Customer Reviews

The Quest for Character

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When I first heard of this book I thought it would be a companion to one of MacArthur's other books The Book On Leadership because the cover design was similar. But when it came in the mail it was actually a tiny gift-size book. I skimmed it and felt a little disappointed because it just seemed like a brief review with a lot of artwork. But then I read it. This may be a small book, but it "packs a punch." I never would have thought that a coffee-table type book could be so convicting!

One thing that I was right about is that the book is a bit of a review. In four short sections MacArthur covers "The Beatitudes" from Matthew 5:3-12, "The Progress of Faith" from 2 Peter 1:5-8, "The Fruit of the Spirit" from Galatians 5:22-23, and "The Triumph of Love" from 1 Corinthians 13:4-8. With not even 150 pages to the book, the chapters aren't able to go into much detail. This isn't an in-depth look at these four character studies, but rather a glimpse of them. Hopefully the glimpse will stir readers on, as it did me, to deeper study of the Scriptures they cover.

Each chapter is, at most, four pages long, so this book is easy to read. I found it to be very inspiring in the challenges it presented for my own character. Below are some specific portions that I gleaned a lot from.

- Chapter 4 "A Parched Soul" This chapter addresses the heart of our desires. Most people want pleasure, comfort, popularity or power but the righteous person will I "hunger and thirst for righteousness." (Matthew 5:6) The righteous person desires most for God to be glorified. MacArthur writes about the difficulty many Christians have because they desire the things of the world rather than righteousness. I really like how he said,

"If you recognize your spiritual poverty,

then turn to Christ as Lord and Savior.

Ask Him to give you spiritual live by his Spirit.

He promises He will turn no one away." (p.28)

I was encouraged by this knowing that as His child, I can trust Him to replace my old fleshly desires with new ones. Though I sometimes seek for self, I can pray and ask Him to replace that self-centeredness with a hunger and thirst for righteousness and His glory.

-Chapter 7 "A Passion For Peace" The idea of peace is sometimes just that in my mind...an idea. With so much evil and sin I wonder how things could ever be peaceful. I was challenged by what MacArthur writes about peace and its interconnectedness to holiness:

"Jesus never sought to avoid conflict or persecution for the

sake of false peace. Scripture says, 'The wisdom that is from

above is first pure, then peaceable.' (James 3:17) As much as we

love peace and prefer peace over any kind of conflict, making

peace with evil is unthinkable. Sanctioning evil brings no peace at all.

One of the best ways we can be peacemakers is by proclaiming the

gospel of reconciliation to a world in conflict. (p. 39-40)

-Chapter 10 "Virtue" I found this chapter to be very motivating for me to actively seek to develop Christlike character . MacArthur says,

"There is no shortcut to Christlike character.

If virtue could instantly be ours through some

sort of passive, instantaneous, supernatural experience,

Peter would have urged us to seek that experience.

He doesn't. He commands diligence and describes a

process of gradual sanctification whereby we are

increasingly conformed to the image of Christ as we

exercise diligence in the cultivation of personal virtues.

Don't be frustrated by the process. Embrace it and be diligent

to see it through the end." (p.53)

-Chapter 17 "Love" I've studied the fruits of the Spirit many times, but I really enjoyed MacArthur's brief look at them in his book.

"No one can cultivate genuine virtue apart from saving faith

in Christ. These virtues are all the fruits of the Spirit's work

in and through us. You cannot manufacture fruit. Fruit grows

on its own in the right circumstances and given a suitable

environment. You can't get a sweet pear from a bramble bush,

and all the factory workers and equipment in the world could

never fabricate an orange." (p. 81)

This quote reminded me that the expression "fruit of the Spirit" is just that. The Spirit is the root and worker of fruit in my life. I could never produce any character on my own. This book stirred my heart to be more diligent in my pursuit of obedience to God's Word by adding to my faith the virtues Christ perfectly examplifies.

MacArthur's The Quest for Character is a look at what a Christian should be like -- or at least be working toward. He takes the reader through the Beatitudes (Matt 5:3-12), 2 Peter 1:5-8, the Fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23), and the famous description of love in 1 Corinthians 13:4-8. Each of the 41 chapters is a short look at one particular virtue, and it is probably good to read just one or two chapters at a time and then chew on that for a while. His writing is crisp, clear, and generally deep. He will probably step on your toes, but you'll be the better for it.

On a more material note, this book, like all of J Countryman's books, is beautiful. It is also, as a result, a bit expensive for its size. Even so, I think this book is one you would do well to purchase and read on a regular basis.

You can never go wrong with anything written by John MacArthur. He speaks the truth in the way that God had intended His word to be taught. He digs deep in research bringing conviction to all of us no matter how obedient we think we are. He doesn't water it down. Too many so called Christians are looking for self help, make me feel good books. John's books teaches us how to please God and in turn we receive His blessings. John's books lead us into a true relationship with our Creator.

Bible scholar and preacher John MacArthur does it again with a pocket-sized study into Christian character as he focuses on four lessons from the Bible that lay out perfect Christian character. Like usual, MacArthur denounces the worldly views on what good character truly is and focuses instead on the example that we are meant to emulate: Jesus Christ.

MacArthur takes his reader on a journey through the Beatitudes(Matt. 5:3-12), the Progress of Faith (2 Peter 1:5-8), the Fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23), and the Qualities of Love (1 Cor. 13:4-8). This extensive (but still simple) study points out such characteristics as humility, meekness, courage, passion, integrity, generosity, to name only a few. MacArthur has quickly become one of my favorite Christian educators because of his extensive knowledge of the Bible and his desire to take up the challenge of "unleashing God's truth, one verse at a time."

