The Quest for Character by John MacArthur

by John F. MacArthur Jr.

You're a real jewel. It's the truth! You're a holy treasure buried in the wilderness of this world and John MacArthur wants to take you on an excursion to unearth your heaven-sent value. That's where The Quest for Character begins.>

In an easy, conversational style, MacArthur focuses on dozens of character traits formed as you interact with others. Quick-read chapters examine discernment, purity, courage, passion, humility, sincerity, accountability, devotion, integrity, selflessness, resiliency, generosity, and more. Adults as well as teens will enjoy this innovative approach to building a more Christlike character and learning to live a richer life on earth. Start now to gather your treasure for Jesus. Come on…take The Quest!

Genres: Christian, Christian Living, Theology, Leadership, Christianity, Devotional, Nonfiction

Hardcover

First published May 10, 2006

About the author

John F. MacArthur, Jr. was a United States Calvinistic evangelical writer and minister, noted for his radio program entitled Grace to You and as the editor of the Gold Medallion Book Award-winning MacArthur Study Bible. MacArthur was a fifth-generation pastor, a popular author and conference speaker, and served as pastor-teacher of Grace Community Church in Sun Valley, California beginning in 1969, as well as President of The Master’s College (and the related Master’s Seminary) in Santa Clarita, California.

Reviews

[Jason Lilly · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of MacArthur's best. A good, quick read about true Christian character and how our goal should be to pursue God's expectation of holiness without ceasing.

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."

[Josh Anders · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just a wonderful read. It has tiny chapters, so I used it in a devotional style. J Mac takes you through the beatitudes and a few other NT segments into 1 Corinthians 13, discussing the foundations of Christian character. This is a very, very practical book. Highly recommend to all

[Sabrina · Rating 1 out of 5]

It was a compliation of the Beatitudes, the progress of faith, the Fruits of the Spirit, and their adding of triumph of love. It was nice to see it put together a bit more side by side. There was a passage in the chapter under self-control that mentioned being overweight was a sign of no self control and I don't believe that an author should say that espically if you are basically telling believers that they have failed in their faith if they are overweight. We never know the story and weight is not a show of health.

[Keiki Hendrix · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Katie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I always enjoy reading John MacArthors books! Some great lessons and thought-provoking comments!

[Amanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Between 4 and 3.5 stars. The reason I don't give it more is because I felt like some of the explanations were very simplistic. I did enjoy this book though, as he goes through the fruits of the spirit, the beatitudes, the process of faith in 2 Peter, and the love chapter in 1 Corinthians 13. It was inspiring, and helpful to read into more detail about each of the beatitudes and characteristics of faith and to help apply them to daily life. Good devotional and easy 1-2 page short reads on each item of character.

[Phillip · Rating 5 out of 5]

A super-easy read, but well worth the reminder of true Godly living. The content is Scripturally based and referenced. Of course I recommend this book for those who need a reminder of why the spiritual journey is worth it.

[J. Franklin · Rating 4 out of 5]

A solid, short overview of several passages dealing with character that we can develop in our lives. Recommended!

[Shannon Cooper]

Absolutely loved reading through this book. It is an easy read, but it is also one of those books you need to read over again and again, because there is so much to glean from it. It is a challenging book in the sense that Pastor MacArthur takes you through godly characteristics laid out in scripture. As I was going through the book I began to see how far I fall short of God's standard, but yet I know that "He who began a good work in you will finish it" The only complaint I have against the book was that I thought some chapters were too short, but yet even in the short pages there was still so much to learn. This is definitely a book I will pick up again and again. If you truly desire to be more like Christ, this is a book that will help you learn through scripture what it means to be Christlike.

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a collection of the characteristics of, well, character, all from the Bible. Virtue, patience, love, humility, kindness-all of these are covered as well as many more. I am on my third pass of this book because I think that learning how to be someone with character is something that just isn't taught, and is something that is essential. I wish everyone, even those who weren't Christians, would read this book. The world needs more humble, loving, kind people.

[Alex · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an excellent book containing good biblical principles. If your on a quest for good character this is the book for you. It goes through the beatitudes of the bible and breaks each one down. It shows you what the true biblical meaning of love is and what it might look like. It was overall a very recommendable book.

[Angela · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good basic Christian apologetics text. Beautiful graphics.

[Raven · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really good. Eye opening.

[Laura · Rating 3 out of 5]

I would give this three and a half stars.

[William Tefteller · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great read.

[Lauren · Rating 4 out of 5]

A thought-provoking look at your inner motivations in life...