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Question 9

Chuck claims Isaiah 11:1–3 (Septuagint) is the best starting point for the Spirit’s character—wisdom, understanding, counsel, might, knowledge, godliness, and especially “the fear of God”; which of those characteristics are celebrated in your Christian world, which are quietly avoided, and what does your avoidance reveal about what you want God to be like?

Another way to ask: In Isaiah 11:1–3, which traits of the Spirit (like wisdom, understanding, counsel, might, knowledge, godliness, and fear of God) does your Christian community praise most, and which does it avoid? What does that avoidance say about the kind of God you want?

Direct Answer Chuck’s teaching points us to evaluate whether we want a “partial” Spirit—focusing only on comfortable traits—rather than the full sevenfold character Isaiah describes, including “the fear of God.” Avoiding certain traits may reveal a desire for a God who affirms more than He confronts.

Support from Transcript:

Chuck calls Isaiah 11:1–3 “the best possible place to start” for the Spirit’s character.
He lists the seven characteristics (Septuagint): “wisdom… understanding… counsel… might… knowledge… godliness… [and] the fear of God.”
He warns about modern imbalance: churches may focus on certain traits of Jesus (mercy, grace, love) “without focusing on the other characteristics.”
He cites Romans 11: “Consider the kindness and the sternness of God,” applying the same principle to the Spirit.
He stresses the neglected piece: “including the last one… the Spirit of the fear of God… which filled Jesus.”
He urges a “complete three-dimensional stereo view” rather than selective emphasis.

Discussion Follow-ups Which of the seven are most preached in your circles, and which rarely appear? If “fear of God” filled Jesus, what might change in how we talk about maturity, worship, and repentance?

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