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

BIBLICAL CHARACTER ILLUSTRATED CURRICULUM Illustrated in Scripture, Illustrated in Life

GIFT: Prophet

SPIRITUAL

“The testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple” (Psalm 19:7b). Biblical character is illustrated in this curriculum through both artwork and lessons from the lives of people in God’s Word. We most often beneﬁt from the positive examples of faithful men and women. “For whatsoever 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 hearers only” (James 1:22). As God enables us to act in faith, our lives as believers will illustrate His character to others.

The character of God is illustrated in Scripture. May it also be illustrated in our lives.

Biblical Character Illustrated Curriculum

Character Quality Overview

What Is Boldness?

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

Theoperational 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 God when called to stand for righteousness. Boldness requires discernment to know when to stand, courage to face the unknown, wisdom to foresee the outcome, and love to communicate graciously.

The key to boldness is being yielded to God’s call on your life. God’s Word teaches us what is true, and He 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.

The opposite of boldness is fearfulness. If your focus turns from God, fear will quickly creep in. Not everyone will agree with the truth. You may worry what

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 tes t imony 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 empower you to speak up and tell the 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 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 Spirit, and God will enable you to be bold at 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 fee, as feeing from a sword; and they shall fall when none pursueth” (Levitcus 26:36).

4

“The wicked fee when no man pursueth: but the righteous are bold as a lion” (Proverbs 28:1).

Boldness in Scripture

As you read and study God’s Word, you will see Who He is! Be willing to be changed by Him so Christ can be seen through your life and others will glorify God.

The Character of God

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

• God is truthful and does not lie.

(See Titus 1:2.)

• God reveals His righteousness before the heathen.

(See Psalm 98:2.)

• God rules over all the earth with justce.

(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 boldly taught with authority, which astonished His hearers.

(See Mark 1:22.)

• Jesus stood frmly against Satan’s temptatons by quotng Scripture.

(See Matthew 4:5–7.)

• The Holy Spirit gives believers power, not fear.

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

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

Boldness in My Life

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

• How might my words or actons give confdence to those around me?

(See Deuteronomy 20:8.)

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

(See Hebrews 13:5–6.)

• Why should I not be embarrassed to share the Gospel?

(See Romans 1:16–17.)

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

(See Isaiah 6:8.)

• What practce would help me to boldly reject Satan’s lies and fnd true freedom?

(See John 8:31–32.)

• Why should a Christan not fear standing before God on Judgment Day?

(See I John 4:17–18.)

• 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 confdence?

(See Philippians 1:27–28.)

5

Speak the Truth without Fear 2

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! 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).

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

10 BOLDNESS

INTRODUCTION

GOD ENABLES ME TO

Peter and John before the Intimidating Council

Peter and John before the Intmidatng Council

After receiving the Holy Spirit at Pentecost, the Apostle Peter did not hesitate to follow Jesus’ ﬁnal instruction to proclaim salvation throughout the world. As Peter preached truth to the people in Jerusalem, the Church began to grow. One day on their way to prayer, Peter and John met a lame man outside the Temple. They knew they could offer him something more valuable than gold and silver. So, with conﬁdent faith, they fastened their eyes on the crippled beggar and Peter boldly declared: “In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth rise up and walk”! Peter grasped the man’s hand and lifted him up. Immediately the lame man’s bones were healed—he could walk and

jump! Peter and John turned to the amazed audience. Peter addressed the marveling crowd by ﬁrst giving praise to God. Then he declared how the listening crowd had denied and murdered God’s Son not long before. Peter urged the people to repent. How would the multitude and the religious leaders respond to his fearless preaching? Surely the two apostles would be brought before the intimidating religious court of Jewish scribes and elders! Would Peter boldly proclaim Christ there as well? Or would fear stop him from speaking truth to these powerful leaders?

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

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

What are the basic truths of the Gospel?

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

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.)

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

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

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.)

11

BIBLE STORY

LESSON 2 Speak the Truth without Fear

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

SAVE 20% on any individual Biblical Character Illustrated booklets

Use coupon: BCICBOOKLET

Biblical Character Illustrated Curriculum

Discover this unique tool that uses the stories in Scripture to illuminate character qualities God wants to develop in the lives of His people. This curriculum contains multiple ways to teach character to kids and give them a vision for building character through faith in Christ!