BCIC Boldness Sample

Boldness Confidence that what I have to say or do is true and right and just in the sight of God

“And now, Lord, behold their threatenings: and grant unto thy servants, that with all boldness they may speak thy word.” ACTS 4:29

PETER AND JOHN BEFORE THE INTIMIDATING 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

SPIRITUAL GIFT:

BIBLICAL CHARACTER ILLUSTRATED CURRICULUM Illustrated in Scripture, Illustrated in Life

Prophet

CONTENTS

Biblical Character Illustrated Curriculum Illustrated in Scripture “The testimony of the LORD is sure, making

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6

wise the simple” (Psalm 19:7b). Biblical

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

5 Boldness in Scripture

of faithful men and women. “For whatso-

Lesson 1: Remember That He Is My Confidence 7 Bible Story: David Confidently Confronts a Giant 8 Memory Verse: Psalm 118:8–9 9 Activity: Rocks of Confidence

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Lesson 2:

Speak the Truth without Fear

11 Bible Story: Peter and John before the Intimidating Council 12 Memory Verse: Acts 4:29 13 Activity: Melting Fears

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Lesson 3:

Stand for What Is Right

15 Bible Story: Elijah Stands for God on Mount Carmel 16 Memory Verse: I Kings 18:21 17 Activity: Word Search

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Lesson 4:

Communicate with Grace

19 Bible Story: The Boldness of a Gracious Queen 20 Memory Verse: Colossians 4:6

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ever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope” (Romans 15:4). There were also people in the Bible who are representations of poor character, and we can learn from their lives as well. “Now these things were our examples, to the intent we should not lust after evil things, as they also lusted” (I Corinthians 10:6). We would be wise to learn from the testimonies God has given us in Scripture.

Illustrated in Life “Faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God” (Romans 10:17). Hearing the Word of God causes us to grow in faith.

This curriculum offers many practical applications of God’s Word to everyday life. “But be ye doers of the word, and not

21 Activity: What to Say in a Gracious Way

hearers only” (James 1:22). As God enables

Additional Resources

illustrate His character to others.

us to act in faith, our lives as believers will

22 Boldness GEMs 23 Journal and GEM

Mine

24 Hymn Sheet Music: “Stand Up, Stand Up for Jesus” 25 Hymn History: “Stand Up, Stand Up for Jesus”

by George Duffield 26 Explaining Salvation to a Child 27 Reproducible Coloring Pages 31 Recommended Resources

The character of God is illustrated in Scripture.

May it also be illustrated in our lives.

Character Quality Overview What Is Boldness?

Read aloud and discuss what boldness means and how it applies to life.

T

he operational definition of boldness is “confidence

people will say or do if you stand for what is right.

that what I have to say or do is true and right and

Instead of being fearful, ask yourself: “What is God

just in the sight of God.” A bold person is willing to

asking me to do?” and “What will happen to others

obey God when called to stand for righteousness.

if I remain silent?” Total commitment to God and

Boldness requires

genuine love for others will motivate you to be bold.

discernment to

“For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of

know when to stand,

power, and of love, and of a sound mind. Be not thou

courage to face the

therefore ashamed of the testimony of our Lord”

unknown, wisdom to

(II Timothy 1:7–8).

foresee the outcome,

Boldness is needed often. Perhaps you hear someone

and love to communi-

say there is more than one way to Heaven. Is that

cate graciously.

true? God can empower you to speak up and tell the

The key to boldness

person that Jesus is the only way to Heaven and why

is being yielded to God’s call on your life.

God’s Word teaches us what is true, and He “The wicked flee when no man pursueth: but the righteous are bold as a lion” (Proverbs 28:1).

has commissioned us to go and proclaim that truth to the world through our words

and actions. Are you resisting God’s will or agreeing that He has called you to proclaim truth? You can be confident that God desires to show you what is true, right, and just! When you are in fellowship with the Lord and willing to yield to Him, the Holy Spirit will guide you to know how and when to take a stand for truth.

