Biblical Character Illustrated Curriculum Illustrated in Scripture
CONTENTS
“The testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple” (Psalm 19:7b). Biblical
2 Introduction
character is illustrated in this curriculum
2 How to Use This Curriculum
through both artwork and lessons from
3 Goals and Objectives
the lives of people in God’s Word. We most
4 Character Quality Overview
often benefit from the positive examples
ever things were written aforetime were
Lesson 1: Remember That He Is My Confidence
written for our learning, that we through
8 Bible Story: David Confidently Confronts a Giant
patience and comfort of the scriptures
9 Memory Verse: Psalm 118:8–9
might have hope” (Romans 15:4). And there
10 Activity: Rocks of Confidence
of faithful men and women. “For whatso-
were people in the Bible who are repre-
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sentations of poor character, and we can
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Lesson 2: Speak the Truth Without Fear
learn from their lives as well. “Now these
12 Bible Story: Peter and John Fearlessly Speak
things were our examples, to the intent we
should not lust after evil things, as they
13 Memory Verse: Acts 4:29
also lusted” (I Corinthians 10:6). We would
14 Activity: Melting Fears
be wise to learn from the testimonies God has given us in Scripture.
Illustrated in Life “Faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by
to the Council
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Lesson 3: Stand for What Is Right
16 Bible Story: Elijah Stands for God on Mount Carmel
17 Memory Verse: I Kings 18:21
18 Activity: Word Search
the word of God” (Romans 10:17). Hearing the Word of God causes us to grow in faith.
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Lesson 4: Communicate With Grace
This curriculum offers many practical
20 Bible Story: Esther Communicates With Grace
applications of God’s Word to everyday
21 Memory Verse: Colossians 4:6
life. “But be ye doers of the word, and not
22 Activity: What to Say in a Gracious Way
hearers only” (James 1:22). As God enables us to act in faith, our lives as believers will
23 Additional Resources
illustrate His character to others.
23 Hymn History: “Stand Up, Stand Up for Jesus”
24 Hymn Sheet Music: “Stand Up, Stand Up for Jesus”
25 Explaining Salvation to a Child
26 Journal Entry and Application Chart
27 Reproducible Coloring Pages
31 Answer Key
The character of God is illustrated in Scripture. May it also be illustrated in our lives.
by George Duffield
Character Quality Overview What is Boldness? Read aloud, study, and discuss what boldness means and how it applies to life.
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he operational definition of boldness is confidence that what I have to say or do is true and right and
just in the sight of God. A bold person is willing to obey when God calls them to take a stand for Him. Boldness requires discernment to know when to stand, courage to face the unknown, wisdom to foresee the outcome, and love to communicate graciously. The first step of boldness is to yield to the call of the Lord. God’s Word shows us what is true, and He “The wicked flee when no man pur-
has commissioned us
sueth: but the righteous are bold as a
to go and proclaim
lion” (Proverbs 28:1).
that truth to the world through our words
and actions. Are you resisting that call or agreeing that He has called you to proclaim truth? He will teach you what is true, right, and just. You can be confident in Him. When you are in fellowship with the Lord and willing to yield to Him, the Holy Spirit will teach you to know how and when to take a stand for truth. The opposite of boldness is fearfulness. If your focus turns from the Lord, fear creeps in easily. Not everyone will agree with the truth. You may worry what
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people will say or do if you stand for what is right. Instead of being fearful, ask yourself, “What is God asking me to do?” and “What will happen to others if I remain silent?” Total commitment to God and genuine love for others will motivate you to be bold. “For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind. Be not thou therefore ashamed of the testimony of our Lord” (II Timothy 1:7–8). Boldness is needed often. Perhaps you hear someone say there is more than one way to heaven. Is that true? God can enable you to speak up and tell this person that Jesus is the only way to heaven and why that fact is true. What if a friend asks you to keep a secret from your parents? Is that the right thing to do? Ask God to give you the boldness to tell your friend that keeping secrets from parents is not a wise thing to do. Or if you know someone who was falsely accused, do you speak up so the real offender can face his just penalty? God told Israel that if she did not Even praying over your listen and obey Him, then she food in public is a simple would lose boldness before her way you can be bold in enemies. “The sound of a shaken your witness for Christ. leaf shall chase them; and they Humbly listen to the lead- shall flee, as fleeing from a sword; ing of the Holy Spirit and and they shall fall when none God will enable you to be pursueth” (Leviticus 26:36). bold at the right time!
Boldness in Scripture Read aloud and discuss each verse, question, and concept.