I have read through this book now twice. Digging through the Bible to find the lists of traits that exemplify the type of person that God wills us to be can be daunting. MacArthur collects those lists of traits, qualities and behaviours together and then briefly yet expertly explains what they are and how they can be applied. Constantly going over these lists helps to burn them into your heart. Highly recommended.

This is a product, pure and simple - a once-over-lightly presentation of a few passages of Scripture. It's right on target biblically, as is everything of MacArthur's, and that is the reason I've rated it as highly as I have. Don't buy it expecting depth, however; there is none to be found here, by design.

Don't let the size of the book fool you. Though it is small it packs a punch. Many people are looking for step by step instructions when reading books on how to develope themselves. This book is not step by step. John MacArthur starts with the Beatitudes and works his way through the Fruit of the Spirit and so on. It will up to the reader and the Holy Spirit to get to new levels of maturity.

The Beatitudes are based around the word humility. How does someone teach that? Only the Holy Spirit can. If you're looking for a book to point you in the right direction, this is the book for you. If you want a step by step book on developing ones character, you will probably want to look elsewhere.

The Quest for Character by John MacArthur is a small book perfectly suited for anyone looking to dig into the scripture on the subject of character. Well written and logically arranged as you would expect from John MacArthur, pastor of Grace to You ministries.

Not your standard small hardcover gift book, Quest for Character contains glossy pages with beautiful images and graphics. It is a beautiful book but this doesn't compete with the wisdom includes inside.

There are four parts with 41 chapters, each focusing on a section of Scripture. Other Scriptures are also referenced and other authors are quoted adding insight and illustration.

Part One focuses on the Beatitudes from Matthew 5. MacArthur establishes the foundation by describing character in light of the Beatitudes. The topics covered here include humility, meekness, and maintaining a pure heart as well as many others.

Part Two discusses the issue of discipleship and drawing from II Peter. These chapter teach character as it relates to our actions and deeds. Topics covered in this section include: virtue, self-control, and godliness.

Part Three moves on to discuss the blessings and benefits that flow from those who first know the truth about character and the discipline required to live a life of character. Without trying, these blessings flow out of a person. These are the blessings of the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23).

Part Four discusses love, and not the wishy washy watered down version of what some understand as love. From I Corinthians 13, MacArthur relates that love is a choice. Making the choice to love, especially against our own ideas about what is right, is to triumph.

This is a short book but filled with wisdom, just what you expect from John MacArthur. I truly enjoyed reading this book. I am sure you will too.

Reviewed by: Keiki Hendrix
Reviewed for: The Vessel Project

The fine folks at Grace To You sent me a copy of John MacArthur's classic The Quest For Character.

You can watch the nightly news, read the newspaper, Twitter, etc.. and see very clearly that character in our society is missing. From famous stars, sports figures, leaders, and so forth are not using God's roadmap.

There are 41 "chapters" in this book, but don't let that frighten you. There's 143 pages, so it can be a quick read.

I read the book over a few days, but it should be used in a way where you pick it up and read a few chapters pertaining to what you're struggling with at the time.

The first 1/3 of the book talks abouto the Beatitudes, and then builds on the progress of Faith, Fruit of the Spirit, and closes with the triumph of love.

I encourage each of you to read the book the first time, cover to cover. Then use it as a guidepost, to reinforce how to be gentle, kind, self-controlled, and persevere in your daily walk.

Blessings!

This is One of Those Books, that if you Struggle to Spend Time Reading, or even to begin reading for that matter ~ Aside From the Bible ~ This Book Is a Must Have!

With only 142 Pages ~ And 41 Chapters ~ This Is a Precious Read for Anyone Seeking to Deepen their Walk with Christ or...Perhaps Even To Help a Lost Person Come to Know Christ.

In Chapter 4 ~ "The Parched Soul" It has these words on the last page:

"Want to Truly Be Satisfied? Cultivate and Feed an Appetite for Righteousness. If Your Heart is Dead and Spiritually Lifeless, You cannot by a sheer act of human will summon an appetite for true righteousness ~ Turn to Christ as Lord and Savior. Ask Him to Give You Spiritual Life by His Spirit. He Promises He will turn no one away."(John 6:37 *Scripture Reference Not in Book*)

So You See, If you have a Friend who kinda feels like:

"ya I go to church, but enjoy God? what is that?"

Then by the time they hit Chapter 4, By The Grace of God, they may see...If I don't have this necessary Fruit of Salvation of Enjoying God Through ~ Thirsting ~ for Righteousness, then perhaps God will open their eyes to the Light of the Gospel! (2 Corinthians 4:4)

But If You Do Enjoy Fellowship with God, and/or you have friends that do as well, then surely this book is for you also. For Chapters 9-16 Go through the "Progress of Faith" Which in 2 Peter Chapter 1 is the beginning verses of, as MacArthur puts it: "Adding Virtue Upon Virtue" Which Ties in, Actually to help you have Additional Assurance of Salvation According to MacArthur's book: "Saved Without A Doubt" Which I'm Currently Reading...

For A Sophisticated and 'Good-hearted' Friend who's not saved (that believes in the Word of God), this is a book for them! for the end of Chapter 4 is a reference to Dr. Martin Lloyd Jones Saying:

"If this verse (Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for Righteousness) is to you one of the most blessed statements of the whole of Scripture, you can be quite certain you are a Christian; if it is not, then you had better examine the foundations again".

And For You Seeking Assurance of Salvation or a more Precious Intimacy with Christ Then Get This Book. For Study, Devotional and Spiritual Growth.