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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 a form of dishonesty. Or if you know someone who was falsely accused, do you speak up so the actual offender can face his just penalty?

Even praying over your food in public can be a simple, bold witness for Christ. Humbly listen to the leading of the Holy

The opposite of boldness is fearfulness. If your focus

Spirit, and God will

turns from God, fear will quickly creep in. Not every-

enable you to be bold at

one will agree with the truth. You may worry what

the right time!

God told Israel that if she did not listen and obey Him, then she would lose boldness before her enemies. “The sound of a shaken leaf shall chase them; and they shall flee, as fleeing from a sword; and they shall fall when none pursueth” (Leviticus 26:36).

Boldness in Scripture

A

BOLDNESS KEY VERSE s you read and study God’s Word, you will

“And now, Lord, behold their threatenings: and

see Who He is! Be willing to be changed by

grant unto thy servants, that with all boldness

Him so Christ can be seen through your life and

they may speak thy word.” ACTS 4:29

others will glorify God.

The Character of God

Boldness in My Life

We see examples of boldness in God’s character in the following ways:

Now let’s examine some ways God wants us to live out boldness daily.

God is truthful and does not lie.

How might my words or actions give confidence to those around me?

(See Titus 1:2.)

(See Deuteronomy 20:8.)

• •

•

God reveals His righteousness before the heathen.

•

(See Hebrews 13:5–6.)

(See Psalm 98:2.)

•

God rules over all the earth with 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.

•

Jesus boldly taught with authority, which astonished His hearers.

•

Jesus stood firmly against Satan’s temptations by quoting Scripture.

•

The Holy Spirit gives believers power, not fear.

(See Romans 8:15, II Timothy 1:7.)

What practice would help me to boldly reject Satan’s lies and find true freedom?

(See John 8:31–32.)

•

Why should a Christian not fear standing before God on Judgment Day? (See I John 4:17–18.)

•

(See Matthew 4:5–7.)

•

Like Isaiah, what can I say in response to God’s call instead of giving excuses to disobey?

(See Isaiah 6:8.)

(See Mark 1:22.)

•

Why should I not be embarrassed to share the Gospel?

(See Romans 1:16–17.)

(See Mark 11:15–17.)

•

Why can I have confidence that I do not need to fear what people could do to me?

What could I pray for missionaries and pastors as they preach the Gospel?

(See Ephesians 6:18–19.)

•

Am I careful to live according to God’s Word so that I can proclaim the truth with confidence?

(See Philippians 1:27–28.)

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GOD ENABLES ME TO

Speak the Truth without Fear

INTRODUCTION

H

ave 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! We have no need to fear as we obey His Word: “So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me” (Hebrews 13:6).

Peter and John before the Intimidating Council

BOLDNESS Confidence that what I have to say or do is true and right and just in the sight of God 10

BIBLE STORY

LESSON 2

Peter and John before the Intimidating Council

A

fter receiving the Holy Spirit at Pentecost, the Apostle Peter did not hesitate to follow Jesus’

Speak the Truth without Fear

jump! Peter and John turned to the amazed audience.

Peter addressed the marveling crowd by first giving

final instruction to proclaim salvation throughout

praise to God. Then he declared how the listening

the world. As Peter preached truth to the people in

crowd had denied and murdered God’s Son not long

Jerusalem, the Church began to grow. One day on

before. Peter urged the people to repent. How would

their way to prayer, Peter and John met a lame man

the multitude and the religious leaders respond to

outside the Temple. They knew they could offer him

his fearless preaching? Surely the two apostles would

something more valuable than gold and silver. So, with

be brought before the intimidating religious court

confident faith, they fastened their eyes on the crippled beggar and Peter boldly declared: “In the name of Jesus

of Jewish scribes and elders! Would Peter boldly proclaim Christ there as well? Or would fear stop him

Christ of Nazareth rise up and walk”! Peter grasped

from speaking truth to these powerful leaders?

the man’s hand and lifted him up. Immediately the

Let’s read the Bible story in Acts 4:1–31 and then discuss the following questions.

lame man’s bones were healed—he could walk and

1. What Gospel truth did Peter and John boldly preach to the people? (See Acts 4:1–2.)

If you had the opportunity to tell someone about Jesus, what would you tell him?

