12 Ways to study the Bible Session 3

12 Ways to study the Bible Session 3 The Character Quality Method

A Character Quality Method Definition: Finding out what the Bible says about a particular characteristic of a person, with emphasis on personal application. These characteristics may be either positive or negative with a view to developping them or eradicating them.

Why is this Method important? • It helps us identify character qualities, both +ve and -ve. • It equips us to develop positive qualities to become more Christ-like • It helps us avoid or remove unhelpful characteristics from our own lives. • It helps us identify characteristics in others, developing discernment.

Tools you will need • • • A study bible An exhaustive concordance A bible dictionary or word study book A topical bible A good English dictionary

Tips for doing a character quality study 1. Only focus on one quality at a time 2. Don’t rush it (weeks, months even years) 3. Stay with it until you get victory in that area 4. Watch out for negative qualities that can cause misuse of positive ones 5. Trust the Holy Spirit to work with you and build these qualities into your life

A Character Quality Method Nine Steps For Doing a Character Quality Study 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. Name the quality Name the opposite quality Do a simple word study Find some cross references Do a brief biographical study Find a memory verse Select a situation or relationship to work on Plan a specific project or course of action Write out a personal illustration

Questions to ask in step 4 • What are the benefits this trait can bring me? • What are some bad consequences this trait can bring me? • What are benefits this trait can bring to others? • What are some bad consequences this trait can bring to others? • Is there any promise from God related to this trait? • Is there any warning or judgment related to this trait? • Is there a command related to this trait? • What factors produce this trait?

Questions to ask in step 4 • Did Jesus have anything to say about this quality? What? • What writer talked about this quality the most? • Is this trait symbolized by anything in Scripture? Is that significant? • Is this trait listed with a group of qualities? What is the relationship between them? What does this suggest? • What Scriptures tell me directly what God thinks of this trait? • Do I want more or less of this trait in my life?

Questions to ask in step 5 • What shows this quality up in his/her life? • How did this quality affect his/her life? • Did the quality help or hinder growth to maturity? How? • What results did it produce in his/her life?

How to use your notebook for a Chapter Summary Study

Some Suggested Passages for a Character Quality Study (+ve) Matthew 5 v 3 -12 the Beatitudes Galatians 5 v 22 -23 the fruit of the Spirit Philippians 4 v 4 -9 admirable qualities 2 Peter 1 v 5 -8 qualities that should increase in our lives

Some Suggested Passages for a Character Quality Study (-ve) Galatians 5 v 19 -21 works of the flesh 2 Timothy 3 v 1 -5 have nothing to do with these

Positive Qualities 1. Servanthood 2. Honesty 3. Humility 4. Determination 5. Diligence 6. Faithfulness 7. Availability 8. Teachability 9. Forgiveness 10. Generosity 11. Loyalty 12. Fairness 13. Cooperativeness 14. Discipline 15. Sincerity 16. Contentment

Negative Qualities 1. Laziness 9. Being unloving 2. A critical spirit 10. Dishonesty 3. Pride 11. Impatience 4. Selfishness 12. Worry 5. Unfaithfulness 13. Fearfulness 6. Disrespectfulness 14. Lustfulness 7. Rebelliousness 15. Bitterness 8. Gossip 16. Apathy