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roverbs 2:1–6 says, “My son, if thou wilt receive my words, and hide my commandments with thee; so that thou incline thine ear unto wisdom, and apply thine heart to understanding; yea, if thou criest after knowledge, and liftest up thy voice for understanding; if thou seekest her as silver, and searchest for her as for hid treasures; then shalt thou understand the fear of the Lord, and find the knowledge of God. For the Lord giveth wisdom: out of his mouth cometh knowledge and understanding.” What a privilege to study the rich truths of God’s Word, hide them in your heart, and apply them to daily life! These truths are priceless treasures, far above the value and beauty of rubies and diamonds. As you dig deeper into God’s Word, see Who God is, and allow Him to work in you, your life will be a radiant expression of His love. He will be glorified as His character is seen in you.
THE CHARACTER OF GOD We see examples of boldness in God’s character in the following ways: •
We can be confident that God is truth. (See Titus 1:2.)
•
We can be confident that God is righteousness. (See Psalm 98:2.)
•
We can be confident in God’s justice. (See Genesis 18:25.)
•
Jesus did not hesitate to act when He saw the temple being used in a way that was not right. (See Mark 11:15–17.)
•
Jesus’ authority gave Him a boldness which astonished His hearers. (See Mark 1:22.)
•
Using Scripture, Jesus stood firm against Satan. (See Matthew 4:5–7.)
•
The Holy Spirit gives us power, not fear. (See Romans 8:15, II Timothy 1:7.)
BOLDNESS IN MY LIFE Now let’s examine some ways God wants us to live out boldness daily. •
Do my words and actions inspire confidence or fear in those around me? (See Deuteronomy 20:8.)
•
Do I have confidence that God is my Helper, or do I fear what people could do to me? (See Hebrews 13:6.)
•
How do I react when people make fun of my faith? Do I hide that I am a Christian, or do I tell them about Jesus? (See Romans 1:16–17.)
•
How do I respond when God asks me to speak or take a stand? Am I willing to trust God to give me boldness, or do I try to find a reason why I cannot obey Him? (See Isaiah 6:8.)
•
Do I study and memorize God’s Word so that I know the truth well and can boldly reject Satan’s lies? (See John 8:31–32.)
•
Should Christians fear standing before God on Judgment Day, or can they be confident in God’s love for them? (See I John 4:17–18.)
•
Am I praying for missionaries and pastors who need boldness to preach the Gospel? (See Ephesians 6:18–19.)
•
Because I cannot boldly proclaim a truth I am not practicing, am I careful to live according to God’s Word? (See Philippians 1:27–28.)
BOLDNESS KEY VERSE “And now, Lord, behold their threatenings: and grant unto thy servants, that with all boldness they may speak thy word.” ACTS 4:29
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Boldness GEMs Read and discuss how you could apply each GEM. GEM is an acronym for “God Enables Me.” This phrase
four character lessons in this booklet. Let’s read
begins each of the ten statements that describe the
together the ten “God Enables Me” statements and
outworking of Christ’s character in our lives. The four
take time to meditate on the Scriptures that help us
underlined GEM statements will be the focus of the
understand these aspects of from God’s Word.
God Enables Me to . . . •
•
Remember that He is my confidence. “It is better
utterance may be given unto me, that I may open
to trust in the LORD than to put confidence in
my mouth boldly, to make known the mystery
man. It is better to trust in the LORD than to put
of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in
confidence in princes” (Psalm 118:8–9).
bonds: that therein I may speak boldly, as I ought
Know the truth. “We are of God: he that knoweth
to speak” (Ephesians 6:18–20). “Only Luke is with
God heareth us; he that is not of God heareth not
me. Take Mark, and bring him with thee: for he is
us. Hereby know we the spirit of truth, and the
profitable to me for the ministry” (II Timothy 4:11).
spirit of error” (I John 4:6). •
other apostles answered and said, We ought to
behold their threatenings: and grant unto thy
obey God rather than men” (Acts 5:29).
Keep a clear conscience. “This charge I commit
know how ye ought to answer every man”
unto thee, son Timothy, according to the prophecies
(Colossians 4:6). •
Live consistent with my message. “I therefore so
mightest war a good warfare; holding faith, and
run, not as uncertainly; so fight I, not as one that
a good conscience; which some having put away
beateth the air: but I keep under my body, and bring
concerning faith have made shipwreck”
it into subjection: lest that by any means, when
(I Timothy 1:18–19).
