Exploring the invitation to Follow Jesus - to ‘Pursue Holiness’ by controlling / guarding our character (acting with integrity)
General Introduction
In this series we are building what we will refer to as the ‘One Page New Testament’ - #onepagenewtestament. Our approach is building a pictorial summary of the main messages for disciples of Jesus in a systematically derived, structured form. We aim to keep the descriptive text to a minimum and share with you the different Themes that are being created. We will consider the scriptures on their own merit, Theme by Theme, without introducing much in the way of theology. Within each Theme, we will let the scriptures speak for themselves - hopefully in a way that demonstrates the validity of the analysis.
Introduction to this Faith Article
This article is the fifteenth in a series that is unpacking some of the analysis work currently being undertaken to draw out the main teachings from the New Testament from a personal discipleship perspective. The previous articles can be found in the reference at Note [1] and they focus upon the New Testament’s teaching that corresponds to the challenges of what we have so far called ‘Kingdom Fundamental 1 [KF1]’ - ‘Love God’, and ‘Kingdom Fundamental 2 [KF2]’ - ‘Follow Jesus’.
We have previously introduced that we consider there are four Kingdom Practices under the invitation to Follow Jesus [KF2]:
Submit to Jesus’ Lordship - [KP3] (explored previously in Systematic Discipleship Parts 3 to 9)
Pursue Holiness - [KP4]
Live out kingdom values - [KP5]
Exercise discernment - [KP6].
In the last article (Systematic Discipleship - Part 14) we were exploring further the Kingdom Practice to ‘Pursue Holiness’ - [KP4], building upon Parts 10 to 13. We have derived seven Kingdom Actions (sub-Themes) that sit below this heading which come from our ongoing discipleship considerations of the New Testament:
Control / guard our eyes (what we look at / watch / read) - [KA13]
Control / guard our tongues (what we say / write) - [KA14]
Control / guard our ears (what we hear / listen to) - [KA15]
Control / guard our hands and feet (what we touch / where we go) - [KA16]
Control / guard our reactions / emotional responses to issues / events / circumstances - [KA17]
Control / guard our hearts / thoughts / minds (our focus) / knowledge - [KA18]
Control / guard our character (act with integrity) - [KA19].
The elements we will cover in this article focus on KA19 and are shown in light blue (encouragements) and pink (warnings) in Figure 1.
If readers take away nothing else from these articles than the sense, logic, and directive actions in the Figures - for disciples to put into practice in the strength God gives - we will hopefully have achieved our initial objective.
Figure 1 - Investigating the Kingdom Practice to ‘Pursue Holiness’ - [KP4]
As we highlighted above, there are seven areas that we can consider as aspects of trying to live in a holy way (KA13-KA19). These Kingdom Actions describe how we should try to manage and control our senses, our emotions, and thoughts to the external stimuli we experience, and ultimately how we present ourselves to others through our character. We will address our behavioural responses in more detail as we explore Kingdom Practice 5 - ‘Live out kingdom values’ in future articles. Whilst we will never live up to a standard of perfect holiness, as the Holy Spirit enables us, we can continue to try!
We need to be aware that working towards holy living is separate and distinct from being made holy by God - through the forgiveness we receive as we repent from our sins and accept Jesus as our personal Saviour and Lord. We considered this aspect of holiness in Systematic Discipleship Part 7 [1].
Kingdom Action 19 - Control / guard our character (act with integrity)
The online Cambridge dictionary defines ‘character’ and ‘integrity’ as:
the particular combination of qualities in a person or place that makes them different from others [4]
the quality of being honest and having strong moral principles that you refuse to change [5].
In practical terms we can consider our character as the way in which others observe our actions and responses to the events and stimuli we experience, day by day and week by week. In contrast, integrity could also include how we behave and act when we are alone (i.e., no one - other than God - is watching).
From our analysis work, we have drawn out 5 lower-level Kingdom Actions that sit below this Theme:
Conduct our lives with integrity / humility (KA19.1)
Be honest / truthful / sincere (KA19.2)
Be caring / compassionate / sympathetic (KA19.3)
Allow God / Holy Spirit to develop the fruit of the Spirit within us (KA19.4)
Remain clean / undefiled (KA19.5).
These are explained in more detail in the subsections below.
Throughout this document we have included a range of scriptures, together with some of the Greek words we have reviewed, shown emboldened with the Strong’s Greek reference numbers in brackets.
Kingdom Action 19.1 - Conduct our lives with integrity / humility
We have identified 10 Greek words that fit under this heading and verses [6] where some of these appear are set out below:
Matthew 6:5 - And when you pray, do not be like the hypocrites (5273), for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the street corners to be seen by others. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full.