What are the basic truths of the Gospel?

(See I Corinthians 15:3–4.) Have you ever been involved in sharing the Good News?

5. What did the religious leaders notice about Peter and John? (See Acts 4:13.)

2. How did the religious leaders react to Peter and John’s message? How did the multitude respond? (See Acts 4:3–4.)

When have you spoken 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 courageously 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 truthful message to the religious leaders?

(See Acts 4:9–12.)

Do you regularly spend time with Jesus? When do you read your Bible and pray?

6. How did the council deal with Peter and John and their preaching? (See Acts 4:17–18.)

Have you ever been told to do something wrong— something that was against God’s will? What did you do?

7. What was Peter and John’s fearless, yet respectful, response to the council? (See Acts 4:19–20.)

Who do you know that has spoken out boldly, yet was still respectful and humble?

8. What did Peter and John do after they were released? (See Acts 4:23–24.)

Of your friends, who would encourage you to speak boldly? How can you encourage your friends, brothers, and sisters to do what is right? (See Acts 4:29, 31.)

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Operational Definitions of Character Qualities ALERTNESS vs. Unawareness

ATTENTIVENESS vs. Unconcern

AVAILABILITY vs. Self-Centeredness

BOLDNESS vs. Fearfulness

CAUTIOUSNESS vs. Rashness

COMPASSION vs. Indifference

CONTENTMENT vs. Covetousness

Being aware of that which is taking place around me so that I can have the right response to it

Showing the worth of a person by giving undivided concentration to his words and emotions

Making my own schedule and priorities secondary to the wishes of those I am serving

Confidence that what I have to say or do is true and right and just in the sight of God

Knowing how important right timing is in accomplishing right actions

Investing whatever is necessary to heal the hurts of others

Realizing that God has provided everything I need for my present happiness

Mark 14:38

Hebrews 2:1

Acts 4:29

Proverbs 19:2

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M

Philippians 2:20–21

S

P

G

I John 3:17

M

I Timothy 6:8

G

CREATIVITY vs. Underachievement

DECISIVENESS vs. Double-mindedness

DEFERENCE vs. Rudeness

DEPENDABILITY vs. Inconsistency

DETERMINATION vs. Faintheartedness

DILIGENCE vs. Slothfulness

DISCERNMENT vs. Judgment

Approaching a need, a task, or an idea from a new perspective

The ability to finalize difficult decisions based on the will and ways of God

Limiting my freedom in order not to offend the tastes of those God has called me to serve

Fulfilling what I consented to do even if it means unexpected sacrifice

Purposing to accomplish God’s goals in God’s time regardless of the opposition

The God-given ability to understand why things happen

James 1:5

Romans 14:21

Visualizing each task as a special assignment from the Lord and using all my energies to accomplish it

Romans 12:2

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O

M

Psalm 15:4

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O

II Timothy 4:7–8

Colossians 3:23

T

I Samuel 16:7

E

DISCRETION vs. Simplemindedness

ENDURANCE vs. Giving Up

ENTHUSIASM vs. Apathy

FAITH vs. Unbelief

FLEXIBILITY vs. Resistance

FORGIVENESS vs. Rejection

GENEROSITY vs. Stinginess

The ability to avoid words, actions, and attitudes that could result in undesirable consequences

The inward strength to withstand stress to accomplish God’s best

Fervently expressing with my soul the joy of my spirit

Visualizing what God intends to do in a given situation and acting in harmony with it

Not setting my affections on ideas or plans that could be changed by God or others

Clearing the record of those who have wronged me and allowing God to love them through me