I have preached to others, I myself should be a
Stand for what is right. “How long halt ye between
castaway” (I Corinthians 9:26–27).
Baal, then follow him” (I Kings 18:21).
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Communicate with grace. “Let your speech be alway with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may
two opinions? If the LORD be God, follow him: but if •
•
thy word” (Acts 4:29).
which went before on thee, that thou by them
•
Be willing to stand alone. “Then Peter and the
Speak the truth without fear. “And now, Lord, servants, that with all boldness they may speak
•
•
•
Fear God, not man. “And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but
Support others when they are right. “Praying
rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul
always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit,
and body in hell” (Matthew 10:28). “The fear of man
and watching thereunto with all perseverance
bringeth a snare: but whoso putteth his trust in
and supplication for all saints; and for me, that
the Lord shall be safe” (Proverbs 29:25).
LESSON 2
GOD ENABLES ME TO
Speak the Truth Without Fear INTRODUCTION
Peter and John Fearlessly Speak to the Council
Have you ever been afraid that if you did what was right, people would laugh at you? God tells us that we do not need to fear. In fact, when we are fearful, that fear is not from God: “For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind” (II Timothy 1:7). Therefore, when we know the right thing to say, we ought to speak boldly. While Satan can intimidate us in an effort to keep us silent, God enables us to proclaim His truth. When you see something is wrong, take action. When you see injustice, speak up. How exciting that God is with us and that we have no need to fear as we follow His lead. “We may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me” (Hebrews 13:6).
BOLDNESS Confidence that what I have to say or do is true and right and just in the sight of God
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BIBLE STORY PETER AND JOHN FEARLESSLY SPEAK TO THE COUNCIL
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he last instructions of Jesus to His disciples before
work of God will go unattacked by the enemy. One day
He ascended into heaven were to be witnesses in
on their way to prayer, Peter and John healed a lame
Jerusalem, and in Judea, and in Samaria, and unto
man, which caused quite a stir at the temple! Peter
the ends of the earth. Soon thereafter, both Peter
began preaching truth to the people who gathered,
and John were in the upper room when the gift of
and again, thousands believed on Jesus. The Sadducees
the Holy Spirit was given to guide them in all truth.
immediately arrested Peter and John. The two disciples
Peter, following Jesus’ Great Commission, was the
were standing before the rulers, elders, scribes, and
first to rise and proclaim truth to those who stood
the high priest’s relatives which made up the council
nearby, encouraging them to repent and be baptized
(religious court). Would Peter boldly proclaim Christ
in the name of Jesus. Three thousand souls were
before the council? Read this account from God’s Word
saved that day! After such a dynamic beginning of the
and learn the secret of Peter and John’s boldness and
first century Church, troubles quickly followed. No
what happened when they spoke without fear.
BIBLE STORY QUESTIONS Read Acts 4:1–30 together and discuss the following questions: 1. What core Gospel truth did Peter and John boldly preach to the people? (See Acts 4:1–2.)
5. What did the religious leaders notice about Peter and John? (See Acts 4:13.)
What are the basic truths of the Gospel? Have you ever been involved in sharing the Good News?
Do you regularly spend time with Jesus? When do you read your Bible and pray?
2. How did the religious leaders react to Peter and John’s message? How did the multitude respond? (See Acts 4:3–4.) When was a time you spoke the truth and received a positive response? Have you ever received a negative response? Did the person’s response affect the truth of your message? 3. How did God empower Peter to boldly answer the religious leaders? (See Acts 4:8.) When your stand for righteousness is questioned, are you able to answer boldly? What promise is given to believers in Mark 13:11? 4. What was the main point of Peter’s message to the religious leaders? (See Acts 4:9–12.) If you had the opportunity to tell someone about Jesus, what would you tell them? 12
6. How did the council deal with Peter and John and their preaching? (See Acts 4:17–18.) Was there ever a time you were told to do something wrong—something that was against God’s will? What did you do? 7. What was Peter and John’s bold, yet respectful, response to the council? (See Acts 4:19–20.) Who do you know who has spoken out boldly, but was still respectful and humble? 8. What did Peter and John do after they were released by the council? (See Acts 4:23–24.) Which of your friends would encourage you to speak boldly and then rejoice with you afterward? How can you encourage your friends, brothers, and sisters to do what is right?
LESSON 2
MEMORY VERSE ACTS 4:29
Play the game together to help the children commit Acts 4:29 to memory. In the section “Doers of the Word,” have the children record how they will apply the verse to their lives.