Matthew 23:3 - So you must be careful to do everything they tell you. But do not do what they do, for they do not practice what they preach.
John 3:21 - But whoever lives by the truth (Strong’s 225) comes into the light, so that it may be seen plainly that what they have done has been done in the sight of God.
Philippians 1:17 - the former proclaim Christ out of selfish ambition rather than from pure motives (55), thinking that they are causing me distress in my imprisonment.
Colossians 3:22 - Slaves, obey those who are your human masters in everything, not with eye-service, as people-pleasers, but with sincerity (572) of heart, fearing the Lord (NASB).
1 Timothy 5:21 - I charge you, in the sight of God and Christ Jesus and the elect angels, to keep these instructions without partiality (4299), and to do nothing out of favoritism.
Titus 2:7 - In everything set them an example by doing what is good. In your teaching show integrity (861), seriousness.
James 4:6 - But he gives us more grace. That is why Scripture says: “God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble (5011).”
1 Peter 2:1 - Therefore, rid yourselves of all malice and all deceit, hypocrisy (5272), envy, and slander of every kind.
There are around 60 verse references where these Greek words appear supporting this sub-Theme.
Kingdom Action 19.2 - Be honest / truthful / sincere
We have identified 3 Greek words that can be considered to apply under this title:
2 Corinthians 2:17 - Unlike so many, we do not peddle the word of God for profit. On the contrary, in Christ we speak before God with sincerity (1505), as those sent from God.
Philippians 1:10 - so that you may discover the things that are excellent, that you may be sincere (1506) and blameless for the day of Christ.
1 Timothy 2:7 - And for this purpose I was appointed a herald and an apostle—I am telling the truth (225), I am not lying—and a true (225) and faithful teacher of the Gentiles.
We have identified 9 verse references where these identified Greek words appear which reflect the sentiment of this heading.
Kingdom Action 19.3 - Be caring / compassionate / sympathetic
We have identified 11 Greek words that fit with this topic and examples for some of them are given in the verses below:
Luke 15:20 - So he got up and went to his father. “But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion (4697) for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him.”
John 21:17 - He said to him the third time, “Simon, son of John, do you love Me?” Peter was hurt because He said to him the third time, “Do you love Me?” And he said to Him, “Lord, You know all things; You know that I love You.” Jesus said to him, “Tend (1006) My sheep” (NASB).
Colossians 3:12 - Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion (3628), kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.
1 Timothy 3:5 - (If anyone does not know how to manage his own family, how can he take care of (1959) God’s church?).
Hebrews 6:10 - For God is not unjust to forget your work and labor of love which you have shown toward His name, in that you have ministered (1247) to the saints, and do minister (1247) (NKJV).
James 2:13 - because judgment without mercy will be shown to anyone who has not been merciful (1656). Mercy (1656) triumphs over judgment.
1 Peter 3:8 - Finally, all of you be of one mind, having compassion for one another; love as brothers, be tenderhearted (2155), be courteous.
1 Peter 5:2 - Be shepherds of God’s flock that is under your care, watching over them (1983)—not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be; not pursuing dishonest gain, but eager to serve.
1 John 3:17 - But whoever has this world’s goods, and sees his brother in need, and shuts up his heart (4698) from him, how does the love of God abide in him?
We have identified around 30 verse references where these Greek words appear.
Kingdom Action 19.4 - Allow God / Holy Spirit to develop the fruit of the Spirit within us
Underneath this heading we can encompass the references to the nine Fruit of the Spirit listed by Paul in Galatians 5:22-23.
Allow God through the Holy Spirit to make us more loving (KA19.1)
Allow God through the Holy Spirit to make us more joyful (KA19.2)
Allow God through the Holy Spirit to make us more peaceful (KA19.3)
Allow God through the Holy Spirit to make us more patient (KA19.4)
Allow God through the Holy Spirit to make us kinder (KA19.5)
Allow God through the Holy Spirit to increase our goodness (KA19.6)
Allow God through the Holy Spirit to make us more faithful (KA19.7)
Allow God through the Holy Spirit to make us more gentle (KA19.8)
Allow God through the Holy Spirit to make us more self-controlled (KA19.9).
We will look at each of these in turn below
Allow God through the Holy Spirit to make us more loving (KA19.4.1)
There are 4 Greek words that we consider are linked to this Theme and these are some of the verses where they appear:
1 Corinthians 8:1 - Now about food sacrificed to idols: We know that “We all possess knowledge.” But knowledge puffs up while love (26) builds up.
Galatians 5:22 - But the fruit of the Spirit is love (26), joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness.