Realizing that all I have belongs to God and using it for His purposes

Hebrews 11:1

Colossians 3:2

Ephesians 4:32

Proverbs 22:3

E

I Thessalonians 5:16, 19

Galatians 6:9

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E

E

S

P

II Corinthians 9:6

S

GENTLENESS vs. Harshness

GRATEFULNESS vs. Unthankfulness

HOSPITALITY vs. Loneliness

HUMILITY vs. Pride

INITIATIVE vs. Unresponsiveness

JOYFULNESS vs. Self-Pity

JUSTICE vs. Corruption

Showing personal care and concern in meeting the needs of others

Making known to God and others in what ways they have benefited my life

Cheerfully sharing food, shelter, and spiritual refreshment with those God brings into my life

Recognizing and doing what needs to be done before I am asked to do it

Delighting in fellowship with the Lord regardless of my circumstances

Personal responsibility to uphold God’s unchanging laws

I Corinthians 4:7

Hebrews 13:2

Recognizing that without the help of God and others my achievements in life would not have been possible

Romans 12:21

Psalm 16:11

Micah 6:8

I Thessalonians 2:7

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G

S

O

James 4:6

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S

M

LOVE vs. Selfishness

LOYALTY vs. Unfaithfulness

MEEKNESS vs. Anger

OBEDIENCE vs. Willfulness

ORDERLINESS vs. Disorganization

PATIENCE vs. Restlessness

PERSUASIVENESS vs. Contentiousness

Giving to others’ basic needs without having as my motive personal reward

Using difficult times to demonstrate my commitment to God and to those He has called me to serve

Yielding my personal rights and expectations to God

Eagerly yielding to God’s Word rather than following my own will

Preparing myself and my surroundings so I will achieve the greatest efficiency

Guiding vital truths around another’s mental roadblocks

Psalm 62:5

II Corinthians 10:5

I Corinthians 14:40

Accepting a difficult situation from God without giving Him a deadline to remove it

I Corinthians 13:3

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O

John 15:13

M

P

O

Romans 5:3–4

T

II Timothy 2:24

P

PUNCTUALITY vs. Tardiness

RESOURCEFULNESS vs. Wastefulness

RESPONSIBILITY vs. Unreliability

REVERENCE vs. Disrespect

SECURITY vs. Anxiety

SELF-CONTROL vs. Self-Indulgence

SENSITIVITY vs. Callousness

Showing high esteem for other people and their time

Wise use of that which others would normally overlook or discard

Knowing and doing what both God and others are expecting from me

Luke 16:10

Romans 14:12

Structuring my life around that which is eternal and cannot be destroyed or taken away

Instant obedience to the initial promptings of God’s Spirit

Ecclesiastes 3:1

Awareness of how God is working through the people and events in my life to produce the character of Christ in me

Exercising my senses so I can perceive the true spirit and emotions of those around me

Proverbs 23:17–18

John 6:27

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G

O

T

T

Galatians 5:24–25

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M

Romans 12:15

SINCERITY vs. Hypocrisy

THOROUGHNESS vs. Incompleteness

THRIFTINESS vs. Extravagance

TOLERANCE vs. Prejudice

TRUTHFULNESS vs. Deception

VIRTUE vs. Impurity

WISDOM vs. Natural Inclinations

Eagerness to do what is right, with transparent motives

Knowing what factors will diminish the effectiveness of my work or words if neglected

Not letting myself or others spend that which is not necessary

Acceptance of others as unique expressions of specific character qualities in varying degrees of maturity

Earning future trust by accurately reporting past facts

The moral excellence and purity of spirit that radiate from my life as I obey God’s Word

Seeing and responding to life’s situations from God’s frame of reference

G Philippians 2:2

P

I Peter 1:22

P

T P— Prophet

Proverbs 18:15

S— Server

Luke 16:11

G T—Teacher

E— Exhorter

Ephesians 4:25

P G— Giver

II Peter 1:3–5

O— Organizer

E

Proverbs 9:10

M— Mercy

Revealing the character of Christ through the stories in His Word.

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