“And now, Lord, behold their threatenings: and grant unto thy servants, that with all boldness they may speak thy word.” ACTS 4:29
MEMORY VERSE GAME
DOERS OF THE WORD
Knock, Knock, You’re It!
In the blank below, write how this verse could be
Select one child to sit facing a wall, with his back toward
or “not fear man’s threats,” or “share the Gospel
the others. Have the other children slowly read the verse aloud together. As each word of the verse is said, a different child raises and lowers his hand followed by the next child raising and lowering his hand as the next word is said. While the children are reciting the verse, the one with his back to the others chooses when to knock on the wall. When he knocks, whoever was raising his hand at
applied in your life, e.g., “rely on You for boldness,” with someone.” “Dear Lord, I yield to You and am willing to apply this verse. Help me to _______________ ________________________________________. I ask that You would develop boldness in my life. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.”
that moment switches places with the “knocker.” Continue
When the Lord gives you an opportunity to apply
until everyone has the verse memorized or each person
this verse, write it in your journal to later recall
has had a chance to be the “knocker.”
God’s working in your life.
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ACTIVITY MELTING FEARS
Supplies: •
Styrofoam cup
•
Permanent marker
•
Ceramic or glass plate (Do not use paper, plastic, or styrofoam plates.)
•
Nail polish remover (Must be 100% acetone. Adult supervision is recommended.)
God’s Word has the power to dispel our fears! Whenever you are afraid to speak the truth, remember what God’s Word says. His Word is true, and as you believe it, your fears will dissolve and you will be free to speak the truth. Let’s write another fear you have on a piece of styrofoam and then think of a verse you can ask God to help you remember when you have this fear. When you have a verse, let’s say it and then put
Instructions
the styrofoam fear on the plate and watch it dissolve.
Pour several ounces of nail polish remover onto the ceramic
Continue dropping additional pieces of styrofoam (fears)
plate. Break off part of the styrofoam cup and hold it up
into the nail polish remover (God’s Word) and talking to
so the children can see it.
the children about their fears.
This piece of styrofoam represents fear. Can you think
Sample fears and Scriptures:
of a fear that would keep you from being bold? Ask children for suggestions. You may also see the list below for ideas. Write a fear on the styrofoam piece.
• •
In II Timothy 1:7, we read that “God has not given us
•
the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a
•
sound mind.” If we believe what God’s Word says, then we will not be afraid. The nail polish remover on this plate represents God’s Word. God’s Word can conquer our fears. What Scripture relates to the fear we wrote on the piece of styrofoam mentioned earlier? Ask children for suggestions. What do you think will happen to the fear written on this styrofoam when it comes in contact with God’s Word which is represented by the nail polish remover? Watch the styrofoam instantly dissolve in the nail polish remover.
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• •
Fear of what people will think of me. (See Proverbs 29:25.) Fear of what people will do. (See Psalm 56:11.) Fear of evil. (See Psalm 23:4.) Fear of being rejected or left alone. (See Hebrews 13:5–6.) Fear of talking to others. (See John 14:27.) Other fears. (See Psalm 56:3.) NAIL PO LISH REMOV ER
100% ac Maximum etone WARNING:
Strength
EXTREM
ELY FLA MMABL E
Hymn History “Stand Up, Stand Up for Jesus” Sing “Stand Up, Stand Up for Jesus.” Read about the boldness of the young man whose life was the inspiration for this song by hymnwriter George Duffield. Although only 30 years old, Dudley Tyng was already
artery in his arm was severely damaged, and the
known as a bold, uncompromising preacher. He
doctor had no choice except amputation. In the days
would seek out those who needed Christ, and boldly
following the accident, infection set in, forcing the
preach to them the Gospel. This young man also
doctor to determine,
boldly spoke against the evils of slavery despite
“He cannot get well.”
knowing that such an abolitionist stance could cost
Yet, the injured man
him his pastorate. Just days before a terrible accident
boldly asked, “Doctor,
that would cut his life short, Pastor Tyng preached
are you a Christian?
to a packed auditorium of 5,000 men. His message
If not, come to Jesus.”
was from Exodus 10:11, “Go now ye that are men, and
Pastor Tyng led the
serve the Lord.” Placing his left hand on his right arm
doctor to Christ! Still,
at the shoulder, he fervently avowed, “I must tell my
the young man was
Master’s errand, and I would rather this right arm
dying. His father, also
were amputated at the trunk, than that I should come
a pastor, tearfully
short of my duty to you in delivering God’s message.”
and gently asked his
George Duffield Jr.