Ephesians 3:17 - so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love (26).
Titus 1:8 - Rather, he must be hospitable, one who loves what is good (5358), who is self-controlled, upright, holy and disciplined.
1 John 3:18 - Dear children, let us not love (25) with words or speech but with actions and in truth.
1 John 4:8 - Whoever does not love (25) does not know God, because God is love (26).
And we can also note the following warnings:
Matthew 24:12 - Because of the increase of wickedness, the love (26) of most will grow cold.
2 Timothy 3:3 - without love, unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not lovers of the good (865).
We have identified around 70 verses where these words support this sub-Theme.
Allow God through the Holy Spirit to make us more joyful (KA19.4.2)
There are 6 Greek words that we have considered relevant in the context of seeking to be more joyful. Example scriptures include the following:
Luke 6:23 - Rejoice in that day and leap for joy (4640), because great is your reward in heaven. For that is how their ancestors treated the prophets.
John 16:24 - Until now you have not asked for anything in my name. Ask and you will receive, and your joy (5479) will be complete.
Romans 12:8 - if it is to encourage, then give encouragement; if it is giving, then give generously; if it is to lead, do it diligently; if it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully (2432).
1 Corinthians 13:6 - Love does not delight in evil but rejoices (4796) with the truth.
2 Corinthians 13:11 - Finally, brothers and sisters, rejoice (5463)! Strive for full restoration, encourage one another, be of one mind, live in peace. And the God of love and peace will be with you.
Galatians 5:22 - But the fruit of the Spirit is love (26), joy (5479), peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness.
Jude 1:24 - To him who is able to keep you from stumbling and to present you before his glorious presence without fault and with great joy (20).
There are around 36 verses where these words appear that support this sub-Theme.
Allow God through the Holy Spirit to make us more peaceful (KA19.4.3)
In terms of developing our encouraging having a peaceful nature there are 6 Greek words that fit here. Verses where these appear include the following:
Matthew 5:9 - Blessed are the peacemakers (1518), for they will be called children of God.
Romans 5:1 - Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace (1515) with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.
Romans 12:18 - If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace (1514) with everyone.
Galatians 5:22 - But the fruit of the Spirit is love (26), joy (5479), peace (1515), forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness.
Hebrews 12:11 - No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace (1516) for those who have been trained by it.
Titus 3:2 - to slander no one, to be peaceable (269) and considerate, and always to be gentle toward everyone.
1 Peter 3:4 - Rather, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle (4239) and quiet (2272) spirit, which is of great worth in God’s sight.
Our analysis suggests that there are some 60 or so verses where these Greek words relate to this topic.
Allow God through the Holy Spirit to make us more patient (KA19.4.4)
There are only a few Greek words that relate to the semantic meaning of patient and 4 have relevance here. Example verses are set out below:
Ephesians 4:2 - Be completely humble and gentle; be patient (3115), bearing (430) with one another in love.
Colossians 3:12 - Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience (3115).
Galatians 5:22 - But the fruit of the Spirit is love (26), joy (5479), peace (1515), forbearance (3115), kindness, goodness, faithfulness.
2 Timothy 2:24 - And a servant of the Lord must not quarrel but be gentle to all, able to teach, patient (420) (NKJV).
2 Timothy 4:2 - Preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage—with great patience (3115) and careful instruction.
James 5:7 - Be patient (3114), then, brothers and sisters, until the Lord’s coming. See how the farmer waits for the land to yield its valuable crop, patiently (3114) waiting for the autumn and spring rains.
Our work suggests that there are approximately 20 verses where these words appear that support this Theme.
Allow God through the Holy Spirit to make us kinder (KA19.4.5)
The sense of being kind is only referred to in a limited number of verses in the New Testament. We have considered three Greek words to be relevant here and have only identified 5 verses where they appear:
1 Corinthians 13:4 - Love is patient (3114), love is kind (5541). It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.
2 Corinthians 6:6 - in purity, understanding, patience (3115) and kindness (5544); in the Holy Spirit and in sincere love.
Galatians 5:22 - But the fruit of the Spirit is love (26), joy (5479), peace (1515), forbearance (3115), kindness (5544), goodness, faithfulness.
Colossians 3:12 - Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness (5544), humility, gentleness and patience.
2 Timothy 2:24 - And the Lord’s servant must not be quarrelsome but must be kind (2261) to everyone, able to teach, not resentful.
Allow God through the Holy Spirit to increase our goodness (KA19.4.6)
In terms of verses that encourage us to developing goodness or being good, there are three Greek words that have been considered as linked to this topic. Example scriptures include:
Matthew 7:17-18 - Likewise, every good (18) tree bears good (2570) fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit. A good (18) tree cannot bear bad fruit, and a bad tree cannot bear good (2570) fruit.
