Transforming Character Defects Through God's Grace

 

Summary

In today's reflection, we explored the concept of character defects and the transformative power of God's grace in overcoming them. Drawing from Rebecca DeYoung's book "Glittering Vices," we delved into the idea of pusillanimity, or smallness of soul, as described by Thomas Aquinas. This vice, characterized by shrinking back from the greatness God calls us to, often stems from our anxieties and fears. We examined the biblical example of Moses, who initially doubted his capabilities at the burning bush but was ultimately transformed by God's power and grace.

The discussion highlighted the importance of recognizing our character defects, not as inherent flaws, but as habits and traits that we can change with God's help. Unlike nature and nurture, which are often seen as the primary forces shaping us, our choices and habits play a crucial role in forming our character. This realization is liberating because it means we have the agency to work with God in transforming our lives.

We also considered the difference between virtues and vices, both of which are habits that can become second nature. The goal is not merely to suppress negative traits but to cultivate virtues that align with God's will. This transformation involves more than just self-control; it requires a deep-rooted change in our desires and inclinations, leading to a life of integrity and faithfulness.

The invitation today is to open our eyes to our character defects and seek God's guidance in addressing them. It's not about trying harder or being better on our own but about allowing God to reveal these areas and working with Him to replace them with virtues. As we embark on this journey, we are encouraged to embrace the process, knowing that it works if we work it.

Key Takeaways:

1. Understanding Pusillanimity: Pusillanimity, or smallness of soul, is a vice that causes us to shrink back from the greatness God calls us to. It is rooted in fear and self-doubt, but recognizing it can be the first step toward transformation. By acknowledging this vice, we open ourselves to God's grace, which empowers us to overcome our limitations and fulfill our potential. [02:14]

2. The Role of Choice in Character Formation: While nature and nurture influence us, our choices and habits are crucial in shaping our character. We are not merely products of our environment; we have the power to change and grow. This understanding is liberating because it means we can actively participate in our transformation with God's help. [06:32]

3. Virtues vs. Vices: Both virtues and vices are habits that can become second nature. The goal is not just to suppress negative traits but to cultivate virtues that align with God's will. This transformation involves a deep-rooted change in our desires, leading to a life of integrity and faithfulness. [10:36]

4. The Invitation to Transformation: The invitation is to open our eyes to our character defects and seek God's guidance in addressing them. It's not about trying harder on our own but about allowing God to reveal these areas and working with Him to replace them with virtues. [12:58]

5. Embracing the Process: Transformation is a journey that requires patience and perseverance. As we work with God to address our character defects, we are encouraged to embrace the process, knowing that it works if we work it. This journey leads to a life of greater joy, love, and faithfulness. [13:31]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [01:18] - Introduction to Character Defects
- [01:59] - Understanding Pusillanimity
- [03:00] - Moses' Transformation
- [04:01] - The Liberation of Naming Vices
- [05:09] - Nature, Nurture, and Choice
- [06:50] - The Power of Habits
- [07:20] - Paul's Call to Transformation
- [08:45] - Identifying Character Defects
- [10:19] - The Invitation to Change
- [11:11] - Virtues vs. Vices
- [12:10] - The Goal of Transformation
- [12:58] - Embracing the Process
- [13:31] - Closing and Resources

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
1. Exodus 3:1-12 - The story of Moses at the burning bush.
2. Colossians 3:5-14 - Paul's call to put off the old self and put on the new self.

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Observation Questions:

1. What was Moses' initial reaction when God called him at the burning bush, and how does this reflect the concept of pusillanimity? [02:46]

2. According to the sermon, how does Rebecca DeYoung describe the vice of pusillanimity, and what impact does it have on a person's life? [01:59]

3. In Colossians 3, what specific behaviors does Paul instruct believers to put off, and what virtues are they encouraged to put on? [08:11]

4. How does the sermon describe the role of choice and habit in the formation of character, as opposed to nature and nurture? [06:32]

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Interpretation Questions:

1. How does the story of Moses illustrate the transformative power of God's grace in overcoming character defects like pusillanimity? [03:44]