Of that assembly, an estimated 1,000 men came to
son, “Do you have a
(1818–1888)
Christ that day! As Pastor Tyng left the meeting, he
farewell message for your friends?” The bold preacher
had no idea what would soon happen.
whispered his final words in response: “Tell them to
Shortly thereafter, Pastor Tyng was spending a day in his study. Outside in the Pennsylvania farmyard an old mule plodded in a giant circle, powering the corn sheller. Ready for a break, the preacher strolled outside to check on the corn shelling. Entering the shed, the young man reached to scratch the mule’s head. Suddenly, Pastor Tyng’s long, loose sleeve caught in the corn shelling gears! Swiftly his arm was yanked into the giant wheel, up to his shoulder. The main
Photo courtesy of www.hymntime.com/tch
stand up for Jesus.” Ye that are men now serve Him Against unnumbered foes; Let courage rise with danger And strength to strength oppose.
Do you take a stand for what is right? Are you bold in telling others about Christ? Remember Pastor Tyng’s example and ask God to enable you to boldly stand up for Christ today!
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Explaining Salvation to a Child Christ Our Righteousness Before reading to the children, write examples of sin (selfishness, mean words, lying, stealing, disobedience, rudeness, wrong thoughts, good actions without faith, etc.) on several sticky notes. You will also need a white bed sheet or bathrobe to represent Jesus’ robe of righteousness.
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he Bible tells us about God. He is the Creator of the universe and is holy. God loves us and created us to have fellowship with Him. (See Revelation 4:11.) Select a child to stand and represent all people. Romans 3:23 says, “For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God.” Sin is anything we think, say, or do that breaks God’s Law. Can you name some examples of sin?
If we accept His gift of salvation, God no longer sees our sin when He looks at us! Put the white sheet around the child. Now, when God looks at us, He instead sees the righteousness of Christ! Isaiah 61:10 describes what has happened this way: “My soul shall be joyful in my God; for he hath clothed me with the garments of salvation, he hath covered me with the robe of righ-
Now place the sticky notes with examples of sin onto his clothes.
teousness. . . .” In Romans 10:9–10, we are told how
Because God is holy, our sin separates us from having fellowship with Him. However, because God loves us so much, He sent His Son, Jesus, to take the punishment for our sin. Jesus died on the cross and rose again, conquering death! Now we can have fellowship with God. (See John 17:3.)
thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine
we can accept this gift: “That if thou shalt confess with heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.” Are you relying on the righteousness of Christ for your salvation? If so, your sins are forgiven and
In a Nutshell 1. God created all things (Colossians 1:16). God is holy (Leviticus 19:2). God loves us (John 3:16). 2. Our sin separates us from God (Romans 3:23). 3. God sent His Son, Jesus, to provide the way for our sins
His burial, and His glorious resurrection (I Corinthians 15:3–4). 4. We can do nothing to earn salvation. It is a free gift from God that we receive by faith (Ephesians 2:8–9). 5. We receive that gift of salvation
to be forgiven and for fellow-
by confessing with our mouth
ship with Him to be restored
that Jesus is Lord and believing
(Ephesians 1:6–7). Jesus accom-
in our heart that God has
plished our salvation through
raised Him from the dead
His crucifixion on the cross,
(Romans 10:9–10).
covered, and Christ is living in you! Just as the Apostle Paul wrote in Galatians 2:20, you can also say, “I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.” God gives us eternal life—sweet, constant fellowship in the Spirit with our Savior— and then His righteousness is seen in us for His glory. (See John 15:4–10.)
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JOURNAL ENTRY Record how God gave your family opportunities to apply this character quality.
APPLICATION CHART Searching for the rich truths of God’s Word and applying them in your life is far more valuable than discovering rubies and diamonds. Add a check mark or sticker in a diamond each time God enables you to apply loyalty in one of the suggested ways. Let's set a goal and then celebrate not only the accomplishment of applying God’s Word, but also our gratefulness for the work He is doing in our lives. Memorize a verse about God’s trustworthiness. Tell the truth.
Look for answers in God’s Word.
Clear my conscience by asking forgiveness.
When a friend suggests doing something wrong, offer a permitted alternative.
Publicly support those who take a Godly stand.
Pray for those who are taking a Godly stand.
Ask a parent to teach you ways to respond with grace in a situation.
Tell someone about Jesus.
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Quote a verse when faced with a fear.
LESSON 2: Peter and John Fearlessly Speak to the Council
“Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were unlearned and ignorant men, they marvelled; and they took knowledge of them, that they had been with Jesus� (Acts 4:13). 28