Matthew 12:33 - Make a tree good (2570) and its fruit will be good (2570), or make a tree bad and its fruit will be bad, for a tree is recognized by its fruit.
Matthew 12:35 - A good (18) man brings good (18) things out of the good (18) stored up in him, and an evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in him.
Matthew 13:8 - Still other seed fell on good (2570) soil, where it produced a crop—a hundred, sixty or thirty times what was sown.
Galatians 5:22 - But the fruit of the Spirit is love (26), joy (5479), peace (1515), forbearance (3115), kindness (5544), goodness (19), faithfulness.
Philemon 1:14 - But without your consent I wanted to do nothing, that your good (18) deed might not be by compulsion, as it were, but voluntary (NKJV).
1Peter 3:16 - having a good (18) conscience, that when they defame you as evildoers, those who revile your good (18) conduct in Christ may be ashamed (NKJV).
There are in the order of 35 verses where these words appear relevant.
Allow God through the Holy Spirit to make us more faithful (KA19.4.7)
Our work has revealed two Greek words of relevance to faithfulness and being faithful:
Matthew 23:23 - Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You give a tenth of your spices—mint, dill and cumin. But you have neglected the more important matters of the law—justice, mercy and faithfulness (4102). You should have practiced the latter, without neglecting the former.
Matthew 24:45 - Who then is the faithful (4103) and wise servant, whom the master has put in charge of the servants in his household to give them their food at the proper time?
Matthew 25:23 - His master replied, ‘Well done, good and faithful (4103) servant! You have been faithful (4103) with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master’s happiness!’
Galatians 5:22 - Galatians 5:22 - But the fruit of the Spirit is love (26), joy (5479), peace (1515), forbearance (3115), kindness (5544), goodness (19), faithfulness (4102).
Ephesians 6:21 - Tychicus, the dear brother and faithful (4103) servant in the Lord, will tell you everything, so that you also may know how I am and what I am doing.
1 Timothy 3:11 - Likewise, their wives must be reverent, not slanderers, temperate, faithful (4103) in all things.
There are around 25 verse instances wearer these words appear that fit with this sub-heading.
Allow God through the Holy Spirit to make us more gentle (KA19.4.8)
Thinking about the Theme of being gentle and gentleness there are 5 Greek words that have been analysed and found to be relevant. Here are some verses that support this:
Galatians 5:23 - gentleness (4240) and self-control. Against such things there is no law.
Galatians 6:1 - Brothers and sisters, if someone is caught in a sin, you who live by the Spirit should restore that person gently (4240). But watch yourselves, or you also may be tempted.
Philippians 4:5 - Let your gentleness (1933) be evident to all. The Lord is near.
2 Timothy 2:24 - And a servant of the Lord must not quarrel but be gentle (2261) to all, able to teach, patient.
Hebrews 5:2 - He is able to deal gently (3356) with those who are ignorant and are going astray, since he himself is subject to weakness.
James 3:17 - But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle (1933), willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality and without hypocrisy.
1 Peter 3:4 - Rather, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle (4239) and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God’s sight.
1 Peter 3:15 - But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness (4240) and respect.
There are around 19 verses where these Greek words appear.
Allow God through the Holy Spirit to make us more self-controlled (KA19.4.9)
Under this heading we have found 9 Greek words that are applicable. Some are represented in these example scriptures:
1 Corinthians 7:5 - Do not deprive each other except perhaps by mutual consent and for a time, so that you may devote yourselves to prayer. Then come together again so that Satan will not tempt you because of your lack of self-control (192).
1 Corinthians 7:9 - but if they cannot exercise self-control (1467), let them marry. For it is better to marry than to burn with passion.
1 Corinthians 9:25 - Everyone who competes in the games exercises self-control (1467) in all things. They then do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable.
Galatians 5:23 - gentleness (4240) and self-control (1466). Against such things there is no law.
2 Timothy 3:3 - without love, unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control (193), brutal, not lovers of the good.
Titus 1:8 - Rather, he must be hospitable, one who loves what is good, who is self-controlled (4998), upright, holy and disciplined (1468).
Hebrews 12:11 - No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained (1128) by it.
James 1:26 - If anyone thinks himself to be religious [scrupulously observant of the rituals of his faith], and does not control (5468) his tongue but deludes his own heart, this person’s religion is worthless (futile, barren) (Amplified Bible).
James 3:2 - for we all stumble in many ways. If anyone does not stumble in what he says, he is a mature man who is also able to control (5468) his whole body (Holman Christian Standard Bible).