2. What does the sermon suggest about the relationship between recognizing our character defects and experiencing liberation? [04:01]

3. How does the concept of virtues becoming second nature challenge the idea of merely exercising self-control over vices? [10:36]

4. In what ways does the sermon suggest that our choices and habits are more influential in shaping our character than our genetic predispositions or upbringing? [06:50]

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Application Questions:

1. Reflect on a time when you felt like Moses at the burning bush, doubting your capabilities. How did you respond, and what might you do differently now with the understanding of pusillanimity? [02:46]

2. Identify a character defect you struggle with. How can you invite God's grace into this area to begin the process of transformation? [10:19]

3. Consider the virtues listed in Colossians 3:12-14. Which one do you feel most called to cultivate in your life right now, and what practical steps can you take to develop it? [08:28]

4. How can you actively participate in your transformation by making choices that align with God's will, rather than relying solely on your nature or upbringing? [06:32]

5. Think about a habit that has become second nature to you, whether a virtue or a vice. How can you work with God to either reinforce this habit or replace it with something more aligned with His will? [10:36]

6. Reflect on the idea of embracing the process of transformation. What does patience and perseverance look like for you in this journey? [13:31]

7. How can you create a supportive environment within your small group to encourage each other in recognizing and addressing character defects? [13:58]

Devotional

Day 1: Recognizing the Smallness of Soul
Understanding pusillanimity, or smallness of soul, is crucial in our spiritual journey. This vice, as described by Thomas Aquinas, involves shrinking back from the greatness God calls us to due to fear and self-doubt. By acknowledging this tendency, we open ourselves to God's grace, which empowers us to overcome our limitations and fulfill our potential. The biblical example of Moses, who initially doubted his capabilities at the burning bush, illustrates how God's power and grace can transform us. Recognizing pusillanimity is the first step toward transformation, allowing us to embrace the greatness God has in store for us. [02:14]

"For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control." (2 Timothy 1:7, ESV)

Reflection: Identify a situation where fear has held you back from pursuing something God has called you to. How can you invite God's grace into this area to overcome your self-doubt?


Day 2: The Power of Choice in Character Formation
While nature and nurture play significant roles in shaping who we are, our choices and habits are equally crucial in forming our character. We are not merely products of our environment; we have the power to change and grow. This understanding is liberating because it means we can actively participate in our transformation with God's help. By making conscious choices and developing habits that align with God's will, we can shape our character in a way that reflects His love and grace. This realization empowers us to take responsibility for our spiritual growth and transformation. [06:32]

"Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect." (Romans 12:2, ESV)

Reflection: Consider a habit or choice in your life that does not align with God's will. What steps can you take today to begin transforming this area with God's help?


Day 3: Cultivating Virtues Over Suppressing Vices
Both virtues and vices are habits that can become second nature. The goal is not just to suppress negative traits but to cultivate virtues that align with God's will. This transformation involves a deep-rooted change in our desires, leading to a life of integrity and faithfulness. By focusing on developing virtues, we allow God's grace to work in us, transforming our character from the inside out. This process requires more than just self-control; it involves a fundamental shift in our desires and inclinations, leading to a life that reflects God's love and righteousness. [10:36]

"Put on then, as God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience." (Colossians 3:12, ESV)

Reflection: Identify a virtue you would like to cultivate in your life. What practical steps can you take to nurture this virtue in your daily interactions?


Day 4: Inviting God's Guidance in Transformation
The invitation is to open our eyes to our character defects and seek God's guidance in addressing them. It's not about trying harder on our own but about allowing God to reveal these areas and working with Him to replace them with virtues. This process involves humility and a willingness to be vulnerable before God, acknowledging our need for His guidance and strength. By inviting God into our transformation journey, we align ourselves with His will and open our hearts to His transformative power. [12:58]

"Search me, O God, and know my heart! Try me and know my thoughts! And see if there be any grievous way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting!" (Psalm 139:23-24, ESV)

Reflection: Spend time in prayer, asking God to reveal a character defect He wants to transform. How can you partner with Him in this process?


