identified central traits displaying God’s will for our lives together. Such lists have abounded over the centuries.
These lists bore biblical roots. Think for example of Paul’s own contrasting account of what may be aptly called “virtues and vices” in Colossians 3:5. Paul writes, “Put to death, therefore, . . . sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires and greed, which is idolatry.” A few verses later, he catalogs a quite different set of practices, “Clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience” (3:12). You will find such contrasting lists of traits in almost all of Paul’s letters.
Over the coming months, the teaching team at Summit will build upon this tradition by examining seven deadly sins and seven central virtues. Summit is not concerned with doctrines attached to these lists within other branches of Christendom such as Roman Catholicism. Rather, Summit recognizes the wisdom of God’s people over the centuries in identifying particular sinful habits as well as certain virtuous character traits that enable us to experience God’s presence in our lives (virtues) or that inhibit the same (vices).
Here are several things that are true about these character traits. First, our culture is rife with “self-help” strategies. That’s not what we’re talking about. The virtues to be considered involve the very presence of God in our lives, transforming us into Christ’s image. We’ll learn how we can tap into the power of the Holy Spirit over time so the formative power of God can work in and through us.
Second, if God wants to transform us into Christ’s image (and God does), these virtues help define that image. Think of the reason God’s people are to be holy in the statement I quoted from Leviticus above: “You shall be holy for I am holy.” We are to be holy because in doing so, we embody God’s own character. In this sense, we “image” God. Therefore, these virtues are not some optional add-on for God’s people. They express God’s character formed in us.
By the same token, sinful habits must take on greater significance than, “Well, that’s just how I am.” Practices that become character vices, over time, block the very purposes God has for our lives. Such practices hurt not just us but those we love as well. Think not? Try living a life of pride and see how it impacts your family and friends.
This brings us to our final point. Summit’s Vision proclaims (I add my own emphases), “Our vision is to form biblically functioning communities that reach lost people, connect in Christ-centered relationships, teach truth, serve others, and worship God.” The habits of character known as vices and virtues are nothing if not social practices. The virtues provide the fuel that empowers biblically functioning communities connected in Christ-centered relationships. Even more so, it’s in the context of biblically functioning communities that we experience the power of God to rid us of these character vices and form the divinely-ordained virtues in us.
So hang on tight. We have an exciting venture ahead of us as we explore God’s purposes expressed through habits of character God seeks to form in us. After all, character matters.
Jim Miller is a Professor of Inductive Biblical Study and New Testament at Asbury Theological Seminary. He has attended Summit for 11 years and now serves on the Missions and Giving Team. He and his wife Ann were also missionaries in Kenya for 19 years before moving to Orlando in 2008.
Find audio from this sermon series here.