2 Peter 1:6 - and to knowledge, self-control (1466); and to self-control (1466), perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness.
There are nearly 17 verse references where Greek words appear that reflect this topic.
Kingdom Action 19.5 - Remain clean / undefiled
We have identified 14 Greek words of relevance that fits under this heading and some scripture examples are provided here:
Matthew 15:18 - But the things that come out (1607) of a person’s mouth come from (1831) the heart, and these defile (2840) them.
Mark 7:15 - Nothing outside a person can defile them by going into them. Rather, it is what comes out of (1607) a person that defiles (2840) them.
1 Corinthians 8:7 - But not everyone possesses this knowledge. Some people are still so accustomed to idols that when they eat sacrificial food they think of it as having been sacrificed to a god, and since their conscience is weak, it is defiled (3435).
2 Corinthians 7:1 - Therefore, since we have these promises, dear friends, let us purify ourselves from everything that contaminates (3436) body and spirit, perfecting holiness out of reverence for God.
Titus 1:15 - To the pure all things are pure, but to those who are defiled (3392) and unbelieving nothing is pure; but even their mind and conscience are defiled (3392) (NKJV).
2 Peter 2:10 - This is especially true of those who follow the corrupt (3394) desire of the flesh and despise authority. Bold and arrogant, they are not afraid to heap abuse on celestial beings.
2 Peter 2:20 - For if, after they have escaped the defilements (3393) of the world by the knowledge of the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, they are again entangled in them and are overcome, the last state has become worse for them than the first (NASB).
Jude 1:23 - save others by snatching them from the fire; to others show mercy, mixed with fear—hating even the clothing stained by corrupted (4695) flesh.
Revelation 21:27 - But there shall by no means enter it anything that defiles (2839), or causes an abomination or a lie, but only those who are written in the Lamb’s Book of Life.
Revelation 22:11 - Let the one who does wrong still do wrong, and the one who is filthy (4508) still be filthy (4510); and let the one who is righteous still practice righteousness, and the one who is holy still keep himself holy.
There are 26 verse references where we consider these identified Greek words reinforce this subject.
Summary
In this fifteenth Faith Article, we have explored some of the Greek words and idioms (presented in Louw and Nida’s [2] and Mounce’s [3] reference materials), and scriptures that underpin our work. We have looked at verses that encourage us to pursue an unblemished character and to always act with integrity. These complete our analysis of the Theme that we have called ‘Kingdom Practice 3 - Pursue Holiness’.
Just as with many English words, Greek words can have more than one meaning and consequently when translated into Biblical texts can be used to convey several different sentiments. Which is used is dependent upon the context.
Ultimately, this analysis and these groupings are subjective, as will be the inclusion (or exclusion) of many verses within each Theme and sub-Theme. We should note that some verses have a much stronger relevance to the derived Themes than others.
During this analysis, the aim has been to restrict the number of Themes that can be associated with any specific Greek word to eight or less - as any more implies poor analysis technique and the wrong heading choice / naming process. The only exception is the nine fruit of the Spirit which are identified by Paul in Galatians as outlined above.
In the next Faith Article, we shall begin to explore Kingdom Practice 5 (Live out kingdom values), by considering KP20 (Uphold God’s moral laws / be ethical / be moral). As ever, the aim will be to try and make it informative, but manageable, in terms of the time and effort needed to look at and understand each area.
Any thoughts on this Article, the process being undertaken, and related constructive feedback are welcome.
Notes:
[1] - All previous Faith Articles focusing on the One Page New Testament can be found at this page: www.teachthemtoobey.co.uk/blog/
[2] - “Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament, based upon Semantic Domains” Volumes 1 and 2 - Louw and Nida - Published by and © United Bible Societies - 1988
[3] - “Mounce’s Complete Expository Dictionary of Old and New Testament Words” - © William D Mounce, 2006 - Published by Zondervan
[4] - https://dictionary.cambridge.org/dictionary/english/character
[5] - https://dictionary.cambridge.org/dictionary/english/integrity
[6] - Unless otherwise stated, all scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.TM used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide. www.zondervan.com. The “NIV” and “New International Version” are trademarks registered in the United States Patent and Trademark Office by Biblica, Inc.TM.
The Bible references presented are illustrative rather than aiming to be ‘proof texts’. They are examples only as there are, generally, many more we could look at. Please note that when looking at any Bible verse references, you should ideally consider more than one translation / respected version to get a more rounded view, and look at the wider context for each verse too. When Greek words are translated, Bible scholars do not always use the same English word every time it appears in the Greek. This is why it is useful to look at more than one Bible version.
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