Day 5: Embracing the Journey of Transformation
Transformation is a journey that requires patience and perseverance. As we work with God to address our character defects, we are encouraged to embrace the process, knowing that it works if we work it. This journey leads to a life of greater joy, love, and faithfulness. By trusting in God's timing and being patient with ourselves, we can experience the fullness of His transformative power. Embracing the journey means being open to growth and change, allowing God to shape us into the people He created us to be. [13:31]

"And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ." (Philippians 1:6, ESV)

Reflection: Reflect on a recent challenge in your spiritual journey. How can you embrace this challenge as part of God's transformative work in your life?

Quotes


"Those afflicted by this Vice, wrote Aquinas, shrink back from all God has called them to be. When faced with the effort and difficulty of stretching themselves to the great things of which they are capable, they cringe and say, 'I can't.' In short, they rely on their own puny powers and focus on their own potential for failure rather than counting on God's grace to equip them for great work in his kingdom, work beyond anything they might have dreamed for themselves." [00:02:08]

"The Biblical Portrait of Moses presented inspiring evidence that God's power and Grace can transform even or especially the weakest and most fearful of us. Moses's pusillanimity did not have the last word in his life. God did. It's a bit ironic, she goes on to say, that this Vice and the discovery of it actually was liberating to her." [00:03:39]

"A vice or its counterpart of virtue, first of all, is a habit or a character trait. Defects of character, unlike something we're born with, such as an outgoing personality or a predisposition to have high cholesterol levels, virtues and vices are acquired moral qualities. We can cultivate habits or break them down over time through our repeated actions, and thus we are ultimately responsible for our character." [00:04:56]

"I am not just the pawn of my genetic predispositions and my parents and teachers and boss and so on. I make decisions. I make choices, and they get hardened, and they become habits, and my habits become my character. And that actually is the most important force in our lives." [00:06:21]

"Therefore, you must put to death or put aside or take off anger, rage, malice, slander, filthy language from your lips. Stop lying to one another. Again, just in the field of Vice, there was a Christian Psychologist who died a few decades ago, William Bakus, and he wrote in his book 'Telling Ourselves the Truth,' the average person lies, deceives, body language, and so on 200 times a day." [00:07:14]

"Clothe yourselves with gentleness, kindness, compassion, and so on. So that's the invitation. So I want to read for you some Character defects. If you've been kind of going on this journey, beginning to think about or even entering into the steps, you might be getting a sense of this, but as I read through this list, just think what would be three or four Character defects that you most struggle with." [00:08:39]

"The invitation is to put those off. Now, that doesn't mean just start working harder at stuff. The invitation for the day will just be to have open eyes and take a look. But here's what's really important: we don't want to just have things removed. We want to enter into a new way of living. We want to put something on." [00:10:08]

"In the end, both virtues and vices are habits that eventually become natural to us. Philosophers describe the perfect achievement of virtue as yielding internal Harmony and integrity. You might think about the phrase 'second nature,' something that's either a good thing of virtue or a horrible thing of vice can become second nature. It feels natural; it looks natural." [00:10:31]

"While we can give her moral credit for her efforts, Jane's faithfulness stays on the surface. It is the uncomfortable voice of conscience countering her adulterous inclinations and keeping her actions in check. By contrast, Joe's desires are in harmony with his considered judgment. Who wouldn't rather have a spouse with Joe's Fidelity than Jane's self-control?" [00:11:43]

"We want to be people and we want to be with people who are not just white-knuckling, battling desire—that's what they would always want—but become people who actually want to be loving and to be joyful and to be faithful and to have integrity and to be truthful. That's what we want." [00:12:22]

"The invitation today is just to have eyes wide open. Don't try to be any better; don't try any harder. Just take a look. God, would you help me to see what are those Character defects in me that damage my relationships with other people, that keep me away from you, that bring misery into my life? Help me to see them clearly and see them as you do." [00:12:48]

"We're on the road. We're going to take them off. We're going to put something better on. Keep coming back. It works if you work it." [00:13:30]

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Transcript
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